A unique programme that gives public schoolchildren an opportunity to experience the wonders of the ocean has returned for a third year.

“Kids on the Reef is all about taking kids outside their comfort zones, giving them the tools they need to be confident in the water, and to learn about Bermuda’s coral reefs,” said Alex Amat, the programme co-ordinator and Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS) educator.

“By helping them experience and learn about coral reefs, they can then understand what they are and why they need to be protected.”

He added: “Knowledge leads to understanding and understanding leads to passion. I am proud to be a part of the I AM WATER team and bring my expertise to the table, together with the unique offerings of the Bermuda Zoological Society.”

The two-day workshops are organised for students from public middle schools and include both confined water and open water freediving instruction, as well as classroom teaching.

The latter covers coral reef ecology, ocean conservation and personal development. And through yoga, the students learn breath and body control, so they can develop an awareness that transfers to the water as they begin exploring — first through snorkelling and then freediving.

Throughout last month, Beth Neale, the I AM WATER Conservation Trust education and outreach manager, had been helping to teach the programme.

“I AM WATER believes that we need to give children the confidence to explore their beautiful, blue backyard,” Ms Neale said.

“It is only once they understand and appreciate how precious this resource is that they will want to protect it.

“I am so proud of the young Bermudians who participated in Kids on the Reef, as many of them overcame their fears and became confident snorkellers and freedivers.

“It is incredible to see how quickly they learn and grow, far surpassing their own expectations. It has been a great privilege for me to be a part of Kids on the Reef 2015.”

The programme is sponsored by XL Catlin and is the result of a partnership between BZS and I AM WATER.

Hanli Prinsloo, I AM WATER’s founder and freediving champion, will be returning to teach the June sessions.

Graham Pewter, chief executive officer of XL Catlin, said: “We are delighted to have been the sponsor of Kids On The Reef since its inception in 2013.

“The programme allows kids to experience being on and beneath the ocean in deep water away from the beach and out of their comfort zone.”

Mr Pewter added that it expands their knowledge of the marine environment and will help them to gain an understanding of the importance of the health of reefs to the Island’s future.

In addition to the two-day courses for schoolchildren, the team are also offering ocean freediving courses for adults.

The first course ran last month and a second is scheduled for June 14 to 15.

Participants can obtain a Level 1 Freediving certification and are asked to volunteer for two sessions at the Kids on the Reef programme this year or next.

• For information or to reserve a spot for the adult course, contact Dr Amat at activities.bzs@gov.bm.

• For more information on the Bermuda Zoological Society visit www.bzs.bm.

• For more information on I AM WATER Conservation Trust visit www.iamwaterfoundation.org.