Learning how to swim can prepare you for a lifetime of fun, fitness and water safety. Register for swimming lessons at one of our pools.
Main page content:
- Registration
- Where we offer swimming lessons
- Swimming lesson descriptions
- Private lessons
- Lifeguard training
Registration
Registration for winter swimming lessons is open now. You can register for spring swimming lessons starting at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 7.
Register for swimming lessons or other programs on ActiveNet. Visit our ActiveNet questions page to find answers to common questions or watch our YouTube video to learn more about searching on ActiveNet.
Family swims are also available.
Where we offer swimming lessons
For lessons between September and December 2022, you can register for swimming lessons at these pools:
- Breithaupt Centre Pool
- Forest Heights Pool
- Lyle Hallman Pool (Grand River Rec Complex on ActiveNet)
Swimming lesson descriptions
Open the accordions below to learn about the swimming lessons we offer at our pools.
Waterbabies |
Objective: Develop parent/caregiver comfort for safe support of child in water through playful interaction with child (songs, games, etc). Level highlights:
Age: 3-12 months old Parent or caregiver 12 years or older must be in water actively participating in learning journey |
Adult & Tot |
Objective: develop parent/caregiver comfort for safe support of child in water through playful interaction with child, introducing safe supports and holds of child and safe play in water with parent. Level highlights:
Age: 9-18 months old Parent or caregiver 12 years or older must be in water actively participating in learning journey |
Adult & Tot Advanced |
Objective: building foundation swimming skills with parent through playful water discovery. Level highlights:
Age: 12-30 months old that have successfully completed Adult & Tot Parent or caregiver 12 years or older must be in water actively participating in learning journey |
Tots and (Sometimes) Me |
Objective: progressive separation from parent to instructor while building foundation swimming skills through playful water discovery. Level highlights:
Age: 2-4 years old. Child's first swim class, or successfully completed Adult and Tot Advanced
Parent or caregiver 12 years or older must be in water actively participating in learning journey |
Supertots |
Objective: developing independence with instructor/facility while building foundational swimming skills through playful water discovery. Level highlights:
Age: 2-4 years old that have successfully completed Tots and (Sometimes) Me |
Level B |
Objective: Swimmer will learn to submerge with breath control Level highlights:
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Level C |
Objective: Swimmer will learn how to float Level highlights:
Age: 3-5 years old that have successfully completed Level B |
Level D |
Objective: Swimmer will learn how to glide Level highlights:
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Level E |
Objective: Swimmer will learn how to use forward underwater propulsive movement with arms Level highlights:
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Level F |
Objective: Swimmer will learn above water arm recovery, increasing stroke efficiency Level highlights:
Age: 4-7 years that have successfully completed Level E |
Level G |
Objective: Swimmer will develop confidence and independence in the water Level highlights:
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Level H |
Objective: Swimmer will be introduced to deep water Level highlights:
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Level I |
Objective: Swimmer will focus on stroke fundamentals Level highlights:
Age: 7 years and older that have successfully completed Level H Swimmer must be comfortable swimming alone in deep water. |
Level J |
Objective: Swimmer will focus on stroke efficiency Level highlights:
Age: 7 years and older that have successfully completed Level I Swimmer must be comfortable swimming alone in deep water. |
Level K |
Objective: Swimmer will develop strokes for lifelong training Level highlights:
Age: 8 years and older that have successfully completed Level J Swimmer must be comfortable swimming alone in deep water. |
Level L |
Objective: Swimmer will develop stroke endurance and water rescue skills Level highlights:
Age: 9 years and older that have successfully completed Level K Swimmer must be comfortable swimming alone in deep water. |
Level M |
Objective: Swimmer will improve stroke endurance and further develop water rescue skills Level highlights:
Age: 9 years and older that have successfully completed Level L Swimmer must be comfortable swimming alone in deep water. |
Level N |
Objective: Swimmer will review all strokes for proficiency and endurance and continue water rescue and first aid skill development in preparation for Lifesaving Society Bronze certifications Level highlights:
Age: 10 years and older that have successfully completed Level M Swimmer must be comfortable swimming alone in deep water. |
Level 1 |
Objective: Swimmer will learn to put their face in the water, float, and glide This level covers the skills in levels B, C, D Level highlights:
Age:
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Level 2 |
Objective: Swimmer will learn to use arms for forward propulsive movement, and begin learning basic strokes This level covers the skills in levels E, F Level highlights:
Age:
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Level 3 |
Objective: Swimmer will develop confidence and independence in the water, and will be introduced to deep water This level covers skills in levels G, H
Age:
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Adapted Aquatics - Beginner (warm pool) |
Adapted Aquatics - Beginner is for children and youth with special needs, with little or no swim experience. Program will take place in our warm water pool. Ratio is 1-1 with a volunteer. Each 40 minute class includes transition time to get in/out of the pool. Inclusion Membership is required to register. Age: 4+ |
Adapted Aquatics - Intermediate/Advanced (25m pool) |
Adapted Aquatics - Intermediate/Advanced is for children and youth with special needs, with any level of swim experience. Program will take place in our 25 metre pool. Ratio is 1-1 with a volunteer. Each 40 minute class includes transition time to get in/out of the pool. Inclusion Membership is required to register. Age: 4+ |
Adapted Aquatics - Fit Swim (25m pool) |
Adapted Aquatics Fit Swim is for swimmers with special needs. Swimmers are encouraged to develop strokes for fitness or competition. Fun way to keep active. Must be able to swim 25m and be comfortable in deep water without assistance. 1-1 support from a volunteer may not be available for all swimmers at this timeslot. Inclusion Membership is required to register. Age: 13+ |
Private or drop-in lessons
We also offer private lessons. If you’re looking for one-on-one support or lessons outside of our schedule, contact your local pool for more information.
Lifeguard training
Learn about lifeguard and leadership training on our lifeguarding page. You can also learn about lifeguarding in Canada from the Lifesaving Society.