Swim to Survive Program
Afropolitan Canada's Swim to Survive initiative aspires to empower BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) individuals and families in Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge by fostering essential life skills. We recognize the crucial importance of water safety in Canada, particularly the need for programs specifically designed to address the experiences of BIPOC communities.
Our program aims to bridge this gap by providing essential swimming skills, while simultaneously fostering confidence, inclusion, and a sense of belonging within a supportive community. By equipping participants with these vital life skills, we empower them to navigate water environments effectively and confidently.
In 2024, our Swim to Survive program grew significantly—expanding to eight sessions across three pools between July and August, resulting in a 62% increase in participant capacity in just one year. So far, we've offered life-saving swimming classes to 268 participants across Waterloo Region, providing essential skills to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. With certified instructors and the continued support of the City of Kitchener, we’ve created a safe, welcoming environment where 98% of participants would recommend the program. Beyond learning to swim, participants have gained confidence, connection, and a greater sense of community—reflected in a 95% increase in their reported water comfort levels.
This year, we're expanding to offer:
Level 2 Beginner class: For those already comfortable in the water, focusing on building skills like swimming 10 metres, learning the whip kick, and practicing flutter kick interval training.
More spots available: We've increased capacity to accommodate more swimmers.
Specialized female-only sessions: Offering dedicated instruction for added comfort.
The Swim to Survive Program is a water safety initiative designed to teach basic survival swimming skills to children and adults, equipping them with essential abilities to survive an unexpected fall into water.
Afropolitan Canada is facilitating this program to support the advancement of water safety in the BIPOC community. The program is open to all BIPOC men, women, and children (aged 4 years and older).
Thanks to the generous support of the City of Kitchener and Canadian Tire Jumpstart, we're happy to offer these swimming lessons entirely free of charge!
The program focuses on teaching three critical skills: rolling into deep water, treading water for one minute, and swimming for 50 meters. These skills are essential for self-rescue in the event of an accidental immersion in water.
No prior swimming experience is necessary. The Swim to Survive Program is suitable for beginners and individuals with varying levels of comfort in the water.
The duration of the program is 8 weeks in July and August 2025.
Trained instructors certified in water safety and swimming education, employed by the City of Kitchener, lead Swim to Survive Program sessions.
This class is suited for individuals who are already at ease in the water and looking to strengthen their basic swimming abilities. It’s intended for those who can comfortably float, glide, and submerge their face. In this level, participants will:
- Practice entering and swimming in deeper areas
- Learn how to safely fall sideways into the water with a lifejacket and recover
- Stay afloat without the help of flotation devices
- Develop and improve their whip kick for breaststroke
- Swim 10 metres continuously on both their front and back
- Start flutter kick interval training to enhance stamina and technique
By the end of the course, swimmers will gain greater confidence in deeper water and be ready to move on to more advanced stroke techniques.
Safety is a top priority during program sessions. Instructors closely supervise participants, and appropriate safety equipment, such as life jackets, may be provided as needed. Additionally, sessions are conducted in controlled water environments, such as pools, to ensure a safe learning environment.
Upon review by our instructors, participants who have successfully completed Swim to Survive Programs have the option to advance to our Level 2 Beginner Class to continue enhancing their swimming skills and boost their confidence in the water.
Yes, we offer women's-only sessions at an indoor facility with limited public viewing.
No, your child can participate on their own with your consent.