Newcomers to London learn to swim at YMCA
YMCA Centre Branch held their first of many swimming lessons for newcomers to Canada on June 17, 2025. (Fiona Robertson/CTV News London)
The YMCA Centre Branch held its first of many swimming lessons for newcomers to Canada.
They were able to create this program thanks to a $1000 dollar grant from Participaction. Over 400 students will benefit from these classes.
'All of the registration is actually already full. We filled every spot, wonderfully, for the program. We're hoping again to apply for more grants and more funding to train more newcomers in London and Middlesex area,' said YMCA Centre Branch Supervisor Alax Brown. 'We're working on water smart messaging right now, lifejackets, to keep safe around the water, how to right themselves in the water as well.'
Organizers say newcomers to the country are more at risk of drownings since many haven't had the chance to learn to swim.
Just last year, there were two drownings in the region, one in Port Stanley, the other in the Thames River. Both victims were new citizens.
Organizers hope these lessons will help prevent future tragedies.
'I need to learn swimming better, it's important,' said newcomer and swim lesson participant Roberto. 'It's very important because I can help all the other people in bad situations in the water.'
While registration for this program is full, Brown has some advice for anyone looking to swim in any nearby bodies of water.
'So, life jackets, swim with a buddy, please swim in lifeguarded areas,' said Brown. 'Less than 1 per cent of our drownings occur in lifeguarded areas.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
29 minutes ago
- CTV News
Subway service resumes on Line 2 after emergency repairs
A Toronto Transit Commission sign is shown at a downtown Toronto subway stop Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graeme Roy Subway service has resumed on a section of Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth) following emergency repairs. Subway service was suspended both ways between St. George and Broadview stations for around an hour Wednesday. According to the TTC, the closure was to facilitate emergency radio repairs. Service resumed around 10 a.m., the TTC said in a tweet.
CTV News
29 minutes ago
- CTV News
Crews called to fire at building in Foothills Industrial Park
The Calgary Fire Department was called to a building on 35 Street S.E. in the Foothills Industrial Park on June 18, 2025. The Calgary Fire Department has responded to a blaze in the Foothills Industrial Park. Officials say they were notified about the fire at 7:20 a.m. after callers reported smoke coming from a building in the 5900 block of 35 Street S.E. More to come…
CTV News
an hour ago
- CTV News
Bruce County siblings to share cut of $98,000 lottery prize
A group of four from Bruce County won a LOTTO 6/49 second prize worth $98,226.40 in the April 12, 2025 LOTTO 6/49 draw. (Source: OLG) After 30 years of playing the lottery together, four Bruce County siblings finally had the winning ticket. 'I took our ticket to the store and scanned it using the ticket checker,' said Ron Mahon of Southampton. 'When I saw that it was a big winner, I had to double check. I may have let out a little scream too.' Bursting with excitement, Ron said he called his siblings one by one to share the incredible news. 'I thought he was messing with me and had trouble believing him at first,' said James Mahon of Port Elgin. 'I still can't fully process it!' 'We're all so fortunate and blessed to have won this prize,' added Marie Jones of Southampton. 'All these years of playing really paid off. I feel overjoyed!' Each sibling said they have unique plans for their share of the windfall from the April 12 draw. James will take his time deciding how to use the money. Marie looks forward to purchasing a new washing machine and refreshing her home with some new furniture. Ron plans to deposit his winnings in the bank, while Joyce will buy a new mattress for a better night's sleep. The winning ticket was purchased at Rexall on Albert Street South in Southampton.
