About youth swimming lessons
Swimming lessons in Wrenford are designed for youth ages 6 to 17. Whether your child is just starting out or wants to master new strokes, our Swim for Life® program helps them build water safety skills, improve fitness, and gain confidence in the water.
Benefits include learning essential water safety rules, reducing the risk of drowning, building low-impact strength and coordination, and making new friends.
Registration dates
Registration opens on the following dates. You can register online, by phone at 519-555-0120, or in person at any aquatic centre.
- Spring/Summer and camp programs: Monday, March 2
- Fall programs: Monday, August 25
- Winter programs: Monday, December 1
Online registration begins at 6:00 a.m. (the virtual waiting room opens at 5:30 a.m.). Phone registration begins at 8:30 a.m.
Swimming lesson levels
We match swimmers to the right level based on their skills. You do not need to show proof of a previous level. If you are unsure where to start, take our online swimming skills quiz or book a free assessment at any pool.
Swimmer 1
Perfect for beginners. Youth will learn safe water entries, treading water, breath control, opening eyes underwater, front and back crawl, and floats. Ages 6–17. No prerequisites.
Swimmer 2
Builds confidence and introduces interval training, whip kicks, distance swims, and front/back crawl. Ages 6–17. Prerequisite: Swimmer 1 or Preschool 5.
Swimmers 1 & 2 Combined
For those who want to move through both levels. Covers entries, exits, underwater skills, and survival movements. Ages 6–17. No prerequisites.
Swimmer 3
Intermediate skills. Focuses on kneeling dives, forward rolls, whip kicks on the back, and interval training. Ages 6–17. Prerequisite: Swimmer 2.
Swimmer 4
Advances swimming ability with standing dives into deep water, underwater swimming, whip kicks on the front, and Swim to Survive® skills. Ages 6–17. Prerequisite: Swimmer 3.
Swimmer 5
Advanced training. Covers shallow dives, tuck jumps, back somersaults, eggbeater kick, front crawl, breaststroke, and sprints. Ages 6–17. Prerequisite: Swimmer 4.
Swimmers 5 & 6 Combined
Prepares youth for Canadian Swim Patrol. Combines advanced skills with surface support, underwater techniques, and Swim to Survive®. Ages 6–17. Prerequisite: Swimmer 4.
Swimmer 6
Final advanced level. Learners practice deep water stride entries, compact jumps, leg-only treading water, eggbeater and scissor kicks, and complete a 300-metre workout. Ages 6–17. Prerequisite: Swimmer 5.
Swim Strokes Skills 4
A smaller class for swimmers who need extra practice on stroke requirements for Swimmer 4. Ages 6–17. Prerequisite: Swimmer 4.
Swim Strokes Skills 5 & 6
Small class for refining strokes required for Swimmer 5 or 6. Ages 6–17. Prerequisite: Swimmer 5 or 6.
Youth 1 & 2
Flexible lessons for ages 12–17. Instructors help you reach personal goals, whether that is learning to swim or refining current skills. No prerequisites.
Youth 3
Focuses on stroke refinement, increasing distance, and mastering different strokes. Ages 12–17. Prerequisite: Youth 2.
Class details and what to expect
Our instructors hold Bronze Cross certification or higher and are trained in Swim for Life®, Canadian Swim Patrol, and lifesaving programs. They are on deck at all times.
Early classes focus on breath control and basic strokes. As you progress, lessons cover distance swimming, rolls, dives, and survival techniques. Classes usually run for five to eight weeks. Swimmer 1 and 2 classes have up to eight swimmers. Swimmers 3 through 6 have up to ten swimmers. Youth 1 and 2 are flexible group sizes.
Please bring a swimsuit and towel. Goggles are optional. We provide all other equipment. If your child needs a support staff member or aide, that person must also be in the water.
Non-traditional bathing wear policy
Wrenford Recreation welcomes everyone. In addition to standard swimwear, you may wear:
- Swim pants and shirts, or t-shirts and shorts with undergarments or a swimsuit underneath.
- Traditional ethnic clothing (such as saris or hijabs) with a swimsuit or undergarments underneath.
For safety, patrons wearing traditional garments like saris should stay in the shallow end and avoid the dive tank. To keep the pool clean, all participants must shower while fully clothed in their swimwear before entering the water.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose the right level?
Levels are based on actual swimming ability, not age or past certificates. If you are unsure, take our swimming skills quiz online or ask for a free assessment at the front desk.
What if my child is in the wrong level?
We will move your child to a more suitable class if space allows. It is also normal for swimmers to repeat a level. Swimming outside of lessons is a great way to practice and move up faster.
How much do lessons cost?
Group lessons range from $6.50 to $11.00 per class, depending on the number of sessions and class size. Private lessons are $50.00 per session. There are no extra fees for the lesson itself, though certification courses may have small material costs paid to the Lifesaving Society.
Can my child take more than one lesson?
We recommend one lesson per season so swimmers can practice and progress properly.
Contact us
For questions about registration or program details, visit our recreation page or email [email protected].