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.

Email swimlessons@vivo.ca to schedule a swim assessment.

One Parent joins their child in the water for this swimming lesson! Infants ages 4 to 12 months old will learn to be comfortable in the water with fun games and songs. Parents will learn how to safely support their child in the water for entries, floats, glides, and kicking.

Prerequisite: Children should 4 months to 3 years old.

One parent joins their child in the water for this swimming lesson! Children ages 1 to 2 years old will learn to be comfortable moving through the water with fun games and songs. Parents will learn how to safely support their child in the water for entries, floats, glides, and kicking.

Prerequisite: Children should be 1 to 2 years old.

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 should be 2 to 3 years old.

Swimmers 3 to 5 years old get an early start on learning to swim. Children will have fun while gaining foundational water skills and becoming comfortable in the water. Swimmers will practice getting in and out, getting their faces wet, blowing bubbles, and floating and gliding with help. Water Smart® education is incorporated into all Preschool levels to support children in learning how to keep themselves safe in and around the water.

Prerequisite: 3 to 5 years old.

Swimmers 3 to 5 years old who have completed Preschool Swim 1 gain more independence with their water skills. Some of these skills include jumping into chest-deep water by themselves, submerging and exhaling underwater, and floating and gliding with a PFD. 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.

Swimmers 3 to 5 years old who have passed Preschool 3, are ready to swim independently and will learn to jump in deeper water alone. They will learn sideways entries and glides, and even a 5m swim.

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

Swimmers 3 to 5 years old who have completed Preschool Swim 3, are ready to swim independently and will learn to jump in deeper water alone. They will learn sideways entries and glides, and even a 5m swim.

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

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

Children 3 to 5 years old who have passed Preschool 4, are great little swimmers who will learn to tread water for 10 seconds, 5m front and back swims, and even try the whip kick.

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

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

Swimmers 6 to 12 years old with no or little previous swimming experience start their water journey in this fun class, learning to be comfortable jumping into the water with and with-out a PFD. Swimmers will practice floats, glides, and kicking on their front and back. Swim-mers are introduced to staying safe in, on, and around the water through Water Smart® ed-ucation.

Prerequisite: 6 to 12 years old.

Swimmers 6 to 12 years old who have passed Swimmer 1 will jump into deeper water and learn sideways entries and treading water without a PFD. These swimmers are introduced to the flutter kick on their front, back and side and 10m front and back swim. All swimmers explore how to be safe in, on, and around the water through Water Smart® education.

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

Swimmers 6 to 12 years old who have passed Swimmer 2 will make a splash with their kneel-ing dives and forward roll entries. Swimmers will be challenged with the introduction to more difficult – and fun – skills such as handstands in shallow water and front somersaults in water. Increased time and distance components are incorporated for skills learned, such as flutter kick on front and back, whip on back, front and back crawl, and interval training. All swimmers explore how to be safe in, on, and around the water through Water Smart® education.

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

Skill Minimum: Front and back crawl for 10m.

Swimmers 6 to 12 years old who have passed Swimmer 3 move from a beginner to an inter-mediate swimming level. Swimmers will perform 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. All swimmers explore how to be safe in, on, and around the wa-ter through Water Smart® education.

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

Skill Minimum: 25m swim, without stopping.

Swimmers 6 to 12 years old who have passed Swimmer 4 learn shallow dives, cannonball entries, eggbeater, and back somersaults. Front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke distances are longer, and sprints and interval training are introduced. All swimmers explore how to be safe in, on, and around the water through Water Smart® education.

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

Skill Minimum: 50m swim, without stopping.

Swimmers 6 to 12 years old who have completed passed Swimmer 5 are preparing to move into the Lifesaving Swim Patrol levels. Stroke refinement encourages efficient strokes to assist with strength, power, and speed. Swimmers are challenged with longer distance swims. All swimmers explore how to be safe in, on, and around the water through Water Smart® education incorporated into every level.

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

Skill Minimum: 50m swim, without stopping.

Rookie Patrol participants will enhance their swimming strokes with 50m distances, lifesaving sport skills, first aid skills, and fitness with timed swims.

Prerequisites: 9+ years old AND passed Swimmer 6.

Ranger Patrol participants will enhance their swimming strokes with 75m distances, lifesaving sport skills, first aid skills and fitness with timed swims.

Prerequisites: 9+ years old AND passed Rookie Patrol.

Star Patrol participants will perfect their swimming strokes with 100m distances, lifesaving sport skills, first aid skills, and fitness with timed swims.

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.

Swimmers 18 years and older 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.

Prerequisites: 18+ years old.

Swimmers 18 years and older 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: 18+ years old AND passed Adult Swimmer 1.

Swimmers 18 years and older with swimming experience strengthen skills in a mature learn-ing environment. Swimmers will learn a variety of deep-end skills, including entries, swim strokes, 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 and 50m sprints.

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

SwimAbilities® is for children 3 – 6 years old who require additional support while in the water – no diagnosis required. One parent, guardian will be in the water supporting the swimmer during these lessons. Swimmers will benefit from a slower-paced program that provides more visual support, with 1 on 1 focus from the caregiver and modifications provided by the instructor. SwimAbilities® assists children and their caregivers to increase safety, independence, and enjoyment in and around the water. Children may begin SwimAbilities® at any level and may continue into other swim programs if they are comfortable doing so.

