UNB
ISP
Deep water can come unexpectedly.
We teach those skills needed, so you can
swim to survive.
ABOUT
UNB ISP
University of New Brunswick International Swim Program (UNBISP) was founded in 2019. We are a student run volunteer program which offers free survival swim lessons to refugees and immigrants in the greater Fredericton area.
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We provide translators (Arabic, French, Russian, & more) to make the experience easier.
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Our program follows the Lifesaving Society's Swim to Survive curriculum. Swim to Survive was developed to teach survival swim skills after research found that most drownings occur close to safety.
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Our program teaches the essentials to every swimmer. We still encourage those who are new to swimming to sign up for swimming lessons to further their experience.
OUR TEAM
UNB International Swim Program is operated entirely by students of UNB.
We have an amazing group of volunteers who help run each session and teach our lessons.
If you would like to join our team, click the button below!
Co-president
Emily
Maillet
Co-president
Matt
Croft
CommunicationS
Jessie
Collett
Volunteering
Emma
Sinclair
FinanceS
Brycen
Munroe
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to teach basic swimming and water safety skills. Enabling program participants to build familiarity and confidence around water. This contributes to reducing the likelihood of drowning in aquatic environments.
OUR MANDATE
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Provide free water safety lessons for refugee and new immigrant families in the greater Fredericton area
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Provide an environment for students to give back to the greater community as an instructor or interpreter
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Collaborate with local groups to promote water safety in at-risk groups
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Where do I register?Our program runs in two sessions in the year, which are Fall and Winter. You can sign up for these lessons on our website once registration opens. Please keep an eye on our social media pages for updates on registration: Facebook: www.facebook.com/UNBISP Instagram: www.instagram.com/UNBISP
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How often are lessons offered?Lessons take place once every week through the lesson period, for about 6 weeks.
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Who can participate?We welcome all skill levels, if you're just new to swimming or have some experience in the water our program is made to help you expand your swimming abilities! Our learn to swim program is designed for the whole family, we invite you to bring your kids (above the age of 5) to participate in lessons. If you're an experienced swimmer already, and looking for an adult team to expand your skills look no further than UNB Masters. Find more info below: https://www.unb.ca/fredericton/redsrec/openrec/sport-clubs/masters-swimming.html
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What is your ratio for participants and instructors?We aim to provide individual instruction whenever possible, to provide 1:1 teaching. Sometimes this is not possible, and small groups will be made based matching skill levels.
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How many participate in a given year?Through our 2022-2023 programming we had over 60 participants, and over 30 instructors and translators!
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Is this the same as swimming lessons?Our program is not designed as a replacement for swimming lessons. We follow the Lifesaving Society's Swim To Survive program, which teaches water safety, and survival skills. We'll cover the basics of swimming, but following up taking swimming lessons is important! Don't miss out on great opportunities to expand your swimming skills at some of the local facilities below: - UNB REDS Recreation - Fredericton YMCA - Fredericton City Pools