Port Coquitlam has joined other B.C. communities in officially transitioning to a new swimming lesson system.
Lifesaving Society of B.C. will be taking over the indoor pools at the Port Coquitlam Community Centre (PCCC) and Hyde Creek Recreation Centre.
The change follows the Canadian Red Cross' decision to end its Swim Kids, aquatics and lifeguard programs, which included the colourful badges that more than 40 million people earned over 75 years.
"The Lifesaving Society has been involved in swimming and water safety for over 100 years and will be taking over most of the swim programming in Canada," a PoCo release reads.
"Please note that course levels may not line up exactly between the two organizations and some levels may differ from where the swimmer was placed previously."
Winter 2023 lessons are closed, but the city said spring programs are set to open for local residents on Feb. 21.
For more information, you can visit the City of Port Coquitlam's website.
You can also email [email protected] or call 604-927-7529 if you have questions about the transition.
For recreational swimmers, the city extended the PCCC pool's hours as of Wednesday (Jan. 4):
- 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. = Monday to Friday
- 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. = Saturday and Sunday
The Swim Kids to Swim for Life conversion chart is as follows:
