As of June 1st 2013, civilians with recreation facility memberships at CFB Borden are no longer permitted to swim in either the early morning or noon sessions.
Over the last seven years, I’ve trained most days of the week during the noon swim (originally two hours 11:30-13:30 – more recently reduced to 1.5 hours 11:30-13:00) as well as BEAST / CF Swim Team morning sessions.
I’ve done my part to support and promote CF Swimming on base by either helping to or completely running the program. I’ve benefitted greatly by having the CF members to train with as well as years of excellent coaching by Major Cathie Bass (Ret). The benefits go both ways.
Now, I have no place to train. My membership is of no value.
CF members will neither have people to train with nor an organized program in which to train in the CF National Sport of Swimming. The pool will be greatly underutilized. The revenue stream from civilian memberships will disappear.
Why was such a negative change approved?
Feel free to comment.
And, if you are CF and have benefited from the previous inclusion of civilians in swim training – please voice your concerns through your Chain of Command.