Ontario-style "survival swimming" lessons in Quebec?

Posted By: Claude Beaulieu · 7/4/2012 1:45:00 PM

Is Quebec now ready for compulsory swimming lessons in school?

An expert on swimming safety says school kids in Ontario have been learning survival swimming.

Barbara Byers of the Toronto-based Lifesaving Society says that when Ontario school children reach the third grade, they're taught how to act if they should fall into deep water.  That doesn't mean intensive swimming classes, but a few simple lessons where children learn basic panic-fighting techniques that will help them survive in the water: spitting out water, treading water, and swimming short distances.

The current spike in drownings has the Quebec government toying with the idea of introducing compulsory swimming lessons in all Quebec elementary schools.

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Photo: Lifesaving Society

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  1. Carol posted on 07/05/2012 07:53 AM
    I suppose the elementary schools could set up portable swimming pools. Or the children could be transported to municipal pools. Wonder how this works in Ontario. Still again, if you love and cherish your children, why would you not spend the $100 or so for comprehensive private lessons. And while the elementary schools are at it, why not lessons on how to walk safely on city streets or safe bicycling habits.
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