Swimming lessons

Beginning in January 2023, we are offering the Lifesaving Society Swim for Life program at our facilities. This swim lesson program has been run nationwide for many years and focuses on teaching participants of all ages to be safe in and around the water. We have a longstanding relationship with the Lifesaving society and are fully confident in the quality of their Swim for Life program.

The Canadian Red Cross is winding down swimming lessons and lifeguard programs by the end of December 2022 to focus on increasing humanitarian demands in other areas.

Swimming lessons

Swimming lesson levels

See the tables below to discover your child’s new swimming lesson level or review our transitioning to swim lessons for life lessons registration guide (778 KB) for more information on how to choose the appropriate level.

Swimming lessons are grouped into four age groups:

Parent and tot swim lessons: 4 to 36 months
Preschool swim lessons: 3 to 5 years
Swim kids lessons: 5 to 16 years
Adults swim lessons: 16 years and up

Parent and tot swim lessons (4 to 36 months)

Parent and tot classes provide an opportunity for parents and children to enjoy in-water interaction in a fun and social setting. Focusing on the importance of play and developing water positive attitudes and skills, children gain valuable exposure to being in and around the water. Parents will learn to be Water Smart® to keep themselves and their child safe in any aquatic setting. Activities and progressions in parent and tot are based on developmental stages. Register at the appropriate level based on the age of the child.

Class	What swimmers learn and develop in class
Jellyfish Prerequisite: 4-12 months of age Able to hold head up Participating parent or caregiver (assisted) Swim diapers are mandatory for all children.	Parents and babies will explore the water together. Parents learn how to swim safely with their infant in the pool through instruction of holds and supports. Infants will be introduced to getting their face wet, blowing bubbles, and floating with the help of their caregiver. Register for Jellyfish
Goldfish Prerequisite: 12-24 months of age Participating parent or caregiver (assisted) Swim diapers are mandatory for all children.	Instructors lead sessions helping parents learn how to play in the water safely with their child. With the support of their parent/caregiver, toddlers learn how to enter and exit the water, play games encouraging them to get their face wet and blow bubbles in the water, and develop floating and kicking skills. Register for Goldfish
Seahorse Prerequisite: 24-36 months of age Participating parent or caregiver (assisted) Swim diapers are mandatory for all children.	Parents support their toddlers in becoming more independent in the water. Toddlers learn to safely enter the water wearing a personal floatation device (PFD), and develop underwater skills such as submersion and opening their eyes underwater. Through songs and games, toddlers learn ‘starfish’ floats, ‘pencil’ floats, and kicking skills in a fun and welcoming environment. Register for Seahorse

Class

What swimmers learn and develop in class

Jellyfish

Prerequisite:

4-12 months of age
Able to hold head up
Participating parent or caregiver (assisted)

Swim diapers are mandatory for all children.

Parents and babies will explore the water together. Parents learn how to swim safely with their infant in the pool through instruction of holds and supports. Infants will be introduced to getting their face wet, blowing bubbles, and floating with the help of their caregiver.

Goldfish

Prerequisite:

12-24 months of age
Participating parent or caregiver (assisted)

Swim diapers are mandatory for all children.

Instructors lead sessions helping parents learn how to play in the water safely with their child. With the support of their parent/caregiver, toddlers learn how to enter and exit the water, play games encouraging them to get their face wet and blow bubbles in the water, and develop floating and kicking skills.

Seahorse

Prerequisite:

24-36 months of age
Participating parent or caregiver (assisted)

Swim diapers are mandatory for all children.

Parents support their toddlers in becoming more independent in the water. Toddlers learn to safely enter the water wearing a personal floatation device (PFD), and develop underwater skills such as submersion and opening their eyes underwater. Through songs and games, toddlers learn ‘starfish’ floats, ‘pencil’ floats, and kicking skills in a fun and welcoming environment.

