Newcomers to London learn to swim at YMCA

The YMCA Centre Branch held its first of many swimming lessons for newcomers to Canada.

They were able to create this program thanks to a $1000 dollar grant from Participaction. Over 400 students will benefit from these classes.

“All of the registration is actually already full. We filled every spot, wonderfully, for the program. We’re hoping again to apply for more grants and more funding to train more newcomers in London and Middlesex area,” said YMCA Centre Branch Supervisor Alax Brown. “We’re working on water smart messaging right now, lifejackets, to keep safe around the water, how to right themselves in the water as well.”

Organizers say newcomers to the country are more at risk of drownings since many haven’t had the chance to learn to swim.

Just last year, there were two drownings in the region, one in Port Stanley, the other in the Thames River. Both victims were new citizens.

Organizers hope these lessons will help prevent future tragedies.

“I need to learn swimming better, it’s important,” said newcomer and swim lesson participant Roberto. “It’s very important because I can help all the other people in bad situations in the water.”

While registration for this program is full, Brown has some advice for anyone looking to swim in any nearby bodies of water.

“So, life jackets, swim with a buddy, please swim in lifeguarded areas,” said Brown. “Less than 1 per cent of our drownings occur in lifeguarded areas.”