Srinagar: The Swim N Survival Society Kashmir (SSSK) has successfully completed the first phase of its Basic Swimming Training Course, with 40 swimmers completing the programme conducted during June and July 2026 at the Water Sports Center, Nigeen.
The concluding ceremony was attended by Masrat Ul Islam, Director Handicrafts & Handloom Kashmir, who was the chief guest and distributed course certificates and Society souvenirs among all 40 participants.
Training focused on swimming, lifesaving and water safety
The two-month training programme provided participants with practical exposure to a range of swimming and water-safety skills, including:
Basic swimming techniques
Life-saving and water-safety skills
Boating
Recreational kayaking
Drowning prevention and awareness
Basic rescue techniques
The programme aimed not only to develop swimming skills but also to promote awareness about water safety, drowning prevention and basic rescue techniques among participants.
Speaking at the concluding ceremony, Masrat Ul Islam highlighted the importance of swimming and water sports and recalled Kashmir’s strong swimming culture during the 1980s and earlier.
He referred to events such as the Dal Cross Open Water Swimming Race and other water-sports activities that were regularly organised in Kashmir, noting the important role such activities once played in promoting swimming and water-based sports in the region.
He also stressed the importance of swimming and lifesaving skills in Kashmir, particularly during floods and other water-related emergencies. According to him, trained swimmers and rescuers can play an important role in responding to emergencies and helping save lives.
The concluding programme was attended by members and trainers of Swim N Survival Society Kashmir, including Shakeel Ahmad Shah, President, SSSK; Riyaz Ahmad Wani, Water Sports Expert; and Yasir Makhdoomi, Secretary, along with Nasir, Sheikh Rashid, Zahid Iqbal, Muzamil Mehraj, Mudasir Chesti and Mansoor Ahmad.
The Society congratulated all 40 swimmers on successfully completing the first phase of their training and expressed hope that the programme would contribute to strengthening swimming, lifesaving awareness and water sports activities in Kashmir.
