FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2026
ABC-led Vancouver City Council votes for free swimming lessons, calls for end to COVID-era pool restrictions.
VANCOUVER, BC – Today, Vancouver City Council unanimously approved a motion from Mayor Ken Sim to expand access to swimming lessons and plan for future aquatic facilities across Vancouver.
The motion, ‘Carrying on Joe Fortes’ Legacy: Universal Access to Basic Swimming Lessons and Expansion of Aquatic Infrastructure as Core Public Safety Policy’ directs city staff to work towards providing free access to introductory swimming lessons for Vancouver residents, prioritizing children ages 3 to 12.
“Every child should have the opportunity to learn how to swim,” said Sim. “When I was growing up, our family was too poor to afford swimming lessons. I want to make sure that future generations of kids in Vancouver don’t face that same reality.”
Due to underinvestment from previous administrations, it has become increasingly difficult and less affordable for Vancouverites to access swimming facilities. To address this, the motion begins work on a long-term strategy to expand pool capacity, instructor recruitment, and community partnerships.
The motion also calls on the Park Board to scrap COVID-era policies that have restricted public access to pools across Vancouver. Park Board had previously brushed aside concerns from parents and residents about the heavy rules that limit pool capacity and swim time, requiring the vast majority of swimmers
“Residents should be allowed access to their public amenities without needing to fight through restrictions or bureaucracy,” continued Sim. “Those rules were intended to keep people safe in the middle of a pandemic. Park Board needs to get the memo that it’s not 2020 anymore.”
The motion’s title honours Joe Fortes, Vancouver’s first official lifeguard. Fortes dedicated his life to ensuring Vancouver’s beaches could be safely enjoyed by residents of all ages and abilities, teaching thousands of children how to swim and saving over a hundred individuals from drowning.
“We’re honoured to be continuing the work that Joe started over 130 years ago,” said Sim. “There’s nobody whose name is better suited to this program.”
As a part of capital planning, the ABC-led Council has already approved funding for pool facility upgrades, including refurbishments for Kitsilano Pool and a new outdoor pool at Sunset Park in South Vancouver.
-30-Media Contact:
Taylor Verrall
taylor.verrall@abcvancouver.ca