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Our aquatics programs are designed for people of all ages and abilities. Join us to: increase your comfort level in the water, improve your physical health, develop your swimming abilities, exercise without impact, increase your water safety skills, or just have fun!

Swimming Lessons

Swimming Lessons

The Y Swim Lesson Difference

The YMCA developed Canada's first national aquatic program and has been teaching water safety and swimming skills for over 90 years. We offer the YMCA Canada continuous swim model. With our model, swimmers progress at their own pace, without the pressure of completing levels within the “typical” lesson time frame.

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Lane and Rec Swim

Lane and Rec Swim

Whether you swim for your health or just enjoy open pool time, our branches offer a range of times to fit aquatics into your routine. Drop in for lane swim to do some laps or visit for recreational swim to enjoy pool fun! Various toys or slides may be available. Visit our West Portage or South branches for family fun with the waterslides.

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Aqua Fitness

Aqua Fitness

Exercising in the water is a great way to strengthen, tone and energize your entire body – without putting any stress on your joints. Even if you don't know how to swim, you can still join us for Aquatic fitness. No swimming skills are required.

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Female Lifeguard by Pool Side

Get Certified

If you are interested in advancing your skills to become a YMCA Canada Swim Instructor, qualified to teach swimming lessons at Y’s across Canada, or to pursue Lifesaving and Lifeguarding certification, we can help. We also offer First Aid and Emergency First Aid.

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Aquatic Admission Guidelines

Minimum height requirements are site-specific. Children 7 years of age and under will not be allowed entry into the pool unless accompanied by a Parent/Guardian/Caregiver at a ratio of 1 Parent/Guardian/Caregiver to 4 children.

 

CHILDREN 7 YEARS AND UNDER

Children 7 years and under who cannot swim:

  • Must be accompanied by a Parent/Guardian/Caregiver at a ratio of 1:4.
  • Parent/Guardian/Caregiver must be within arm’s reach of the child(ren).
  • Are restricted to the shallow end.
  • Must wear a Lifejacket/PFD (Personal Floatation Device) unless the ratio is 1:1.

Children 7 years and under who can swim:

  • Upon demonstration of swimming ability may enter the pool without a Lifejacket/PFD.
  • Must be accompanied by a Parent/Guardian/Caregiver at a ratio of 1:4.
  • Parent/Guardian/Caregiver must be within arm’s reach of the children.

 

CHILDREN 8 YEARS AND OLDER

Children 8 years and older who do not meet the height requirements and cannot swim:

  • Must be accompanied by a Parent/Guardian/Caregiver at a ratio of 1:4.
  • Parent/Guardian/Caregiver must be within arm’s reach of the children.
  • Are restricted to the shallow end.
  • Must wear a Lifejacket/PFD unless the ratio is 1:1.

Children 8 years and older who do not meet the height requirement but can swim:

  • Upon demonstration of swimming ability may enter the pool without a Lifejacket/PFD.
  • Children 8 years and older who meet the height requirement and cannot swim:
  • Are restricted to the shallow end.
  • A Lifejacket/PFD is optional.

 

The on-site Swim Lesson Supervisor/Lifeguard has the right to prevent access to any part of the pool or the Aquatic Centre in its entirety should there be any safety concerns regarding the patron’s use of the facility.