Guardian Swim (6 months to 5 years)

The Guardian Swim Program provides an introduction to the aquatic environment and basic skills. It is age appropriate and progressive. Learning is facilitated through the parent/ caregiver to ensure comfort, communication and extra safety. Parent or guardian must accompany child into the water. One child per parent/guardian.

Preschool Swim (3 - 5 years)

The preschool swim program is made up of five levels. The new preschool program levels are equivalent to the Ultra Swim program levels 1 through 5. Participants complete one level before moving on to the next level. When the child turns 5 years of age they may register in the equivalent Ultra level. The parent or guardian is not required to go into the water with the child. Parents/guardians wishing to participate with their child are encouraged to register for Guardian Swim.

Tiny Tots (1-5 years)

Children in Tiny Tots progress through the Learn to Swim skills at their own pace. Lessons are private (one participant per instructor) and 15 minutes in length. There are no prerequisites. The parent or guardian is not required to go into the water with the child.

Super Swim (5 years+)

The Super Swimming Program is a progressive learning experience that will take your child from non-swimmer to knowing the basics of front crawl, back crawl, submersion and breath control, surface support, and endurance for short swims.

Super Swim participants focus on the development of swimming skills. These 30-minute lessons are geared to the individual’s ability, pace and comfort level. The Super program is divided into shallow and deep water components. Super Swim Shallow participants range from non-swimmers to those who are able to swim 25 metres. Super Swim Deep participants must be comfortable in deep water and be able to swim 25 metres.

Participants complete one level before moving on to the next level. The parent/guardian is not required to go into the water with their child.

Ultra Level 1

• Safety, facility and aquatic orientation.
• Introduction to entries, exits, submersion, breath control and basic floats with assistance.
• Floats, movement, basic kicks and swimming skills.

Ultra Level 2

• Development of entries and exits, breath holding, bobbing and floats.
• Introduction to front and back swim, treading skills and deep water orientation.
• Continuous swim – 5 metres.

Ultra Level 3

• Development of endurance, time requirements, entries, bobbing, rolls, sculling and treading skills.
• Introduction to front crawl, PFD/lifejacket/buoyant aids, clothed survival and use of aids.
• Continuous swim – 15 metres.

Ultra Level 4

• Development of breath control, entries, deepwater techniques, survival skills and front crawl.
• Introduction to back crawl, combined stroke swims, deep water descent and ascent, under water swim, HELP position and self-rescue.
• Continuous swim – 25 metres.

Ultra Level 5

• Development of front and back crawl, treading skills, simple rescue techniques and deep water abilities.
• Introduction to surface dives, front dives, whip kick, primary assessment and basic lifesaving skills.
• Must be comfortable in deep water.
• Continuous swim – 50 metres.

Ultra Level 6

• Development of shallow dives, foot first surface dive, self rescue and basic lifesaving skills.
• Introduction to eggbeater and artificial respiration.
• Continuous swim – 100 metres.

Ultra Level 7

• Development of entries, surface dives, elementary back stroke, kicks, lifesaving and treading skills.
• Introductions to breast stroke and deep dive.
• Continuous swim – 150 metres.

Ultra Level 8

• Development of deep dives, surface dives with underwater swims, all strokes and kicks.
• Introduction to choking procedures and basic rescue techniques.
• Continuous swim – 200 metres.

Ultra Level 9

• Development of self rescue abilities, non-contact rescue, and stroke improvement.
• Introduction of stride jump and compact jump.
• Continuous swim – 300 metres.

Junior Lifeguard Club (8 yrs+)

• Improve your skills
• Improve your strokes
• Make new friends
• Get fit & have fun!

Prerequisite: Children must be able to swim two lengths of the pool comfortably.
Serious fun! That’s the Junior Lifeguard Club ( JLC) in a nutshell. More action, more options, more fun! The JLC offers a unique aquatic alternative for children who love the water and want more than just “lessons” or wish to complement the skills they are learning in swimming lessons or swim team.
Children join the club, not just attend swimming lessons. Participants receive a water log to store seals which acknowledge their accomplishments. Children participate in activities that are similar to those of real lifeguards-in a safe, fun and controlled setting where they learn about lifesaving and lifeguarding, challenge themselves for personal bests, hang out, get fit, make friends, and have a great time.
The JLC meets weekly, with optional opportunities to get involved in special events and volunteer opportunities. JLC water log and recognition stickers: $10.

