The Manitoba Swimming Ability Program for children with special needs is coming to Splash Island in Portage la Prairie this summer.

"So it will starting July 4th and will run until August 22nd," says Portage Swim Ability Director Cari Smith. "It's a non-profit charitable organization that provides affordable and accessible one-on-one swimming instruction. Water safety instruction and summer camp opportunities to over 300 children with special needs in Manitoba."

The program is already running in Brandon, Steinbach and Winnipeg, and Smith's excited to be starting it up here in Portage. She says they'll need some help from people in the community to get it going.

"We're currently looking for volunteers to help provide swimming instruction to children ages ranging from three to 15. Volunteers do not need experience teaching swimming lessons. However, volunteers should be comfortable in the water, love working with children and a have a patient personality."

Swimming lessons will run every Tuesday from 6-7 p.m. and volunteers should be available from 5:45 p.m. till 7:15 p.m.

"Everyone can register at manitobaswimability.org, both volunteers and swimmers can find the registration info there," adds Smith.

It only costs $20 for the full eight-week course. Find all the information you'll need here.