Waterstart Ltd. Was Launched In 2001…
by local teacher and marine enthusiast, JP Skinner, and our programs were originally run on Burt’s and Paget Islands.
In 2002, Waterstart became a Bermuda Registered Charity (#591) and in 2004 Waterstart moved its operations to The Bermuda Institute of Ocean Science (BIOS). At BIOS, Waterstart continued to host programs for a diverse range of students for over a decade. In 2017, Waterstart became independent once again and moved its base back to Burt’s Island thanks to the support of the Burt’s Island Committee.
Our Primary Goals Are:
- To develop critical thinking skills and build self-confidence in students through practical skill training
- To model sustainable practices and environmental awareness
- To build an inclusive community of ocean stewards
Getting
To Us
Pick up and drop off of students is at Albuoy’s Point (next to the ferry terminal). Our base of operation is on Burt’s Island, in the Great Sound. Our programs run from Monday to Friday, 8:45am to 4:30pm.
Meet JP
JP founded Waterstart in 2001 after recognizing a need in the community for students to take a more hands on approach to learning. He took his Post Graduate Teaching Credential from National University, California and applied it to teaching students in an outdoor classroom. JP has been a PADI Open Water Instructor since 1995 and a Red Cross First Aid and CPR Instructor since 2002. His limitless energy and love of the outdoors has fostered an environment where learning comes naturally for students and is incredibly fun; just ask any of his students! He is best known for his epic underwater high-fives and strong aversion to wearing shoes.
JP Skinner, Director
Meet Phoebe
Phoebe is a Waterstart alumni who has gone on to obtain a Masters degree in Marine Biology from the University of Southampton in the UK. She has worked at a sustainable marine hatchery and at the world’s oldest aquarium, Sealife Brighton in the UK. Phoebe is a Bermudian who has always been passionate about the ocean and outdoor education. In her free time you can find her diving, gardening in the sun, working on her digital art and or playing D&D. Phoebe shares our passion for education and scientific research, we are excited to launch many new programs and scientific projects with Phoebe at the helm!
Phoebe Barboza,
Operations & Research Manager
Meet Anne
Anne started her career in education at The Bermuda Institute for Ocean Science, facilitating internships and university group visits, before becoming a primary school teacher in both Bermuda’s government and private schools. Anne is passionate about Bermuda’s underwater and terrestrial environment. She loves being outside and is excited to make a permanent move to outdoors and project-based learning at Waterstart. In her free time, Anne is a mom of three (2 Waterstart alumni), a keen runner and an established artist. Please check out her amazing art @annekermodeart or www.annekermode.com
Anne Kermode, Education Officer
Board Of
Directors
José Osset | Chairman
John Paul Skinner | Executive Director
Scott Watson-Brown | Treasurer Michelle Correria | Board Member Samuel Bellamy | Assistant Treasurer
George Thomas | Board Member
Fred Swan | Board Member
Chris Maxey | Board Member Diana Heslop | Secretary
Waterstart Annual Report
YE 2021-2022
Summer Impact Report
April – September 2023
Waterstart Annual Report
YE 2022-2023
Want to work with Waterstart? Join our team as an Intern!
Our Internship positions are suited to those with various experience and skill levels and allow for progression over multiple seasons.
The requirements for our entry role as a volunteer intern are as follows:
- Age 16+
- First Aid and CPR certified
- SCARS trained
- Minimum of PADI Advanced Open Water certification (or equivalent)
For information and applications for all Internship roles please email !
Have a question? Let us know!