Rookie Patrol (9 yrs+)

Prerequisite: Ultra 8
Features timed 100-metre swims, 350-metre workouts and swims with clothes. A work hard/ play hard approach develops swimming strength and efficiency with emphasis on personal responsibility for Water Smart behaviour.

Ranger Patrol (9 yrs+)

Prerequisite: Ultra 9
Features timed 200-metre swims, 100-metre fitness medley and support/carry a five-pound weight. Content is challenging but achievable with effort. Drills improve rescue abilities in the water.

Star Patrol (9 yrs+)

Prerequisite: Ultra 9
Features timed 300-metre swims, 600-metre workouts, lifeguard whistle signals, and airway and bleeding first aid priorities. Demands good physical conditioning and lifesaving judgement.

Bronze Star & Basic First Aid (CPR-A)

Bronze Star is an excellent preparation course for success in Bronze Medallion. Participants develop problem solving and decision making skills individually and with a partner. Learn one-rescuer adult CPR, obstructed airway response and how to contact Emergency Medical Services. Candidates will develop Water Smart confidence and the lifesaving skills needed to be their own personal lifesaver. These are official training certifications of the Lifesaving Society – Canada’s lifeguarding experts.

Bronze Medallion & Emergency First Aid (CPR-B)

Prerequisites: Bronze Star or minimum 13 years of age
Teaches youth and adult lifesavers how to respond in complex water rescue situations. Bronze Medallion develops physical fitness, decision making and judgement skills in preparation for challenging rescues of increased risk. Lifesavers must demonstrate stroke efficiency and endurance in a timed swim. Candidates must be able to complete a 500-metre swim in 15 minutes or less by the course exam date. Emergency First Aid with CPR-B teaches general knowledge of first aid principles and the emergency treatment of injuries. Skills include: victim assessment, adult, child and infant CPR, and obstructed airway response, identification and treatment of respiratory and circulatory emergencies. Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid (CPR-B) are prerequisites for all future lifesaving awards.

Emergency First Aid
The Emergency First Aid course is for those who want a general knowledge of first aid principles and the emergency treatment of injuries. Skills include: victim assessment, CPR, choking, respiratory and circulatory emergencies such as heart attack and stroke and how to deal with external bleeding. Successful candidates receive both Emergency First Aid and CPR-B certifications. Emergency First Aid is recognized by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.

CPR-B (Adult, Child & Infant)
The CPR-B course teaches parents, grandparents, babysitters, or child care workers the appropriate CPR and choking procedures for adults, children and infants.

Bronze Cross

Prerequisites: Bronze Medallion
This course is designed for lifesavers who want the challenge of more advanced training including an introduction to safe supervision in aquatic facilities. Bronze Cross teaches the difference between lifesaving and lifeguarding, the principles of emergency procedures, teamwork, and use of special equipment. Candidates must be able to complete a 600-metre swim in 18 minutes or less. Bronze Cross one of the prerequisites for lifeguard training in the National Lifeguard Service (NLS) program and Lifesaving Society Instructors.
Please note: Bronze Cross courses appearing in the FUN Guide do not include Standard First Aid (CPR-C) Certification. Standard First Aid (CPR-C) remains a prerequisite for the National Lifeguard Certification program. It will be necessary for candidates registering for Bronze Cross courses offered in the FUN Guide, to complete a Standard First Aid (CPR-C) course, prior to registering for National Lifeguard (NLS) certification.
Please also be aware that although your Bronze Cross certification may be expired when registering for an NLS course, your Standard First Aid (CPR-C) award must be current (within 2 years of certification). Younger candidates (12 or 13 years) who do combined crash courses in Bronze Cross/Standard First Aid (CPR-C) will have to recertify their Standard First Aid (CPR-C) award before they are eligible to register for NLS.
The following is a list of the recognized certifying agencies for Standard First Aid (CPR-C) accepted by the Lifesaving Society:

• Lifesaving Society
• Canadian Red Cross
• St. John’s Ambulance
• Canadian Ski Patrol

If you are interested in taking a combined Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid (CPR-C) course or following the next steps in the aquatic continuum, please see our Aquatic Leadership guide available online at toronto.ca/aquaticleadership from most local community centres or district offices.

