Swim to Survive+ builds on the Swim to Survive skills needed to survive an unexpected fall into deep water: ROLL into deep water; TREAD water for 1 minute; SWIM 50 m.
The Swim to Survive+ program is geared toward presenting real-life situations for children in Grade 7. The + (plus) means participants learn:
- how to ROLL, TREAD and SWIM WITH CLOTHES ON.
- how to help a friend in deep water without putting themselves in danger (TALK, REACH, THROW).
- basic physical fitness concepts through interval training and a fitness swim.
The Lifesaving Society developed the Swim to Survive+ program as a result of its drowning research and the Ontario Coroner's recommendation for a more advanced water safety program to ensure children graduating from elementary school have basic swimming and water safety skills.
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The Society is paying special attention to the growing body of research that shows that the thrill seeking, pleasure seeking part of the teen brain develops at a faster rate than the judgment and impulse inhibition skills that adults have. When combined with the fact that as pre-teens and teens get older, they become more independent spending more time with their friends and less time under adult supervision.
With our Swim to Survive+ program, the Lifesaving Society provides teens with practical lifesaving skills that will prepare them for their increased independence and freedom as teens and into early adulthood.
Swim to Survive+ supporters
The Swim to Survive+ program is generously supported by:
Stephanie Gaetz KEEPSAFE Foundation
The Stephanie Gaetz Keepsafe Foundation is the Founding Sponsor of both Swim to Survive and Swim to Survive+ programs. The foundation's support enabled the Society to develop and pilot the program in 2012 with more than 1,000 children and to develop and print the required support materials.
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Ontario Ministry of Education
We are grateful to the Ministry of Education for their generous financial contribution and continued support of the Swim to Survive+ school grant program. The Ministry also provides support for Grade 7 teachers delivering the in-classroom water safety lessons and facilitates communication with parents and with coordinators of the in-water sessions.
Pool People Limited
PPL Aquatic Fitness & Spa Group is one of Canada's largest swimming pool companies specializing in the design, construction, equipping, and servicing of commercial pool and fitness facilities.
