A new Junior Lifeguard Club program in Huron East will be recognized by government officials on Friday.
Huron Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, Mayor Bernie MacLellan, and representatives from the Ontario Trillium Foundation will attend and observe the program which received $20,800 from the Resilient Communities Fund.
"COVID-19 had impacted youth ages 10-14 to continue with the regular flow of extra curricular aquatic programming," said Thompson. "This interruption created a gap within the targeted age group and caused a lack of interest in future leadership development and employable Lifeguard-Instructors. The OTF Resilient Communities Fund grant has provided the Municipality of Huron East the opportunity to deliver the Junior Lifeguard Club program."
The free program promotes lifesaving knowledge, leadership, teamwork, competition and fitness, while aiming to create long term interest to address the need for more certified lifeguards.
The first session ran from January to March and was fully booked.
"The recreation department depend on our youth to have the interest and initiative to become certified Lifeguard-Instructors," said Thompson. "We value our youths energy and inspiration to be part of our recreation department team, to deliver recreational opportunities."
Friday's event begins at 4 p.m. at the Vanastra Recreation Centre.