Get in the fast lane! Aquatic Leadership Programs lead to career opportunities. Qualified aquatic personnel, especially lifeguards and swimming instructors, may find that their services are frequently in high demand. You will develop teamwork, leadership, self-confidence, interpersonal and problem solving skills through participating in aquatic leadership programs. 2012 Aquatic Leadership Brochure (pdf)

* Please note if you withdraw from a Aquatic Leadership program 10 days or less from the course start date, a 50% refund is provided.

B.O.A.T.TM Course (Boat Operator Accredited Training)

Prerequisites: Minimum 8 years of age recommended.
This is Canadian Coast Guard Approved training for the Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Federal regulations require persons who wish to operate motorized watercraft to obtain the Pleasure Craft Operator (PCO) card. B.O.A.T. ™ is a classroom program that teaches boater responsibilities, the "rules of the road", and how to prevent and respond in a boating emergency. The Canadian Coast Guard PCO card is earned by scoring 75% on a test of basic boating safety knowledge. Duration: 8 hours of instruction.

Wading Pool Attendant & Standard First Aid with CPR-C

Prerequisites: Minimum age 14 years
The Wading Pool Attendant award is designed to provide lifesavers the knowledge and skill to supervise a wading pool. In Ontario, a wading pool is a pool of water less than 0.75 metres (2 feet, 6 inches) in depth. Note: City of Toronto wading pool applicants will be required to have this training if they do not have Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid with CPR-C certifications. Duration: 20 hours of instruction.

Bronze Cross Recertification

Prerequisite: Bronze Cross
This recertification course offers Bronze Cross holders whose two-year certification period is about to expire, a chance to review and update their techniques to maintain current certification. Candidates are required to perform to Bronze Cross standards in a practical examination component. Candidates must complete the 600m swim in 18 minutes or less, perform skills and rescues, and bring proof of original certification. Duration: 6 hours of instruction.

Standard First Aid with CPR-C

Prerequisite: None
The 16-hour Standard First Aid course provides comprehensive training covering all aspects of first aid and CPR. This course is for those who want an in-depth understanding of first aid such as; medical/ legal aspects, spinal injuries, heat or cold injuries, bone and joint injuries, abdominal and chest injuries, burns, and medical emergencies. Lifesaving Society Standard First Aid is recognized by the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board and the Ontario Health Regulation. Standard First Aid is one of the prerequisites to NLS. Duration: 16 hours of instruction.

Important SFA Information!
Holders of Standard First Aid certificates from other agencies may not recertify their certificate with a Lifesaving Society recertification course. They may recertify only with the original certifying agency or take a full course. In order to comply with WSIB regulations, Standard First Aid award holders may do their first SFA recertification at a recertification course within three years of the original course. Thereafter, individuals must alternate between full courses and recertification courses in order to renew their award.

Standard First Aid with CPR-C Recertification

Prerequisites: Lifesaving Society Standard First Aid with CPR-C (full course) done within the last three years.
The 8-hour Standard First Aid recertification course provides a review of first aid and CPR skills. Practical skills will be assessed through scenarios and knowledge will be assessed with a written evaluation. Candidates should review the course content and practice their skills prior to the recertification course. Lifesaving Society Standard First Aid is recognized by the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board and the Ontario Health Regulation to be valid for three years. Candidates must bring proof of original certification. Duration: 8 hours of instruction.

Important SFA Information!
Holders of Standard First Aid certificates from other agencies may not recertify their certificate with a Lifesaving Society recertification course. They may recertify only with the original certifying agency or take a full course. In order to comply with WSIB regulations, current Standard First Aid award holders may do their first SFA recertification at a recertification course. Thereafter, individuals must alternate between full courses and recertification courses in order to renew their award.

