USask Rec is excited to switch over to the Lifesaving Society and confident it will deliver an equal experience.

USask Rec Aquatics programming changes coming

Beginning January 1, 2023, USask Rec aquatics programming will be switching from the Canadian Red Cross to the Lifesaving Society Canada.

By Alyssa Wiebe | Kinesiology Communications

After years of offering water safety programs through the Canadian Red Cross program, patrons are now learning that they will no longer be offered starting in 2023. The organization has decided to shift its focus to humanitarian efforts across the globe.

 “As we transition into this new provider and offerings, it is going to be a change and learning experience for everyone – instructors, parents, swimmers, and more,” said Kim Jones, aquatics coordinator with USask Rec.

With the change and unfamiliarity of a new program, there is confidence that it will deliver the same quality lessons, training, and instruction that the Canadian Red Cross offered for so many years. The patience of all the families and individuals that support our swim programs is appreciated. USask plans to continue to offer a variety of adult and youth swimming lessons, lifeguard training, and safety training.

The Swim for Life program is recognized as the Lifesaving Society’s learn-to-swim program that will continue to develop swimmers’ skills. In that program, there are five modules;

  • Parent & Tot: parents and children up to age three
  • Preschool: children ages three to five
  • Swimmer: children ages six and up
  • Swim Patrol: children ages eight and up that can swim and are comfortable in deep water
  • Adult swimmer: People over the age of 16
  • Fitness swimmer: (not offered by USask)

 If you are not sure what swimming lesson to register your child in with the new program, you can visit our website for an easy guide.

Swimming is a lifelong skill that could one day save your life. All with learning valuable skills, children also have the chance to meet new friends, be comfortable in and near water, and exercise.

“We have many non-USask families throughout Saskatoon who enrol in our aquatics programming for smaller class sizes, accessibility, and one of one instruction,” said Jones.

Registration for winter swimming lessons is now open and offered to the on and off campus communities.