Swimming Lessons

Choose your child’s class group based on their age at the time of the course. This helps ensure they have the best possible swimming experience, as each age group is tailored to:

• Cognitive abilities
• Gross and fine motor skills
• Learning styles

Additional factors that influence age grouping include:

• Pool space
• Class size
• Class duration
• Instructor communication methods
• Games, drills, and activities used by the instructor

Once you have selected the appropriate age group, choose the specific level that matches your child’s swimming ability:

• Check their last swimming report card: The “Register next in” section will indicate the recommended level.
• Review level descriptions: This helps clarify each level’s skills and goals.
• Use the flow charts in this guide: Visualize each level’s prerequisites and progression path.

Unsure? Register them in the first level for their age group or the level they’re currently in.

Book a Swim Assessment: Our team can assess their abilities and help guide your decision. See the Swim Assessment portion of this list for more information.

While planning is natural, registering your child in back-to-back levels in one season is not recommended unless they’ve already mastered the skills at their current level.

Best Practice: For ongoing practice, we encourage families to consider enrolling in the same lesson more than once. This strategy builds confidence, strength, fitness, endurance, and water safety skills, providing the time needed to truly master each technique.

Skill Mastery Takes Time: Each swim level has multiple skills that must be completed to pass. It’s normal for children to repeat a level more than once, as learning and perfecting water safety and swim techniques often takes multiple sessions.

Holding Space Prematurely: Registering for a higher level before your child has met the prerequisites can unintentionally take a spot from a child who’s ready, and your child may miss out on the benefits of age-appropriate instruction.

Refund Policy: Please remember that our 14-day refund policy applies. If a child doesn’t progress as anticipated, consecutive registrations may not be eligible for a refund. Transfers to another level are possible only if space is available, with a transfer fee.

Right Level for Safety and Success: Children enrolled in a level they’re not ready for may be removed from the program without refunds, withdrawals, or transfers available. Proper registration helps ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone.

Swimmer Assessments are available for:

• Swimmers who have had a break in their swimming lesson attendance
• Individuals who have had no formal swimming training
• Swimmers who are coming from other learn-to-swim programs

During a Swim Assessment, a certified instructor evaluates the swimmer’s ability to complete a series of skills. Based on their assessment, the evaluating instructor will make a recommendation on what level will be the best fit for that swimmer.

Not sure what level to register for? Fill out a request for a Swim Assessment!

Parents and babies will explore the water together under the watchful eyes of their instructor. They will learn how to safely enter and exit the water and work on getting ready to discover the water safely. Parents will learn how to safely support their child while they play.

Prerequisite: Children 4 months to 3 years old.

Instructors will lead sessions to help parents with children learn basic water safety skills in a welcoming environment. Parents are taught how to support their child with assisted entries and exits into water and support them in learning to float and kick. They can celebrate together when the child can get their face wet and blow bubbles for the first time.

Prerequisite: Children 1 to 3 years old AND have passed Parent & Tot 1.

One parent joins their child in the water for this swimming lesson! Children ages 2 to 3 years old will learn to be comfortable moving and swimming through the water with fun games and songs. Parents will learn how to safely support their child in the water for entries, floats, glides, kicking, and swimming.

Prerequisite: Children 2 to 3 years old AND have passed Parent & Tot 2.

Preschoolers will be assisted by their instructor when learning to enter and exit water safely, jump into chest deep water, and put their faces in the water to blow bubbles. Becoming comfortable with floats and glides and moving safely in shallow water while wearing lifejackets will help them gain confidence with their water skills.

Prerequisite: 3 to 5 years old.

Preschoolers will work on becoming more independent with their water skills. Some of these skills include jumping into chest deep water unassisted, submerging and exhaling underwater, and floating and gliding with various buoyant aids. They will be introduced to lateral rollovers and practice their flutter kick on their backs.

Prerequisite: 3 to 5 years old AND passed Preschool 1.

Preschoolers will kick and glide their way through the water on their fronts and backs. They will work on retrieving objects from the bottom in water that is waist deep, and work towards mastering their floats, rollovers, glides, and kicks. In this level they work their way into deeper water for side entries and jumping in with their lifejackets on.