City of Toronto/WaterART Aquafitness Instructor Certification

Prerequisites: Minimum age 16 yrs and Current Standard First Aid
Candidates will be certified by WaterART Fitness International and qualified to conduct shallow and deep water aquafitness classes. Classroom and water sessions focus on developing skills in the areas of class management, basic water movement and variations, understanding the major muscle groups and their joint action and the designing of target training sets. Practical and written examinations will be incorporated into the course. This award remains current for two years from the date of certification. Registration fee includes: Comprehensive Manual with study guide questions, DVD001- the Art of Exercise Science, 40 hours (20 hours pool time), Certification Exam (theory & practical) online profile and certification diploma when successful with exams.

Aquafitness Instructor Recertification

Prerequisites: Current Aquafitness Instructor Certification and Current Standard First Aid
Candidates will be recertified by WaterART Fitness International and qualified to continue conducting aquafitness classes. To maintain current status Aquafitness Instructors may attend these clinics every two years. Candidates can earn 8 hours of Continuing Education Credits for WaterArt, CFP, OKA and YMCA.

City of Toronto/WaterART Aquafitness Instructor Specialty Certification

Prerequisites: Current Aquafitness Instructor Certification and minimum age 16 years and Current Standard First Aid
Candidates will be certified by WaterART Fitness International and qualified to conduct classes in disciplines in which they have been trained and certified. These may include: Personal Training Specialist, Weight Management Consultant, Aquatic Rehabilitation Specialist, Arthritis Instructor, Kids Instructor, Common Movement Disorders Instructor, Pre-Post Natal Instructor, Mind Body Instructor, Water Walking Instructor, Water Yoga Instructor or Water Tai Chi Instructor. Practical and written examinations will be incorporated into the course. This award remains current for two years from the date of certification.

Lifesaving Society Assistant Instructor

Prerequisites: Current Bronze Cross or NLS.
Minimum age 14 yrs by the course’s last day. Through classroom learning and in-water practice, the Lifesaving Society Assistant Instructor course prepares candidates to help certified instructors with swimming and lifesaving classes. Candidates are introduced to key principles of learning and teaching, as they master basic progressions of teaching. The roles and responsibilities of instructors and their assistants are emphasized. Duration: 18 hours of instruction.

Swim Instructor and Lifesaving Instructor

Prerequisites: Minimum age 16 years by last day of course, current Bronze Cross or NLS
Upon successful completion of this program, candidates will be able to instruct the Toronto Learn to Swim program including Guardian, Preschool, Super, Ultra Swim and the lifesaving awards of the Lifesaving Society. Time is devoted in both classroom and water sessions to developing skills in the areas of class management, teaching, evaluation, leadership, communication and administration. These awards remain current for two years from the date of certification. Candidates must bring proof of prerequisite awards to the first class. Recommended: Certification in Standard First Aid with CPR-C, Lifesaving Society Assistant Instructor. Duration: 40 hours of instruction.

National Lifeguard Service (NLS): Pool

Prerequisites: Minimum age 16 years by last day of course, Bronze Cross and current Standard First Aid certificate dated no more than two years from the certification date and certified by one of the partner agencies listed below.
Note: The Lifesaving Society requires that all participants taking NLS must have a Standard First Aid certificate dated no more than two years from the certification date. The Lifesaving Society only accepts Standard First Aid certificates that are recognized by the Ontario Public Pools Regulation (565/90). The accepted agencies are the Lifesaving Society, Canadian Red Cross, St. John's Ambulance and Canadian Ski Patrol.
The National Lifeguard Service (NLS) certification is the standard measurement of lifeguard performance in Canada. This course is designed to develop sound understanding of lifeguarding principles, good judgement and a mature, responsible attitude toward the role of the lifeguard. The program emphasizes teamwork, leadership, communications, the prevention of accidents and the treatment of medical emergencies. Participants are taught advanced lifeguarding skills in a lecture format and are required to demonstrate competency in managing a variety of emergency situations within an aquatic environment. Successful completion of this course will certify the candidate in the only nationally recognized lifeguarding award. This award remains current for two years from the date of certification. Requirement: Proof of prerequisite award. Bring your own whistle. Duration: 40 hours of instruction.

National Lifeguard Service (NLS) Recertification: Pool

Prerequisites: NLS Certification
This program is designed to test the candidate’s lifeguarding skills in order to maintain current certification at the National Lifeguard Service level. Candidates are required to bring their own whistle and proof of original certification. Duration: 8 hours of instruction.