Preschool swim lessons (3 to 5 years)

Preschool lessons give children a head start on learning how to swim. Children have fun while gaining foundational water skills and become comfortable in the water. Water Smart® education is incorporated into all preschool levels to support children in learning how to keep themselves safe in and around the water. Once preschoolers turn 6 years old, they can enter Swimmer 1 if they’ve completed Preschool 1, 2, 3 or 4 or Swimmer 2 if they’ve completed Preschool 5.

Class	What swimmers learn and develop in class
Octopus Prerequisite: 3-5 years old	This level transitions the preschooler to the care of the instructor. Preschoolers have fun learning to get in and out of the water assisted by their instructor. Playing games in a safe environment, they’ll learn how to put their face in the water, blow bubbles in the water, and how to float and glide. Register for Octopus
Crab Prerequisite: 3-5 years old Successful completion of the skills in Lifesaving Society Preschool Octopus or Red Cross Preschool Sea Otter	Preschoolers work on becoming more independent with their water skills, by learning how to safely jump into chest-deep water and how to swim wearing a personal flotation device (PFD). Additional skills include submerging underwater, floating, gliding, and kicking with various buoyant aids. Register for Crab
Orca Prerequisite: 3-5 years old Successful completion of the skills in Lifesaving Society Preschool Crab or Red Cross Preschool Salamander	Preschoolers will kick and glide their way through the water. Learning how to enter deep water safely wearing a PFD, they’ll explore submerging and exhaling underwater, retrieving objects underwater, and continue developing their floating, gliding, and kicking skills. Register for Orca
Sea Lion Prerequisite: 3-5 years old Successful completion of the skills in Lifesaving Society Preschool Orca or Red Cross Preschool Sunfish	Preschoolers gain some independence in deep water. Learning deep-water entries and treading water wearing a PFD, preschoolers become skilled at retrieving objects from the bottom of the pool in chest-deep water and performing front and side glide. Front crawl wearing a PFD is also introduced. Register for Sea Lion
Narwhal Prerequisite: 3-5 years old Successful completion of the skills in Lifesaving Society Preschool Sea Lion or Red Cross Preschool Crocodile	Preschoolers learn Swim to Survive® skills wearing a PFD. Front crawl and back crawl are introduced as well as interval fitness training. Preschoolers also learn how to tread water and perform vertical whip kick with a buoyant aid. Once complete, preschoolers can register in Swimmer 2. Register for Narwhal

Swim kids lessons (5 to 16 years)

Swimmer lessons are a success-oriented learn to swim program for children 5-16 years old. There is a prominent focus on in-water swimming practice as swimmers learn fundamental strokes and skills, mastering them as they progress through the program. Swimmers also learn how to be safe in, on, and around the water through Water Smart® education incorporated into every level.

