While going to the beach is a favorite summer activity, it can be fraught with danger for new Canadians.
The Manitoba Association for Rights and Liberties (MARL), Newcomer Employment and Education Development Services, Manitoba Islamic Association, the Social Planning Council of Winnipeg, and the City of Winnipeg have teamed up to host a Burkini Pool Party in support of water safety programming for newcomer children.
Every year, after having faced incredible hardship, many newcomer children drown in Manitoba pools and lakes. This event is in support of newcomer water safety training.
Organizers are hoping to raise funds for a hundred newcomer children to learn water safety, which includes swimming lessons, transportation, and supervision. Supporting organizations hope this event will also spread a message of Canadian inclusivity and to support the right of women and girls to wear what they feel is comfortable while they swim.
Youth from N.E.E.D.S. Inc.’s Community Connections Program are introduced to water safety.
Event organizer and Board Director at the Manitoba Association for Rights and Liberties, Estelle Lamoureux, looks forward to spreading awareness about newcomer water safety.
“As Canadians, we pride ourselves in having an inclusive and safe society where women can wear a burkini and all newcomer children learn about water safety. It is simply who we are,” says Lamoureux.
The event will be held on Sat. Oct. 29 at Seven Oaks Pool from 6 – 8 p.m. The event is open to all members of the public by donation to Needs Centre Swim Program.
Learning water safety can be a lifesaving education for new Canadians.