Prerequisite: 3 to 5 years old AND passed Preschool 2.

Preschoolers will gain some independence in deep water. They will practice jumping into deeper water (including getting out by themselves), sideways entries, and opening their eyes underwater. These swimmers in training will work on completing 5m of front crawl in their lifejackets and work on their ability to tread water.

Prerequisite: 3 to 5 years old AND passed Preschool 3.

Skill Minimum: Deep Water Comfort and Propulsive Kick (front and back).

Preschoolers will work towards achieving important swimming milestones. They will work on being able to support themselves treading in deep water for 10 seconds and complete 5m swims with front crawl and back crawl. Wearing a lifejacket, they will practice forward roll entries into deep water, learn to whip kick in a vertical position, and be introduced to interval training.

Prerequisite: 3 to 5 years old AND passed Preschool 4.

Skill Minimum: Deep Water Comfort and Propulsive Kick (front and back).

Building the foundation of swimming skill development beginner swimmers will gain confidence in the water as they learn safe entries into various depths of water, treading water in a lifejacket, opening their eyes underwater, and breath control. Once they have learned their floats, rollovers, glides, and kicks from front to back, they will front crawl their way into the next level.

Prerequisite: 6 to 12 years old.

Swimmers will gain comfort in deeper water by jumping in, learning their sideways entry, and treading water without a lifejacket. Swimmers will be challenged by the introduction of various skills including, flutter kick on their front, back, and side, vertical whip kick with an aid, and swimming front crawl and back crawl for 10m. Swimmers will get to work on their Swim to Survive skills and be introduced to interval training.

Prerequisites: 6 to 12 years old AND passed Swimmer 1.

Swimmers will make a splash with their kneeling dives and forward roll entries. Swimmers will be challenged with the introduction to more difficult (but fun) skills such as handstands in shallow water and in front somersaults (in water). Increased time and distance components are incorporated for skills learned such as flutter kick on front and back, whip kick on back, front and back crawl, and interval training.

Prerequisites: 6 to 12 years old AND passed Swimmer 2.

Skill Minimum: Front and back crawl for 10m.

Swimmers will move from a beginner to intermediate swimming level. Swimmers will complete standing dives, tread water for 1 minute, and work towards being able to swim underwater for 5m. Swimmers will achieve the Swim to Survive standard by being able to roll into deep water, tread water for 1 minute, and swim 50m. In addition to improving their front crawl, back crawl, and whip kick, swimmers will be introduced to breaststroke.

Prerequisites: 6 to 12 years old AND passed Swimmer 3.

Skill Minimum: 25m swim, without stopping.

Swimmers will be challenged with a whole new set of skills; Shallow dives, tuck jumps (cannonball entries), eggbeater kick, and backward somersaults (in water). Technique and endurance will also receive greater focus as swimmers will need to complete longer distance swims and interval training sessions for all their strokes.

Prerequisites: 6 to 12 years old AND passed Swimmer 4.

Skill Minimum: 50m swim, without stopping.

As the final level in the Swimmer program, swimmers will build up their advanced skillset. Swimmers will work towards mastering stride entries, compact jumps, and lifesaving kicks. They will also refine their strokes to increase their swimming strength, power, and endurance – critical for success in the 300m workout required to complete the level.

Prerequisites: 6 to 12 years old AND passed Swimmer 5.

Skill Minimum: 50m swim, without stopping.

Rookie Patrol lays the foundation of the Swim Patrol program. It includes 4 main components: stroke refinement, fitness, first aid, and lifesaving. Stroke refinement is focused on front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke. Fitness components include a 350m workout and 100m timed swim. Swimmers will learn about assessing conscious victims, contacting EMS, and treatment for bleeding. Rookie Patrol is rounded off with an introduction to lifesaving skills, including self-rescue techniques, victim recognition, and using throwing assists.

Prerequisites: 9+ years old AND passed Swimmer 6.

