Little Local - July 24

We’re in Parksville this week and have been hanging around the pool and ocean all day. With water safety on my mind (it’s also Drowning Prevention Week), I wanted to share my experience with finding swim lessons in Victoria, plus some water safety tips for you and the kiddos.

Also in this week’s newsletter: a local mom making the cutest kids' aprons, a new Passport Perk, and an exciting family-friendly art and music festival happening this weekend!

Learning to Swim in Victoria

Trying to get my kids into swim lessons in Victoria has felt like playing a game I can’t win. I set my alarm, log in the moment registration opens, and within minutes… everything’s full. It’s frustrating, especially when swimming is such an important skill for kids living in a coastal community like ours.

I know I’m not alone. Since COVID, there’s been a shortage of instructors and pool space, and demand is higher than ever. It’s no surprise that getting a spot can feel like winning the lottery.

Some families have had more luck with private or semi-private lessons through the rec centres. They cost more, but often have better availability, and the extra attention can work well for kids. Swim clubs like Pacific Coast Swimming and Island Swimming also offer lessons for younger kids, with a natural pathway into more advanced instruction if your child enjoys it. That’s what eventually worked for one of our kids.

But it shouldn’t be this hard. For now I’m relying on waitlists, keeping an eye out for openings, and parent tips. A parent chat group recently connected me with a private teacher who can teach at local pools…fingers crossed, this works out!

Don’t give up. Swim lessons shouldn’t feel like a luxury. They’re a life-saving skill every child deserves the chance to learn.

Quick water safety tips for adults:

• Skip the floaties: they can give a false sense of security and may deflate or slip off.

• Dress kids in bright swimsuits (avoid blue!) so they’re easy to spot in the water.

• Keep little ones in the shallow end and within arm’s reach.

• Teach the “high-five rule”: kids must high-five a grown-up before entering the water.

Water safety skills for kids:

Teaching your kids about water safety is just as important as remembering it yourself. I made a simple printable you can review with your kids before a swim.

👉 Keep this water safety checklist handy: 

Name, neighbourhood, family crew:
My name is Femke (it’s a dutch name!) and I live in Westshore along with my partner Owen, our almost 2 year old daughter, and 5 year old pup Kaya. We moved to Victoria in 2021 from Toronto, but are originally from New Zealand. We love how much the island reminds us of home.

What do you do (for work, passion, or both)?
I’m a product designer working in tech by day (in other words, I design mobile apps and web software). When my daughter was born, I started to learn to sew and make baby clothes for her. Lately, I’ve thrown myself into making kids’ cooking aprons and selling them under Spriglet Kids on Etsy.

Favourite family-friendly spot in Victoria?
We’ve been spending a lot of time at the Quarry Park Playground in Royal Bay since it opened. It’s the perfect playground for the little ones with plenty of low-to-ground obstacles, ramps and things to climb!

Do you have a go-to park, trail, or rainy day activity?
There’s a beautiful little cove beach down at Tower Point in Metchosin. After a short, 5 min walk from the parking lot there are shallow waters, a sheltered bay, rocks for climbing, and sand to build castles with.

What’s one thing you’ve learned as a parent that you wish you had known sooner?
There is no right or wrong way; there’s just what works best for you. Everyone is doing what works best for their family, and I’ve learned to approach differences with curiosity rather than judgment.

Your favourite coffee shop:
As Kiwis, we’ve been loving Wairua when in town, which has Māori roots. I always make sure I have some sprinkles and marshmallows in my bag, so that wherever we end up, I can order my daughter a steamed milk and decorate it with exciting little treats! In New Zealand, we call this a fluffy.

Kids book on repeat at your house:
How does a dinosaur go to sleep? By Jane Yolen and illustrated by Mark Teague.

Favourite kids purchase under $100:
The Yoto Mini has been a great addition for our daughter who loves music. We started with a set of classical music cards and recently added some nursery rhymes to the rotation.

Want to spread the good word about your business, a project you’re working on, a hire, or just want to say hi to 1,500+ local families?

⛳ Island View Farm & Mini Golf is a hidden gem on the Peninsula where you can find fresh goodies at the farm store and challenge the kids to a round of mini golf. Passport holders get 2for1 mini golf (or 50% off one child) Monday–Friday.

