Swim lessons are coming back to the Penticton Community Centre beginning Thursday, Oct. 22.
With a phased reopening in place, residents will now be able to register for modified swim lessons, said Kerry Wagner, city recreation operations superviser.
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“It’s taken some time to structure how it will look while ensuring the safety of staff and visitors and manage other aspects of our return to activity,” said Wagner. “The most important goal is to continue to reduce the risk of disease transmission while getting kids back in the water to learn and develop skills they need to stay safe in, on and around the water.”
New changes recommended by the Canadian Red Cross have been put in place to ensure safety in the water and to promote physical distancing include:
- Parents/guardians will be required to participate in all Swim Preschool lessons and Swim Kids 1 to Swim Kids 4.
- All participants are encouraged to come dressed to swim as change room access and time will be limited.
- No spectators will be permitted.
“This is a first step that will allow us to safely develop and practice protocols and lead to us being able to offer more. We appreciate the public’s patience as we execute, monitor and modify these new strategies,” Wagner said.
In September, the community saw the return of some of its popular programs with a number of modifications in place. Programs like the early learning centre, Bugaboo University, Pro D Day Camps and martial arts for school-aged children, fitness programs including yoga, Zumba, tai chi and our specialized fitness for older adults classes, along with registered sport sessions for pickleball and badminton, said Kelsey Johnson, interim city recreational manager.
Reservations are available for casual swimming in the leisure pool and lane swimming in the main pool. They are working to introduce aquafit classes and other services back before the end of the year.
McLaren Arena has also welcomed back Glengarry Skating and Penticton Minor Hockey, along with its very own Kids Community Hockey Club.
Skating lessons weren’t available this fall, but the city will offer some public skating options beginning in November.
Registration for reduced swim lesson options will open to residents on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 8:30 a.m. and non-residents on Friday, Oct. 23 at 8:30 a.m.
Registration can be done online at penticton.ca/register or by phone at 250-490-2426.
For the most up-to-date information go to the parks and rec guide.
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monique.Tamminga@pentictonwesternnews.com
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