Kelowna swim program works to reduce drownings

An Okanagan swim program is working to teach more swim lessons in an attempt to reduce the number of drownings.

According to the 2016 Canadian Drowing Report there has been fewer water-related deaths in Canada over the past two decades.

The YMCA Okanagan Swim Program attributes the decrease to education.

The report shows that over the past 20 years, water-related deaths have decreased steadily from an average of 2.0 per 100,000 population each year in the mid 90s (1994-1998) to a yearly average of 1.4 per 100,000 population in the most recent data (2009- 2013).

The YMCA Okanagan Swims Program is working to further decrease the number of water-related deaths. The program started in 2012 and has grown exponentially with the partnership of the Across the Lake Swim Society and the YMCA of Okanagan.

“I really believe that all kids in this area must have the ability to be safe for recreational use of our beautiful lakes and rivers,” said Randall Wight, Senior Aquatic Manager at the YMCA. “These lessons often lead to a lifetime of swimming for Okanagan residents and visitors.

The program introduces children to water safety and provide basic swimming skills.

In the first year, about 335 grade three students received free swim classes, an attempt to 'drown proof' the Okanagan.

Since its inception, the program has grown to offer ten times as many lessons.

“Every registration for one of our events contributes to the Across the Lake Swim Society's funding, which in turn funds the program. This year’s Interior Savings Across the Lake Swim events on July 15 (Kelowna) and Aug 5 (Rattlesnake Island) will raise enough money to send both grades for lessons next year," said Peter Rudd, Interior Savings Across the Lake Swim Race Director.

In 2016, the YMCA taught 2,800 children from School District #23 (from Lake Country to Peachland), raising the total since 2012 to 6,650 children.

The students receive three free lessons plus school bus transportation to and from their schools through Interior Savings' Across the Lake Swim Kelowna and Rattlesnake Island.

In 2017 the program was expanded to include both grade 3 and 4 students.

“Swimming is a life skill that all children should be taught. If even one child is saved from drowning as a result of the skills they've learned through this training, our program is a huge success," said Phred Martin, President of the Across the Lake Swim Society.

The program's end goal is to increase funding to the point of providing lessons for a variety of more grades and expand to other Districts.

There are still registration spots available for the following two events:

• Interior Savings Across the Lake Swim Kelowna July 15, 2017 http://www.acrossthelakeswim.com/

• Interior Savings Across the Lake Swim Rattlesnake Island August 5, 2017 http://rattlesnakeislandswim.com/