Since 2011, the Hedges family has been an integral part of University Settlement’s Aquatics Program, finding convenience close to home and discovering a welcoming community within its walls. Starting with the mom and baby swim program, their journey expanded with Level 1 swim classes, drawn by the small class sizes, cleanliness, and excellent instructor training. For the Hedges, University Settlement wasn’t just about swimming—

“The proximity to our house, cleanliness, safety measures, and friendliness of the staff kept us coming back,” recalls Mrs. Hedges. “We never went anywhere else for swimming after that.”

“What sets University Settlement apart for us is not just the programs but the people,” Mr. Hedges reflects. “The lifeguards are the best. Kind, patient, and always ready to say hi even if we see them outside of class.”

The family shared –“The impact of University Settlement extends beyond the pool, we have been offered free tickets to the games and inclusion in community events like Grange Festivals and We Care, gives us a sense of belonging and joy. The genuine outreach from the program coordinator, especially towards homeschooling families like ours, has left a lasting impression in our hearts.”

Through the Aquatics Program, the children gained confidence, with the younger one progressing remarkably in just a year and a half. Beyond swimming, the program became a space of growth, community, and empowerment for the Hedges family and many others, leaving positive ripples far beyond the water’s edge.