Swimming Programs

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:

Parent & Tot 1 (4 - 12 months)
Parent & Tot 2 (12 - 24 months)
Parent & Tot 3 (24 - 36 months)

Locations

Preschool Splash Program 3 - 5 years

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.

My Time (Splash 1 - 7)
Splash 1 -7

Locations

The Swim for Life Program 6+ years

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.

My Time (Swimmer 1 - 6)
Swimmer 1 - 6

Locations

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.

Swimmer 7 (Rookie Patrol)
Swimmer 8 (Ranger Patrol)
Swimmer 9 (Star Patrol)

Locations

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.

Teen Swim for Life (1 - 3)
Adult Swim for Life (1 - 3)

Locations

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.

Locations

Swim For Fitness

A great workout for children (6-12 years), youth and adults. Ideal for those looking to improve their endurance. Programs available this session include:

Swim for Fitness (6 - 12 years old)
Swim for Fitness (13+ years old)