Ahead of the busy summer season, the City of Calgary says it is opening hundreds more swimming lesson spots at recreation centres across the city.
The city said Tuesday 2,800 more spots will be available for registration at Southland Leisure Centre, Village Square Leisure Centre and Glenmore Aquatic Centre.
Registration for these extra summer swimming lesson can do so starting at 6 a.m. on Thursday, June on the city’s website.
Efforts to offer more programming continue, according to the city, and it is expected the number of city-run swimming lessons will soon match the levels offered before 2020.
The city says those levels are expected to be reached in 2025.
“We recognize the pandemic created a significant backlog of swimming lessons and we’ve seen unprecedented demand in the past couple years,” Michelle Tait recreation & social programs leader, said in a statement. “We’re finally starting to catch up.”
City officials say swimming is a critical life-saving skill, not just a recreational activity, adding it empowers individuals with the confidence to safely participate in water activities and sports throughout their lives.
People die in water-related incidents year-round, but the majority happen during the warmest months.
“Given that drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death, we anticipate that these supplementary lessons will significantly contribute to Calgarians acquiring this essential life-saving skill as summer approaches,” Tait said.
The city also offers certifications for Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, National Lifeguard, Lifesaving/Swim for Life® Instructor and Intermediate First Aid.
Calgarians wanting to work as a lifeguard or swim instructor with the city can apply via calgary.ca