The Lifesaving Society has received major funding from the Ontario Ministry of Education in support of the Societyâ„¢s Swim to Survive program in schools.
With over $1 million dollars in Swim to Survive funding ($935,700 from the ministry, $100,000 from Barbara Underhillâ„¢s Stephanie Gaetz KEEPSAFE Foundation, and additional funding from the Society itself), the Society looks to partner with interested school boards to get thousands of Grade 3 students into the pool for survival training.
The Lifesaving Society has received major funding from the Ontario Ministry of Education in support of the Society’s Swim to Survive program in schools.
With over $1 million dollars in Swim to Survive funding ($935,700 from the ministry, $100,000 from Barbara Underhill’s Stephanie Gaetz KEEPSAFE Foundation, and additional funding from the Society itself), the Society looks to partner with interested school boards to get thousands of Grade 3 students into the pool for survival training.
“We’re thrilled that the ministry is so supportive, says Barbara Byers, public education director for the Lifesaving Society. “Learning to swim is a healthy activity and an important life skill in Ontario’s water-rich environment.
Since Swim to Survive was launched in Mississauga in 2005 other municipalities and school boards have adopted the programme, including the City of Toronto, York Region, Ottawa, London and Kitchener. Last year, over 19,000 Ontario school children participated in the programme. A recent study sponsored by the Lifesaving Society shows that almost all Canadians (98 per cent) agree that swimming is a life skill that every child should learn, and 92 per cent believe that swimming instruction should be provided through schools.
The Lifesaving Society is now developing the procedure by which school boards and pool owner/operators apply to the Society for financial assistance to make this possible. Details of the application process will be announced and posted on the Society Web site.
“This is the beginning not the end of our campaign for support, says Alain Rabeau, president of the Lifesaving Society in Ontario. “We welcome other sponsors to join in reaching even more school children with these essential survival skills.
Swim to Survive does not replace traditional swimming lessons. Rather, it provides the essential minimum to enable a child to survive an unexpected fall into deep water. Swim to Survive focuses on achieving a single skill sequence (roll into deep water, tread water for one minute and swim 50 metres). Any method that allows the learner to achieve the standard is acceptable ” there is no “right solution.
- Roll into deep water: The deep-water roll teaches the learner to orient themselves at the surface after an unexpected fall.
- Tread water for 1 minute: Canadian waters are generally cold enough year-round to trigger a gasping reflex on unexpected immersion. Treading water teaches the learner to support at the surface and protect the airway.
- Swim 50 metres: Lifesaving Society research shows that most drownings occur within 3 to 15 metres of safety. Because the ability of the learner may be impaired by cold water, clothing etc., there is a 50-metre standard to compensate.
The Lifesaving Society ” Canada’s lifeguarding expert ” is a registered charity working to prevent drowning and water-related injury through its training programs, Water Smart public education, safety management services and lifesaving sport.
Annually, 500,000 Canadians participate in the Society’s swimming, lifesaving, lifeguarding and leadership training programmes.