In his spare time, Jon Pimlott designs and builds boats intended for a specific purpose: improve accessibility for people of all abilities to enjoy a day on the water.
CHEK News recently caught up with Pimlott at Diver Lake in Nanaimo where Sebastion, a teenage boy living with special needs, hopped onboard one of Pimlott’s adapted catamaran rowboats.
“The moments are priceless,” said Pimlott, as he watched Sebastion and his occupational therapist Holly Carnegie-Letcher rowing together on the lake.
“Sebastion lives with autism as well as a seizure disorder,” said Carnegie-Letcher, who’s worked with Sebastion for two years. “He’s a very lovely young man who likes to experience the outdoors, explore, and take on new challenges.”
The rowing therapy sessions only began in August, but Carnegie-Letcher says Sebastion was immediately drawn to the activity.
“It was quite amazing,” she said.
The custom-built vessel has two seats facing each other and uses parts like rollerblade wheels to allow for more ease of movement. Sebastion was a little camera shy for an interview, but his smile said it all.
“No fear, it was just pure joy,” said Carnegie-Letcher, who says the sessions benefit Sebastion’s physical and mental well-being. “It’s just wonderful for me to see him that happy.”
And watching from the shore, his grandmother captures every moment.
“It’s great, it’s good for everybody, he’s enjoying life. I think the first time I came out here I was teary-eyed,” said Helena Petrillo, Sebastion’s grandmother.
Meanwhile, Pimlott smiles at the thought of providing more boating opportunities for people of all abilities in his community.
“Someday, it’ll be a program at a rowing club or parks and rec program or system in all communities, everywhere,” he said.
Kevin Charach
