Swim program for Aboriginal kids a success
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Aboriginal children take a break. | |
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The swim program that was developed has several objectives: to increase the participant’s swimming and injury prevention skills and knowledge; to prevent future drowning; to introduce swimming as a recreational activity; to ensure parent participation; and to increase the amount of time these families are using aquatic facilities. Finally, the program aims to ensure that parents are aware of aquatic programs and the resources available to them, and are comfortable, confident and therefore more likely to use them.
In all, 62 children aged four years old participated. The 10–week program consisted of weekly, 40 minute lessons, with half of the time focused on swimming and injury prevention instruction and the other half on recreational swim time. In order to reduce any potential barriers to participation, bathing suits, towels and transportation to and from the pool facility were provided, free of charge, to all participants.
“This has been an incredible learning experience for these children and not an opportunity they would have gotten otherwise,” said Melanie LePlante, Aboriginal Head Start Instructor. “Some of these kids have never been swimming in an indoor pool and for those that may have been afraid, being able to go with their friends was really helpful.”
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Aboriginal swimmers get their feet wet. | |
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For more information about Red Cross programs or services or to make a financial donation please call 721-1600.
