What does SHARKs teach?

The SHARKs program teaches the Lifesaving Society's "Swim to Survive" curriculum of surviving a sudden and unexpected fall into deep water. With SHARKs training, children learn how to:

• Recover from a fall into the water

• Tread water until rescuers arrive

• Swim to safety

What is the impact of the SHARKs program?

Partnerships - the YMCA of Three Rivers has partnered with the Lifesaving Society, City of Guelph and University of Guelph to offer this program free of charge.

Inclusivity — all grades 3 and grade 5 students in Guelph (approximately 3,200 children) are bused to and from local swimming pools on three separate occasions to partake in the program.

Increased ability — of the children who did not pass the Swim to Survive standard in the first lesson, 15% of these children passed the standard by the end of the program (on day 3). This marked improvement shows how the SHARKs program helped these children to develop vital Swim to Survive skills (results from 2017 program).

Increased confidence — the SHARKs program is more than just teaching Swim to Survive skills. Do we want every child to pass? Absolutely! For some kids, however, it is their first time touching water outside of a bathtub. Therefore, the program also teaches water safety awareness to new swimmers and gives them time to play and become comfortable in the water.

SHARKs is an important and vital program to improve the safety of children in our community. The YMCA of Three Rivers is proud to support aquatic safety of students in Guelph.

Partners