How many Mauritians actually know how to swim?

We might be surrounded by sea and our island is popular for having the most beautiful white-sanded beaches but yet, it is a fact that a large majority of Mauritians do not know how to swim. Laying on the seaside while waiting for waves hit you is not called swimming. (Brice de Nice comes into my mind.)
Nor sitting on plastic chairs into the water.

It is even more surprising to know that many Mauritians rarely enjoy the wonderful beaches round the island, sometimes for fear of being tanned or for some other reasons. New Year or a birthday gathering held at the beach being the only occasions during which they actually spend some time under the filaos.
Tourists spend large amount of money and travel from far to enjoy our beaches while all of us are at most 1 hour to the nearest beach (bus travel from anywhere around the island). It’s never too late to learn swimming. It is fun, exciting and good for health!
I don’t know about you, but I love swimming. Once I free up myself during weekends, I will be back regularly to the beaches. Most probably, I will be going to the beach this evening
Looking for honest people. Please raise your hands if you do not know how to swim?
And who among you can tell us why you don’t like to spend time along our beaches?





