Swimming lessons help children build confidence in the water, learn important safety skills, and stay active.
At the same time, any activity in and around water requires some preparation and safety considerations.
If your child is returning to swim lessons or taking them for the first time, here are some things to know about how we provide a safe and fun swimming experience.
What kinds of training or qualifications are City of Winnipeg lifeguards and swim instructors required to have?
Our lifeguards and swim instructors must have the right training and certifications to work in our pools. This includes certification by the Lifesaving Society and first aid and CPR training from the Canadian Red Cross or St. John Ambulance.
New lifeguards also complete pool and classroom training. This training tests swimming, fitness, rescue, and communication skills. Lifeguards invest nearly 200 hours of certification and training before they begin work.
Training does not stop once they begin work. Our supervisors support lifeguards and instructors on deck every day, providing feedback to help ensure safe and high-quality instruction.
Lifeguards must also take emergency response training every six months. They must meet minimum standards in this training to continue in-pool work.
What kinds of safety features do City pools have?
All our pools are equipped with provincially regulated safety equipment. Lifeguards are trained to use this equipment and apply their water rescue skills in an emergency. We also have posters in each facility that explain the safety rules and procedures staff and swimmers must follow.
Safety is also built into our lesson planning. We follow set instructor-to-participant ratios to keep group sizes safe and manageable and to support an inclusive environment for all. We also regularly review lesson plans to keep them high quality and up to date with industry standards.
In addition to instructors, we place lifeguards around the deck, so they have the clearest possible view of all swimmers. We also rotate them regularly to help prevent fatigue.
We regularly test and review safety equipment and procedures to make sure everything is working properly.
What can I do as a parent or guardian to help my child have the best possible experience?
Parents and guardians play an important role in helping make sure their child has a positive experience during their lesson.
First, make sure your child is enrolled in the right course for their age and ability. If they have completed a course with us before, you can find their last results in your leisureONLINE account. If you are unsure of their swimming ability, you can contact 311 or visit any City pool for a skill assessment.
For Parent & Tot lessons, a guardian must be in the pool and within arm’s reach. For other lessons, we encourage parents to watch from the viewing area.
Communication is also important. If there are any medical or behaviour concerns that may affect your child during the lesson, tell the instructor before the lesson starts. We train our lifeguards to watch for signs of an emergency, but you know your child best. If you see anything concerning, tell a staff member right away.
When observing and supporting your child during lessons, keep these things in mind. This will help ensure lessons are safe, effective, and enjoyable for everyone:
- Our certified instructors are responsible for leading all lessons and activities
- Observe from designated areas, follow staff direction, and refrain from correcting, or interrupting participants during instruction
- Questions or concerns should be directed to staff before or after class, or by contacting 311
- Assist with personal care needs only when required or requested by an instructor, and in a way that minimizes disruption
- Avoid conversations, phone use, or other distractions that may interrupt the class
- If you need to supervise multiple children at once, please be mindful not to interfere with program activities
More questions or feedback?
Contact 311 if you have more questions about your child’s swimming lessons or would like to share feedback. You can also speak with staff or instructors at your local pool or fill out a feedback form following your visit or lesson.