TOWNSHIP OF ESQUIMALT STAFF REPORT
MEETING DATE: June 23, 2025 Report No. P&R-25-007
TO: Council
FROM: Steve Knoke, Director Parks and Recreation
SUBJECT: UBCM Community Excellence Award- Excellence in Service Delivery Nomination
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council endorse submission of the application to the 2025 UBCM Community Excellence Awards for the category of Excellence in Service Delivery for the Township of Esquimalt's Youth Aquatic Safety & Leadership Program.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Staff have submitted an application for the 2025 UBCM Community Excellence Awards for the category of Excellence in Service Delivery for Esquimalt's Youth Aquatic Safety & Leadership Program. This application requires a Council resolution in support.
BACKGROUND:
The Youth Aquatic Safety & Leadership Program (YASLP), developed by the Township of Esquimalt, is an innovative response to the critical shortage of lifeguards following the COVID-19 pandemic. By partnering with local schools to deliver lifeguard and first aid certification during PE classes, the program eliminates financial and logistical barriers to training - reducing costs from over $500 to just $108 per student. It provides youth with employable skills, leadership development, and direct access to job opportunities within municipal recreation. Since its launch in 2021, 24% of Esquimalt's current lifeguard workforce are program graduates. The initiative strengthens inter-agency collaboration, enhances public safety, and increases access to aquatic programs, while fostering staff retention and community connection. With measurable impact, scalable design, and high community demand, YASLP exemplifies excellence in local service delivery - addressing an urgent need with creativity, inclusion, and long-term value.
This program was created to address a critical and growing shortage of certified lifeguards and swim instructors - an issue that became acute during the COVID-19 pandemic and...
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