Curve Lake First Nation PS goes Swimming
Written by admin, February 18, 2016
February 18, 2016 – Thanks to Healthy Kids Community Challenge
Curve Lake First Nation Public School students were at the Trent Athletics Centre pool yesterday, the first of three visits thanks to special funding from the Healthy Kids Community Challenge.
Kayla Williams, Gr.3 teacher stated “This is a fantastic opportunity for our 15 students. It’s a balance of fun, fitness, safety, and learning new skills in the pool.”
With support from the Healthy Kids Community Challenge, over 100 students are taking advantage of the funding in the “Swim To Survive” safety skills and water program, including Warsaw PS, Millbrook/South Cavan PS, and North Shore PS in Keene.
The program is facilitated by the Peterborough Risk Watch Network, a collaborative partnership whose goal is to prevent childhood injuries. The Swim to Survive program was brought to Peterborough in 2011 to teach grade 3 students how to be safe in and around water. Basic water skills such as how to roll into the water, tread water for one minute and swim 50 metres are coupled with safety messages delivered by emergency services personnel from Fire, Police and Paramedics.
Each year the program has expanded, and last year was provided to over 700 students throughout Peterborough City and County. Access to Healthy Kids Community Challenge funds has allowed the program to reach even more students this year.
Sandra Giles, a Peterborough Paramedic, states “We’re excited to be part of this physical fitness program that emphasizes water safety skills, it makes the Paramedic’s job easier on both fronts”.
Shannon Kimewon also a Gr.3 teacher at Curve Lake School sees that “Getting out of school to be active and swimming makes for a great experience”.
Peterborough is one of 45 communities in Ontario participating in the Healthy Kids Community Challenge. Peterborough City and County has received $825,000 from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care over the next three years to support community-driven activities focusing on physical activity and healthy eating for children aged twelve and under.
The goal is to create communities where it is easy for children to lead healthier active lives. The first theme is Run. Jump. Play…Every Day!
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For further information, please contact:
Claire Townshend, BHSc, MPH
Healthy Kids Community Challenge Project Coordinator
Peterborough Public Health
185 King St., Peterborough, ON
705-743-1000, ext. 355
ctownshend@peterboroughpublichealth.ca
OR
Amanda L. Nichols
Fire and Life Safety Educator
Peterborough Fire Services
705-745-3281, ext 6312
alnichols@peterborough.ca