Powell River parks, recreation and culture releases active living guide

City of Powell River’s parks, recreation and culture department has released its digital Fall Active Living Guide and programs are open for registration.

All-new swimming lessons are being of­fered. In partnership with the Lifesaving Society, the aquatic department has trained hundreds of lifesavers and national lifeguards over the past 30-plus years, says aquatic pro­gram supervisor Tami Wood.

“While we continue to teach the bronze medals and national lifeguards through the Lifesaving Society, we are also excited to start teaching their Swim for Life program to de­velop young swimmers,” adds Wood.

In this new program, once school-aged chil­dren complete the six swimmer levels, they move into the swim patrol program, where lifesaving skills are introduced and swim workouts become more demanding. There are new skills in all levels, and now even pre­schoolers will learn the whip kick, which was historically introduced to older children in level five.

When making the switch from the Red Cross to the Lifesaving Society Swim Program, children over six years of age will need to be registered one number level lower than Red Cross levels.

“For example, if your child is ready for Red Cross Level 4, now they’ll register for the Lifesaving’s program Swimmer 3,” explains Wood. “These new levels will prove quite challenging for kids, who will likely end up repeating levels a few times to master the new skills. We are excited to share this new swim program with the community.”

Wood asks that everyone follow recommen­dations for enrolment found in the Fall Active Living Guide.

Health and fitness

Finding a health and fitness routine that fits with busy schedules has become easier. Powell River Recreation Complex now offers 24 drop-in fitness classes weekly, says health and fitness coordinator Christine Creer.

Drop in fitness includes yoga, dynamic core, Pilates, spin, HIIT, seniors wellness and a wide variety of registered fitness programs provide participants with more special­ized experiences.

“I’m most excited about some of the new programs we are offering this fall,” adds Creer. “We are introducing a groove dance class, somatics and mindfulness for chronic pain, and an everybody yoga class.”

The recreation complex will also host a spe­cial Fitness Try It week from September 12 to 17, where participants can try out one of the drop-in fitness programs for free.

“Our instructors are here to help you feel your best this season, and we look forward to seeing you in class or the weight room this fall,” says Creer.

Musical Theatre

Musical theatre tryouts are set to begin to­night. Alex Craig, sport & recreation program coordinator, says the program will run in partnership with Beanstalk Theatre Company, and will be running a production of Mary Poppins next February.

“Through theatre, young people are not only taught how to grow as performers, but also learn self-confidence, public speaking skills and the importance of teamwork,” says Craig.

With this program, children ages 13 to 18 will have the chance to immerse themselves in the process of putting on a musical pro­duction. It’s by audition only, and while those with experience are encouraged, anyone is welcome to try out.

Auditions will be held in the Elm Room from 4 to 8 pm on August 24. Rehearsals will be twice a week starting this September.

For more audition information, go to beanstalktheatrecompany.com or email [email protected].

“Don’t forget to check out familiar favou­rites like creative dance, musical munchkins, home alone, babysitting, mad science and learn to geocache,” adds Craig, “and mushroom pick­ing will be available again this fall.”

For schedules, information or to register for programs online, by phone or in person, go to powellriverprc.ca or call 604.485.2891.

For the most up-to-date information, pro­grams and schedules, visit the parks, rec­reation and culture department online at powellriverprc.ca or on its Facebook and Instagram pages.