The Premier of Ontario has declared a province-wide state of emergency and issued a stay-at-home order in response to rising COVID-19 variant infection rates.
We’re excited to reintroduce a safe summer program session starting the week of July 5. Browse recreation and culture programs starting Wednesday, May 12. Program capacity is limited to meet all required COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
Premier Ford announced that in response to rising COVID-19 variant infections and hospitalizations, the government has declared a state of emergency and implemented a province-wide stay-at-home order. The stay-at-home order is in addition to the emergency brake shutdown already in affect and requires everyone to remain at home except for essential purposes. Review the Province of Ontario's website for information.
Under the stay-at-home order only leave your home for essential purposes:
You should not travel outside your local community.
In response, community centres (including pools, fitness centres and arenas) and the Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate will be closed.
All registered recreation and culture programs. Drop-in activities, memberships, and indoor rental permits are cancelled. Refunds will be automatically issued to impacted customers.
While we can’t offer our full roster, we’re excited to offer safe recreation and culture programs for all ages and abilities online.
Check out our Virtual Programs page for information about our online fitness classes, cultural discussions, cooking workshops and much more! Some classes can also be found or re-watched on our YouTube channel.
A series of free Without Walls (WOW) phone-based programs and online Coffee & Conversation special events are also offered for ages 50+. Fees apply for select drop-ins.
Should you have questions, please call 905-815-2000 or email iris@oakville.ca from Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
The Town of Oakville offers lessons according to the Lifesaving Society Swim for Life program.
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.
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).
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.