🧑🏻‍🍳 Spriglet offers adorable aprons for tiny chefs, created by a local mom (and this week’s Parent Profile!) Femke. These kid-sized aprons are comfy, durable, and made for real kitchen messes, perfect for baking days, play kitchens, and crafty afternoons.

🍔 Swans Pub: Yes, it’s a pub, but a super family-friendly one! Show your Summer Adventure Passport and get 2for1 kids meals. Perfect for a lunch or dinner outing after a downtown adventure!

📅 Upcoming Events

📘 Stories in the Park
Thursdays from 10am-11am
Head down to Saxe Point Park every Thursday in July & August for stories by Canadian authors, followed by a fun activity. Great for kiddos 2-5, but everyone’s welcome. [Info]

🍿 Free Family Movie Night
Thursday, July 24 | 7pm
Catch a free screening of IF at Panorama Recreation (Arena B). Wear your jammies, bring a lawn chair, and settle in for a cozy family movie night starting at 7pm! [Info]

🏖️ Island View and You (Drop‑in Event)
Thursday, July 24 | 10am - 1pm
A free beachside drop-in event at Island View Beach Regional Park featuring nature activities, crafts, guided walks, and Indigenous perspectives for all ages. [Info]

🧱 LEGO® Ice Cream Make & Take
Saturday, July 26 | 11am & 1pm
Head to Indigo at Mayfair Mall where kids can build (and keep!) a sweet LEGO ice cream creation at this fun in-store event. Reservation required. [Info]

🐢 TMNT Meet & Greet at Mayfair
Saturday, July 26 | 11am - 3pm
Cowabunga! The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are making a special appearance at Mayfair (Centre Court). Stop by for photos, giveaways, and fun. [Info]

🐟 Pink Salmon Festival in Sooke
Sunday, July 27 | all day
Youth get to go fishing with local volunteers, then enjoy a celebratory BBQ. It’s a unique hands-on experience your kids won’t forget. [Info]

🎨 Summer Craft Table
Sunday, July 27 | 2pm-4pm
Drop by Carr House for this free, all-ages craft table every Sunday in the summer to get creative, enjoy the garden, and soak up the summertime vibes with music and art-making. [Directions]

⚓ Community Day at the Maritime Museum
Sunday, July 27 | all day
Celebrate the SV Dorothy’s 128th birthday with donation-based admission, family-friendly exhibits, and hands-on nautical crafts. [Info]

🌳 Free Play in the Park
July / August 5:30–8pm
Panorama staff are hosting FREE summer fun for the whole family, with interactive play, group games, and inflatable fun on a giant 50' obstacle course! [Info]
Tuesdays: at KELSET Elementary
Wednesdays: at Tulista Park
Thursdays: at Centennial Park

🎶 Memorial Park Music Fest
Tuesday, July 29th | 6pm - 8pm
Bring a picnic and enjoy free live music Tuesday evenings this summer at Memorial Park in Esquimalt. Mostly MoTown plays this Tuesday the 29th. An easy mid-week summer outing with the kids. [Info]

🏞️ Neighbourhood Nights
Tuesdays in July | 6pm–8pm
Bring a picnic and meet your neighbours at Royal Bay Meadow Park. Enjoy games, activities, and good company in a beautiful community green space. [Info]

🧚‍♀️ Fairy Furnishings at the HCP
Thursday, July 31 | 1:30pm - 3:30pm
A whimsical workshop for ages 6 to 14 where kids can create their own fairy garden furniture from natural and recycled materials. [Info]

🚲 Free Wheelin’ Youth Bike Lending
Monday – Friday July 2 to August 29
Head down to the Topaz Park all-wheels skate and bike park, where kids and youth can borrow bikes, scooters, skateboards, helmets, and pads for free! [Info]

💜 Summer Lavender Festival
Every weekend in July | 1pm–6pm
Head over to Bilston Creek Farm for a peaceful afternoon in the sun and lavender fields. Wander the blooming fields, listen to live music, and enjoy local treats. [Info]

Final Note: I do my best to keep everything accurate, but I am only human so the odd mistake might sneak in! If you catch one, feel free to let me know. And some links may be affiliate links (I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you), but every product is something I genuinely love or comes recommended by someone I trust.