Friday, July 28, 2023 – Midway through summer, it’s likely that many grade two students in Sooke are putting their aquatic skills to use – a skill developed thanks to support from the Sooke Lions!
For the past 15 years, the Sooke Lions Club has covered costs for swim lessons in coordination with local schools for every grade two student in Sooke at Porier, Saseenos, Sooke and John Muir Elementary (the only exception being two years during the COVID-19 pandemic).
“Our club does not put restrictions on the amount of money spent on this program. We will pay for every grade two student to participate in this vital life skill activity,” says Sooke Lions’ Secretary, Steve Wright.
The club has gone even further – also providing financial support for the Swim Instructor Training Program as SEAPARC works hard to respond to an industry-wide shortage of lifeguards and swim instructors. “We do this to ensure that there are an adequate number of instructors. As well, we are helping older youth acquire valuable training skills without them having to find adequate funds to pay for the training,” explains Wright. “For some, without this help, some youth would never have the opportunity to become swim instructors,” Wright adds.
Wright notes that contributions towards the Sooke Lions and their support of grade two swim lessons are an extension of generosity from the community. “If it were not for the support from our community, we would not be able to do this,” he shares.
The District of Sooke extends its appreciation to all involved in making the grade two swim lesson program and swim instructor training program possible!
To learn more about the Sooke Lions, please visit Sooke Lions Club.