Wet and Wild

Water sports are a great way for kids to cool off and stay active during sultry summer months.

Even in chilly Labrador West children headed for the pool at Mike Adam Recreation Complex as part of a summer swim camp happening through July.

According to Catherine Rogers, swim camp coach, 15 swimmers have signed up; some of them are members of the Northern Lights Swim Club.

The camp is open to anyone who has completed seventh or eighth level in swimming lessons, she noted. Some joined just to stay in shape during the summer.

However, she explained, many of the swimmers joined because they’re interested in getting on the competitive team or doing better at competitive swimming.

“I’m hoping our competitive swimmers walk away with some more perfected skills, so when they join the team again in the fall, they’ll get closer to qualifying times,” said Rogers. “I also hope to recruit a few new members to the swim team who get interested in competitive swimming.”

During the camp the swimmers work on basic racing skills like diving, flip-turns, and improve the speed of their strokes, as well as muscle toning, push-ups, sit-ups, and stretching.

The also work outdoors once a week, she added, running, playing tag, or skipping rope.

Rogers said the program is a great opportunity for kids to sharpen their skills, stay in shape and have some fun with their friends.

This is Rogers’ first year coaching the swim camp. It’s also her last. She’s off to study music at Memorial University in the fall.

She said she’ll definitely swim in her spare time because it is one of her favourite ways to exercise, but won’t be joining a team at university.

 “It’s been fun,” she said.  “I’m learning a lot from the different swimmers. I’m learning there’s a lot of varying age groups and skill levels that I have to work with, but overall it’s really fun.”

“I think I can leave a pretty good mark with them,” she added. “I’ve been coaching (Northern Lights Swim Club) for the past couple of years and I was a member of the team since I was seven, so this is good to transfer some of my skills on to them. Hopefully I’ll influence them for the next season.”

Rogers added she’s getting a lot of great help at the camp from volunteer coach, Melanie Doyle. She also noted that children can still sign up for the camp, which is held every Sunday. The registration fee is $20 per week.