Swimming Lessons | City of Pickering

The City of Pickering offers the Lifesaving Society Learn to Swim Programs. Swim for Life focuses on the development of fundamental swim strokes and skills for learners of all ages and abilities as well as valuable Water Smart® education that provides information, experiences, and key messages to help everyone make safe choices when in, on, and around water.

Lessons are run seasonally throughout the year in sessions for spring, summer, fall, and winter. Find lesson information online at pickering.ca/CityGuide or search and register for classes at pickering.ca/Active.

Learn to Swim Class Options

Group Lessons

These lessons offer a high quality and social learn to swim experience in small group settings. Classes are 30 - 45 minutes in duration.

Girls Only Group Lessons

These classes are for females only. All Girls Only/Female Only programs take place at Dunbarton Indoor Pool.

Semi Private Lessons

Semi Private classes guarantee a maximum of 3 participants per class, are 1/2 hour in duration. These low ratio classes are offered at both pools. Learners of all ages and all swim levels may take advantage of Semi Private instruction.

Private Lessons

Private lessons are a great alternative to group or semi-private lessons. Private classes guarantee a maximum of 1 participant per class, are 1/2 hour in duration. All Lifesaving Society programs are offered as well as Adult and Youth swim levels.

Progressing Through Levels

Each level has a required skill set for participants to meet. See below progress reports for skills that will be worked on and will need to be acquired before moving to the next level. Some levels may take participants more than one session to acquire the necessary skills .

Parent & Tot 4 mos - 3 yrs

The parent & tot programs provides an opportunity for parents and children to enjoy structured in-water interaction in a fun and social setting. Focusing on the importance of play and developing water positive attitudes and skills, children gain valuable exposure to being in and around the water. Parents will learn to be Water Smart to keep themselves and their child safe in any aquatic setting.

Activities and progressions in Parent & Tot are based on developmental stages. Register in the level appropriate for your child’s age.

Parent & Tot Progress Reports

Parent & Tot 1 | 4 - 12 mos

Entries and Exits

Enter and exit the water safely with tot

Underwater Skills

Readiness for submersion

Movement / Swimming Skills

Hold tot on front, eye contact
Hold tot on back, head and back support
Front float (face out) – assisted
Back float (assisted)
Float wearing PFD (assisted)
Arms: splashing, reaching, paddling on front and back
Legs: tickling, splashing, kicking on front and back

Water Smart® Education

Within Arms’ Reach
Wear a Lifejacket
Swim to Survive

Parent & Tot 2 | 12 - 24 mos

Entries and Exits

Entry from sitting position (assisted)
Exit the water (assisted)

Underwater Skills

Blow bubbles on and in water
Face wet and in water
Attempt to recover object below surface

Swim to Survive® Skills

Entry from sitting position wearing PFD and return (assisted)

Movement / Swimming Skills

Front float (face in) – assisted
Back float (assisted)
Kicking on front (assisted)
Kicking on back (assisted)
Surface passes with continuous contact

Water Smart® Education

Within Arms’ Reach
Wear a Lifejacket
Swim to Survive

Parent & Tot 3 | 2 - 3 yrs

Entries and Exits

Jump entry (assisted)
Entry and submerge from sitting position (assisted)
Exit the water (unassisted)
Underwater Skills
Hold breath underwater (assisted)
Attempt to open eyes underwater
Attempt to recover object from bottom

Swim to Survive® Skills

Standing jump entry, return to edge (assisted)
Jump entry and float wearing PFD (assisted)

Movement / Swimming Skills

Front “starfish” float (assisted)
Back “starfish” float (assisted)
Front “pencil” float (assisted)
Back “pencil” float (assisted)
Kicking on front (assisted)
Kicking on back (assisted)
Underwater passes

Water Smart® Education

Within Arms’ Reach
Wear a Lifejacket
Swim to Survive

Preschool Program 3 - 5 yrs

The preschool programs provide children with an early start in learning to swim. Children will have fun while gaining foundational water skills and become comfortable in the water. Water Smart education is incorporated into all Preschool levels to support children in learning how to keep themselves safe in and around the water.

