The RCU Aquatic Centre hosted their annual Swim Smart event this week, coinciding with National Drowning Prevention Week. With the goal being teaching the community about safe swimming practices, the day was both fun and informative for all ages.
Lifeguard demos and other activities were core to the afternoon. “We give a lot of water smart messages throughout the day for different activities” shared Brooke Animalla, one of the Aquatic Programmers. “Our hope is that kids kind of take these and can apply them...whether they’re at the beach, at the pool”.
Events like these help to spread awareness about water safety— something which is needed, shared fellow Aquatic Programmer Dean Klassen. “70% of all drownings, fatal drownings, in Manitoba happened in rural areas.” Klassen added: “For us to host an event that brings a little bit of attention towards the dangers around water— and not just pool water, all water— bathtubs, ditches, dugouts... it’s our way that we can encourage...smart kinds of ways to hang out in the sun and have fun.”
While safety was the focus of the event, there were plenty of activities and games throughout the afternoon. With everything from diving contests, obstacle courses, and even Coca-Cola and freezie diving, it was a day both kids and pool staff were looking forward to. Klassen’s favourite part? “I love the diving board competition. I think... if the Olympics is planning on drafting, they should start looking at the RCU Aquatic Centre”
“I love watching the Coke dive and the aquafit led by our guards”, added Animalla. “That’s also super fun, with music. Getting... everyone involved is really fun.” The event was brought together with community sponsors, Klassen shared. “Thank you to Co-op, The Potato Store,... Pfahl’s Drugs, Shoppers, McDonald's, HeatMaster, and TimeOut Sports. They got us some awesome, sick prizes this year.”
The Aquatic Centre is planning upcoming events like this one, but keep an eye out for Harvest Festival weekend, with a free swim: “It’s open to the public ‘til we reach capacity” Animalla shared.
To stay tuned with more events at the RCU Aquatic Centre, check out their Facebook or Instagram pages.
