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Swimming Lessons and Programs

HomeRecreation and CultureActivities and Recreation ProgramsSwimming Lessons and Programs
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We offer a variety of swimming lessons for every age and swimming ability. Check out our 2023 registration schedule!

Our next registration begins January 9th at 4 p.m. at the PMC and continues the next day, January 10th at 9:30 a.m., throughout the week at Kinsmen Pool. On and after January 9th registration can be done over the phone or in-person at the pool. 

Check out our lesson schedule for our upcoming session! 

We have transitioned away from the Red Cross Swim Program to the Lifesaving Society Swim Program. Take a look at our conversion chart to determine what your new level will be called. 

Swimming lessons

 We offer the Lifesaving Society Swim Program. Children aged four months-12 years are able to participate in the Swim for Life Program to develop their swim skills. Swimmers 12 years of age and older are able to participate in the Swim Patrol program, Bronze awards, then their National Lifeguard course. 

Parent and Tot

Three level program for parents and children four months to two years of age

 Spend quality time with your child while you both have fun and learn and socialize. 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.

The program is organized like this:

  • Entries and exits
  • Surface support
  • Underwater skills
  • Swim to Survive® skills
  • Movement / Swimming skills
  • Fitness
  • Water Smart® education

As an integral part of the Swim for Life® Program, Water Smart education provides information and experiences that helps participants make smart decisions when in, on and around water and ice.

Because activities and progressions are based on child development, parents register in the level appropriate for their child's age.

Descriptions of each level are helpful to place your child in the correct program.

Preschool

Five level program for children three years to 5 years of age

Give your child a head start on learning to swim. The Lifesaving Society Preschool program develops an appreciation and healthy respect for the water before these kids get in too deep.

In our basic aquatic progressions we work to ensure 3 to 5-year olds become comfortable in the water and have fun acquiring and developing a foundation of water skills. We incorporate Lifesaving Society Water Smart® education in all Preschool levels.

We've organized the content of each level like this:

  • Entries and exits
  • Surface support
  • Underwater skills
  • Swim to Survive® skills
  • Movement / Swimming skills
  • Fitness
  • Water Smart® education

As an integral part of the Swim for Life® program, Water Smart education provides information and experiences that helps participants make smart decisions when in, on and around water and ice.

Descriptions of each level are helpful to place your child in the correct program. Swim evaluations are also available upon request to test your child's swimming abilities.

Swimmer

6-level program for ages six and up

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 5 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 Water Smart® education in all levels.

We've organized the content of each level like this:

  • Entries and exits
  • Surface support
  • Underwater skills
  • Swim to Survive® skills
  • Movement / Swimming skills
  • Fitness
  • Water Smart® education

As an integral part of the Swim for Life® program, Water Smart education provides information and experiences that helps participants make smart decisions when in, on and around water and ice.

Descriptions of each level are helpful to place your child in the correct program. Swim evaluations are also available upon request to test your child's swimming abilities.

Private lessons
Private lessons are available for swimmers who are looking for a more personalized swim lesson. Private lessons are available in 15 minute sections and are tailored to whatever the swimmer wants to improve on. Swimmers don't come out of the lesson with a level completion badge but will have the skills to conquer their next level. 

Swim Patrol (Rookie, Ranger, and Star)

The Canadian Swim Patrol program is the on-ramp to lifeguarding. Ability is the only prerequisite.

The Swim Patrol provides enriched training for those who are ready to go beyond learn-to-swim. Swim Patrol's three levels - Rookie, Ranger, and Star - continue to develop participants' swim strokes and provide the skill foundation that prepares them for success in the Society's Bronze medal awards.

Bronze Star

Bronze Star is a 10 hour course that develops swimming proficiency, lifesaving skill and personal fitness. Candidates refine their stroke mechanics, acquire self-rescue skills, and apply fitness principles in training workouts. Bronze Star is excellent preparation for success in Bronze Medallion and provides a fun introduction to lifesaving sport.
Bronze Medallion

Bronze Medallion is a 15 hour course that challenges the candidate both mentally and physically. Judgment, knowledge, skill, and fitness – the four components of water rescue – form the basis of Bronze Medallion training. Candidates acquire the assessment and problem-solving skills needed to make good decisions in, on, and around the water.

Bronze Medallion is a prerequisite for assistant lifeguard training in Bronze Cross.

Prerequisites: minimum 13 years of age or Bronze Star certification (need not be current).

Bronze Cross

Bronze Cross is a 20 hour course that begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding and prepares candidates for responsibilities as assistant lifeguards. Candidates strengthen and expand their lifesaving skills and begin to apply the principles and techniques of active surveillance in aquatic facilities. Bronze Cross emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication in preventing and responding to aquatic emergencies.

Bronze Cross is a prerequisite for advanced training in the Society’s National Lifeguard and leadership certification programs.

Prerequisites: Bronze Medallion, and Standard First Aid.

First aid courses

Red Cross First Aid courses are available for those looking to certify in Standard First Aid and CPR/AED. The skills learned in this course are essential for those looking to become babysitters as well as for employees, first responders, instructors and training partners. Each course is delivered in easy-to-follow steps with practical hands-on components and a variety of training materials.

Red Cross Water Safety Instructor course (WSI)

The Water Safety Instructor (WSI) course prepares candidates to instruct the Red Cross Swim programs.
This is a 25 hour program (plus 12 hours teaching experience) for ages 15 years and up. Candidates focus on strategies to introduce and develop fitness activities, skills and water safety, and swimming skills in the Red Cross Swim Preschool, Red Cross Swim Kids, Red Cross Swim @ School, Red Cross Swim @ Camp, Red Cross Swim for Adults & Teens, and Red Cross Swim Adapted programs.

National Lifeguard

National Lifeguard is Canada's only nationally recognized lifeguard certification program. National Lifeguard is a legal certificate for lifeguarding throughout the country and is recognized by the Province of Ontario for lifeguarding public swimming pools.

National Lifeguard certification is available in four options: Pool, Waterpark, Waterfront, and Surf. 

Prerequisites: minimum 15 years of age, Bronze Cross, and Standard First Aid.

Lifesaving Instructor
The Lifesaving Instructor course prepares instructors to teach the Lifesaving Society's:
  • Canadian Swim Patrol Program
  • Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross
  • Lifesaving Fitness, Distinction
  • Basic and Emergency First Aid, and CPR-A, CPR-B and CPR-C

Prerequisites: 15 years of age by the end of the course; Bronze Cross certification (need not be current).

Swimming lesson rates
ServiceFeeNon-Resident Fee
Private Lessons

$50

additional $39
Parent and Tot/Preschool $55 additional $43
Swimmer 1-2 $55 additional $49
Swimmer 3-6 $63 additional $48
Swimmer 7-10 $65 additional $50
Bronze Programs $157.52 + HST additional $139
LLS $194.69 + HST additional $172
Leaders $169.91 + HST additional $150
Instructors RC/LSS $336.28 + HST additional $297
Adult Programs $61.94 + HST additional $48

Swim programs

Aquabics

A general Aquabics class designed as a medium intensity total body workout, providing a balance of cardiovascular as well as muscular strength and endurance components. Aquabics takes place most Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Aquabics prices
ServiceFee
Drop-in $9
Membership $61.94 + HST

Ladies Red Cross

Swimmers meet Monday and Friday mornings from 9-10 a.m. and is suitable for every level of swimmer. Individual and group feedback is provided to all swimmers participating and extra assistance can be provided for those learning to swim.

Ladies Red Cross prices
ServiceFee
Drop-in $7
Membership $48.67 + HST
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Pembroke, ON
K8A 3J5

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