75 graduate from NSC’s First Aid and CPR training workshop

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has successfully concluded its first-of-its-kind nationwide First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training workshops, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing drive to strengthen safety across Guyana’s waterways and sporting environments.

The initiative, executed in collaboration with the Guyana Lifesaving Society (GLSS) and the Lifesaving Society of Canada, brought together participants from across the country in a comprehensive, week-long programme designed to build lifesaving capacity at both the community and organisational levels.

With the exception of Region Five, the programme attracted representation from every Administrative Region in Guyana.

Region Four led the way with 38 participants, followed by Region Two with 18, contributing significantly to the total of 75 attendees.

The strong turnout, according to Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, underscored the nationwide demand for structured safety training and highlighted the NSC’s expanding reach.

Ninvalle described the programme as one of the Commission’s largest training undertakings to date, expressing satisfaction with both its scale and impact.

“The NSC is delighted to have hosted this initiative. It represents one of our most extensive training programmes, and the level of participation from across the country is very encouraging,” Ninvalle stated during the closing segment at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

The workshops featured a range of certification and recertification courses, including National Lifeguard Pool Recertification and Waterfront training, led by experienced Canadian instructors Sarah Newton and Patrick D’Almada.

Emergency First Aid training was also delivered by D’Almada, alongside local instructors Kenita Mahaica and Cleveland King, providing participants with well-rounded, practical knowledge essential for emergency response situations.

The final segment of the programme saw more than 50 participants, primarily coaches and sports administrators, converging at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.

However, one of the standout achievements was the certification of 13 waterfront lifeguards following an intensive three-day course at Lake Mainstay.

The location provided an ideal setting for simulating real-world open water conditions, equipping trainees with hands-on experience in dynamic environments.

Ninvalle highlighted the NSC’s broader commitment to capacity building, referencing last year’s achievements, which included the recertification of 15 lifeguards, the awarding of three examiner certifications, 41 Emergency First Aid certifications, as well as 32 Bronze Medallion and 28 Bronze Cross certifications.

The Director of Sport also urged participants to share their newly acquired knowledge within their communities and organisations, reinforcing the programme’s long-term impact.

Meanwhile, Ninvalle noted that with the successful conclusion of the landmark initiative, the NSC has taken a decisive step toward building a safer sporting and recreational landscape, ensuring that more Guyanese are equipped with the skills needed to prevent emergencies and save lives.