What are parent and tot lessons?
Parent and tot swimming lessons give babies and toddlers from four months to three years a chance to explore the water with a parent or guardian. These classes focus on play and bonding while teaching basic water safety. You and your child will practice getting in and out of the pool safely, floating, and blowing bubbles.
Benefits of parent and tot lessons
- You learn how to keep your child safe in the water.
- Children build positive feelings toward swimming and lose their fear of water.
- Classes help develop balance, motor skills, and heart and lung strength.
- Toddlers gain early confidence while staying close to you.
Lesson levels
We offer three levels that grow with your child. All classes follow the "Within Arms' Reach" rule to keep your toddler safe and comfortable.
- Parent & Tot 1 (4 months to 1 year): Your toddler will splash, blow bubbles, and practice safe entries and exits with your help. No prerequisites.
- Parent & Tot 2 (1 to 2 years): You will explore floating and holding your breath together through playful games. No prerequisites.
- Parent & Tot 3 (2 to 3 years): Focuses on independent floating, safe entries and exits, and continued bonding. Prerequisite: Parent & Tot 1 or 2.
When your child turns three or finishes all parent and tot levels, they can move on to preschool swimming lessons.
Registration and fees
Registration for fall sessions opens on the last Monday of August. You can sign up online, by phone, or in person.
- Online: Go to Wrenford Recreation Online. The virtual waiting room opens at 5:30 a.m. on registration day.
- Phone: Call 519-555-0100 and choose the recreation registration option.
- In person: Visit the Youth Recreation Desk at Room 203, Wrenford City Hall. Drop-in hours are 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday to Friday.
The fee is $55.00 per course. You can book a free swim assessment at any aquatic centre to make sure your child is in the right level.
What to bring and class rules
Each class has up to ten swimmers. Please arrive ready so your child can start learning right away.
- Everyone must wear swimwear and bring a towel.
- Children 35 months and under must wear plastic pants over swim diapers. You can buy these at the pool desk.
- Swim goggles are optional.
- A lifeguard is always on the pool deck.
Inclusive swimwear policy
Wrenford Recreation welcomes swimmers from all backgrounds. You may wear traditional ethnic clothing, loose shirts and shorts over swimwear, or modest swimwear, as long as it is safe for the water. To keep the water clean, everyone must shower in their swim attire before entering the pool. For safety, patrons wearing traditional garments should stay in the shallow end.
Lesson locations
Parent and tot lessons are held at our indoor aquatic centres. Check the Wrenford Recreation Online schedule to see which locations are offering classes during your preferred season.
- Tamsin Valley Leisure Centre
- Northgate Aquatic Centre