Learned to swim at the age of two; Anganwadi student conquering rivers and lakes

KOTTAYAM: Four-year-old Esther (Chinnu) swims in rivers and backwaters without fear of current and depth. This Anganwadi student, who achieved water literacy before she could write letters, is a role model for Kerala, where drowning deaths are on the rise.

Esther was enrolled in the Kummanam Lifesaving Academy for swimming at the age of two to curb her mischievousness. Under the training of Abdul Kalam Azad, who is also the rescue team leader under the Port Department, Esther started swimming within a month. She has beaten the currents of the Meenachil many times.

At the age of three and a half, she swam two and a half kilometers in Ashtamudi Lake. Then five and a half kilometers in Vembanad Lake. It took her two and a half hours to swim the Vembanad Lake due to the strong currents.

Esther's mother Christina's family friend and policeman, Mohammed Shebin, was the one who introduced her to swimming. He took Esther into the waters of the river when she was one year old and helped her overcome her fear. Esther's father Chingavanam Pavur Krishnakumar and mother Christina are happy with the change in Esther after learning to swim. Esther has many dreams floating in her mind, including championships and scuba diving.

All parents should teach their children to swim to reduce drowning deaths

- Christina, Esther's mother