Stroke refinement and underwater proficiency continues to be a focus in Ranger Patrol as it is critical for supporting swimmer fitness. Swimmers can expect their fitness levels to increase as they work towards a 200m timed swim. First aid at the Ranger Patrol level includes assessment of unconscious victims, treating for shock, and procedures for obstructed airways. Lifesaving skills are expanded to include object support and non-contact rescues with a buoyant aid.

Prerequisites: 9+ years old AND passed Rookie Patrol.

Star Patrol will prepare swimmers for the Bronze Star Award. Strokes will continue to be refined through completion of 100m swims. It demands good physical conditioning as swimmers will be challenged with a 600m workout, 300m timed swim, and a 25m object carry. First aid at this level focuses on treatment of bone and joint injuries, and respiratory emergencies like asthma and allergic reactions. Lifesaving skills include in water defense methods, rolling over and supporting victims in shallow water, and removing victims from shallow water. Swimmers that complete Star Patrol will be well on their way to becoming bona fide Lifesavers.

Prerequisites: 9+ years old AND passed Ranger Patrol.

Swimmers 13 to 17 years old with little to no experience gain confidence in the water in a mature learning environment. Swimmers will learn the basics of swimming, such as entries, floats, kicking, submersion, and recovery. Swimmers will work towards swimming 10-15m on front and back.

Prerequisite: 13 to 17 years old.

Swimmers 13 to 17 years old with some experience develop further in a mature learning environment. Swimmers learn swim strokes, including front and back crawl, whip kick, and treading water. Swimmers will work towards swimming 25m distances, treading water, and dive entries.

Prerequisites: 13 to 17 years old AND passed Young Adult Swimmer 1.

Swimmers 13 to 17 years old with swimming experience strengthen skills in a mature learning environment. Young Adult Swimmers will learn a variety of deep-end skills, including entries, and treading water, with a goal of completing the Swim to Survive standard: Roll into deep water, tread water for 1 minute, and swim 50m. Swimmers will build endurance to achieve the 300m workout, including 25m & 50m sprints.

Prerequisites: 13 to 17 years old AND passed Adult Swimmer 2.

Adult swimmers will work towards being able to complete short distance swims (10-15m) on their front and back. They will work through swimming stroke fundamentals such as floats, rolls, glides, and kicks. Swimmers will develop their underwater skills as they continue to build their confidence in the water.

Prerequisites: 18+ years old.

Adult swimmers will practice different entries into deep water including dives, rolls, and tuck jumps (cannonballs). As they work on building strength and endurance, they will aim to be able to tread water for 1-2 minutes. New underwater skills are introduced such as handstands in shallow water and front somersaults (in water). Swimmers will achieve the Swim to Survive standard by being able to roll into deep water, tread water for 1 minute, and swim 50m. In addition to improving their front crawl, back crawl, and whip kick, swimmers will be introduced to breaststroke.

Prerequisites: 18+ years old AND passed Adult Swimmer 1.

Adult swimmers will work towards mastering front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke. Challenging skills such as shallow dives, stride entries, and compact jumps will be completed as well as a focus on developing lifesaving kicks. Swimmers can expect to improve their fitness levels as they work on completing 300m workouts and 25-50m sprints.

Prerequisites: 18+ years old AND passed Adult Swimmer 2.

This level is for children and youth that have never taken swimming lessons and cannot put their face in the water.

Prerequisites: 3 to 6 years old.

This level is for children and youth that can put their face in the water and blow bubbles and can be held in a front or back float position.

Prerequisite: 7 to 12 years old.

This level is for children and youth that can independently float on their front and back (with or without help starting and recovering).

Prerequisite: 13 to 17 years old.

