Man swims half way around Vancouver Island to raise awareness of water safety

From disaster relief to advancing the cause of water safety throughout the country, the Canadian Red Cross - the country's largest charity organization - strives to help individuals affected by adversity with a variety of programs that offer assistance.

While the Canadian Red Cross works to improve the lives of those in need, the impact of certain individuals, like swimmer Rob Dyke, can help create lasting change in a community.

Rob's story
When Rob was just six years old, he took his first swimming lesson with the Canadian Red Cross. Rob later became a Red Cross-certified water safety instructor.

Years later, the Victoria, British Columbia native became the first person to successfully swim from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay, covering the 52-kilometer (km) swim in just 10.5 hours.

Rob explained that he's driven by a desire to drive awareness of water-related accidents and deaths in the country. By teaming up with the Canadian Red Cross, Rob successfully swam around Vancouver Island and raised funds for the Canadian Red Cross' water safety program in the process.

Water safety and the Canadian Red Cross
The Canadian Red Cross has offered swim programs for more than 65 years, helping more than one million Canadians gain confidence and skills in the water.

The services provided by the Canadian Red Cross make water safety engaging for all age groups and foster a lasting love of aquatic activities. In addition, the Canadian Red Cross' services support fitness and can help individuals develop meaningful relationships with others.

How you can help
The water safety programs offered by the Canadian Red Cross help Canadians of all ages gain confidence and skills in swimming that can serve them throughout life. Swimming lessons by the Canadian Red Cross can even inspire a lifelong love of being in the water, similar to Rob!

You can show your support for the work of the Canadian Red Cross by choosing to donate online.

To learn more about the Canadian Red Cross' water safety programs, or to sign up for swimming lessons today, please visit us online or contact your local Canadian Red Cross office.