Aquatics Programs

The Town of Oakville offers the Lifesaving Society Swim for Life program in all of its pools.

If your child has not taken lessons for more than a year or you are unsure as to which level they should be registered in, please bring your child to either a leisure or combo swim for an assessment.

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.

The current Aquatic Leadership Ladder overview of the training required to become an instructor or lifeguard is provided in the most recent Parks, Recreation and Culture program guide. This guide also provides program details and links directly to the online registration system.

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.

Do you want to complete your volunteer hours in a pool environment? Then Pool Pals is the training you need! Due to the specialized nature of this setting, this training must be completed prior to volunteering at any Town of Oakville pool. Topics covered include techniques to help in a class setting and child development. Must be 13 years old and hold Bronze Medallion.

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.

Following is information about a selection of specialty Aquatics programs. For more information, click on a link, browse the Parks, Recreation and Culture program guide or online registration system.

Aquacycle

Aquacycle (ages 16+), formerly Hydrorider, is like a spin class in water. Participants are equipped with one of our Hydrorider Aquabikes and are lead through a class by one of our certified instructors.

Family Swim Lessons

Family Swim Lessons is an opportunity for the whole family to participate in lessons during the same time block. All swimmers under 5 years of age will need to be accompanied by an adult guardian who will remain as support during the program – the supporting adult does not pay the instructional fee. The lesson will be 45 minutes in length followed by a 15-minute recreational swim time for families to have fun in the water.

Fitness

Water-based exercises add both support and resistance to your workout, which can help reduce pain and impact on your joints, improve flexibility and boost results. Some skill prerequisites may apply.

Special Interest

Adapted Aquatics/Aquadapt (ages 3+) is swimming lessons for children with disabilities. The ratio is one child to one instructor.

Women Only Swimming Lessons (ages 13+) are taught by qualified female instructors and appropriate for beginners through to more accomplished swimmers:

• Women's Only Introduction to Water (AquaAdult 101)
• Women's Only Swim to Survive (AquaAdult 201)
• Women's Only Swim For Fitness (AquaAdult 301)

Springboard Diving

Dive Ontario’s Learn-to-Dive program is nationally recognized. Classes are taught by Canadian Amateur Diving Association qualified instructors.

Participants (ages 5-12) must have completed Lifesaving Swimmer 4 and be deep water safe.

Levels 1 through 4 are offered. New to diving? Begin with Springboard Diving – CADA Level 1.

Swim to Survive program for Grade 3 students

Swim to Survive is a Lifesaving Society program that teaches participants the minimum skills needed to survive an unexpected fall into deep water.

If you are a principal or teacher from either the Halton District or Halton Catholic District School Boards interested in the Swim to Survive program, please contact Jonathan Brooker at 905-815-5975.

Synchronized Swimming

Synchronized Swimming programs are for participants who want to learn progressive skills, figures and routines; as well as develop muscle control, self-confidence and grace.

Various courses are offered for children (ages 7-13), youth (ages 13-18), and adults (ages 18+). Some prerequisites and additional costs (for select programs) apply.