Removing barriers to swim education and promoting water safety in our community. Learning to swim is a life saving skill. Through a partnership between GVRD  and Outdoor Afro, scholarship opportunities are available for beginner swim lessons for children and adults.

Studies have shown that drowning rates are disproportionately higher among Black communities, highlighting the importance of increasing access to swim education and water safety programs. This scholarship program helps create more opportunities for individuals and families to build confidence and safety in and around the water.

Who Can Apply?

• Children and adults!
• Beginner swimmers only
• Must have a GVRD CivicRec account
• Scholarship recipients will be selected based on eligibility and available funding

How to Apply

Step 1: Complete the scholarship application:  Making Waves Application
Step 2: Create or verify your GVRD CivicRec account.
Step 3: Wait to be contacted regarding your application status.
 

Eligibility Note

This scholarship is funded through a partnership with Outdoor Afro. In alignment with grant requirements and program goals, at least 50% of scholarship awards will be reserved for applicants who identify as Black or of Black mixed-race heritage. All eligible beginner swimmers are encouraged to apply.                            

Learn to Swim Scholarship Award & Registration

The Learn to Swim Scholarship Program is designed to increase access to swim lessons and water safety education for beginner swimmers in our community. Through a partnership with Outdoor Afro, scholarship assistance is available for eligible children and adults enrolled in beginner-level swim lessons.

The scholarship may be used only for GVRD beginner swim lesson programs and cannot be applied toward any other classes, camps, activities, rentals, memberships, or programs.

To receive scholarship assistance, applicants must complete the scholarship application and receive approval prior to registering for swim lessons. Scholarship funds cannot be applied retroactively to swim lesson registrations that have already been paid for or completed. Refunds or reimbursements will not be issued for registrations made before scholarship approval.

Applicants must have an active GVRD CivicRec account to be considered for scholarship assistance.

Scholarship awards are based on available funding, program eligibility requirements, and scholarship availability. Submission of an application does not guarantee approval. Scholarship funding is not transferable.

To ensure equitable distribution of available funds, participants may receive one (1) Learn to Swim Scholarship per calendar year.

In alignment with the goals of our partnership with Outdoor Afro, a minimum of 50% of scholarship awards will be reserved for applicants who identify as Black or of Black mixed-race heritage. All eligible beginner swimmers are encouraged to apply.

Approved scholarship recipients will be contacted directly with registration instructions and enrollment information.

About Outdoor Afro

Outdoor Afro is a national nonprofit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. Through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation, Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people to lands, water, and wildlife while promoting healthy, active lifestyles and increased participation in outdoor recreation. 
Interested in learning more about our community partner  Outdoor Afro?  Click here.

Questions?

Questions regarding scholarship eligibility, funding availability, or application status may be directed to the Recreation Services Office at recreation@gvrd.org.