Aquatic Supervisor Training (AST)

Prerequisites: Current Lifesaving Instructor or current NLS. Candidates must bring a letter from their employer confirming that they have completed a minimum of 100 hours of lifeguarding or instructing.
AST provides candidates with a certification opportunity that prepares them for the responsibilities associated with being aquatic supervisors, head lifeguards or pool managers. As a recognized standard, AST ensures candidates are familiar with the skills needed to fulfill the requirements of these positions. AST candidates will learn provincial regulations, legal responsibilities and the authority of a supervisor. Topics include: aquatic emergencies, facility management, organizational effectiveness, communication, supervisory skills and risk management. Duration: 12 hours of instruction.

Examiners Standards Clinic and Advanced Instructor

Prerequisites: Current Lifesaving Society Instructor.
This clinic is the initial step in obtaining Lifesaving Society examiner status. Lifesaving Society instructors who wish to apply for an Examiner appointment must attend. Candidates must bring proof of prerequisite awards. Recommended: 2 years experience instructing at Bronze level. Duration: 9 hours of instruction.

First Aid Instructor and Advanced Instructor

Prerequisites: Current Lifesaving Society Standard First Aid with CPR-C (done within the last two years) and current Lifesaving Instructor
The 12-hour First Aid Instructor course prepares participants to teach all aspects of first aid and CPR. This course prepares instructors to plan and organize first aid and CPR courses and teach and evaluate students in the written and practical aspects of the course. Candidates must bring proof of prerequisite awards. Recommended: 2 years experience instructing at Bronze level and Bronze Cross Examiner. Duration: 12 hours of instruction. This course require a pre-course assignment. Please contact the Lifesaving Society (416-490-8844) two weeks in advance of the course start dates to arrange pick-up.

NLS Instructor, First Aid Instructor and Advanced Instructor

Prerequisites: Current NLS, current Lifesaving Society Standard First Aid with CPR-C (within 2 years), and current Lifesaving Society Instructor. Candidates must bring proof of prerequisite awards to the first class.
Designed to provide candidates with an understanding of the expectations and requirements to teach both the National Lifeguard Service and First Aid programs. The classroom and pool sessions allow participants to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, teaching, evaluation skills, etc. Candidates must bring proof of prerequisite awards. This course is for experienced instructors. Recommended: 2 years experience instructing at Bronze level and Bronze Cross Examiner. Duration: 30 hours of instruction. This course require a pre-course assignment. Please contact the Lifesaving Society (416-490-8844) two weeks in advance of the course start dates to arrange pick-up.

NLS Instructor and Advanced Instructor

Prerequisites: Current NLS and current Lifesaving Instructor
This course is for experienced instructors. Designed to provide candidates with an understanding of the expectations and requirements to teach the National Lifeguard Service program. The classroom and pool sessions allow participants to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, teaching, evaluation skills, etc. Candidates must bring proof of prerequisite awards. Recommended: 2 years experience instructing at Bronze level and Bronze Cross Examiner. Duration: 20 hours. This course require a pre-course assignment. Please contact the Lifesaving Society (416-490-8844) two weeks in advance of the course start dates to arrange pick-up.

Lifesaving Society Instructor Trainer Clinic

Prerequisites: Current Examiner, Lifesaving Instructor and Advanced Instructor
Designed to provide candidates with an understanding of the expectations and requirements to teach instructors. The classroom and pool sessions allow participants to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, teaching, evaluation skills, etc. Candidates must bring proof of prerequisite awards. This course is for experienced Examiners. Recommended: 2 years experience instructing and examining at Bronze level. Duration: 16 hours. This course require a pre-course assignment. Please contact the Lifesaving Society (416-490-8844) two weeks in advance of the course start dates to arrange pick-up.

The Adult program was created to provide both adolescents and adults the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in swimming and water safety in a safe and enjoyable environment.

Adult Swim 1

Basic swimming skills and water safety. This is an introductory or beginner level.
Prerequisite: A keen interest in developing skills and knowledge that promotes safe enjoyment of aquatic environments.
Adult 1 develops or increases students’ comfort in the water through basic flotation, movement and breathing skills and fosters the basic knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to prepare, stay safe and survive, in and around water.

