Parents from the RM of Ste. Anne, who have children in swimming lessons in Steinbach, are getting a break on some of the costs. 

Chief Administrative Officer Jennifer Blatz says because the municipality does not have its own swimming facility, council feels it is a valuable skill for children to learn.

"Understanding that the City of Steinbach charges more to children that are outside their catchment, council did pass a resolution providing a $35 subsidy per level, per year, per child up to the age of 14 who resides in the municipality for learn to swim programs offered through red cross or the equivalent thereof, conditional upon us receiving that receipt," Blatz explains.

The swimming lesson rates at the Steinbach Aquatic Centre vary from $72 to $92, depending on the length of the lesson, for the 11-week program. The city then charges an additional $35 dollar fee for non-residents and that is what the RM of Ste. Anne is covering for its residents.

Blatz says according to the most recent reports from the Lifesaving society, Manitoba’s drowning rates are three times the national average and says that is why council believes children should have access to swimming lessons. 

"We felt that, even though we already give sponsorships to hockey programs and things like that, you can’t die from not playing hockey but you can die from not knowing how to swim and that’s why council felt that it was so important for us to encourage our youth to enter into these programs."

Blatz specifies the first resolution was passed in 2018, which covered one level per year, but adds, because kids can actually complete more than one level each year, council passed another resolution in early 2019 stating the municipality will cover "more levels per year but only one subsidy per level".  

Swimming lesson registration opens March 27 for the general public but City of Steinbach residents have access to early registration on March 26. 

Read more: Steinbach Residents Get Preferential Treatment For Swimming Lesson Registration