For many newcomers to Canada, aquatic participation is about more than learning to swim. It can support safety, confidence, recreation, community connection, and a sense of belonging at the pool, beach, lake, river, or ocean.
Sport for Life has released Aqua Welcome: Empowering Newcomers through Aquatic Physical Literacy, a free, practical guide for organizations supporting new-to-Canada participants in aquatic programs.
Developed with community partners in Greater Victoria through the CO-PLAY Network, the guide shares local examples, practical strategies, and ideas that can be adapted by other communities.
What’s inside
A Practical Introduction to Aquatic Physical Literacy
Explore how skills, confidence, motivation, safety, and belonging all contribute to meaningful aquatic experiences.
Guidance on Common Barriers to Participation
Find practical ideas for addressing barriers related to cost, discrimination, time, culture, information access, and communication.
A Ready-to-Use Aquatic Program Checklist
Review whether your programs are safe, fun, fair, welcoming, developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, and easy for newcomers to understand.
Examples From Greater Victoria
Learn from local programs and partnerships, including low- or no-cost swimming lessons, newcomer-focused rowing, water safety initiatives, outdoor aquatic experiences, and aquatic career pathways.
Whether you work in recreation, aquatics, settlement, or community programming, Aqua Welcome can help your organization create aquatic experiences where newcomers feel informed, respected, and ready to participate.
Questions? Contact info@sportforlife.ca
On behalf of Sport for Life