REC REPORT: Grand Forks Recreation offers water safety lessons

Grand Forks Recreation, alongside the Red Cross and Lifesaving Society, will be providing training for individuals across B.C.

Over the past few weeks we have all been reminded of the power and unpredictability of nature. We are vulnerable to its ever-changing landscape.

Although we are unable to prepare for unexpected events, we can decrease the element of risk by learning about and taking precautions that may help us survive nature’s unpredictability.

The Red Cross and the Lifesaving Society provide the education, training and certification of instructors for aquatics in B.C.

The agencies have strict criteria that must be met in order for an individual to become a certified instructor of swim lessons and leadership programs.

The aquatic centre in Grand Forks provides qualified instructors, offering quality instruction for all age groups. When an individual takes part in a swim lesson, they not only learn how to swim but gain knowledge and skills on how to prepare for and avoid dangerous situations.

The final set of Red Cross swim lessons for the summer takes place next week, Aug. 13 to 17. Fall lesson sets begin Saturday, Oct.13 for Saturday Preschool, and Tuesday, Oct. 16 for Swim Kids.

Swim to Survive is a Lifesaving Society survival training program. The society believes there are three elements needed to survive a fall into deep water: rolling into deep water, treading water for one minute and the ability to swim 50 metres.

Everyone who comes to the pool for public swimming can take part in the Swim to Survive program. The staff is excited to provide all patrons the opportunity to meet the criteria and offer suggestions toward skill development.

“A life well lived” comes with varying degrees of risk. A little knowledge and skill in the back pocket may be handy tools in reducing the risk for you and someone you know.

For more information on swim lessons, Swim to Survive and additional Grand Forks Recreation programming, call us at 250-442-2202 or visit our website at www.rdkb.com.

Grand Forks Gazette