Aquatics Programs

The Town of Oakville offers lessons according to the Lifesaving Society Swim for Life program.

Age guidelines

Children must be the age required for the level they are taking by the program start date.

Children who are 5 years-old do not need to complete all preschool levels before moving to the Swimmer programs.

Children who have completed the Preschool E and who are 5 years-old should enrol in Swim for Life Level 2.

Open the Aquatic Leadership Ladder (pdf) overview of the training required to become an instructor or lifeguard.

Re-certification courses include Bronze Cross Challenge Exam (ages 13+), Standard First Aid and CPR C/AED Re-certification (ages 14+), and NLS Re-certification (ages 16+).

Please note: Your original award card must be shown to the examiner to participate in the re-certification test.

Challenge Exams

The Bronze Medallion Challenge Exam (ages 13+) is for Bronze Medallion candidates who need to re-certify their award, or for swimmers who are looking to challenge the exam as a self-presented candidate. Re-certification candidates must bring their original certification card; challenge candidates must bring proof of course prerequisites: Bronze Star award or proof of age (candidate must be 13 years or older on exam date).

The Bronze Cross Challenge Exam is for Bronze Cross candidates who need to re-certify their award, or for swimmers who are looking to challenge the exam as a self-presented candidate. Re-certification candidates must bring their original certification card; challenge candidates must bring proof of course prerequisites: Bronze Medallion award and Emergency First Aid with CPR (Level B).

Aquatics Leadership Development courses

The following courses are offered to help participants develop their leadership skills but are not prerequisites.

Lifesaving Fitness (ages 13-16) focuses on speed, endurance, and flexibility as you work towards achieving bronze, silver, and gold awards in a variety of skill items. Includes 25-metre sprints, 200-metre timed swims, tows, and treading water with a 10-lb. brick.

Pre Bronze Skill Session (ages 13+) is for swimmers who are looking for extra practice on their water skills. Focuses on timed swims, lifesaving kicks, rescue techniques, and spinal rollovers. Candidates work in pairs and on their own. Prerequisite: Bronze Star.

If you have completed Bronze Cross and are waiting to take your National Lifeguard Service (NLS) certification, Pre N.L.S. (ages 14+) will reinforce the water rescue skills learned in Bronze Cross and introduce new skills that will be part of the NLS program. You'll work in pairs and on your own. Prerequisite: Bronze Cross.

Please visit our Pools page for locations and details.

Participants must continue to take general precautions. If you are sick or have travelled in the past 14 days, please stay at home. Anyone displaying symptoms will not be admitted.

Outdoor swimming

All outdoor pools are now open for recreational swimming and lessons until Labour Day weekend.

Outdoor pools close during thunderstorms and refunds will be issued as applicable. Rain days are non-refundable as our outdoor pools remain open.

Are pools safe to use?

Yes. Swimmers must continue to take general precautions. If you are sick or have travelled in the past 14 days, please stay at home. Anyone displaying symptoms will not be admitted.

Current evidence suggests that COVID-19 does not spread through water in recreational water facilities.

The town ensures proper operation of water filtration and disinfection systems that should remove or inactivate the COVID-19 virus.

What do I need to know before I arrive at the pool?

If possible, participants are encouraged to take a shower prior to visiting the pool to avoid having to rinse off prior to entering the pool.

Staff will follow all revised CPR and First Aid treatment processes, as amended by the Lifesaving Society in our safety guidelines. On-deck First Aid treatment stations will be established for outdoor pools.

What can I expect when I come for my swimming lesson?

• Spectators are asked to remain in the viewing areas.
• Parents are permitted in the water for Parent and Tot lessons only.
• Swimmers must bring their own goggles.

Admission for support persons

Personal support workers assisting individuals in a program are admitted at no charge and are not required to register. For more information, please speak to a Customer Service Representative at your local recreation and culture facility.

Will washrooms be open?

Washrooms are open. Please come dressed and ready to swim if possible.

Will equipment be available?

Lifejackets will be available but participants are encouraged to bring their own. Equipment for lessons, Leadership and Waterfit classes will be available.

Swimmers must bring their own equipment such as goggles and towels.

How many people are allowed to swim?

Each pool will have their own capacities depending on configuration.

If a friend wants to swim in the same lane as me, can we swim together?

Yes, but please let the lifeguard know upon entering the pool and we will do our best to accommodate requests.

What will length swims look like this year?

The pools offering length swims will be divided into double lanes. Each double lane will have a maximum of eight (8) people per lane.

Will we be able to swim length swims during leisure swims?

No. Lanes will not be put out for leisure swims.

What happens if someone swims faster or slower than me during a length swim?

• If any swimmer needs to pass another, participants may pass one another when safe to do so.
• Swimmers are asked to swim continually throughout the timeslots.
• Short breaks (i.e. drinking water, adjusting goggles) are allowed in the pool.