Let me introduce you to an amazing student initiative dedicated to providing affordable and accessible one-on-one swimming instruction to children with disabilities. These children may have Down Syndrome, Epilepsy, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit, disorder or be blind or deaf.
Making Waves Winnipeg, founded by Cameron Krisko in 2011, has shown phenomenal success. In only four years the program has grown from 10 kids and 10 instructors to 170 kids, over 70 volunteers and two pool locations in the city of Winnipeg.
Making Waves is completely focused on rural expansions and officially expanded the program to Brandon in the spring of 2015! The first Brandon session commenced April 25 with 30 swimmers and approximately 20 volunteers.
The launch of Making Waves Brandon was a success while receiving positive feedback from swimmers and guardians.
Having been a volunteer with the program in Brandon this past spring, it was clear to see how important this program is to these disabled children.
Private swimming lessons charge rates upwards of $350. For many of these families, this is just not attainable as they often have other costs associated with their child’s needs. The Making Waves program costs just $20 for the entire 10 weeks.
By training volunteer instructors, thinking of new inventive ideas to grow the program, and seeking support from the community, we can give each child the chance to swim. The gains are not just for the children of this program, as after every session I left the pool with a smile on my face just as big as my swimmers’, seeing their confidence rise each week.
Madelyn Flood, from Carberry, who instructed lessons with the Winnipeg Chapter for a year, is assisting in getting the Brandon lessons sailing and is looking forward to the second session starting this fall, September 13.
Lessons will be held Sunday evenings from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; in two half-hour time slots at the Brandon YMCA for 10 weeks.
The results and happiness that is spread throughout the Making Waves family is magnificent and we want to share this same feeling around the Westman area! Currently, there are a couple of Virden and area children.
If you are interested in this program concerning a child, contact Madelyn at makingwavesbrandon@ gmail.com; or if looking for volunteer information, contact Ellyn Polk at ellynww21@ gmail.com