Class	What swimmers learn and develop in class
Swimmer 1 Prerequisite: 5+ years old No previous swimming experience required Have not completed Red Cross – Preschool 5 – Whale, but are over the age of 5	Building the foundation of swimming skill development, These beginners will become comfortable jumping into the water with and without a personal floatation device (PFD). They’ll learn how top open their eyes, exhale, and hold their breath underwater. Floats, glides, and kicking skills are introduced. Register for Swimmer 1
Swimmer 2 Prerequisite: 5+ years old Proof of successful completion of the skills in Red Cross – Preschool 5 - Whale or Swim Kids Level 1 Lifesaving Society Swimmer 1 or equivalent swim assessment	Swimmers will gain comfort in deeper water by jumping in, and learning their sideway entries wearing a PFD. They also learn how to tread water, develop kicking skills, and will be introduced to front crawl and back crawl. Register for Swimmer 2
Swimmer 3 Prerequisite: 5+ years old Proof of successful completion of the skills in Red Cross Swim Kids Level 3, or Lifesaving Society Swimmer 2, or equivalent swim assessment	Swimmers make a splash learning how to dive, and be challenged with the introduction to more difficult (but fun) skills such as in-water somersaults and handstands to develop weight-transfer skills. They’ll learn Swim to Survive® skills, whip kick on back and will further develop their front crawl and back crawl. Register for Swimmer 3
Swimmer 4 Prerequisite: 5+ years old Proof of successful completion of the skills in Red Cross Swim Kids Level 5, or Lifesaving Society Swimmer 3, or equivalent swim assessment	Moving from a beginner to intermediate swimming level, swimmers become better at diving, treading water, and swimming underwater. In addition to improving their front and back crawl, swimmers will be introduced to breaststroke, and learn the Swim to Survive® standard. Register for Swimmer 4
Swimmer 5 Prerequisite: 5+ years old Proof of successful completion of the skills in Red Cross Swim Kids Level 6, or Lifesaving Society Swimmer 4, or equivalent swim assessment	Swimmers master dives and swim in deep water. Swim to Survive® skills, breaststroke, front crawl, and back crawl are further developed, and eggbeater kick is introduced. Interval training and sprinting drills continue to challenge these swimmers. Register for Swimmer 5
Swimmer 6 Prerequisite: 5+ years old Proof of successful completion of the skills in Red Cross Swim Kids Level 7, or Lifesaving Society Swimmer 5, or equivalent swim assessment	Swimmers become proficient at deep water skills including stride entries and compact jumps. They’ll develop lifesaving kicks such as eggbeater and scissor kick. Breaststroke, front crawl, and back crawl are further developed. Head-up swims, interval training and a 300m workout develop strength and endurance. Register for Swimmer 6
Swimmer 7 (Rookie) Prerequisite: 8+ years old Proof of successful completion of the skills in Red Cross Swim Kids Level 8, or Lifesaving Society Swimmer 6, or equivalent swim assessment Recommended that candidates are able to swim 100 metres and tread water for 60 seconds	Laying the foundation of the Swim Patrol program, Rookie includes 4 main components: stroke refinement, fitness, first aid, and lifesaving. Stroke refinement is focused on front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke. Fitness components include a 350 m workout and 100 m timed swim. Water proficiency skills include swimming with clothes, ready position, and feet-first/head-first surface dives. Swimmers learn and demonstrate the ability to conduct a primary assessment and contacting EMS, rounded off with an introduction to lifesaving skills, including self-rescue techniques, victim recognition, and using throwing assists. Register for Swimmer 7
Swimmer 8 (Ranger) Prerequisite: 8+ years old Proof of successful completion of the skills in Red Cross Swim Kids Level 9, or Lifesaving Society Swimmer 7 – Rookie, or equivalent swim assessment	Stroke refinement and underwater proficiency continues to be a focus in Ranger as it is critical for supporting swimmer fitness. Focus on enhancing capabilities in the water including stride entries, and underwater forward and backward somersaults. Swimmers learn lifesaving sport skills with a lifesaving stroke medley, timed object support, and non-contact rescue with a buoyant aid. Swimmers can expect their fitness levels to increase as they further develop Eggbeater kick and work towards a 200 m timed swim. First aid focuses on unconscious victims and obstructed airway procedures. Register for Swimmer 8
Swimmer 9 (Star Patrol) Prerequisite: 8+ years old Proof of successful completion of the skills in Red Cross Swim Kids Level 10, or Lifesaving Society Swimmer 8 – Ranger or equivalent swim assessment	Preparing swimmers for the Bronze Star Award, this program challenges swimmers with a 300m timed swim, 600m workout, and a 25m object carry. Strokes continue to be refined. Lifesaving skills include use of rescue aids, defense methods, victim removals and supporting a victim in shallow water. First aid focuses on treatment of bone or joint injuries and respiratory emergencies. Once complete, swimmers register into Bronze Star. Register for Swimmer 9

Class

What swimmers learn and develop in class

Swimmer 1

Prerequisite:

5+ years old
No previous swimming experience required
Have not completed Red Cross – Preschool 5 – Whale, but are over the age of 5

Building the foundation of swimming skill development, These beginners will become comfortable jumping into the water with and without a personal floatation device (PFD). They’ll learn how top open their eyes, exhale, and hold their breath underwater. Floats, glides, and kicking skills are introduced.

