Teen program develops swimmers today, leaders tomorrow

It’s a Friday evening. The sounds of young people splashing and laughing echo off the walls in an indoor pool facility, while the warm, moist air is filled with that clean, chlorinated fragrance. It’s a familiar scene we and our families have experienced, enjoyed, and have often taken for granted in our youth – learning how to swim. Unfortunately, financial barriers prevent many young teens from sharing that same opportunity to learn and have fun. That was the inspiration for a City of Ottawa recreation supervisor at the Splash Wave Pool, Marc Latreille, and his team to participate in the I Love to Lifesave program.

The I Love to Lifesave program is outside of the regular registration and aquatic offerings, and it receives charitable funding from the Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities. “There’s no cost to the participants,“ says Marc Latreille. “It provides opportunities for youth and teens to practice swimming skills, become more proficient swimmers, and serves as initiation to the programs offered by the Lifesaving Society, to develop lifesaving techniques and drowning prevention.”

When the program was first presented to Marc by his program manager, he jumped on it right away. “For a very long time, we had been hoping and aspiring to get something going in this style with either the high schools or community groups in the area,” added Marc. “It was opening the door to allow more kids to become water smart, learn leadership skills and, more importantly, have a good time.”

Marc found that Friday nights were a perfect time at the Splash Wave Pool for the youth to learn and have fun. Youth and teens who took part in the program were canvassed through area community groups and they took advantage of this opportunity. “Those teens and youth who were approached were really eager and happy to join the program,” added Marc.

The program started at the Splash Wave Pool, located on Ogilvie Road, in January 2024. The program ran from January to June, and it operated in a different style from the main lifesaving program – which has a set amount of instruction time per week.  Marc wanted to create more of a teen club atmosphere to engage the youth and teens, where they could progress at their own levels on a weekly basis, while still having time for fun interaction.

However, the program still provided instruction to gain lifesaving skills through Lifesaving Society Bronze Medal awards – which are not easy to attain.  While there was no problem to attract teens to the program through community groups, Marc and his team tempered their expectations on the actual outcomes.

Remaining confident, Marc challenged his team to pursue the goal to have some of the participants achieve their Bronze Star or Bronze Medallion. “My fellow colleagues thought that I was somewhat ambitious with that,” reflected Marc. “Even the staff here (Splash Wave Pool) were like, wow, that that would be a big step.”

Well, Marc and his Splash Wave Pool colleagues did not meet their expectations; they exceeded them. At the end of June, all 12 candidates received their Bronze Star. Six of that group also achieved the next level, Bronze Medallion, and four of those teens went on to reach the Bronze Cross level that summer – which is an outstanding achievement.

According to Marc, it was a real “wow moment” for these teens. “As young teenagers, to see them wanting to become lifeguards and seek part time employment with the City is pretty cool.”

The program’s success has resulted in other City facilities running the I Love to Lifesave program. “So, we’ve grown some and I think that it’s just going to be beneficial for everybody,” said Marc.

Marc reflected that if the young teens become proficient swimmers and can get themselves out of a difficult water situation, they have met their goals. He commented that they may even pursue lifeguard or other recreation opportunities with the City.

“One way or another, we’re doing our part to develop future leaders,” reflected Marc on the program’s success. “So yeah, I think that’s pretty awesome.”