BC’s only masters swim club for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities, the Spirit Orcas Swim Club, is looking for a new home, as they anticipate Crystal Pool’s inevitable shut down in the near future.
The aging pool facility has been facing an increasing frequency of maintenance shutdowns and a referendum taking place in February to decide its fate. Because of these factors, the Spirit Orcas coach, Susan Simmons, is worried there will be nowhere else for the club to go.
Simmons says there is a lot of misinformation floating around regarding the need for Crystal Pool and its benefits to the community.
Specifically, she says that many believe refurbishing is a better investment than a replacement, or that swimmers can easily go elsewhere, to another municipal pool facility and be accommodated.
“Neither is true,” said Simmons.
She has been on the prowl for a new home for the club, and in her search she has contacted the Oak Bay, Esquimalt, Gordon Head, Juan de Fuca, Saanich Commonwealth Place and Naden pools, with no positive response.
“People genuinely want to help, but there is simply no room for the Spirit Orcas or any other clubs throughout Greater Victoria,” she said.
During the current maintenance shutdown, Simmons managed to get the club into the downtown Victoria YMCA, but she says it is not ideal.
The Spirit Orcas are not able to rent lanes from the private facility, which leaves swimmers with intellectual disabilities who need guided coaching at a loss.
She added that at the YMCA, swimmers with physical disabilities, including blind swimmers, must be in overcrowded lanes with public swimmers where the risk of collision is heightened.
Additionally, Simmons noted that the YMCA’s future is also precarious with their lease being up in July 2025, and no clear plans for a new facility.
“Swimming is a great way for people with and without disabilities to stay fit,” said Simmons.
“It is a low impact sport making it accessible to people of all ages and abilities. Without a pool the Spirit Orcas will lose their health and sense of belonging.”
Ultimately, the Spirit Orcas are hoping for aid in finding a new place for the swim club to meet that will be safe and affordable for what Simmons says is a “shoe-string budget.”
