US Masters Swimming celebrates this month as a way to encourage certified learn-to-swim instructors and Masters Clubs to offer lessons. They do this to make swimming more accessible for the one in three adults in the USA who can’t swim the length of a pool. I think that’s pretty cool.
The percentage of Canadian-born non-swimmers is much smaller at 4%, but among new Canadians the percentage is almost five times as high, at 19%. However, new Canadians want to swim: a study by the Lifesaving Society showed that almost 80% of new Canadians plan to be in and around the water in summer, and most feel it is important to be able to swim because Canada has so much water.
Even though Canada doesn’t have a formal Learn To Swim Month, I’m doing my bit.
I have completed all my qualifications to apply for a part-time job as a lifeguard and swim instructor with the City of Ottawa, and I’m applying to local pools that offer adult classes. I live in a community with lots of new Canadians, so it’s perfect.
I firmly believe that everyone needs to be safe around the water. Adults who swim are more likely to ensure their kids know how to swim. Plus, swimming is a great low-impact activity for people of any age.
If you came to swimming as an adult, what worked for you to learn? If you still don’t swim, what’s holding you back? Please let me know in the comments.
