Swimming

It was maybe 1981 when Mary suggested I take some swimming lessons.. so I did.

Then I took my instructors.. then a lifesaving course.. NLS lifeguarding.. then of course some first aid courses which led to teaching first aid, as well as life saving courses and: I started to work with Mary at the lake.

Teaching swimming..

It was often cold.  Standing out there on the beach of Surveyors lake .. in the sun.. with the icy water lapping around my legs..  but it was great fun!

Kids would come from all over the South Country, as well as parts of southern Alberta, to take part. 

Senior swimmers were first.. the little guys had their turn once things really warmed up. 

Mary’s mom always brought enough food for my family as well.  She would make lasagne, lots of fruit and sandwiches.  Sometimes we would barbecue. 

Surveyors Lake was ‘home’ every summer for years: such great memories: for me and my three sons. 

I had forgotten how much I enjoyed it: until this past week. 

I am taking my Transition/year 1 and 2 kids swimming these last few weeks of school. 

We all get into the bus.. in swim suits, clothes.. shorts.. hats: whatever we have, and sing our way the seven or so miles to the Mataranka Homestead. 

Once there we unload everyone and everything.. noodles, kick boards, sunscreen, water bottles.. and wait until everyone has lined up, touching the bus and ready to acknowledge the presence of their swim ‘buddy’.  Then we cross the road and make our way through the tropical forest: under the bats, past the baby pigs and wallabies.. over the metal walkway, finally arriving at the rockwork which announces the springs.

There are relatively few tourists around this time of year.. too hot.  The weather is too good down south.  So, we have the place to ourselves most days… and if not, the few remaining tourists soon leave us alone. 

We start with water safety.. entries, rescues, then move on to breathing.. floats.. sculling.. kicking. 

The kids love their lessons.. they listen well and are improving rapidly.  A bit of free time and it is time to get out.. get our shoes back on.. gather up our stuff and get back on the bus. 

I LOVE this time. 

Two more weeks of school.. I really hope we can swim EVERYDAY! 

I really do love my job!