With the temperature up, people are jumping in the water to cool down. Tragically, several drownings have been in the news. The Globe and Mail reported today that the incidence of drowning has been declining with education and that new Canadians, especially those who have been in Canada less than five years, are at a higher risk of drowning.
I am proud of the SHARK program in Guelph – a partnership between the City of Guelph and the YMCA/YWCA. With SHARKs training, students of Guelph learn how to 1- recover from a fall into the water, 2-tread water until rescuers arrive and 3- swim to safety. With the help of the Lifesaving Society the Guelph YMCA-YWCA and City of Guelph have teamed together to bring this program to 100% of grade 3 students in Guelph FREE OF COST.
Only 40% of Canadians learn to swim but if you grow up in Guelph, you will learn how to swim to survive.
Mayor Karen Farbridge's Blog 
July 24, 2011
Arts, Sport, Heritage & Culture, Caring Community, Making a Difference