King to continue Swim to Survive Joint Venture with the Region of York
By Anneleen Naudts

King Township council recently authorized the Parks, Recreation and Culture department to continue providing a basic swim survival program.

The program, in conjunction with the Region of York, is targeted at Grade 3 students. Currently, only two schools take part, but Catherine Purcell, director of the department, said she'd like to see all schools get involved by 2010.

The survival program began as a response to an increase in drowning deaths across the province. It features three basic skills that will assist students in the event they find themselves unexpectedly displaced in water, stated the staff report.

Councillor Jeff Laidlaw said he was concerned to see only two schools, Holy Name Catholic School in King City, and St. Patrick's Catholic School in Schomberg, participated in the program during the 2007-2008 school year.

Purcell responded that while all publicly funded schools were given the same information, it is up to the schools to decide to join the program.

Purcell commented King has a slightly lower participation than other York municipalities, mainly due to restricted access to pools. Some schools would have to use the pools in Aurora and Newmarket, she added.

The department will subsidize $1,710 for pool rental fees in both towns. All other fees, including $5.70 per child in instructional fees as well as associated travel costs, will be covered by the Region.

Councillor Jack Rupke, recalling the value of swimming lessons for his kids, endorsed the programs, saying "what's a life worth? A lot more than $5.70."