Preschool Program Progress Reports

Preschool 1

Entries and Exits

Enter and exit shallow water (assisted)
Jump into chest-deep water (assisted)

Underwater Skills

Face in water
Blow bubbles in water

Movement / Swimming Skills

Float on front (3 sec.) assisted
Float on back (3 sec.) assisted
Safe movement in shallow water wearing PFD
Glide on front (3 m) assisted
Glide on back (3 m) assisted

Water Smart® Education

Within Arms’ Reach
Wear a Lifejacket

Preschool 2

Entries and Exits

Enter and exit shallow water wearing PFD
Jump into chest-deep water

Underwater Skills

Submerge
Submerge and exhale 3 times

Movement / Swimming Skills

Float on front 3 sec. wearing PFD or with buoyant aid
Float on back 3 sec. wearing PFD or with buoyant aid
Roll laterally front to back and back to front, wearing PFD
Glide on front 3 m wearing PFD or with buoyant aid
Glide on back 3 m wearing PFD or with buoyant aid
Flutter kick on back with buoyant aid 5 m

Water Smart® Education

Within Arms’ Reach
Wear a Lifejacket

Preschool 3

Entries and Exits

Jump into deep water wearing PFD, return and exit
Sideways entry wearing PFD

Underwater Skills

Hold breath underwater 3 sec.
Submerge and exhale 5 times
Recover object from bottom in waist-deep water
Swim to Survive® Skills
Back float; roll to front; swim 3 m

Movement / Swimming Skills

Float on front 5 sec.
Float on back 5 sec.
Roll laterally front to back and back to front
Glide on front 3 m
Glide on back 3 m
Flutter kick on back 5 m
Flutter kick on front 5 m

Water Smart® Education

Within Arms’ Reach
Wear a Lifejacket

Preschool 4

Entries and Exits

Jump into deep water, return and exit
Sideways entry

Surface Support

Tread water 10 sec. wearing a PFD

Underwater Skills

Open eyes underwater
Recover object from bottom in chest-deep water

Swim to Survive® Skills

Wearing a PFD, sideways entry into deep water; tread 15 sec.; swim/kick 5 m
Front float; roll to back; swim 5 m

Movement / Swimming Skills

Glide on side 3 m
Flutter kick on front 7 m
Flutter kick on back 7 m
Flutter kick on side 5 m
Front crawl 5 m wearing PFD

Water Smart® Education

Within Arms’ Reach
Wear a Lifejacket

Preschool 5

Entries and Exits

Forward roll entry wearing PFD
Surface Support
Tread water 10 sec.

Underwater Skills

Submerge and hold breath 5 sec.
Recover object from bottom in chest-deep water

Swim to Survive® Skills

Wearing PFD, sideways entry into deep water; tread 20 sec.; swim/kick 10 m

Movement / Swimming Skills

Whip kick in vertical position (20 sec.) with a PFD or buoyant aid
Front crawl 5 m
Back crawl 5 m

Fitness

Interval training: 4 x 5 m flutter kick on back with 30 sec. rests

Water Smart® Education

Within Arms’ Reach
Wear a Lifejacket

Swimmer Program 6 - 13 yrs

This 6-level learn to swim program focuses on in-water swimming practice as swimmers learn and master fundamental strokes and skills as they progress. Swimmers also learn how to be safe in, on, and around the water through Water Smart education incorporated into every level.

Swimmer Program Progress Reports

Swimmer 1

Entries and Exits

Enter and exit shallow water
Jump into chest-deep water
Jump into deep water wearing PFD

Surface Support

Tread water 30 sec. wearing PFD

Underwater Skills

Hold breath underwater 5 sec.
Submerge and exhale under 5 times
Open eyes underwater

Movement / Swimming Skills

Float on front 5 sec.
Float on back 5 sec.
Roll laterally front to back and back to front
Glide on front 3 m
Glide on back 3 m
Glide on side 3 m
Flutter kick on front 5 m
Flutter kick on back 5 m
Front crawl 5 m wearing PFD

Water Smart® Education

Swim with a Buddy
Wear a Lifejacket
Check the Ice
Swim to Survive

Swimmer 2

Entries and Exits

Jump into deep water, return and exit
Sideways entry wearing PFD
Surface Support
Tread water 15 sec.

