Huron East Captures Youth's Interest in Future Lifeguard-Instructor development

Media Release May 8, 2024

Municipality of Huron East captures youths interest in future Lifeguard-Instructor development.

On Friday May 10^th at 4:00 pm, Huron Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, OTF Emma Bartz, Municipality of Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan  will be at the Vanastra Recreation Centre to recognize the Junior Lifeguard Club program for youths ages 10-14.  This new program promotes lifesaving knowledge, leadership, teamwork, competition and fitness. It also aims to create long term interest in aquatic leadership to address the need for more certified Lifeguard-Instructors. 

Quote from Huron Bruce MPP, Lisa Thompson

"Covid-19 had impacted youth ages 10-14 to continue with the regular flow of extra curricular  aquatic programming. This interruption created a gap within the targeted age group and caused a lack of interest in future leadership development and employable Lifeguard-Instructors. 

The OTF Resilient Communities Fund grant has provided the Municipality of Huron East the opportunity to deliver the Junior Lifeguard Club program. 

The Junior Lifeguard Club program delivered an alternative aquatic experience that emphasizes on a fun method of learning.  The outcome is to repair the gap of Lifeguard-Instructor shortage and boost the interest in future youth leadership development. 

The Huron East Recreation Advisory Vision Statement is to provide safe inclusive services and opportunities in a community where people choose to live, work and play, which is abundant in economic, cultural and recreational opportunities that encourage an active, healthy quality of life.

The recreation department depend on our  youth to have the interest and initiative to become certified Lifeguard-Instructors.  We value our youths energy and inspiration to be part of our recreation department team, to deliver recreational opportunities."