Clarington celebrates Lifeguarding at Any Age grant

Clarington, Ontario – The Municipality of Clarington is excited to launch the "Lifeguarding at any Age" program with the support of the 2023-24 Seniors Community Grant program from the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility. Clarington welcomed the Honourable Raymond Cho, Minister of Seniors and Accessibility, and Member of Provincial Parliament for Durham Todd McCarthy on Wednesday, June 28, to announce the grant, totalling $17,830.29. This grant will help Clarington to continue building its aquatic team and help address the challenges of recruiting new lifeguards.

“We are delighted to receive the 'Lifeguarding at any Age' grant, which will enable us to empower individuals of all ages to become certified lifeguards. When we invest in the skills and talents of our community, we create a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone," said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster. “By joining our team, you can embark on a rewarding career, contribute to the well-being of the community and enhance your own skills, knowledge, and fitness.”

Photo above: At the Courtice Community Complex, (from left to right) Clarington’s Older Adult Coordinator Kersti Pascoe, Director of Community Services George Acorn, CAO Mary-Anne Dempster, Minister of Seniors and Accessibility Raymond Cho, Member of Provincial Parliament for Durham Todd McCarthy, Councillor Margaret Zwart, and Aquatic Coordinator Kara Ross, announced the launch of the "Lifeguarding at any Age" program through a 2023-24 Seniors Community Grant, supported by the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility. 

Photo above: Member of Provincial Parliament for Durham Todd McCarthy (right) and Minister of Seniors and Accessibility Raymond Cho participated in a friendly game of pickleball with Clarington’s 55+ Active Adults participants.

Clarington is actively seeking individuals to fill various lifeguard and swim instructor positions. The funding will help the Municipality achieve the new goal of certifying adults and seniors in aquatic leadership. Through this initiative, Clarington aims to empower individuals of all ages to become lifeguards and positively impact the lives of others. Lifeguarding not only promotes an active lifestyle but also offers an exceptional opportunity to serve the community.

As Seniors’ Month comes to a close, Clarington is celebrating two other newly announced Seniors Community Grant projects. The Clarington Public Library, Museums & Archives received $10,000 to offer seminars for older adults with guest speakers, author visits, and movie screenings on important topics for seniors, such as digital literacy, books, genealogy, and finances. The Bowmanville Older Adult Association received $9,700 for new workshops and programs to help older adults improve their technology skills with tablets, cellphones, computers, and social media. These new programs will help create an environment that promotes the well-being and involvement of seniors in our community.

“Our Government is proud to work with the Lifesaving Society in Ontario and the Municipality of Clarington to ensure we are addressing the shortfall in qualified lifeguards in our aquatic facilities by lowering the qualifying age to 15 and providing resources for older-adult lifeguards to meet our increasing demand,” said MPP McCarthy.  “By removing some of the obstacles in recruiting lifeguards as a result of the pandemic, the Municipality will now have the tools they need to safely operate pools and provide swimming lessons to the community by ensuring adequate staffing levels.”

Photo above: Member of Provincial Parliament for Durham Todd McCarthy (centre) and Minister of Seniors and Accessibility Raymond Cho (left of centre) participated in a Zumba class at the Bowmanville Older Adults Association.

Photo above: At the Bowmanville Older Adults Association (BOAA) to celebrate a new Seniors Community Grant were (from left to right) BOAA Board President David Penny, Councillor Corinna Traill, BOAA Executive Director Denise Allen, Member of Provincial Parliament for Durham Todd McCarthy, Minister of Seniors and Accessibility Raymond Cho, and Councillor Margaret Zwart. 

For more information about "Lifeguarding at any Age" or to inquire about lifeguard and swim instructor positions, please contact Kara Ross at 905-987-5667 ext. 2542 or karaross@clarington.net or visit www.clarington.net/lifeguard. 

-30-

Media inquiries:
Municipality of Clarington
Jennifer O’Meara
Policy and Communications Advisor
905-260-2844 or jomeara@clarington.net