Prerequisites: 3 to 6 years old.

SwimAbilities® 2 is for children 7 – 12 years old who require additional support while in the water – no diagnosis required. One parent or guardian will be in the water supporting the swimmer during these lessons. Swimmers will benefit from a slower-paced program that provides more visual support, with 1 on 1 focus from the caregiver and modifications provided by the instructor. SwimAbilities® assists children and their caregivers to increase safety, independence, and enjoyment in and around the water. Children may begin SwimAbilities® at any level and may continue into other swim programs if they are comfortable doing so.

Prerequisite: 7 to 12 years old.

SwimAbilities® 3 is for youth 13 – 17 years old who require additional support while in the water – no diagnosis required. One parent or guardian will be in the water supporting the swimmer during these lessons. Swimmers will benefit from a slower-paced program that provides more visual support, with 1 on 1 focus from the caregiver and modifications provided by the instructor. SwimAbilities® assists children and their caregivers to increase safety, independence, and enjoyment in and around the water. Youth may begin SwimAbilities® at any level and may continue into other swim programs if they are comfortable doing so.

Prerequisite: 13 to 17 years old.

• Children under 9 years old must be within arm’s reach of a guardian at all times.
• Guardians must be at least 16 years old and may supervise a maximum of 3 children under 9 years old at one time.
• Children under 3 years old and any incontinent bathers 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 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 outdoor street shoes.
• No photos or videos in or around the change room or Aquatic Centre.
• Caution: Slippery surface, please walk.

• Children under 9 years old must be within arm’s reach of a guardian at all times.
• Guardians must be at least 16 years old and may supervise a maximum of 3 children under 9 years old at one time.
• Children under 3 years old and any incontinent bathers must wear swim diapers and waterproof plastic pants.
• Lifeguards reserve the right to ask anyone entering into deep water to wear a life jacket 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 in or around the change room or Aquatic Centre.
• No diaper changing on deck.
• Caution: Slippery surface, please walk.

• Children under 9 years old must be within arm’s reach of a guardian at all times.
• Guardians must be at least 16 years old and may supervise a maximum of 3 children under 9 years old at one time.
• Children under 3 years old and any incontinent bathers must wear swim diapers and waterproof plastic pants.
• Lifeguards reserve the right to ask anyone entering into deep water to wear a life jacket 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 in or around the change room or Aquatic Centre.
• No diaper changing on deck.
• Caution: Deep water, experienced swimmers only.
• Caution: Slippery surface, please walk.

• Lifeguard must be on duty.
• Climbers must be at least 5 years old.
• Do not wear rings or other jewelry while climbing.
• Floatation devices are not permitted.
• One climber at a time on the AquaClimb.
• No grabbing side or top of wall.
• No diving and no backflips. Feet first entries only.
• One swimmer at a time in the drop zone.
• No photos or videos in or around the change room or Aquatic Centre.
• 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.
• Caution: Deep water, experienced swimmers only.

• Children under 9 years old must be within arm’s reach of a guardian at all times.
• Guardians must be at least 16 years old and may supervise a maximum of 3 children under 9 years old at one time.
• 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 life jacket 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 in or around the change room or Aquatic Centre.
• No diaper changing on deck.
• Caution: Slippery surface, please walk.

• Children under 9 years oldmust be withinarm’s reach ofa guardian atall times.
• Guardians must be at least 16years old andmay supervisea maximumof 3 childrenunder 9 yearsold at one time.
• Lifeguardsreserve the right to ask anyone entering deepwater to wear a life jacket 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 playor offensive language/behaviour. Vivo has zerotolerance for violence, abuseor harassment.
• No urinating inor fouling ofthe pool.
• No breath-holding orprolongedunderwaterswimming.
• No glass, open food, drink or gum.
• Intoxicated or impaired guests not permitted.
• No outside alcohol permitted.
• No photos or videos inor around the change room or Aquatic Centre.
• 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 in or around the change room or Aquatic Centre.
• Only one swimmer at a time in the drop zone.
• Feet first entries only. 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.

• Guardians must be at least 16 years old and may supervise a maximum of 3 children under 9 years old at one time.
• 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 in or around the change room or Aquatic Centre.
• 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 12 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 in or around the change room or Aquatic Centre.
• 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 12 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 in or around the change room or Aquatic Centre.
• Please do not put water on the heat sensors.
• Use of the steam room 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

• Children under 9 years old must be within arm’s reach of a guardian at all times.
• Guardians must be at least 16 years old and may supervise a maximum of 3 children under 9 years old at one time.
• 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 into 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 possessions.
• 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 outdoor street shoes in pool area.
• No glass, open food, drink or gum.
• Intoxicated or impaired guests not permitted.
• No outside alcohol permitted.
• No strollers.
• No photos or videos in or around the change room or Aquatic Centre.

Universal Change Rooms

• The Change Room Standards of Conduct listed above also apply to the Universal Change Rooms.
• This is a shared multi-age, multi-gender, accessible change area.
• All users must change in the private stalls provided.