ST. PAUL – The cool water of the pool shimmered under the bright lights of the St. Paul Aquatic Centre as young swimmers from the St. Paul Barracudas Swim Club (SPBSC) swam as many laps as they could within two hours from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Jan. 26.
The club is all about “getting kids comfortable in the pool” and helping them develop different styles of swimming, said Lana Labrie, president of the SPBSC, in a statement to Lakeland Today. The club is composed of members ages 5 and 18.
Labrie said members of the club do not pass lessons but move up to different groups that would challenge them based on "their confidence to be in the pool,” and to “have fun."
On Jan. 26, the swimmers swam for SPBSC’s "Laps for Loonies" fundraiser, to “help raise some funds for different goals and to challenge the kids on their capabilities,” said Labrie. The club raised an “amazing” $4,359 which would also help purchase “well-needed equipment flippers for the club.”
Around 75 kids turned up for the event, and while the fundraiser was mandatory for the club's competitive swimmers, all kids were “welcome to participate” and give it a try.
When asked how the money was raised, Labrie said most came from parents, grandparents, and family members. “There were many happy faces the day of the event [with] most kids exceeding the goals they had set for themselves while thoroughly enjoying the challenge."
"It is great to see the families come together to support each other and the club. We are very family orientated and like to see everyone coming out to cheer on the swimmers,” she said.
Labrie concluded by extending “a big thank you to everyone who supported the club with a donation,” as well as to all the kids who participated. "Great job," she said.
The SPBSC will also be having a mini-meet on Feb. 27.
