Somalia, 11 October 2025 – What was once a place of deep fear has now become a sanctuary of peace. Mohamed Muse, one of many Somali youths, recounts how he overcame his long-held fear of the ocean, transforming it into a source of relief from daily pressures in life.
Mohamed is now part of a growing number of young people who are learning how to swim – a skill he describes as “the best thing I’ve ever learned.” He recalls that approaching the sea used to bring anxiety for him and his family.
“Out of all the skills I’ve learned in life, swimming has been the most valuable. Back then, every time I went to the sea with my family, we saw it as a day full of risk – like a battle for survival. But now, I see it as a moment to relax and unwind,” Mohamed explains.
Changing Mindsets Through Learning
Sharma’arke Khaddar Osman, another swimming student, shared how his entire perspective on the ocean shifted once he decided to take action and learn how to swim.
“Honestly, I saw kids younger than me swimming all over the place, and I couldn’t hold back anymore. So I decided to go to Coach Shine and asked him to teach me how to swim properly,” says Sharma’arke.
These two young men exemplify how increased awareness and access to opportunities can inspire youth to pursue life-saving skills, particularly swimming, which is not only a recreational activity but also a critical survival skill.
Skilled Trainers, Safer Learning
Mohamed Shine, a swimming coach based at Liido Beach, discussed the dramatic changes that have occurred compared to previous years. He notes that, in the past, it would take students nearly a year to learn how to swim, often leading to discouragement.
“Back in the day, when we told someone we were going to teach them how to swim, it could take them almost a year. Sometimes they’d even start to dislike the process, because it took so long. But now, we can confidently teach students within a matter of days,” he reminisces.
He adds that today, there are well-trained instructors with clear teaching plans, which means young people now have real opportunities to acquire essential life skills quickly and effectively.
The Hidden Dangers Beneath the Waves
According to Somalia’s Ministry of Fisheries, more than 10 young people died at Liido Beach last May. This tragic statistic highlights a critical truth: beaches are not just places for leisure and play – without the necessary skills to handle emergencies in the water, they can quickly become perilous.
