With the number of lakes, rivers and access to water in Northwestern Ontario, the Kenora Catholic District School Board has made a firm commitment, for over 30 years, to provide children with the lifesaving skills of swimming lessons.
As a part of that École Ste-Marguerite Bourgeoys offers certified Red Cross Swimming Lessons for all students from Kindergarten to Grade 6. Through this program, students can achieve Red Cross levelled lessons and learn how to be safe around water. Parents are able to submit the last level their child passed if they have completed any lessons independently through the Kenora Recreation Centre. Their child will then be placed in the appropriate class and be able to earn the next level through the school-offered swimming lessons. Children will be evaluated exactly the same as they would in lessons offered through the Rec Centre.
The program also focuses on developing new swimming skills, as well as fitness and endurance through fun water activities.
Beginning in 2018, the Kenora Catholic District School Board implemented a Swim Test as part of our Safe Schools procedures. The Swim Test is administered to students who will be participating in a field trip involving swimming or water to ensure every student has a safe level of swimming skill proficiency before participating in the field trip.