Underwater Skills

Recover object from bottom in chest-deep water

Swim to Survive® Skills

Wearing PFD, jump into deep water, tread 30 sec., and swim/kick 15 m

Movement / Swimming Skills

Flutter kick on front 10 m
Flutter kick on back 10 m
Flutter kick on side 10 m
Whip kick in vertical position 30 sec. with aid
Front crawl 10 m
Back crawl 10 m

Fitness

Interval training: 4 x 5 m flutter kick with 20 sec. rests

Water Smart® Education

Swim with a Buddy
Wear a Lifejacket
Check the Ice
Swim to Survive

Swimmer 3

Entries and Exits

Kneeling dive into deep water
Forward roll entry into deep water

Surface Support

Tread water 30 sec.
Underwater Skills
Handstand in shallow water
Front somersault (in water)

Swim to Survive® Skills

Jump into deep water, tread 30 sec., and swim/kick 25 m

Movement / Swimming Skills

Flutter kick on back 5 m; reverse direction and flutter kick on front 5 m
Flutter kick on front 5 m; reverse direction and flutter kick on back 5 m
Whip kick on back 10 m
Front crawl 15 m
Back crawl 15 m

Fitness

Interval training: 4 x 15 m flutter kick with 20 sec. rests

Water Smart® Education

Swim with a Buddy
Wear a Lifejacket
Check the Ice
Swim to Survive

Swimmer 4

Entries and Exits

Standing dive into deep water

Surface Support

Tread water 1 min.

Underwater Skills

Swim underwater 5 m

Swim to Survive® Skills

Canadian Swim to Survive Standard: Roll entry into deep water, tread 1 min. and swim 50 m

Movement / Swimming Skills

Whip kick on front 15 m
Breaststroke arms drill 15 m
Front crawl 25 m
Back crawl 25 m

Fitness

Interval training: 4 x 25 m front or back crawl with 20 sec. rests
Sprint front crawl 25 m

Water Smart® Education

Swim with a Buddy
Wear a Lifejacket
Check the Ice
Swim to Survive

Swimmer 5

Entries and Exits

Shallow dive into deep water
Tuck jump (cannonball) into deep water

Surface Support

Jump entry into deep water, and tread 2 min.
Stationary eggbeater kick 30 sec.

Underwater Skills

Back somersault (in water)

Swim to Survive® Skills

Roll entry into deep water, tread 90 sec. and swim 75 m

Movement / Swimming Skills

Breaststroke 25 m
Front crawl 50 m
Back crawl 50 m
Head-up front crawl 10 m

Fitness

Interval training: 4 x 50 m front or back crawl with 30 sec. rests
Interval training: 4 x 15 m breaststroke with 30 sec. rests
Sprint front crawl 25 m
Sprint back crawl 25 m

Water Smart® Education

Swim with a Buddy
Wear a Lifejacket
Check the Ice
Swim to Survive

Swimmer 6

Entries and Exits

Stride entry into deep water
Compact jump into deep water

Surface Support

Legs-only surface support 45 sec.

Underwater Skills

Swim underwater 10 m to recover object

Movement / Swimming Skills

Eggbeater kick on back 15 m
Scissor kick 15 m
Breaststroke 50 m
Front crawl 100 m
Back crawl 100 m
Head up swim 25 m

Fitness

Interval training: 4 x 25 m breaststroke with 30 sec. rests
Sprint breaststroke 25 m
Workout (300 m)

Water Smart® Education

Swim with a Buddy
Wear a Lifejacket
Check the Ice
Swim to Survive

Canadian Swim Patrol 6 - 13 yrs

The Lifesaving Society’s 3 level Canadian Swim Patrol program is for swimmers who are ready to focus on developing strength and proficiency while introducing the challenging world of lifesaving. Swimmers will have fun enhancing their capability in the water, increasing their physical conditioning, and learning lifesaving judgment. Each level will continue to develop swimmers’ strokes and provide a skill foundation that will prepare them for success in the Society’s Bronze Medal Awards.

Each level of the Canadian Swim Patrol program has three modules: Water Proficiency, First Aid, and Recognition and Rescue.