Adult Swim 2

Swimming strokes and water safety.
Prerequisite: Ability to swim 15 metres continuously on front or back and a willingness to increase comfort in deep water.
Adult 2 develops one or more swimming strokes, working towards proficiency and increased endurance, and introduces or enhances water safety knowledge and skills relevant to the student.

Adult Swim 3

Lifetime swimming fitness and safety.
Prerequisite: Ability to swim 50 metres continuously in at least two of the following strokes: front crawl, back crawl, elementary backstroke and confidence to swim in deep water.
Adult 3 maintains or increases the students’ fitness through stroke improvement in a distance swim setting; it introduces other forms of aquatic fitness activities and introduces or enhances water safety knowledge and skills relevant to the student.

Shallow Water Aquafit (with Noodles/Interval Training)

A shallow water workout that includes cardio, muscle conditioning, flexibility and strength building exercises.

Deep Water Aquafit

A deep water workout that includes cardio, muscle conditioning, flexibility and strength building that uses belts or noodles to assist with performance during the class. Participants MUST be comfortable in deep water and be able to complete the facility swim test.

Shallow Water Step Aquafit

A shallow workout performed with the use of an in-water step to intensify the workout while remaining low impact. Class includes cardio, muscle conditioning, flexibility and strength building components.

Gentle Shallow Water Aquafit

A gentle, slower paced workout that focuses on improving range of motion, flexibility and strength through a variety of exercises designed to assist with reaching this goal.

Warm Water Aquafit (Gentle Warm Water)

A workout conducted in a pool with a minimum 88°F water temperature. Focus is on improving range of motion through muscle conditioning, flexibility and strength building exercises.

Arthritis Aquafit (Warm Water/Warm Deep Water)

This workout is designed for people with arthritis and focuses on improving range of motion through muscle conditioning, flexibility and strength building exercises.

Baby & Parent Aquafit

A 45-minute Shallow Water Aquafit class that parents bring their 6 to 18 month old babies with them to participate. The babies may participate in the class while sitting in floating boats that are provided by the facility.

Pre/Post Natal Aquafit

A workout designed for women who are pre or post delivery that includes cardio, muscle conditioning, flexibility and strength building exercises.

Water Tae Kwon Do

A workout that combines Tae Kwon Do with Shallow Water Aquafit designed to promote strength and co-ordination. Focus is on increasing stamina, energy and concentration.

Deep Water Pilates

A Pilates class taught in the deep water that focuses on strengthening core postural muscles, abdominals and back muscles. Participants MUST be comfortable in deep water and be able to complete the facility swim test.

Water Yoga (Gentle Water Yoga)

A class taught in shallow water that will allow you to experience the benefits of yoga and mind-body relaxation.

Water Tai Chi

A class taught in shallow water that will allow you to experience a complete mind-body workout using the principles of Tai Chi.

Water Walking

This low impact, shallow water workout will naturally target and train all of the body’s major muscle groups.

Kids Aquafit (8-12 years)
Youth Aquafit (13-24 years)

A 45–minute shallow water workout incorporating healthy living education, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and fun.

Adaptive Aquatics

Instructional swimming designed for children and adults with a disability. When participants have reached a level of confidence in the water and with their swimming ability, they are encouraged to register in an integrated or private swimming class at their community pool. All participants are asked to contact the Adapted and Integrated section at 416-394-8533 at least two weeks prior to registration and are required to complete an Adapted/Integrated information form.

Adult Small Group Lessons

Ideal for adults who desire a small class with people with similar fears and special needs. The instructor teaches the entire 30-minute class in the water alongside the students.
A total of 9 lessons in shallow, middle or deep area.

Aquatic Leadership Enrichment

For Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross participants who are looking for extra practice on both theory and practical skills.

Challenge Swim

Prerequisite: completed Ultra 5
An introduction to competitive swimming. Starts, turns and the four competitive strokes will be taught. Progressional levels encompass bronze, silver, and gold/workout.

Crest Club

Swimming program for youth and adults with developmental disabilities.
Cedarbrae – Tuesdays: 6 pm (non-swimmers and new members)
6:30 pm (average swimmers)
7 pm (advanced swimmers)
Call 416-396-4006 for more information (after 6 pm).

