June is here, and outdoor swimming season is just around the corner, meaning safety is top of mind.
That’s why Eastman Immigrant Services (EIS) is offering free swimming lessons to newcomer families in the region, hoping to build skills and confidence in and around the water.
But, no matter who you are, it's important to keep safe when going swimming.
The importance of newcomer swimming lessons
Donna Pae is the coordinator of EIS' Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program.
She says the group is holding swimming lessons for newcomer families in Eastman later this month at the Steinbach Aquatic Centre.
Registration is already full, she says, with demand for the programming being high.
"We've got people coming from nice, hot climates and places that haven't got the amount of water that we do here in Manitoba," she explains, and notes the lessons are not just for children, but whole families.
She says it's just as important for parents to know about water safety and other topics surrounding it, all of which will be touched on in the weeklong program.
"They'll be talking about things like cold water safety, life jackets...and how to be safe around the water," Pae says.
About 40 participants are expected to take part in the upcoming program, she adds with a smile.
"We want immigrants to live the Manitoba life and be settled in Manitoba," she says, adding a part of that is being able to get into some water and be safe.
General swimming safety tips
Jane Hansen, manager of the Steinbach Aquatic Centre, says parents and caregivers should always be active supervisors when children are swimming.
"Try not to get distracted. It doesn't take very long for a child to get into some trouble," she says.
Whether at the pool, or on the lake, she notes everyone should be aware of their surroundings, and what their limitations are.
"How well do you swim? How comfortable are you in deep water? If you're not comfortable in deep water, put a life jacket on," Hansen says, adding she can't stress enough how important life jackets are.
However, she says, a life jacket doesn't guarantee safety, and people should still keep their wits about them if their child is, or they personally are, wearing one.
Hansen also advises against giving in to peer pressure:
"Just because other people are doing it, doesn't mean you can," she says.
When it comes to lakes and rivers, she urges swimmers to be aware of where drop offs are and whether there are any currents, and take note of the presence—or absence—of lifeguards.
Even when lifeguards are on duty, she says, parental supervision is key.
"We do rely heavily on parents and caregivers to make sure their kids are following the rules so that they don't end up in a situation," Hansen says.
At the Steinbach Aquatic Centre, she says there are about 35 instructor guards, six deck supervisors, and six customer service employees ready to assist.
Hansen says, should someone find themselves, or someone else, in a dangerous situation, yell for help, and throw something out for them to grab.