City offering 'modified' swimming lessons at select pools

Starting July 6, the city will be offering swimming lessons at select locations across London.

The lessons will be modified to follow guidelines set by the Province of Ontario and the Middlesex-London Health Unit, including physical distancing and group size restrictions.

"We know how important swim lessons are to the community," said Lynn Loubert, divisionmanager of parks and recreation, in a statement release Thursday.

"This essential life skill, of learning to swim, helps keep children safe in and around water, and we are excited to be able to provide lessons once again."

Registration opens July 2 and those interested can registeronline or by calling 519-661-5575.

Changes to the lessons include:

• Reduced swimmer-to-instructor ratios
• Fewer lessons willtakeplace at the same
• Lessons will be taught "at a distance" by qualified instructors
• Swim programs will run for five days in a row with half-hour lessons every day
• There will be limits on the number of family members or caregivers at certain lessons

While select pools will reopen for lessons, the city continues work to reopen outdoor pools for recreation and leisure swimming.More news about other pools will be shared early next week city officials confirm.

All swim programs that were previously scheduled for the summer will be cancelled and a refund will be provided.

More details regarding the lessons can be found at london.ca/swim2020