Learning and Growing with Kids and the Sea

Inspired by a tragedy at sea that took place in 1986, Dr. Teddy Cummings issued a plea at a Rotary (II) meeting for a way to share water safety instruction with the youth of the Virgin Islands. By 1987, both the University of the Virgin Islands and the University of Puerto Rico had joined forces to develop just such a program, and Kids and the Sea (KATS) was born.

KATS attracted the attention of local businessman Tom Gerker, who brought the concept along with him when he relocated to Tortola.  The Rotary Club of Tortola quickly adopted KATS and since 1990, the Tortola Kids and the Sea (KATS) program has been teaching boating safety to island children and has seen its fruits in the creation of a fresh, young league of potential marine industry leaders. 

The cornerstone of KATS is its swimming program;  also offered are:  Sea Skills, Sailing, Scuba Diving, Windsurfing, SCUBA in the Tortola program;  on St. John instruction in Rowing and Seamanship, Youth Sailing, Rules of the Road, and even and Adults and the Sea (ANTS) modules.  Classes are made possible at greatly reduced rates by donations, sponsorships and the mainly volunteer staff.

KATS not only keeps young people safe on the water, but generates skilled crew and captains, divers and instructors to keep both the British and U.S. Virgin Islands marine industries vibrant and fruitful!