• Youth ages 10 years and over may access the Aquatic Centre independently. A swim test may be required based on lifeguard discretion.
• Children under 8 years must stay within arm’s reach. Children under 10 years require supervision by a guardian (16+). One guardian may actively supervise up to 3 children.
• Children 3 years or younger, and any incontinent swimmers must wear swim diapers and waterproof plastic pants.
• Appropriate swim attire required. No outdoor wear or undergarments.
• No diaper changing on deck.
• No strollers. No outdoor street shoes.
• No rough play or offensive language/ behaviour. Vivo has zero tolerance for violence, abuse, or harassment.
• No urinating in or fouling of the pool.
• No diving.
• No breath holding or prolonged underwater swimming.
• No glass, open food, drink or gum.
• Intoxicated or impaired guests not permitted. No outside alcohol permitted.
• No photos or videos allowed in or around the change rooms or aquatic areas.
• Caution: Slippery surface, please walk.

• Youth ages 10 years and over may access the Aquatic Centre independently. A swim test may be required based on lifeguard discretion.
• Children under 8 years must stay within arm’s reach. Children under 10 years require supervision by a guardian (16+). One guardian may actively supervise up to 3 children.
• Children 3 years or younger, and any incontinent swimmers must wear swim diapers and waterproof plastic pants.
• Lifeguards reserve the right to ask anyone entering deep water to wear a lifejacket or perform a swim test.
• Appropriate swim attire required. No outdoor wear or undergarments.
• No strollers. No outdoor street shoes.
• No rough play or offensive language/ behaviour. Vivo has zero tolerance for violence, abuse, or harassment.
• No urinating in or fouling of the pool.
• No diving.
• No breath holding or prolonged underwater swimming.
• No glass, open food, drink or gum.
• Intoxicated or impaired guests not permitted. No outside alcohol permitted.
• No photos or videos allowed in or around the change rooms or aquatic areas.
• No diaper changing on deck.
• Caution: Slippery surface, please walk.

• Youth ages 10 years and over may access the Aquatic Centre independently. A swim test may be required based on lifeguard discretion.
• Children under 8 years must stay within arm’s reach. Children under 10 years require supervision by a guardian (16+). One guardian may actively supervise up to 3 children.
• Children 3 years or younger, and any incontinent swimmers must wear swim diapers and waterproof plastic pants.
• Lifeguards reserve the right to ask anyone entering deep water to wear a lifejacket or perform a swim test.
• Appropriate swim attire required. No outdoor wear or undergarments.
• Diving permitted past the 2.5m depth marker.
• No strollers. No outdoor street shoes.
• No rough play or offensive language/ behaviour. Vivo has zero tolerance for violence, abuse, or harassment.
• No urinating in or fouling of the pool.
• No breath holding or prolonged underwater swimming.
• No glass, open food, drink or gum.
• Intoxicated or impaired guests not permitted. No outside alcohol permitted.
• No photos or videos allowed in or around the change rooms or aquatic areas.
• No diaper changing on deck.
• Caution: Deep water, experienced swimmers only.
• Caution: Slippery surface, please walk.

• Youth ages 10 years and over may access the Aquatic Centre independently. A swim test may be required based on lifeguard discretion.
• Non-swimmers and children under 8 years old must wear a PFD and be within arm’s reach of a guardian at all times.
• Children under 10 years require supervision by a guardian (16+). One guardian may actively supervise up to 3 children.
• Lifeguards reserve the right to ask anyone entering deep water to wear a lifejacket or perform a swim test.
• Please go with the flow and float with the direction of the river.
• Do not jump or dive into the lazy river.
• No breath holding or prolonged underwater swimming.
• No rough play or offensive language/ behaviour. Vivo has zero tolerance for violence, abuse, or harassment.
• No urinating in or fouling of the pool.
• No photos or videos allowed in or around the change rooms or aquatic areas.
• Caution: Slippery surface, please walk.

• Lifeguard must be on duty.
• Climbers must be at least 5 years old.
• Youth ages 10 years and over may access the Aquatic Centre independently. A swim test may be required based on lifeguard discretion.
• Children under 8 years must stay within arm’s reach. Children under 10 years require supervision by a guardian (16+). One guardian may actively supervise up to 3 children.
• Floatation devices are not permitted.
• Do not wear rings or other jewelry while climbing.
• One climber at a time on the AquaClimb®.
• One swimmer at a time in the drop zone.
• Do not grab or climb on the top of the wall.
• No diving, and no backflips. Feet first entries only.
• Do not stick fingers in the holes in the wall or holds.
• No rough play or offensive language/ behaviour. Vivo has zero tolerance for violence, abuse, or harassment.
• Intoxicated or impaired guests not permitted. No outside alcohol permitted.
• No photos or videos allowed in or around the change rooms or aquatic areas.
• Caution: Deep water, experienced swimmers only.
• Caution: Slippery surface.

