A Filipino-led initiative pairing free swimming instruction with environmental volunteering returns to Dubai’s shores this summer, offering residents a chance to learn a life-saving skill while keeping the city’s beaches clean.
Bimbo “Coach Bo” Calitis, founder and CEO of Amphibious Swim School, is once again opening his weekend open-water lessons to the public from June through August. Sessions run every Saturday and Sunday at 7:00 AM at Sunset Beach in Umm Suqeim 3 — a new location for the program, which in previous years was held at Jumeirah 1 public beach near La Mer South.
The format remains simple: a free swimming lesson followed by a 15-minute beach cleanup. Participants are asked to bring one used, empty plastic bottle to collect cigarette butts. The lessons are open to children aged eight and above as well as adults, and no prior experience is required — complete beginners are welcome. The program focuses on water safety awareness, building confidence in open water, and environmental responsibility.
Calitis launched the program several years ago with a dual purpose. According to him, the goal is for learners to “acquire the valuable lifetime skill of being comfortable in and around water” while also becoming stewards of the environment. He has also positioned the lessons as a pathway to employment in the UAE’s watersports sector, noting that the skills can open doors to work as lifeguards and swim instructors. More than 100 participants joined in one earlier year, with about half going on to become peer instructors themselves.
The initiative reflects a broader aim of promoting water safety and life-saving awareness, teaching a skill that participants can pass on to others, and encouraging community involvement through regular cleanups.
Those interested can follow Amphibious Swim School on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok at @amphibioussurfschool, or visit surfdxb.com. To register and join the group for updates, message the school via WhatsApp at 050 976 4948.
