Swimming, Lifesaving to Be Taught at Five Beaches

SPORT/RECREATION COMMISSION--Swimming, Lifesaving to Be Taught at Five Beaches

The Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service will offer learn-to-swim lessons and pre-lifeguard training this summer at five Nova Scotia beaches that previously had no access to similar training.

The beaches are: Aylesford Lake, Kings County; Dollar Lake, Halifax County; Dominion Beach, Cape Breton County; Lake Ellenwood, Yarmouth County; and Heather Beach, Cumberland County.

Jason Currie, youth development and special events officer for the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service, said the programs accomplish two goals.

“First, we are offering learn-to-swim programs in areas that otherwise would not have access. Second, we are developing youth by building the fundamental skills, knowledge and values required to become a lifeguard.”

Learn-to-swim programs will be offered in three two-week sessions throughout the summer, beginning July 9, July 23 and Aug. 6.
All lessons will take place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The 10 hours of learn-to-swim instruction cost $45.

Lifesaving programs, offered between July 9 and Aug. 17, will consist of four different levels. They are prerequisites for enrolling in the National Lifeguard Service (NLS) certification course.

The Canadian Swim Patrol and the Bronze Star Award courses each requires 10 hours of instruction and costs $45, while the Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross courses each requires 20 hours of instruction and costs $90.

Similar pre-lifeguard training will also be offered at other Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service beaches.

Parents can enrol their children by registering with the lifeguards at their local beach.

For more information on the lifeguard service’s aquatic programs, go to its Web site, www.nsls.ns.ca , and click on “beach safety.”