Winnipeg offering fewer swimming lessons than in past years amid lifeguard shortage
After a number of parents were left frustrated this week over not getting their kids into swimming lessons, the City of Winnipeg confirmed a drop in the number of courses it offers.
On Wednesday, the city confirmed there are 1,057 swimming lesson courses being offered in spring 2023. This is about half the number of lessons that were completed in spring 2019 when there were 2,118 courses.
The number of lessons has steadily dropped since 2019. In fall 2022, the city offered 1,500 swimming lesson courses, and in winter 2023 there were 1,350 course options.
Winnipeg provided these numbers after the Leisure Guide sign-up on Tuesday when a number of parents took to social media to vent over a lack of swimming lesson spots.
"Full, full, full – all my options were full," said mother of three Lindsay Primmer. "I went basically back to scratch to everything on every single class and that was at 8:03 [a.m.]"
Community services committee chair Coun. John Orlikow told CTV News Winnipeg the lack of spots has to do with a shortage of lifeguards and instructors, which is an impact of the pandemic.
"As we reopened, we quickly realized a lot of those lifeguards weren't coming back," Orlikow said.
According to the city, 84 per cent of swimming lessons for spring 2023 have been filled. Parents are encouraged to check online for swimming lesson options.
Winnipeg added that it currently has about 255 lifeguards, but its target is to secure 300 before the summer.
The city continues to recruit lifeguards and is making efforts to fill the vacancies; however, it expects it will take time to return to full staffing levels.
The city said as it provides more certified staff to its team, it will expand its swimming course offerings.
- With files from CTV’s Jeff Keele.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
WATCH Dashcam video shows terrifying near-miss on two-lane northern Ontario highway
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
Here's what 'the hinge' move is, how to do it correctly
When you're picking something up from the floor or bending over to tie your shoe laces, you're performing "the hinge move," according to movement trainers.
Tips to make a house or apartment safe and accessible for older adults living at home
Here's a summary of tips from the U.S. National Institute on Aging and AARP, which offers a free room-by-room guide with practical suggestions for older adults living independently.
Here are some gardening questions, answers
When it comes to gardening, a lot of questions come up, including the best way to keep pets away from plants, maintaining your lawn and keeping the dandelions at bay.
'I may have some nightmares:' Man survives being bitten by 2 sharks in Bahamas
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.