Staff Photo By: Darcie Thom

Logan Khounnoraj and Kaylee Joorisity, Duck Class, learn to swim under the instruction of Erin Toppings

Staff Photo By: DarcieThom

Kaylee Joorisity jumps into the pool during her lessons

By: Darcie Thom

The Kipling Swimming Pool has been offering some in-depth water safety and swimming lessons to children and adults alike. There have been a large number of reported drownings throughout Saskatchewan in the past few months that could have been prevented if safety standards, knowledge and training in water were met.

Swimming lessons are available at the Kipling Swimming Pool for all ages starting at approximately 4-6 months. The different swimming programs range in training for specific ages and experience levels. Some of the first levels like Starfish, Duck and Sea Turtle help the student get used to the water, play and sing songs along with assisted swimming. The Salamander and Sunfish groups learn to balance themselves in the pool along with some unassisted swimming for approximately 5m. The Crocodile and Whale groups are the older students who are able to swim unassisted in the pool with a greater knowledge and more intense training in the skill of swimming.

A young child who learns to swim is a child that is less likely to drown, they won’t fear water, they won’t panic in the water and they will have the proper knowledge to stay safe in the water.  “It’s definitely better to get started young, it’s good to have that (swimming) skill,” said Jordan Toppings, the Kipling Pool Manager and swimming instructor.

Some days at the pool can be discouraging when the first-time students don’t want to cooperate, but usually by the end of the 2 week swimming session, most of the youngsters are at a fairly good comfort level in the water.

“The season went really well, lessons were good and it was fun to teach every day,” says Erin Toppings, an instructor and lifeguard at the pool. “We saw a lot of willingness to work hard, there were a lot of great swimmers this year.”

A considerable amount of children, in swimming lessons, are great swimmers and it has to be credited to the swimming instructors who direct them. The programs are respectful in the expectations of the students and the daily routines and exercises are balanced and meet the individual needs of every student.

Private lessons are available to people looking to improve their swimming skills up to level as well as special events and clinics such as diving, Scuba Diving, Synchronized swimming, Water Polo and so much more. There are also services for those looking to complete courses through the Lifesaving Society such as Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, NLS, and Boat Operators.

The Kipling Swimming Pool will be finalizing its 16th season on Tuesday, August 26th with a day-long pool party beginning at 1:00 pm. All are welcome to participate in the last chance of summer swimming.