Preventing Injury through Safe Swimming
BCRPA is tackling BC’s aquatics crisis by seeking support to strengthen lifeguard training and swim-for-survival programs. This work ensures safe swimming remains a cornerstone of public health, injury prevention, and community well-being across the province.
Pooling Benefits
Pools and aquatic centres are vital community spaces that support physical activity, mental well-being, and injury prevention. They’re where people of all ages have fun and learn to swim—a lifelong skill that saves lives.
BCRPA is working to address BC’s aquatics crisis by calling for expanded subsidized lifeguard training and wage supports. By ensuring every community has skilled staff and accessible swim-for-survival programs, we can prevent injuries and keep people safe in the water.
Expanding on Success
Funding to support injury prevention through safe swimming would expand on the proven National Safe Swimming Recovery model, which provided subsidized lifeguard and instructor training for youth and wage supports for aquatic facilities.
This successful approach, led by the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) increased access to swimming programs and built a stronger safety network in communities. We know it works. It’s time to extend the model across British Columbia to save lives and prevent injuries.
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