Support for Every Swimmer
Build Confidence in and Around the Water
Learning to swim is an exciting and important skill for both children and adults.
Y Winnipeg offers a progressive learning model, which allows swimmers to learn at their own pace without the pressure of completing levels within specific or rigid time frames.
It’s an effective, enjoyable way to get comfortable in the water, advance skills and build confidence.
Highlights:
- YMCA Canada Continuous Swim Model
- Certified, caring instructors
- Small class sizes
- Progressive skill development
- Lessons for all ages and abilities
Registration Opens
August 17, 2026
Programs Begin
September 14, 2026
Lesson Fees
Starting at $32.50
Financial Assistance Available
Y Membership
Required
Explore Membership Options
Find the Right Program
Choose the program that fits best. From there, Y Winnipeg’s trained instructors will make sure everyone is grouped appropriately based on their comfort and ability.
Parent/Tot & Preschool
6 months–5 years
Introduce infants, toddlers and preschoolers to the water through fun, confidence-building lessons that develop comfort and foundational swimming skills.
Learn to Swim
Ages 6-12
Develop water confidence and strong swimming skills through progressive lessons designed for beginner and intermediate swimmers.
Star Swim Program
Ages 10+
Refine key techniques, improve endurance and receive lifesaving instruction that prepares swimmers for advanced aquatic and leadership programs.
Adaptive Swim Lessons
Designed for youth with additional support needs, this class features fewer participants and more personal instruction.
Swim Skill Plus
If a regularly scheduled swim lesson is missed, this supplemental class is available to keep skills progressing.
Junior Lifeguard Club
A bridge from Star Swim to advanced courses, this class includes lifesaving skills, first aid and more.
More Than Swimming Lessons
You can thrive at Y Winnipeg! Join a vibrant community to access modern facilities, programs and experiences that support healthy, active living.
- Babysitting services while you work
- Pools and water slides *
- Recreational swim and aqua fitness
- Complimentary FitME consultation
- Hot tubs, steam rooms and saunas *
- Fitness centres and group fitness classes
- Family activities and indoor play spaces
- Discounts on select programs
- Membership holds for when life gets busy
- Supporting a local charitable organization
* Varies by Community Hub
It's Never Too Late to Learn to Swim
Whether you're learning for the first time, returning after years away from the pool or looking to improve your technique, Y Winnipeg’s supportive instructors can help you feel at home in the water.
Start Your Journey
It’s time to dive in! Becoming a Y Winnipeg member and registering for swim lessons is easy.
Become a Member
Only the participant needs an active Y Winnipeg membership.
Choose the membership that's right for you and create your online account.
Find Your Swim Program
Select the appropriate age group and preferred location.
Don't worry about choosing the perfect swim level. Y Winnipeg’s instructors group swimmers based on their individual skills and comfort.
Register and Get Ready to Swim
Continue to our online registration system.
From there, you can choose your preferred schedule and complete the registration process to reserve your spot.
“The instructors helped my son feel comfortable in the water from his very first lesson. He looks forward to swim class every week, and we've loved watching his confidence grow.”
Common Questions About Swimming Lessons
Yes. However, only the individual taking the swim lesson is required to have an active Y Winnipeg membership, and memberships may be paused or cancelled any time.
Our Member Access Program can help if financial circumstances impact your ability to join.
No. A membership is not required for a parent/guardian or support person if you are registering for Parent/Tot & Preschool swim lessons or the Adaptive Swim program. Only the child registered in the program is required to have a membership. These programs require a parent/guardian or support person to be in the water for the duration of the lesson.
For existing members:
- Sign in to your online account using the email address associated with your membership.
- Choose a swim program: Parent/Tot & Preschool, Learn to Swim, Star Swim or specialty swim programs such as Junior Lifeguard Club, Adaptive Swim and Teen/Adult lessons.
Select the sub-activities to view all available dates and times for the program or location (see sample):
- Enrol your child in the swim time that works for you!
Once you've registered for a program based on age range, our caring instructors will ensure your swimmer is grouped into the appropriate level according to their individual comfort and skill.
Progress cards are available online one to two days after the conclusion of the full swimming session.
Click on your Community Hub to find your card.
The Y is committed to being accessible to everyone—regardless of financial circumstances. Please feel free to ask about our Member Access Program for eligible individuals and families.
Minimum height requirements are site-specific. Children seven years of age and under will not be allowed entry into the pool unless accompanied by a parent/guardian/caregiver at a ratio of one parent/guardian/caregiver to four children.
Children seven 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 swimmer(s)
- Restricted to the shallow end
- Must wear a life jacket/PFD (personal flotation device) unless the ratio is 1:1
Children seven years and under who can swim:
- May enter the pool without a life jacket/PFD (personal flotation device) upon demonstration of ability
- 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 swimmer(s)
Children eight years and older who do not meet the height requirement 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 swimmer(s)
- Restricted to the shallow end
- Must wear a life jacket/PFD (personal flotation device) unless the ratio is 1:1
Children eight years and older who do not meet the height requirement but can swim:
- May enter the pool without a life jacket/PFD (personal flotation device) upon demonstration of ability
- Restricted to the shallow end
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.
Try Us for Free Before You Register
Come take a closer look at our aquatic facilities, meet our team and see which swimming program is right for you.