Parents' Zone

Your child will soon take part to the Swim to Survive program or has already completed it? This section will provide you with all the information you need.

The program is designed for all children aged 8 years old or older, no matter what the level of their aquatic skills is. At the end of the program, participants receive a certificate that indicates the level of success the have achieved regarding the Swim to Survive standard. 

As a parent, you can accompany your child through the Swim to survive program. It is also an opportunity to make sure your family displays safe behaviours in aquatic environments. 

Nager pour survivre - Crédit photo : Réseau aquatique Drummondville - Andréanne Lemire

Photo credit: Réseau aquatique de Drummondville - Andréanne Lemire

BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF THE PROGRAM

  1. Read the Start of the Swim to Survive program letter (you may have already received the paper version of the letter).
  2. Send to the classroom teacher or to the person responsible for your child:
    a)     The participation form;
    b) The questionnaire on your child’s aquatic skills.
  3. Prepare your child to the Swim to Survive program and talk about the importance of knowing how to swim.

 

DURING THE PROGRAM

  1. Help your child gather the required pool equipment: bathing suit, towel, swimming goggles, swimming cap (if mandatory), hair tie for long hair, sandals, plastic bag.
  2. Talk to your child about the water safety topics seen in class and the practical exercises made in the pool.
  3. Practice the three aquatic skills with your child in a public swimming pool (optional, but recommended).

AFTER THE PROGRAM

  1. Read the End of the Swim to Survive program letter (you may have received the paper version along with your child’s certificate).
  2. Fill the online feedback form.
  3. Complete the parent-child activity.
  4. Sign up your child to swimming lessons or to the Swim Patrol course (recommended).
  5. Keep on practicing the basic skills with your child; for example, in a public swimming pool (recommended).

PARENT-CHILD ACTIVITY

You can do this simple activity with your child once the program is over. It will allow you to analyze your family’s behaviours regarding water safety and to find ways to improve them.

  • Ask your child to name the aquatic safety topics that have been discussed in class, and to explain what he/she has learned about each topic. 
  • If possible, tell your child about a situation or life story related to the topics you are discussing.
  • Have your child explain how what he/she has learned applies to your residential pool, if you have one. 
  • Reflect with your child to see if a family member once displayed an unsafe behaviour around water, and find which safe behaviour should have been displayed instead.