Coquitlam women who have been staying away from the pool for various reasons may want to come back and take a dip this Monday morning, on Family Day.
The city is piloting a women only swim on stat holidays in time slots not taken up by other programs and this Monday's swim from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. is the first.
Mary Morrison-Clark, the city's manager for community recreation and cultural services, said the goal is to get women involved in more activities and the swim is a gateway to encouraging them to participate.
"it's an opportunity to meet women and tell them about the other opportunities we offer," said Morrison-Clark, who said other cities in the Lower Mainland offer women-only swims, including Port Coquitlam.
She said some women might be uncomfortable wearing a swim suit in front of men for cultural or other reasons, and this swim time, which will happen only on 10 stat holidays this year in the morning slot when the pool hasn't been open in the past, is away of accommodating their needs.
Only female lifeguards will staff the swim, which will always take place from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on those stat holidays, and Morrison said instruction as well as aqua fit will be offered. Girls of all ages and boys under five will also be allowed in to the facility.
These swims are only offered at the City Centre Aquatic Complex at 1210 Pinetree Way.
Women who are regular swimmers and would like to swim lengths are also welcome to come to the pool on those days, Morrison-Clark said, and she hopes they will be role models for others.
The program will be evaluated in the fall to see what further direction it should take.
More information is available here.