• Youth ages 10 years and over may access the Aquatic Centre independently. A swim test may be required based on lifeguard discretion.
• Children under 8 years must stay within arm’s reach. Children under 10 years require supervision by a guardian (16+). One guardian may actively supervise up to 3 children.
• Children 3 years or younger, and any incontinent swimmers must wear swim diapers and waterproof plastic pants.
• Lifeguards reserve the right to ask anyone entering deep water to wear a lifejacket or perform a swim test.
• Appropriate swim attire required. No outdoor wear or undergarments.
• No strollers. No outdoor street shoes.
• No rough play or offensive language/ behaviour. Vivo has zero tolerance for violence, abuse, or harassment.
• No urinating in or fouling of the pool.
• No diving in the shallow end.
• No breath holding or prolonged underwater swimming.
• No glass, open food, drink or gum.
• Intoxicated or impaired guests not permitted. No outside alcohol permitted.
• No photos or videos allowed in or around the change rooms or aquatic areas.
• No diaper changing on deck.
• Caution: Slippery surface, please walk.

• Youth ages 10 years and over may access the Aquatic Centre independently. A swim test may be required based on lifeguard discretion.
• Children under 8 years must stay within arm’s reach. Children under 10 years require supervision by a guardian (16+). One guardian may actively supervise up to 3 children.
• Children 3 years or younger, and any incontinent swimmers must wear swim diapers and waterproof plastic pants.
• Lifeguards reserve the right to ask anyone entering deep water to wear a lifejacket or perform a swim test.
• Appropriate swim attire required. No outdoor wear or undergarments.
• Diving permitted past the 2.5m depth marker.
• No strollers. No outdoor street shoes.
• No rough play or offensive language/ behaviour. Vivo has zero tolerance for violence, abuse, or harassment.
• No urinating in or fouling of the pool.
• No breath holding or prolonged underwater swimming.
• No glass, open food, drink or gum.
• Intoxicated or impaired guests not permitted. No outside alcohol permitted.
• No photos or videos allowed in or around the change rooms or aquatic areas.
• No diaper changing on deck.
• Caution: Deep water, experienced swimmers only.
• Caution: Slippery surface, please walk.

• Lifeguard must be on duty.
• One person at a time please.
• You must be at least 5 years old to use the zipline.
• Maximum weight is 250 lbs.
• Personal floatation device permitted.
• No photos or videos allowed in or around the change rooms or aquatic areas.
• Only one swimmer at a time in the drop zone.
• Feet-first entries only off the zipline. No diving, backflips, or upside-down entries.
• No rough play or offensive language/behaviour. Vivo has zero tolerance for violence, abuse, or harassment.
• Caution: Deep water, experienced swimmers only.
• Caution: Slippery surface, please walk.

• Children under 10 years require supervision by a guardian (16+). One guardian may actively supervise up to 3 children.
• Get permission from your doctor, if you have a medical condition, are pregnant or are 65 years old or older.
• Appropriate swim attire required. No outdoor wear or undergarments.
• Children 3 years or younger, and any incontinent swimmers must wear swim diapers and waterproof plastic pants.
• No rough play or offensive language/behaviour. Vivo has zero tolerance for violence, abuse, or harassment.
• Flotation devices are not permitted in the hot tub.
• No diving.
• Keep your face and ears above water. No dunking.
• No urinating in or fouling of the hot tub.
• No photos or videos allowed in or around the change rooms or aquatic areas.
• No glass, open food, drink or gum.
• Intoxicated or impaired guests not permitted. No outside alcohol permitted.
• Use of the hot tub by children under the age of 6 is not recommended.
• Keep loose hair, clothing, and jewelry away from underwater jets.
• Maximum stay of 10 minutes.