Female Only Swim Lessons

Learn to swim in a female only setting, taught by female instructors. Female only participants, instructors and observers.

Introduction to Competitive Swimming – Splash/Swim Team (5 yrs+)

Prerequisite: must be able to swim 25 metres
This program is designed to introduce children and youth to the world of competitive swimming. Coaches will work with participants to improve their stroke efficiency in a relaxed and fun focused training environment. Each session culminates in a friendly swim meet where participants can compete against other Parks, Forestry and Recreation programs. Participants will practice a maximum of 2 hours per week. In the interests of access and fair play we ask that swimmers only swim with one team within a season.

Junior Leader

Get involved! Volunteer to assist instructors in our swim program. Check with the Head Instructor on the first day. You will benefit from the valuable experience which you will receive. Participants should be 12 years old.

Lifesaving Society – Assistant Instructor Award

Through classroom learning and in-water practice this course prepares candidates to help certified instructors. Candidates are introduced to key principles of learning and teaching, and master basic progressions. For further information see the Aquatic Leadership Brochure.

Master’s Swim Program

The program’s philosophy is to promote and encourage fitness through the sport of swimming; to improve the swimming ability of participants through stroke improvement and competitive swimming events; and to promote fun and friendship through informal social activities. Due to the nature of practices, it is required that Adults (19 years+) are able to swim eight lengths of the pool continuously. Four lengths of the eight must be completed in 2 minutes and 30 seconds.

Older Adult Instruction – Level 1 (60 yrs+)

This one hour program is designed for older adults who have floating skills and are adjusted to shallow water. Front and back crawl will be introduced.

Older Adult Instruction – Level 2 (60 yrs+)

This one hour program works toward being comfortable in deep water. Development of various swimming strokes and treading water are the focus in this class.

Older Adult Instruction – Level 3 (60 yrs+)

This one hour program is for older adults who are comfortable in deep water and are able to perform front crawl, back crawl and breast stroke. Older adults develop stroke skills and endurance.

Snorkel Program

Prerequisite: Ultra 6
A fun and safe way for children to experience this underwater adventure. Learn how to effectively use a snorkel, mask and fins. Have fun exploring an underwater environment safely in a recreational setting. Swimmers must supply their own equipment.

Stroke Improvement for Children and Youth

Prerequisite: minimum Ultra Level 4
This one hour program is the most advanced level of child/youth instruction. Participants should feel comfortable in deep water and should have the ability to swim 50 metres continuously in front crawl, back crawl and breast stroke. This program is designed to develop stroke efficiency and endurance.

Stroke Improvement

This one hour program is the most advanced level of adult instruction. Participants should feel comfortable in deep water and should have the ability to swim 50 metres continuously in front crawl, back crawl and breast stroke. This program is designed to develop stroke efficiency and endurance.

Swim Fit

Tired of just swimming laps? Take your swimming to the next level and get fit with Swim Fit. Our instructor will teach stroke mechanics, racing techniques or simply help bring out an efficient stroke. Learn to use the pace clock, do flip turns and develop your own workouts. A pre-masters program; candidates must be able to swim 100 metres unassisted, in under 3 minutes.

Synchronized Swimming (Memorial Pool)

Prerequisite: Ultra 6
This Synchro Swim Ontario Trillium program builds strength, endurance, flexibility and is ideal for those who are between levels or who are looking for a new aquatic challenge. Synchronized swimming strengthens swimming skills, improves strength, coordination and flexibility while boosting confidence and self esteem. Synchronized swimming is a lifelong activity. We offer programs for children 6 years and up and Masters programs for adults looking for healthy, low impact activities.

Water Polo

Prerequisite: Ultra 6 or must be comfortable to swim extended periods
The water polo program offers swimmers from 5 years and up the opportunity to build skills and confidence. Players will be introduced to ball handling, swimming and strategies necessary to the sport. In learning these skills, endurance and appreciation for teamwork are also acquired. This sport is ideal for energetic, competent swimmers.

Youth Swim (13-17 yrs)

For youth with little or no swimming ability who would like to learn how to swim with others the same age. Ultra 1-4 will be taught.
Beginner: Introduction to swimming lessons for youth.
Advanced: Improve your skills and learn some new strokes.