Q: My child’s class is participating in Swim to Survive® or Swim to Survive®+. What do I need to know?
A: For more information, please look under the resources tab. Parent letters and program videos will provide some of the information that you need. Contact your child’s teacher for any questions about what pool they will be going to, and on what dates. This program is a great opportunity for your child to learn some basic swimming skills.
Q: I am a teacher and I want my class to participate in the program. How do I get started?
A. The first step for most teachers is to contact the school board. Many school boards are already participating in the School Grant Program, and may just need to add your school to the list of participants. If your school board is not participating, your school can apply independently. Contact the Public Education Coordinator to get set up with an account and application.
Q: Some of our students don’t know how to swim at all. Are they able to participate, or will they be at risk of harm?
A: At the start of the program the swim instructors will evaluate your students' swim ability and group them accordingly. The safety of all participants is the top priority for instructors. The swimmers who require more assistance typically remain in the shallow end and all students will have access to instructional equipment at the pool including lifejackets, noodles and flutter boards. Not being able to swim does not mean that they cannot participate!
Q: If a student with disabilities will be participating in the Swim to Survive Program, can accommodations be made for these individuals?
A: Yes, please reach out to the aquatic facility where the program will be delivered to best discuss your student’s needs and how best to adapt the program delivery for the individual.
Q: What does a participant need to do to receive the Swim to Survive certificate?
A: In order to successfully complete the Swim to Survive standard, they must be able to roll into deep water, tread water for one minute, and swim 50 metres, and this must be completed in sequence and without assistance. This means that there should be no pauses between the elements, and that it must be completed without wearing a lifejacket or using other buoyant aids. Lifejackets and other buoyant aids are permitted while learning and practicing the individual skills separately. The safety of participants must always be the priority of instructors. All participants are encouraged to continue to build their skills in swimming lessons.