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May 20, 2020
Dear Members and Supporters,
At the start of May, the Government of Manitoba released a framework for the gradual re-opening of the province. Since that time, Lifesaving Society Manitoba has been working to gather as much information as possible about what this will mean for our members and supporters, and for drowning prevention work in general.
We are able to update you with the following information:
Lifesaving Society Canada – National COVID-19 Information Bulletins
Nationally the Lifesaving Society has been working on information bulletins and guidelines to assist aquatic facility operators in preparing their facilities for reopening as circumstances and provincial public health officials allow. All of these documents are available in both official languages from our National website.
Four new information bulletins were added to the website yesterday for public access.
As new information bulletins become available, Lifesaving Society Manitoba will release further notices to our members and supporters. Where necessary, we will also be releasing updates to these bulletins to apply to the specific circumstances in Manitoba.
Reopening of Public Aquatic Facilities
Currently the Government of Manitoba has indicated that public swimming pools and waterparks, including wading pools and spray pads, will reopen as part of the “Future Phases” portion of the provincial plan. No dates have been announced for when any of these future phases may start. Affiliates or municipalities operating public aquatic facilities (swimming pools, waterparks, wading pools, spray pads, etc.) are encouraged to contact the Society for support in their reopening plans.
Status of Waterfronts
Phase 1 of reopening in Manitoba allows public waterfronts to be open. Affiliates or municipalities operating such waterfronts are encouraged to contact the Society for support in their reopening plans.
First Aid and Swimming Instruction
Any First Aid instructional courses that occur in Manitoba must be one on one, and must adhere to physical distancing requirements. No group lessons, of any type, may take place.
In regards to swimming instruction, we have been informed:
“Swimming lessons are a topic currently under review. When additional information is available, you will be notified. We understand that these orders are having an impact on businesses and the day-to-day lives of all Manitobans. Thank you for your patience as we work to provide you with the best information possible.”
Full details on questions around these topics may be located on the COVID-19: Restoring Safe Services interactive Q&A list.
Use of Backyard Pools for Teaching
In 2018 Lifesaving Society Manitoba received notification from Manitoba Public Health that running swimming lessons, for profit, in backyard swimming pools was allowed only if those pools obtained a permit, and operated in accordance with the requirements of the Manitoba Public Health Act: Swimming Pools and Other Recreational Water Facilities Regulation. Notification to all of our members occurred at that time through our Lifelines newsletter.
We have confirmed with Manitoba Public Health that these requirements are still in effect during the COVID-19 pandemic. This means you can teach your own family to swim in your backyard pool, but bringing in a private instructor or company to provide instruction makes your pool a public pool.
This advice was provided verbally to the Society, and no written confirmation is expected at this time as public health inspectors have been shifted to COVID-19 projects. Instructors or supporters interested in obtaining further information should contact their local Public Health Inspector through the provided online link.
Certification & Recertification Extensions
As previously announced the Lifesaving Society will extend the validity of awards required for employment that expire between March 1, 2020 and the date aquatic facilities are allowed to open.
These awards will be extended for a period of 90 days following the date that the Government of Manitoba allows aquatic facilities and recreation centres to re-open. Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health has advised that first aid awards required for employment that expire between March 1 and June 30, 2020 will be extended for a 90-day period beyond their original expiry date.
Certificates will not be reprinted. Employers and employees do not need to take any actions to qualify for the extensions.
We will work closely with affiliates, instructors, and trainers to help ensure there is capacity to address the anticipated demand for recertifications once facilities are permitted to re-open. The Lifesaving Society will continue to review the situation and provide as much support and notice as possible for when programs may resume.
Please continue to follow all public health advice to ensure that you, your family, and our fellow citizens stay safe and healthy! For the most recent information and advice refer to Health Canada, Manitoba Health and local Health Authorities.
A downloadable version of this notice is available on our website.
Kathy Plett
Program Coordinator
Lifesaving Society Manitoba
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