RECOMMENDATION:
THAT
the report titled “Swim To Survive Program” be received;
And
that the Swim to Survive Program be approved by Council;
AND
THAT Council authorize the Mayor and Clerk to execute Schedule ‘E and F’-
Additions to Purchase of Service which will form a part of the existing National
Child Benefit Agreement between the Town of Markham and The Regional
Municipality of York approved by Council in July 2001 in a form satisfactory to
the Town Solicitor.
PURPOSE:
The purpose of the report is to update the Mayor and
Council on the Swim to Survive program which is a partnership program between
the Recreation Services Department and the Region of York to provide Grade 3
students the basic swimming skills required to survive an unexpected fall into
the water.
BACKGROUND:
In June 2005, the Lifesaving Society and the
Stephanie Gaetz KEEPSAFE Foundation launched the Swim to Survive program. The
Swim to Survive program defines the essential minimum skills required to
survive an unexpected fall into the water. The program focuses on achieving a
single skill sequence; roll into deep water, tread water for 1 minute and swim
50 metres. Any method that allows the learner to achieve the standard is acceptable.
The program was piloted in June 2005 in the City of
For the fall of 2005 and the winter of 2006, York
Region Community Services and Housing Department in collaboration with the Recreation
and Culture Department, York Region District School Board and the York Region
Catholic School Board are piloting the Swim to Survive program for Grade 3
students in selected schools. Eligible schools are located in lower income
communities and/or with populations with a concentration of recent immigrants
to
The Recreation and Culture department will provide
pool time and swim instructors to deliver the program. The Boards of
In
Fall 2005
Ashton Meadows
Mother Theresa
Winter 2006
Greensbrough
St. Benedict
John McCrae
St. Rene Goupil
St. Luke
FINANCIAL
CONSIDERATIONS:
York Region will provide funding for the program
using the National Child Benefit Reinvestment Strategy. They will reimburse the
municipality for the direct instructional costs up to a maximum of $5.00 per student
for the provision of three – forty-five minute Swim to Survive sessions.
Example of Costs: School -
|
Services to be Reimbursed |
|
|
Three Instructors @ $12.50
x 1 hour x 3 classes |
$112.50 |
|
10% benefits |
$ 11.25 |
|
4% vacation pay |
$ 4.50 |
|
Total |
$128.25 |
|
Cost Recovery 36 students
divided into 128.81 |
$3.56 per student |
|
York Region to reimburse
Town |
$128.825 |
ACCESSIBILITY
CONSIDERATIONS:
The Town’s participation in this type of program
increases access to recreation for children and provides swim skills for those
who typically cannot afford to participate. And it has been proven time and again,
recreation provides many benefits and is essential to the healthy development
of children and youth.
BUSINESS
UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:
The Legal Department has been consulted.
ATTACHMENTS:
Appendix
A Acknowledgement – Addition to
Purchase of Service Agreement Schedule ‘E and F’ (3 copies to be signed by
Mayor and Clerk)
Appendix B National Child Benefit Agreement, 2001
|
|
|
|
|
Barbara
M. Roth Director,
Recreation and Culture Services |
|
Jim
Sales Commissioner,
Community and Fire Services |
Q:\Recreation\AGREE\AGR007\Swim to Survive.doc
