Swimming lessons will begin next week at the Battlefords Co-op Aquatic Centre. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Deadline approaching

Swimming lessons to begin this month in North Battleford

Jan 11, 2021 | 2:25 PM

For the first time since January of last year, swimming lessons will be offered in North Battleford, starting later this month.

The deadline for registrations will be Tuesday (Jan. 12), while the classes themselves will run Jan. 18 to April 9.

CUplex manager, Michelle Horncastle, said there will be a few notable differences to keep in mind this year, due to the pandemic.

The lessons themselves will actually take place while the pool remains closed to the public, and there will also be a slightly altered role for parents depending on their child’s swimming level.

Preschool to level three classes will require an adult in the water with their child swimmer to ensure physical distancing. There will also not be lockers available for use during swimming lesson hours.

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Overall class sizes have been reduced, while parents of swimmers who are not in the water with their child for classes, will be asked to drop their child off and return at the end of their scheduled class time rather than sticking around. This is because there remains a strict 30-person capacity limit on the pool deck at all times.

Horncastle said while some of the adjustments may take a bit of getting used to, there also may be some silver lining to a few of the new rules; especially as it pertains to the facility remaining closed to the general public during lesson times.

“That should actually be kind of nice for both the instructors and participants in lessons this term, as it will be a lot quieter and the class sizes will be smaller as well,” she said. “The [added parent involvement] with some of the ages is also kind of a unique opportunity for a parent to spend time with their child in the pool during lessons.”

Horncastle said all things considered, they are just very pleased to be able to offer swimming lessons to the children and youth in the community, as swimming remains a valuable skill for all to learn.

“It’s a good opportunity to get kids active and just teach them that important skill of knowing how to swim,” she said. “In Saskatchewan we have many lakes and get plenty of water in the summer time, especially in this area, so it’s important to learn those skills so you can go to the lake and know your kid’s going to be safe.”

The city is hopeful to be able to host swimming lessons around the calendar once again in 2021. Generally, lessons are offered in the spring, summer, fall and winter seasons.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

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