The Altona Recreation Department was pleased to see the return of its specialized swimming program for children new to Canada.
Last month, young novice swimmers were able to dive into the Altona Aquatic Centre, thanks to a generous grant from the Manitoba Coalition for Safer Waters.
In collaboration with Regional Connections in Altona, they were able to provide a two-week program tailored specifically for newcomers, with a focus on water safety and fundamental swimming skills.
Recreation Services Manager Eric Hildebrand said they are very grateful for the grant.
“The whole concept is to identify children lacking proper entry-level water safety and provide them with some slightly modified swimming lessons.”
All swimming lessons at the centre are already partially subsidized to make them affordable for all, and further funding opportunities are available for those who need them.
However, this program faces unique challenges due to language barriers and diverse cultural backgrounds among newcomers.
Hildebrand said the collaboration with Regional Connections has been pivotal in identifying and supporting those who would benefit most from this essential program.
“For many newcomer families, the absence of formal swimming lessons in their home countries underscores the importance of such programs in Altona. With a well-equipped pool facility and dedicated lifeguards, children are provided with vital skills to stay safe in the water.”
He underlined the necessity of extending these lessons beyond the pool, recognizing the potential risks at unstaffed locations like Plum Coulee Beach.
“The success of the program reflects a shared commitment to providing a safe environment for all community members,” he said. “We’re incredibly grateful for this grant and this program and how well it’s gone. We’re also grateful for the relationship with Regional Connections and all the participants who signed up. It wouldn’t be possible without them either.”
This is the second time in the past three seasons that this program has been facilitated through the grant. Last year, when the grant wasn’t made available, the Curtis Klassen Memorial Fund stepped up to provide the same funding to ensure interest in the program was facilitated.
Twenty-one students from Grade 4 and up took the plunge this year.
Settlement workers Val Klassen and Dongsoon Kim work with local students through Regional Connections.
“These children don’t always have the opportunity to learn how to swim in the countries they come from. And this is offered at no cost, which is really good,” Kim said.
“This was the first time for most of them, and they are so happy with it. They’re thrilled to learn how to swim, especially being able to swim in the deep end and jump off the diving board.”
Klassen added, “We’re just very appreciative of the Town of Altona and the Recreation Department to be able to give Regional Connections this opportunity for these kids. Working in the smaller group helps them with language, as well. The instructors know to speak slowly. They get more one on one instruction, and that’s what they need when they’re so new to the language and to this experience.”
Hildebrand said, “The newcomer swimming lesson program really stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and community support in ensuring the safety and well-being of all, especially those embarking on new beginnings in Canada.”
