By Geoff Smith (@GeoffSmithLNN on Twitter)

Software upgrade allows for swim lesson bookings online

Aug 7, 2018 | 12:26 PM

LETHBRIDGE – A feature requested by users of city leisure services is being implemented, starting with swimming lessons.

As of Aug. 22, people will be able to register online for fall classes at Stan Siwik and Nicholas Sheran pools. Jason Freund, City of Lethbridge recreation services manager, explained it wasn’t technically possible previously.

“The software that we’d been using up to this point in time, the city didn’t have the capability of doing online to the level that we wanted,” Freund explained to reporters. “With the termination of that software, we’ve brought another one on board and now we have that capability.”

Brad Pack, general manager of Recreation Excellence, added it was a common complaint, due to the length of time it could take to complete the task in person.

“They had to stand in line or they had to wait on the phone (due to) our limited capabilities, based on the number of computer stations we had to take registration and the number of phones we had in the facility,” he said.

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Freund said it will be expanded to other types of bookings or sale of passes, either in the fall or the new year. But swim lessons are the most in-demand, and other services are often administered by a third party.

Given that demand, Freund said it has been well-tested by the city’s I.T. department.

“Everything from loads to what we are going to be able to handle at one time when it goes live… to anything else in the background,” he said.

While the city recommends people book online, in-person and phone bookings can still be done. Freund said they don’t know how quickly the spots will fill up but based on other cities it could take as little as 10 minutes, so online is the best option.

People can create an account now by visiting www.lethbridge.ca/swimlessons.