Swimming Lessons
Active Start within the aquatic setting engages children and adults with an environment for learning about water safety by providing the building blocks of key movement skills and fundamental properties of water. Supported by caring leaders, as swimmers progress they will have opportunities with tactile learning, technical physical skills and lifelong applications.
Everyone should learn how to swim. We can teach them. Never too young to learn; never too old to start.
Our goal is to offer the highest possible quality of swimming lessons. In order to do this, the City of Hamilton offers the Lifesaving Society’s ”Swim for Life” program.For more information, visit the Lifesaving Society website at www.lifesavingsociety.com/swimming-lifesaving.
Questions?
Please speak to the on-site deck staff or contact the Aquatic Supervisor at your facility.
Swim Lesson Progression Chart
4-36 months
Parent & Tot 1
30 min
(4-12 months)
Parent & Tot 2
30 min
(12-24 months)
Parent & Tot 3
30 min
(24-36 months)
3-5 years
Splash 1
30 min
Splash 2
30 min
Splash 3
30 min
Splash 4
30 min
Splash 5
30 min
Splash 6
30 min
Splash 7
30 min
*Swimmers who complete this level move to Swimmer 2
6-12 years
Swimmer 1
30 min
Swimmer 2
30 min
Swimmer 3
45 min
Swimmer 4
45 min
Swimmer 5
45 min
Swimmer 6
45 min
6-12 years
Swimmer 7 - Rookie Patrol
60 min
Swimmer 8 - Ranger Patrol
60 min
Swimmer 9 - Star Patrol
60 min
Bronze Medal Awards
See Leadership programs
Parent & Tot Program 4-36 months
Through structured in-water interaction between parent and child, we stress the importance of play in developing water positive attitudes and skills. We provide Lifesaving Society Water Smart® tips on keeping your child safe in any aquatic setting. Certified instructors provide guidance and answers to your questions. Activities and progressions are based on child development, register in the level appropriate for your child’s age:
Preschool Splash Program 3-5 yrs
Give your preschooler a head start on learning to swim. The Preschool Splash Program helps your child develop an appreciation and healthy respect for the water. In the Splash program, the swim instructor works to ensure that the 3 to 5-year old becomes comfortable in the water and has fun acquiring and developing a basic foundation of water skills.
The Swim for Life Program 6+ yrs
The Lifesaving Society’s 6-level Swimmer program makes sure your children learn how to swim before they get in too deep. Swimmer progressions accommodate children 6 years and older including absolute beginners as well as swimmers who want to build on the basics. We stress lots of in-water practice to develop solid swimming strokes and skills. We incorporate Lifesaving Society Water Smart® education in all Swimmer levels.
Swim Patrol
The Lifesaving Society’s 3-level Canadian Swim Patrol program provides enriched training for those who want to develop swim strokes and skills while having fun in the challenging world
of lifesaving. Swim Patrol develops swimming strength and efficiency with emphasis on Water Smart® behaviour. Skill drills enhance capability in the water, good physical conditioning and
lifesaving judgment.
Teen/Adult Swim for Life
Whether your goals are to learn the basics or gain skill with swimming strokes, your instructor will be able to provide you with the support you need. Teens and adults alike will develop water
confidence and smooth, strong strokes.
Private Swim Lessons
Private swim lessons offer the benefit of one-to-one instruction for the swimmer who needs personalized skill development. Private swimming lessons are 30 minutes in length. Private swim
lessons for 2 or 3 swimmers are also available and offers instruction for a small group of swimmers.
To register for private swim lessons (duo & trio), please register for the private swim lesson (single) and contact your local Recreation Centre for further details.
Note: Some private lessons are restricted to 3–5 yrs due to pool depth.
Swimming Specialty Programs
These programs provide a twist on traditional swim lessons, and build upon one’s competence and confidence in an aquatic environment. Programs are offered for a variety of ages, however participants must meet the minimum swimming skills identified.
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