Swimmer 2

Prerequisite:

5+ years old
Proof of successful completion of the skills in Red Cross – Preschool 5 - Whale or Swim Kids Level 1
Lifesaving Society Swimmer 1 or equivalent swim assessment

Swimmers will gain comfort in deeper water by jumping in, and learning their sideway entries wearing a PFD. They also learn how to tread water, develop kicking skills, and will be introduced to front crawl and back crawl.

Swimmer 3

Prerequisite:

5+ years old
Proof of successful completion of the skills in Red Cross Swim Kids Level 3, or Lifesaving Society Swimmer 2, or equivalent swim assessment

Swimmers make a splash learning how to dive, and be challenged with the introduction to more difficult (but fun) skills such as in-water somersaults and handstands to develop weight-transfer skills. They’ll learn Swim to Survive® skills, whip kick on back and will further develop their front crawl and back crawl.

Swimmer 4

Prerequisite:

5+ years old
Proof of successful completion of the skills in Red Cross Swim Kids Level 5, or Lifesaving Society Swimmer 3, or equivalent swim assessment

Moving from a beginner to intermediate swimming level, swimmers become better at diving, treading water, and swimming underwater. In addition to improving their front and back crawl, swimmers will be introduced to breaststroke, and learn the Swim to Survive® standard.

Swimmer 5

Prerequisite:

5+ years old
Proof of successful completion of the skills in Red Cross Swim Kids Level 6, or Lifesaving Society Swimmer 4, or equivalent swim assessment

Swimmers master dives and swim in deep water. Swim to Survive® skills, breaststroke, front crawl, and back crawl are further developed, and eggbeater kick is introduced. Interval training and sprinting drills continue to challenge these swimmers.

Swimmer 6

Prerequisite:

5+ years old
Proof of successful completion of the skills in Red Cross Swim Kids Level 7, or Lifesaving Society Swimmer 5, or equivalent swim assessment

Swimmers become proficient at deep water skills including stride entries and compact jumps. They’ll develop lifesaving kicks such as eggbeater and scissor kick. Breaststroke, front crawl, and back crawl are further developed. Head-up swims, interval training and a 300m workout develop strength and endurance.

Swimmer 7 (Rookie)

Prerequisite:

8+ years old
Proof of successful completion of the skills in Red Cross Swim Kids Level 8, or Lifesaving Society Swimmer 6, or equivalent swim assessment
Recommended that candidates are able to swim 100 metres and tread water for 60 seconds

Laying the foundation of the Swim Patrol program, Rookie includes 4 main components: stroke refinement, fitness, first aid, and lifesaving. Stroke refinement is focused on front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke. Fitness components include a 350 m workout and 100 m timed swim. Water proficiency skills include swimming with clothes, ready position, and feet-first/head-first surface dives. Swimmers learn and demonstrate the ability to conduct a primary assessment and contacting EMS, rounded off with an introduction to lifesaving skills, including self-rescue techniques, victim recognition, and using throwing assists.

Swimmer 8 (Ranger)

Prerequisite:

8+ years old
Proof of successful completion of the skills in Red Cross Swim Kids Level 9, or Lifesaving Society Swimmer 7 – Rookie, or equivalent swim assessment

Stroke refinement and underwater proficiency continues to be a focus in Ranger as it is critical for supporting swimmer fitness. Focus on enhancing capabilities in the water including stride entries, and underwater forward and backward somersaults. Swimmers learn lifesaving sport skills with a lifesaving stroke medley, timed object support, and non-contact rescue with a buoyant aid. Swimmers can expect their fitness levels to increase as they further develop Eggbeater kick and work towards a 200 m timed swim. First aid focuses on unconscious victims and obstructed airway procedures.

