Lessons Offered in Partnership with the North Coast Community Services Society (NCCSS) and City
PRINCE RUPERT, AUGUST 22nd, 2024 – New swim lesson opportunities are now available for families in Prince Rupert that have neuro-diverse kids that may otherwise experience barriers accessing the facility and programming activities. A $8,000 bursary program sponsored by Trigon and coordinated through the City of Prince Rupert and North Coast Community Services Society (NCCS) has started up, with the next set of registrations available for the Fall. The Lifeguard Instructor team has also received $300 of Trigon funds to support inclusive swim lesson delivery through Canuck Autism Network training.
Following Trigon’s initial support for sensory swims at the pool, it was identified by one of their staff that overall access to swim-readiness for neuro-diverse children in the community had a number of both financial and sensory barriers for families. In response, Trigon’s leadership looked at how to step up to best provide overall support for better inclusion.
“Trigon is pleased to have helped create this successful pilot through our Community Investment Fund,” says Hannah Davis, HR and Industrial Relations Advisor at Trigon, and herself a parent who is active in promoting opportunities for neuro-diverse children. “This will allow more children in Prince Rupert to comfortably access these life-saving skills, and helps to make our community just that much more inclusive and welcoming of diversity.”
This initiative supports physical literacy in the aquatic environment, and also the goals of the City’s Accessibility Committee to offer more inclusive programming. Learning to swim is not just for recreation and sport, but is a lifesaving skill everyone should have access to.
“These lessons offer tailored support for neurodivergent individuals and families, ensuring they feel welcomed and safe in a traditionally challenging environment,” said Kelsi Barkved, Community Connections Advisor at North Coast Community Services. “This initiative has not only provided essential life skills to children and youth who have typically been excluded due to barriers but has also helped train swim instructors via Canuck Autism on how to support any neuro-diverse child or youth who are swimming at our pool.”
Families interested in learning more about the program can reach out to Trysta Dutton, Aquatic Lead at trysta.dutton@princerupert.ca, with registration intake forms completed by North Coast Community Services Society. Be sure to stay up to date on this and our other programs by visiting and following our Facebook page at Prince Rupert Recreation.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Veronika Stewart, Manager of Communications, Engagement and Social Development
Office: (250) 627 0976
Cell: (778) 884 6285
Email: veronika.stewart@princerupert.ca