Kochi: Students of Mar Athanasius International School and MA College took part in a scuba diving training programme led by Dutch freediving instructor, Jeroen Elout on Tuesday.
The MA institutions said in a press release that Elout, who is the founder of Freediving Coaches of Asia, “demonstrated breathtaking swimming techniques and underwater rescue drills”.
His sessions focused on several skills including holding breath underwater for a longer period, swimming without tiring, undertaking rescue operations without panicking and so on.
"In the last 11 years, Elout's sailboat 'Strider' has traversed the seas in Asia. In his view, swimming will benefit individuals and the society at large," said the press release.
In addition to the 35 students, free diving coaches Nisha Jose K Mani, A K Anish Kumar, M Nidhin Das, Hakim, Sibi, Vivek, MC Vibin and T P Karunakaran Pillai (Station Officer of Kothamanglam Fire And Rescue) were also present along with the scuba diving team comprising K N Biju, S Shamsad, KVishnudas, and R Ranjith.
Elout is on a six-month tour of India, offering coaching sessions on improving swimming and underwater diving. Besides Kerala, Elout will also conduct sessions in Goa and the islands of Lakshadweep and Andaman.