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As part of the National Week for the Prevention of Drowning, Park Extension city councillor Mary Deros, who is responsible for social and community development and the family on the executive committee, has released the results of a program for training lifeguards and supervisors for swimming and wading pools.
90 per cent success
Over the past three years, 71youths have obtained employment as supervisors and lifeguards at City of Montreal, 24 of whom did so this year. The city maintains they are adding to the quality of services at aquatic installations in the City of Montreal. The program, which has a 90 per cent success rate in finding jobs for those who complete it, receives financial support from Quebec’s Ministry of Employment and Social Solidarity through an administrative agreement for social development against poverty and social exclusion.
For the unveiling of the results last month, Deros welcomed guests to the outside pool at Jarry Park, a facility in the Borough of Villeray/St-Michel/Park Extension which was completely refurbished this year. Among the guests were the executive director of the provincial Société de sauvetage, Raynald Hawkins. He was accompanied by the Brigade Splash, which gave several demonstrations of techniques for preventing drowning.
‘More than training’
Pointing out the importance of the lifeguard and wading pool supervisor program, Deros said: “This initiative was about more than training. It’s a way of supporting our young people, who are living in situations which are sometimes difficult, to integrate into the employment market. It’s a way of giving them a start in life. This training also fills a gap at Montreal’s sports facilities where there is currently a shortage of labour. The third year of this program confirms its relevance and the need for new responsible and reliable workers.”
Suppport from Quebec
Deros concluded by affirming that “all the elements contained in this program lead towards the creation of a metropolis that is solidary and inclusive. This is the goal of the municipal administration with regards to social development.” The program was created and administered by Intégration Jeunesse du Québec.. Since 2007, 79 youths have participated in the program, 71 of whom were hired, for an overall success rate of more than 90 per cent. Quebec contributed $125,000.