Aquatics
adapted swims Member Michael Wong, and daughter, Juliette, dive into physically distanced swimming lessons that bring parents in the pool
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OVID-19 has not only impacted the way members take part in activities, it has dramatically changed the way these activities are delivered. The Aquatics team is an excellent example of this; working with Red Cross to rethink how to teach swim lessons to our young ones as close contact instruction was not an option. After exhausting every possible alternative, Red Cross decided that, although unconventional, an adult guardian would be required to assist with in-pool instruction for all children not yet in Swim Kids 5 and under the age of 8 years old. Preparations were swiftly made, and 160 family-assisted lessons have been taught to date.
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The Bark n o v
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Aquatics: How did you feel about coming back to the Club during the global pandemic? Michael: COVID was initially quite a challenge but we are adjusting to the new normal. We eat at home more, communicate with friends and family online, and limit our activities around the city. On the other hand, we have been spending much more time together as a family and that has been an incredibly valuable experience that we feel blessed to have been given. We have been very fortunate to have the Club open again over the summer because we’ve been able to continue with activities that help maintain a sense of normalcy. Whether it is a bit of swimming, tennis, or hockey, we’ve been able to stay moderately active while still feeling safe, and that has been huge for us.
What was your initial reaction to the physical distanced swimming lessons? There was initially some apprehension towards more social interaction after isolating for the majority of April and May. But we were reassured by the preparations put in place by the Club to ensure that there was a balance between enabling access to the Club’s facilities yet still limiting numbers and maintaining physical distancing measures. Even as the Club has gotten busier, members have been considerate and behaved appropriately, which has been encouraging. Now that universal masking has been put into place, I feel comfortable that the Club is doing all it reasonably can to protect members. My initial reaction was skepticism, as I wondered how effective an instructor
