Loyalist Township council is negotiating new programming partnerships with regional aquatic facility operators for the use of their aquatic facilities.
From July 2022 to June 2023, the township offered swimming lessons at the BGC South East Bath Road facility, and the YMCA of Eastern Ontario Wright Crescent facility. During this time, the aquatic program served 307 residents in 158 classes. As of May 21, a total of 38 public swims were hosted, serving 339 residents.
Over the past year, Loyalist Township has identified the need for more children's swimming lesson opportunities across the region. Not having enough qualified staff has significantly decreased the number of classes offered. Recently, the City of Kingston swim registration for their spring session was full within minutes of opening; this left many families in Loyalist Township without options.
There is currently a shortage of certified lifeguards and swimming instructors across Canada. According to Lifesaving Society Canada’s training statistics, compared to previous years, the number of candidates for lifeguards and instructors dropped over 60% with the pandemic in 2020. The availability of leadership courses, low wages, and the impacts of closures during the pandemic have also contributed to this shortage. The industry is reviewing the shortage and preparing recommendations for associations, organizations and municipalities.
Noting the need to ensure residents have the opportunity to participate in swimming lessons, as well as the shortage of leadership courses, Loyalist Township is looking to continue their partnerships with BGC South East and the YMCA of Eastern Ontario, while also finding new partners to address the shortage of leadership courses.
Township staff have met with the Lakeshore Swimming Pool Association about another potential partnership to fill the gap in lifeguard and instructor training. The partnership with the Lakeshore Pool is specific to leadership programs including LSS Lifesaving Instructor (LSI), National Lifeguard (NL), Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross. These are the key leadership courses required by lifeguards and swimming instructors.
Lakeshore Pool members and Loyalist Township residents would qualify to register for these special leadership courses. Additionally, the Township will be able to offer one Bronze Medallion and one Bronze Cross course solely for residents and patrons. The courses would be offered at cost to participants to cover the certification fees and required manuals These course fees regularly range from $165.00, plus manuals to $300.00, plus manuals.
At the June 12 meeting, Coun. Jake Ennis noted the impact of the pandemic on aquatic programs in the area.
"I think it's very important for us to continue to offer aquatics through these partnerships particularly coming out of the pandemic. There was a cohort of kids that didn't have access to aquatics, so anything we can do to keep offering these aquatics, I think we should," said Ennis.
If the partnership with Lakeshore Pool is successful in 2023, the Community and Customer Services Department, Recreation and Facilities Division recommended that it be renewed in 2024 and 2025.
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