By Sarah Lagan
Published Feb 27, 2015 at 8:00 am (Updated Feb 27, 2015 at 8:22 am)

Snorkelling is among the experiences available to youngsters (Photo by Chris Burville)

Students are being offered the chance to learn about the Island’s marine environment from world-class South African free diver Hanli Prinsloo.

She is taking part in the upcoming Kids on the Reef programme, in which middle school pupils practice skills learned on Bermuda Zoological Society’s (BZS) “floating classroom” vessel, Endurance, and enjoy free on-water experiences.

Ms Prinsloo, of the I Am Water Foundation, came to the Island in 2012 to talk about her sport and her passion for the ocean at a Tedx conference and has been returning since then to take part in Kids on the Reef.

Participants of the programme, which takes place in May and June, learn everything from exploring the surface of the water to diving beneath the waves.

Free diver Hanli Prinsloo

The programme is designed to instil a desire to protect and conserve our ocean environment.

Kids on the Reef coordinator and BZS educator Dr Alex Amat said: “The yoga, breathing and theory sessions in the classroom all come to life when children step on the Endurance to go out at sea.

“We always find a sheltered spot for them to get comfortable in the water and experience the marvels of a nearby reef on the first day, with a visit to North Rock on the second day, weather permitting.”

Students in primary five and primary six can enjoy a similar one-day programme each autumn called Water is Me, during which they learn about the water cycle and carry out experiments in the morning, before boarding Endurance for an afternoon of snorkelling.

“It is so rewarding to give some of these children their first snorkelling experience from such a safe and comfortable platform,” said Dr Amat.

Endurance’s Captain, Nigel Pollard, added: “The Endurance is an important asset, mainly because it allows the youth of Bermuda the unbelievable opportunity to get up close and personal with what they are learning in the classroom.

“The hands-on experience allows for a greater understanding of the world around you.”

• Teachers interested in taking students out on Endurance for an educational experience can contact the education office at BZS at edofficer.bzs@gov.bm or by calling 293-2727 extension 2142.