If your child participates in swimming lessons, there are some important upcoming changes you need to be aware of.
Starting with the Winter 2023 Leisure Guide, our lessons will be changing from the Canadian Red Cross to the Lifesaving Society’s Swim for Life program. The change to Swim for Life was required following the Red Cross’ decision to end its swim and lifeguard programming this year.
Based on the Swim to Survive standard, Swim for Life focuses on basic survival skills and fun.
“Swimmers will get a lot of in-water practice in every lesson,” said Chelsea Allard, Recreation Services Coordinator.
“Not only will participants learn basic swim strokes and water safety, but there is also a unique fitness component incorporated as early as the Swimmer 2 level.”
Swimming lessons are available for children as young as six months. They’re not just for children either — we also offer teen and adult lessons for those new to swimming or looking to gain confidence in the water.
“You are never too old to overcome a fear, learn a new skill, or brush up on what you already know,” said Allard.
“Swimming is not only an important life skill, but is a great physical activity for people of all ages and abilities.”
To help with the change, we’ve created a transition chart that shows which Swim for Life level to register for based on the previous Red Cross levels. Anyone registered for swimming lessons during the Fall 2022 session will also see their Swim for Life level on their report card.
If you’re still unsure which level to register for, please contact 311 or visit your local pool to arrange a skills assessment (public admission fees and entry requirements apply).
More information on class availability will be available when the Winter 2023 Leisure Guide Swimming brochure is released at the beginning of December.