Pool Aquatic Supervior Shanna Reid (left) with Town of Saugeen Shores Marketing and Programs Director Laura Moscone, February 3 at Centennial Pool.

Hub Staff

The Town of Saugeen Shores hopes that kids from pre-school age to age 14 can “just keep swimming” with no financial barrier and are doing their part through the “Fill the Program” initiative.

From a February 3 media conference, parents who have signed their children up for the swimming program will be notified if there is space for their child to participate in their specified level, free of charge.

Parents will be contacted following the class registration deadline (third week of lessons). If parents are unsure of their child’s skill level, free evaluations can be arranged by contacting the Centennial Pool. Aquatic Supervisor Shanna Reid would like to see all programs filled, up to Bronze Medallion, and said typically older age programs are not filled and that during the winter months they have a fill rate of 88 percent overall.

“We really want all of our community to learn how to swim,” she said, adding that she believes it’s a basic right for everybody to learn how to swim properly. So far two swimmers have taken part in the program and are currently taking lessons.

March Break and Spring Sessions are currently open for registration. “Just because you're on the [Fill the Program] list, it won’t guarantee that you’ll get a spot. The only way you can guarantee a spot is to actually register for the program,” said Reid, adding that they’ll do their best to place the children waiting for spots through the program as there is no cap to how many lessons a child can have through the program.

To register your child for the free program visit the online registration page.