SRD Receives $30,000 Island Health Community Wellness Grant

The Strathcona Regional District has received $30,000 in funding from Island Health for its ‘Enhancing Social Capital Through Water Lifesaving, Training and Education’ grant application.

“The goal of this grant is to diversify the skillset of our water safety community,” said SRD Chair Mark Baker.

“Many of the courses offered will be in outdoor spaces encouraging social togetherness as well as a connection with nature. On behalf of the residents of the Regional District, I extend my gratitude to Island Health for offering this valuable opportunity”.

The grant will provide funding for the SRD to, among other things, offer free, certified lifeguard courses at Mclvor Lake, provide the Special Olympics with after-hours pool rental at the Strathcona Gardens Recreation Centre, and allow candidates to obtain their National Lifeguard Waterfront and National Lifeguard Surf certifications.

It will also offer a free ‘Lifeguard School' for First Nations participants taught by a First Nation instructor.

Sarah Madelung, SRD Manager of Aquatics and Fitness, says the grant allows them to reach out further beyond the citizens of Campbell River and Area D.

With a critical shortage of lifeguards across Canada, she says they are training participants in immediately employable skills.

For more information about water safety skills and becoming a lifeguard, please visit Strathcona Regional District.