Swimming Counts

Swimming lessons are a vital life skill for our students. Learning how to swim is not just about recreation, it is about safety, confidence, and lifelong wellbeing.

Water is a part of everyday life in our community. Through the City of Winnipeg Swimming Counts Program, students develop essential water safety knowledge, including how to recognize risks, respond in an emergency, and practice safe behaviours around pools, lakes, and rivers. These skills can help prevent accidents and save lives.

Swimming lessons also build confidence and resilience. For many children, learning to swim is an empowering experience. As students practice and improve, they develop perseverance, courage, and a sense of accomplishment that carries into other areas of learning.

In addition, swimming supports physical health and mental wellbeing. It strengthens the heart and muscles, improves coordination, and provides a positive outlet for stress. Water-based activity can be especially beneficial for students who thrive in hands-on, active learning environments.

Ensuring that all Grade 4 students have access to swimming instruction helps promote equity, giving every child the opportunity to gain this important life skill regardless of prior experience.

Participation in this annual program is an investment in our students’ safety, health, and confidence, skills that will benefit them for years to come.