Another successful summer with the CF Swim Program

Kirsten Hawley and Holly Dickinson | Aug 25, 2011

Photo: Kate Osborn, Annika Putnam, Tierra Richardson, Jackson Emmons, Mikeal Teal, Holly Dickinson (instructor), Samantha Taylor, Natasha Daszkiewicz, Isabelle Honegger, Kirsten Hawley (instructor), Ally Teal, Taylor Gould, Elle Larocque and Presleigh Skwiercz

Since the 1980s, youth in the Central Frontenac area have been learning to swim with the help of an organized swim program. Back then, however, the swim program was comprised of four townships; Oso, Olden, Kennebec, and Hinchinbrooke. Today, the Central Frontenac swim program thrives on its own, boasting over 140 local and out of area children enrolled in the 2011 summer sessions.

This July, the first session began with Long Lake and Clear Lake. With the school year coming to a close, children arrived on the beach excited to begin their summer holidays in the water, learning new skills and expanding their water safety knowledge. The amazing weather made the three-week session fly by, and in no time the second session had begun at Sharbot Lake and Eagle Lake. For those who are unfamiliar with the CF Swim Program, there are two sessions a summer, each lasting three weeks. Half-hour lessons are held daily from Monday to Friday, which allows for repetition, but ensures that no child will be overcome by boredom!

In efforts to keep the enrollment costs as low as possible, an annual fundraising event is held. For the last two years, a “Swim Quest” has taken place during the last week of each session, which encourages swimmers to collect as many donations as possible. All four beaches were able to raise an astonishing $2350, whereas in the past we were lucky to get just over $1000. We are extremely grateful for the continuous support from the families and friends of our swimmers. Furthermore, we would like to thank such establishments as the Treasure Trunk for their generous contribution and many other donations received from local organizations.

It is efforts by members of the community that have allowed for the program’s individual success since 1998. Once again, the Central Frontenac Swim Program has proved to be a fun and healthy summer pastime for children in the area, which continues to grow not only in numbers, but in community support.