The BWG Leisure Centre was a scene of chaos on Friday afternoon, as five day camps intersected – some kids leaving, as others arrived for their programs.
It was especially busy in the Bradford Lions Aquatic Centre, where the pools were filled with activity, and the dressing rooms crowded with kids.
But by 2:30 p.m., the campers had moved on, and aquatics staff could move ahead with their next program: The Summer Water Games.
The Summer Water Games challenged kids at all swimming levels to participate in skill-appropriate challenges. The older “green band” swimmers were invited to enter a cannonball contest, jumping into the deep end to see how far their splash would go – and later, taking part in a waterslide challenge.
The younger “red band” kids, just learning to swim and always wearing a life jacket when around the water, could participate in a ball toss, and other activities on the water's edge.
There were prizes for the winners – and staff ensured that everyone was a winner.
Staff also organized a craft, inviting kids to decorate a flag, and sold rubber duckies in the lobby, $3 each or 2 for $5, to raise funds for The Lifesaving Society’s Drowning Prevention programs.
Sales of the delightful duckies – some carrying umbrellas, some dressed as nurses, police, or pirates – have been brisk, especially since purchasers are entered in a draw for great prizes donated by local businesses. The draw will take place at the end of August.