UNITY – The fourth week of July is slated as National Drowning Prevention Week and the local swimming pools are continuing their efforts to make everyone aware of the dangers that lurk in the water.
At the Wilkie Community Swimming Pool, staff held boat races, a life jacket obstacle course, a water balloon fight and the 2024 Tiny Lifeguard competition. Along with the fun activities, there were safety tips and information for swimmers to soak up.
The Synergy Credit Union Aquatic Centre in Macklin kicked off their week with swim to survive, where participants had to tread water for one minute before swimming 50 meters while fully clothed. The staff also focused on being ‘sun smart’, giving out free ice cream to swimmers who wore a hat to the pool. By the end of the week, water guns were allowed at the pool to spray other willing participants (or targets!)
The Unity Credit Union Aquatic Centre staff were also excited to host different activities all week long as well. With different activities from afternoon and evening swims, participants worked in teams or as individuals to find invisible water bottles, swim to survive and aim off the diving board. The week ended with a special showing of Jaws, where movie-goers could watch the show from the pool. Throughout the week, mock rescues were done to show swimmers what to do when there is someone in the water who needs help. The ever so popular colouring contest and jellybean guess were also back.
With the recent passing of local teen, Porter Thompson, all the proceeds and additional donations from the annual barbecue and the movie night were donated back to the trust fund that has been set up for Thompson’s younger brother, River.
