You're Invited to our 2025 Annual General Meeting!
The Lifesaving Society Alberta and Northwest Territories Branch invites you to attend our 2025 Annual General Meeting in June!
At this event, members and friends of our branch gather to recognize our collaborative efforts to reduce drowning and water-related injury, discuss the latest Society developments, present the Branch Recognition Awards for this calendar year, and enjoy some complimentary refreshments!
This year's AGM will take place on Friday, June 20, at the ACT Aquatic and Recreation Centre in Edmonton. The main meeting will run from 1:00pm - 2:00pm, followed by a break for refreshments and mingling, with the workshops beginning at 3:00pm.
Register for the 2025 Annual General Meeting Here!
We're also excited to announce that we will once again be offering some free workshops that attendees are welcome to take part in during the afternoon! Read on for an introduction to this year's workshop presenters, and to get a sneak peek at the topics!
Meet Our Workshop Hosts!
Thank you to everyone who applied to lead a workshop at our AGM this year. We received so many incredible proposals, it was difficult to choose just four!
Lead Lifeguard Training
Aimed at aquatic facility management, supervisors, and both new and long-time lifeguards, this workshop will focus on activities and tools that can help facilities and management support lifeguards by providing further training after certification.
Host: Paula Kirchmann
A National Trainer for the Branch, Paula has been actively involved with aquatic leadership since 2009. Through her years in aquatics, she has developed multiple staff training exercises and activities to develop lifeguard leadership knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
ADHD on the Pool Deck
If you have ADHD or work with someone who does, this workshop will present some techniques for sustaining vigilance on the pool deck while avoiding fatigue, distraction, and overwhelm.
Host: Derrick Ferry
A former lifeguard/instructor with over 20 years in the industry, Derrick was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, which gave him a better understanding of his past struggles working on the pool deck. Derrick runs MonkeyFish ADHD Coaching Ltd, helping those with ADHD to learn, adapt, and chart a course to success.
Understanding Disability in the Aquatic Environment
This workshop will discuss the importance of disability awareness training for all staff in the aquatic environment, with a particular focus on lifeguards and instructors.
Host: Tanya Salwach-Hoffert
Tanya is a certified aquatic therapist and WATSU practitioner specializing in complex care clients. Her mission is to educate the wider community of embracing our diverse needs community with as much professionalism, integrity, love, and awareness as possible.
Accessible Yoga: Breathing & Meditation Techniques for First Aiders and First Responders
This workshop will teach participants yoga and meditation techniques for both self-care, and the care of others. While it's aimed at First Aiders and First Responders, anyone is welcome to attend this workshop!
Host: Rahmi Diomande
A prevalent personal trainer, group fitness instructor and yoga trainer, Rahmi is the owner of her own yoga school where she teaches 200, 300, and 500 hour yoga, as well as pre and postnatal yoga. For the last 5 years, she has facilitated meditation workshops for the YMCA, Calgary Winter Club, Canfit Pro, and more.