Lifesaving Society Manitoba has released another update about our response to the evolving COVID-19 situation.
Highlights of the Information Update include:
Office Closure
Effective immediately, our offices are closed to the public. Our staff will be working from home and checking in remotely. Please expect delays in award processing, shipping and receiving, and responses to inquiries.
Program Cancellations
We recommend that any affiliates still running programs should shut down immediately and until further notice.
Certification & Re-Certification Extensions
We understand there is concern around the currency of awards, especially among those who use their certifications for employment. We are drafting a policy about extension of certification periods and will share this as soon as possible.
To view the complete Information Update, or for a printable copy, please click here.
Postponement of AGM
March 17, 2020
Dear Members,
After careful deliberation, the Board of Directors has made the decision to postpone the Annual General Meeting (AGM) until June 2020.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and with it brings new daily challenges and considerations. The decision to postpone the AGM was very difficult, and we feel that doing so is in the best interests of all of our members and the organization.
Public health recommendations are changing daily and gradually increasing social distancing guidelines. Further, we were concerned that members may feel uncomfortable attending an in-person meeting, be in self-isolation following international travel or due to flu-like symptoms, or at-risk of severe complications (e.g. those who are immunocompromised). As our bylaws require the AGM to be held in person, we do not have an alternative mechanism to conduct our business. All of these factors caused concern that the meeting might not be easily accessible to all.
Our legal counsel has confirmed that the Corporations Act allows for an AGM to be held within 15 months of the previous meeting. Our Medical Director was also consulted and endorses this decision. A date for the rescheduled AGM will be announced later this spring.
We thank everyone for their patience and understanding during this unprecedented time. Your health, safety, and ability to participate in the AGM were at the very heart of our decision.
Please continue to follow all public health recommendations.
Elizabeth Proskurnik Chair, Board of Directors
Lifesaving Society Manitoba & COVID-19
Lifesaving Society Manitoba is committed to the health and safety of our members, volunteers, and the public. Due to the evolving situation surrounding the spread of coronavirus and COVID-19 in Manitoba the Society is issuing updates around several upcoming events. We are also issuing guidance for Affiliates, Instructors and Trainers currently running Lifesaving Society programs.
The 2020 Manitoba Lifeguard Championships, scheduled to run March 20 & 21, 2020, are being postponed to a later date. Please see the full notice for further information.
The Society’s Annual General Meeting for 2019 will still be held on the evening of Saturday, March 21, 2020. Please see the full notice for further information.
All Affiliates, Instructors, and Trainers currently running courses or scheduled to run courses over the next few weeks and months are asked to read the Society’s Information Bulletin about the COVID-19 situation.
Global Report on Drowning
The Lifesaving Society is assisting the World Health Organization (WHO) to spread awareness in Canada of the first ever Global Report on Drowning; Preventing a Leading Killer. The report identifies drowning as a major public health issue and calls on the world's nations to ramp up drowning prevention measures.
Lifesaving Society Manitoba has been preventing drowning for over 100 years through our training programs, Water Smart® public education, and drowning prevention research. We train all of Manitoba's National Lifeguards. Learn More