If you feel dizziness, fatigue, headache or nausea, leave the sauna immediately and notify the nearest staff member.

• Get permission from your doctor, if you have a medical condition, are pregnant or are 65 years old or older.
• Children under the age of 10 years old must be supervised.
• Appropriate swim attire required. No outdoor wear or undergarments.
• No rough play or offensive language/ behaviour. Vivo has zero tolerance for violence, abuse, or harassment.
• For the comfort of all guests, this is a scent-free zone. No scented products.
• No photos or videos allowed in or around the change rooms or aquatic areas.
• Please do not put water on the heat sensors.
• Use of the sauna by children under the age of 6 is not recommended.
• 10-minute maximum stay.

If you feel dizziness, fatigue, headache or nausea, leave the sauna immediately and notify the nearest staff member.

• Get permission from your doctor, if you have a medical condition, are pregnant or are 65 years old or older.
• Children under the age of 10 years old must be supervised.
• Appropriate swim attire required. No outdoor wear or undergarments.
• No rough play or offensive language/ behaviour. Vivo has zero tolerance for violence, abuse, or harassment.
• For the comfort of all guests, this is a scent-free zone. No scented products.
• No photos or videos allowed in or around the change rooms or aquatic areas.
• Please do not put water on the heat sensors.
• Use of the sauna by children under the age of 6 is not recommended.
• 10-minute maximum stay.

If you feel dizziness, fatigue, headache or nausea, leave the sauna immediately and notify the nearest staff member.

Change Rooms

• Youth ages 10 years and over may access the Aquatic Centre independently. A swim test may be required based on lifeguard discretion.
• Children under 10 years require supervision by a guardian (16+). One guardian may actively supervise up to 3 children.
• Appropriate swim attire required. No outdoor wear or undergarments.
• Children 3 years or younger, and any incontinent swimmers must wear swim diapers and waterproof plastic pants.
• Lifeguards reserve the right to ask anyone entering deep water to wear a lifejacket or perform a swim test.
• Showers with soap are required prior to entering the Aquatic Centre.
• Get permission from your doctor if you have a medical condition, are over 65 or may be pregnant.
• Please obtain lifeguard approval before bringing in outside toys or equipment.
• Please remember to bring a lock, and lock your belongings.
• Lockers are day use only, all locks will be removed nightly and contents removed.
• No rough play or offensive language/ behaviour. Vivo has zero tolerance for violence, abuse, or harassment.
• No strollers. No outdoor street shoes.
• No glass, open food, drink or gum.
• Intoxicated or impaired guests not permitted. No outside alcohol permitted.
• No photos or videos allowed in or around the change rooms or aquatic areas.
• Caution: Slippery surface, please walk.

Universal Change Rooms

• This is a shared multi-age, multi-gender, accessible change area.
• All users must change in the private stalls provided.
• No photos or videos allowed in or around the change rooms or aquatic areas.

Internal Viewing Area

• Please use the change rooms provided.
• Children under 10 years old must be within arm’s reach of a guardian at all times.
• No diaper changing on deck.
• Intoxicated or impaired guests not permitted. No outside alcohol permitted.
• No strollers or outdoor street shoes.
• No rough play or offensive language/ behaviour. Vivo has zero tolerance for violence, abuse, or harassment.
• No glass, open food, drink or gum.
• No photos or videos allowed in or around the change rooms or aquatic areas.
• No smoking or vaping.
• No pets. Registered service animals are permitted.

External Viewing Area

• Food and beverages permitted in the viewing area only.
• Children under 10 years old must be within arm’s reach of a guardian at all times.
• Outdoor street shoes allowed.
• No rough play or offensive language/ behaviour. Vivo has zero tolerance for violence, abuse, or harassment.
• No glass or gum.
• No photos or videos allowed in or around the change rooms or aquatic areas.
• No smoking or vaping.
• No pets. Registered service animals are permitted.
• Intoxicated or impaired guests not permitted. No outside alcohol permitted.