From left: MPP Terence Kernaghan with the YMCA’s Chitra Sreekumar, Alax Brown, Andrew Lockie, and Denis Giles
On December 17, local MPP Terence Kernaghan and YMCA of Southwestern Ontario celebrated a $173,400 Resilient Communities Fund grant from the provincial government’s Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF). This grant has supported the creation of a centralized training hub – the YMCA Lifeguard Leadership Academy – at the Centre Branch YMCA, as well as efforts to recruit, train, and employ new aquatics staff to meet regional needs for swimming lessons and water safety.
“Learning to swim is a vital part of education for youth, and the YMCA is a leader in our community to ensure young and old can enjoy the water safely,” said Terence Kernaghan, MPP for London North Centre. “I am thankful for the Ontario Trillium Foundation’s generous grant to this very worthy organization. This funding will help train and recruit new lifeguards and provide equipment to assist aquatic education. Thank you once again for your investment in water safety, the London community, and Southwestern Ontario.”
This grant, awarded in 2023, is supporting dedicated YMCA resources to recruit trainees and organize Lifesaving Society-certified training courses. The Y has welcomed more than 1,500 aquatics trainees to 150 courses since June 2023. To date, 187 trainees have become National Lifeguards; 209 have become Swim Instructors; and 52 have become Lifesaving Instructors.
“The pandemic, and the necessary closures for the years that followed, created an extraordinary challenge in training and certifying a generation of aquatic leaders,” says Andrew Lockie, CEO, YMCA of Southwestern Ontario. “We’re grateful for this OTF grant, which has given us the capacity to address the demand for lifeguards through recruitment and training efforts – ensuring new opportunities for lifeguard trainees and ultimately safer swimming for everyone.”
Grant funds are also supporting marketing efforts to attract new trainees; essential equipment, such as manikins and airway management training kits; training manuals, allowing for the creation of a lending library for trainees; and Lifesaving Society training for internal aquatics candidates to continue to gain higher certifications.
YMCA of Southwestern Ontario ignites growth and belonging for people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and abilities. The YMCA’s eight indoor pools – in London as well as Chatham, Goderich, Petrolia, Sarnia, and St. Thomas – serve a combined 27,000 Y members and are the home of swimming lessons, aquafit classes, recreational swimming, and so much more. YMCA financial assistance is available for those experiencing financial difficulties who wish to participate. To learn more, please visit: ymcaswo.ca
“Whether it’s helping people learn new things, connect with their community, or simply have fun, organizations like the YMCA of Southwestern Ontario deliver experiences that make a difference,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “That’s why grant support through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. This funding will help ensure they remain at the heart of the community for decades to come."
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, OTF invested more than $110M into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment. Visit otf.ca to learn more.
