The City of Kitchener is excited to introduce a new swimming lesson program, Kitchener Swims, starting in January 2025, as it moves to adopt the Lifesaving Society of Ontario Swim for Life program, in place of Kitchener’s longstanding Learn to Swim program.  

The new Kitchener Swims program will continue to focus on swimming and water safety. It will incorporate in-water practice to develop solid swimming strokes and skills, as well as valuable Water Smart® education that will last a lifetime.  

The shift to the Lifesaving Society of Ontario program ensures consistent content delivery across Ontario municipalities, with provincially updated curriculum, certifications and resources. This flexible learn-to-swim model will lead seamlessly into the Canadian Swim Patrol program for those interested in pursuing advanced lifesaving, lifeguarding and leadership levels. 

Know before you go! 

Registration for the winter session will open on December 10 at 8:30 a.m.  

Parents, guardians and swim participants registering for the January 2025 winter session will need to become familiar with the new swimming lesson naming conventions as they will register under the new swim level names for the winter session. 

City staff are available to advise on what participants next suitable swim level should be under the new program. Participants are encouraged to: 

  • Visit any City of Kitchener pool to speak to the customer service staff 

  • Pick up a swim level conversion chart, available at all pools 

  • Add your next swim levels to your ActiveNet wish list in advance of registration day by logging on to your account and searching ‘Kitchener Swims’