Ocean Ambassador Bruckner Chase, utilizing a Hollings Ocean Grant from the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, commenced the first Ocean Swimming Ocean Science class of Samoana High School.

After a successful launch with 25 students enrolled and 50 more on the waiting list, Bruckner is talking with the Department of Education about an exponential expansion this fall.

Ocean swimming with Toa o le Tai, paddle board practices and marine rescue instruction, Bruckner kept the students busy and the government officials impressed with his tireless ocean advocacy.

Patrick Roach, a Helicopter Rescue Swimmer for the United States Coast Guard also helped out with the Toa o le Tai program. “I was able to get sometime off, to come down here to help improve on people’s swimming, in teaching them to try and be strong and more relaxed in the water. I have been rendered speechless [about American Samoa]. I have never been anywhere that is so tropical and beautiful. The people have been great to me.” And he to them. More photos here.

Copyright © 2011 by Open Water Source