School is out, and summer is here although the heat can some days be unbearable! There are always ways to stay cool, for example cold treats, staying indoors, and wearing loose fitting clothing. But, the best and most fun way to cool down is to take a dip in a pool. Except the problem is that not everyone has one. Luckily for Londoners, you don’t need to have your own pool to go swimming. There are community pools all around London, and one of the many locations is Stronach Community Centre.
a
Stronach offers a community pool that is open to the public and is a great way to stay refreshed, and for a cheap price. Children and adults can swim for less than $5.00 each, making it an affordable option, especially if you don’t have your own pool.
a
Community pools are a great way to get together and make a splash. Rachel Dozois, the assistant pool manager at the centre, explains why these pools are so beneficial to others.
a
“People are able to swim whenever they want, whenever we’re open. And I think it brings families together. And also it’s an active type of program to do together. But it also keeps kids from just running around outside all the time, and it’s also a lot cooler than just playing at a park all day.”
Stronach Community Centre is open where you can use the safe community pool at an affordable price! #ldnont #community #pool #swimming #fun #family #summer #hot @ Stronach Community… https://t.co/VpJ7iY5Mh3
— XFM News (@XFMNews) July 6, 2018
a
Although, the only issue with bringing your children to a community pool, is that they may not know how to swim. Fortunately, Stronach Community Centre offers swimming lessons to anyone who may need them. They offer different times as well, you can go to lessons in the morning from 11 am until 1:30 pm. Or, you can go in the evening at 4 pm until 6 pm. Dozois explains more about the lessons.
a
“So we have like really little lessons, starting from like parent and tot, and then all the way up to leadership courses, so people potentially becoming our future lifeguards.”
a
And learning how to swim is skill that everyone should have, and be able to be a part of, especially at a young age. Rachel, who is a lifeguard as well as the assistant pool manager, explains why learning is crucial.
a
“I think it is more beneficial to learn at a young age, just because with brain development, you’re able to actually learn a lot faster than an adult is. And I think it’s just a good skill to have, but the more you practice, the better you’re going to get. So, learning from a young age you can learn the basics and then work your way up to harder stuff.”
a
Parents, especially parents known for worrying, may have questions and concerns about safety precautions when it comes to their children at a pool. But, do not worry. Stronach Community Centre is safe, and all individuals are trained when it comes to the pool. Dozois explains more about their safety measures.
a
“We have lifeguards at the pool all the time, and all of our swim instructors are also lifeguards. We also provide proper life jackets, and other flotation devices if people want them.”
a
Especially with recent drownings occurring around Ontario, and even in London, it’s important to make sure that your children are safe when swimming. There has been talks that elementary schools are wanting to implement swimming lessons to be mandatory. Rachel Dozois agrees, and believes that lessons should be given in schools.
a
“I feel like everyone should have the opportunity to learn how to swim. We do have a grade 3 program where kids learn how to tread water and swim 50 meters, it’s called our swim to survive program. So I think that that is very beneficial and I think more schools are starting to do it, and it’s becoming a lot more popular across Canada. So I think implementing those types of programs are a really good way of preventing drowning.”
a
If you’re looking for a fun-filled day, where you want to splash around with the family or even go to lessons and learn how to swim, you can visit Stronach’s Community Recreation Centre. Swim times are from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm, or again later on at 6 pm until 8 pm.
