101 youngsters take Red Cross swim lessons in Barriere

Participants ranged in age from eight months to 13 years learning about water safety

Red Cross swim lessons were held in Barriere on July 20-24 at the Feller’s pool.  Pictured (l-r): Petra Hudson, Taya Noble, Liam Murphy, instructor Brittany Stamer, and Nicolas Appel.

Red Cross swim lessons were held in Barriere on July 20-24 at the Feller’s pool. Pictured (l-r): Petra Hudson, Taya Noble, Liam Murphy, instructor Brittany Stamer, and Nicolas Appel.

North Thompson Recreation Society

The North Thompson Recreation Society  (NTRS) welcomed 101 children who were registered in last months red cross swimming lessons and water safety offered over a two week period. Participants ranged in age from eight months to 13 years.

The NTRS has been facilitating this program for approximately 13 years and would like to extend a huge thank you to the Feller and  Kershaw families in Barriere for allowing this program to thrive through the use of their pools. Their generosity and support is greatly appreciated.

In addition we wish to thank all those who support this program including instructor and lifeguard Brittany Stamer, who spent long days in fluctuating weather and pool temperatures along with her assistants Hannah Feller and Madison Kerslake.

Local businesses were also invaluable through their support in keeping this program going.

Learning water safety is an essential component of a young persons life skills. Participation in swim lesson programs, or having opportunities for a positive experience in the water as a child can influence a persons willingness to enjoy water activities throughout life.

With so many sources of water easily accessible in the North Thompson Valley, we believe this is an important educational program for our community. Knowing how to stay safe or help others can prevent injury and save lives.  Whether you go fishing, boating, kayaking, tubing or river rafting, swimming and diving in pools or lakes, paddle boarding, riding water craft or enjoying the fun of skiing and wake boarding, the opportunities are endless and water safety is a must for a lifetime of pleasure near the water.

Congratulations to all those who participated. Have a fun and a safe summer.

 

Barriere Star Journal