Teens and adults in Thompson, Manitoba, can now sign up for a lifeguard training course at the Thompson Regional Community Centre (TRCC), and families have a new affordable option for indoor fun with the reopening of the Game Room at Gordon Beard Arena.
The lifeguard program, announced June 12, gives locals a chance to earn certification that can lead directly to paid work at pools and aquatic facilities. The Lifesaving Society Manitoba sets the requirements: candidates need to be at least 15 years old, hold a Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid certification—neither needs to be current. New provincial rules adopted in 2025 mean 15-year-olds can be hired as lifeguards or assistant lifeguards in Manitoba, so the certification is a real ticket to summer employment.
Details on course dates and costs still need to be confirmed, but anyone interested can call the TRCC front desk at 204-677-7952 or register online through the ActiveNet platform.
For families looking to beat the heat, the Game Room is now open Wednesdays through Sundays from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., with entry just $5 per time slot. Inside, kids and adults can try mini-putt, foosball, arcade games, and even a bouncy house. Punch cards are available for $45 for 10 single visits or $180 for a family of up to four. Children under 12 need an adult with them. The space is designed to give people of all ages a place to play when the weather keeps them indoors.
Weekend hours at the TRCC are also running from July 11 to August 9 to handle the summer rush, giving residents more chances to use the fitness centre, walking track, and multi-sport gym. With the lifeguard course building job skills and the Game Room offering low-cost recreation, the TRCC is filling a need for structured activities during the school break.
