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Kamloops News

Swim to Survive School Program

KAMLOOPS – The City of Kamloops and School District #73 received an $11,700 grant to deliver the Swim to Survive School Program to every grade three student in the district. This grant is administered by the Lifesaving Society and made possible by the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia, the RBC Foundation, the Recreation Foundation of British Columbia and individual donors.

The Lifesaving Society's Canadian Swim-to-Survive® Standard defines the essential minimum skills required to survive an unexpected fall into deep water. The program provides lifesaving skills to prevent drowning and water-related injury and consists of three in-water lessons of 45 minutes each, focusing on a sequence of three skills: roll entry, tread water for one minute, and swim 50 meters. School teachers receive optional in-classroom water safety lessons to augment the skills learned at the pool.

"The Swim to Survive School Program complements our traditional learn to swim and water safety programs," says Glen Cheetham, Aquatics Program Supervisor with the City of Kamloops. "No matter what skill level the students bring to the program, they will become safer in, on or around the water."

School District #73 recognizes the importance of children learning essential swimming skills. "Developing physical literacy in a variety of environments and spaces is a health promotion goal for School District 73. The Kamloops/North Thompson region is filled with beautiful lakes, streams, and rivers, so providing an opportunity for all SD 73 grade 3 students to participate in a water safety program is a priority,” says Sherry Stade, SD 73 Health Promoting Schools Coordinator. “This is a tremendous opportunity to ensure that all grade 3's develop confidence and physical competency, and to understand and value the importance of water safety. Acquiring water safety fundamentals can motivate students to lead lifelong physical pursuits and activities in water."

The Swim to Survive School Program commenced October 16th, 2013 and will continue through to June 2014. The City of Kamloops and School District #73 received a Lifesaving Society Swim to Survive School grant in 2010 with which 920 grade three students successfully participated in the program.

News from © iNFOnews, 2013
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