Swimmer 9 (Star Patrol)

Prerequisite:

8+ years old
Proof of successful completion of the skills in Red Cross Swim Kids Level 10, or Lifesaving Society Swimmer 8 – Ranger or equivalent swim assessment

Preparing swimmers for the Bronze Star Award, this program challenges swimmers with a 300m timed swim, 600m workout, and a 25m object carry. Strokes continue to be refined. Lifesaving skills include use of rescue aids, defense methods, victim removals and supporting a victim in shallow water. First aid focuses on treatment of bone or joint injuries and respiratory emergencies. Once complete, swimmers register into Bronze Star.

Adult swim lessons (16 years and older)

Whether you’re just starting out, want to improve your skills, or would like to start something new, our swimming lessons for teens and adults can help you accomplish your personal goals and support you in achieving a healthy lifestyle.

No prerequisites. Lessons are based on age.

Class	What swimmers learn and develop in class
Adult/Teen Swimmer 1 Prerequisite: 13+ years old No previous swimming experience required	This level covers multiple types of entries into the water, treading water (30 secs) with a personal floatation device (PFD), front, back, and side floats and glides with kicking, whip kick in a vertical position, front crawl and back crawl (10-15 m), and an introduction to interval training. Register for Adult Swimmer 1
Adult/Teen Swimmer 2 Prerequisite: 13+ years old Some swimming experience and can perform front swim 10 metres comfortably	This level covers more advance entries like dives and rolls, treading water (1-2 mins) handstands, and somersaults Whip kick on front and back (10-15 m), intro to breaststroke arms, front and back crawl (25-50m) interval, and sprint training. Register for Adult Swimmer 2
Adult/Teen Swimmer 3 Prerequisite: 13+ years old Able to swim front crawl and back crawl at least 25 metres continuously, have basic understanding of breaststroke movement and is comfortable swimming in deep water	This level covers advance entries, like shallow dives and stride jumps, eggbeater or scissor kick, breaststroke, front crawl and back crawl (50-100 m each) head up front crawl, interval and sprint training, and be able to complete a 300 m continuous swim workout Register for Adult Swimmer 3

Class

What swimmers learn and develop in class

Adult/Teen Swimmer 1

Prerequisite:

13+ years old
No previous swimming experience required

This level covers multiple types of entries into the water, treading water (30 secs) with a personal floatation device (PFD), front, back, and side floats and glides with kicking, whip kick in a vertical position, front crawl and back crawl (10-15 m), and an introduction to interval training.

Adult/Teen Swimmer 2

Prerequisite:

13+ years old
Some swimming experience and can perform front swim 10 metres comfortably

This level covers more advance entries like dives and rolls, treading water (1-2 mins) handstands, and somersaults Whip kick on front and back (10-15 m), intro to breaststroke arms, front and back crawl (25-50m) interval, and sprint training.

Adult/Teen Swimmer 3

Prerequisite:

13+ years old
Able to swim front crawl and back crawl at least 25 metres continuously, have basic understanding of breaststroke movement and is comfortable swimming in deep water

This level covers advance entries, like shallow dives and stride jumps, eggbeater or scissor kick, breaststroke, front crawl and back crawl (50-100 m each) head up front crawl, interval and sprint training, and be able to complete a 300 m continuous swim workout

Swimming lessons

Swimming lessons

How to register

What to expect

What you should know before registering

Swimming lesson guidelines

Swimming lesson levels

Parent and tot swim lessons (4 to 36 months)

Preschool swim lessons (3 to 5 years)

Swim kids lessons (5 to 16 years)

Adult swim lessons (16 years and older)

Swimming lessons

Swimming lessons

How to register

What to expect

What you should know before registering

Swimming lesson guidelines

Swimming lesson levels

Parent and tot swim lessons (4 to 36 months)

Preschool swim lessons (3 to 5 years)

Swim kids lessons (5 to 16 years)

Adult swim lessons (16 years and older)

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