Canadian Swim Patrol Progress Reports

Rookie Patrol (Swimmer 7)

H2O Proficiency

Head-up front crawl or breaststroke – 25 m
Scull in ready position – 30 sec.
Carry object (2.3 kg) – 15 m
Surface dives, foot-first & head-first
Lifesaving kick – 25 m
Inflate clothing & use as buoyant assist
Obstacle swim – 25 m
Front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke – 50 m each
Fitness training: 350 m workout (3 times)
Swim 100 m in 3 min. (100 yd. in 2:40) or better

First Aid

Assess conscious victim
Contacting EMS
Care for external bleeding

Recognition & Rescue

Look & see: study aquatic facility. Turn & describe.
Simulate & recognize weak & non-swimmer
Throw aid to hit target as many times as possible – 30 sec.

Ranger Patrol (Swimmer 8)

H2O Proficiency

Somersault sequence, forward & backward
Stride entry & swim head-up 25 m into ready position
Eggbeater kick on back – 25 m
Support object (2.3 kg) – 1 min.
Head-up swim into surface dive & swim underwater to recover & carry object to start
Remove conscious victim
Front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke – 75 m each
Lifesaving medley – 100 m (3 times)
Swim 200 m in 6 min. (200 yd. in 5:20) or better

First Aid

Assess unconscious, breathing victim
Care for victim in shock
Care for obstructed airway – conscious victim

Recognition & Rescue

Victim simulation
Victim recognition
Victim avoidance
Rescue with buoyant aid – 20 m

Star Patrol (Swimmer 9)

H2O Proficiency

Entries with aids – at least 2
Entry with aid & swim head-up 25 m to ready position. Scull forward, backward & turn.
Defence methods – front, side & rear
Eggbeater kick – travel, change direction & height
Carry object (4.5 kg) – 25 m
Remove unconscious victim with assistance
Head-up approach into head-first surface dive. Swim underwater 5–10 m & surface. Foot-first surface dive to recover object & return to start.
Turn & support victim face-up – shallow water
Front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke – 100 m each
Fitness training: 600 m workout (3 times)
Swim 300 m in 9 min. (300 yd. in 8:00) or better

First Aid

Care for bone or joint injury
Care for respiratory emergency – asthma or allergic reaction

Recognition & Rescue

Locate & describe submerged object
Rescue weak or non-swimmer with towing aid – 20 m

Teen Programs 14 - 17 yrs

The teen swim program is for anyone just starting out or improving strokes and water fitness. This program allows swimmers to set their own goals and work with certified instructors to develop water confidence and smooth recognizable strokes good enough for lane swimming and fit enough for the beach. The Lifesaving Society Water Smart® education is incorporated in all Teen levels.

Teen 1

Entries and Exits

Enter and exit shallow water
Jump into deep water, return and exit
Sideways roll entry wearing PFD
Surface Support
Tread water 30 sec. wearing PFD

Underwater Skills

Hold breath underwater 5–10 sec.
Submerge and exhale 5–10 times
Open eyes underwater
Recover object from bottom in chest-deep water

Swim to Survive® Skills

Wearing PFD, jump into deep water, tread 30 sec. and swim/kick on back 5–10 m

Movement / Swimming Skills

Float on front
Float on back
Roll laterally front to back and back to front
Glide on front 3–5 m
Glide on back 3–5 m
Glide on side 3–5 m
Flutter kick on front 10-15 m
Flutter kick on back 10-15 m
Flutter kick on side 10-15 m
Whip kick in vertical position with PFD 15–30 sec.
Front crawl or back crawl 10–15 m

Fitness

Interval training: 4 x 9–12 m flutter kick with 10–15 sec. rests

Water Smart® Education

Swim with a Buddy
Wear a Lifejacket
Check the Ice
Swim to Survive
Within Arms’ Reach

Teen 2

Entries and Exits

Standing dive into deep water
Forward roll entry into deep water with PFD
Forward roll entry into deep water
Tuck jump (cannonball) into deep water

Surface Support

Tread water 1–2 min.

Underwater Skills

Handstand in shallow water
Front somersault (in water)
Swim underwater 5–10 m

Swim to Survive® Skills

Canadian Swim to Survive Standard: Roll entry into deep water, tread 1 min. and swim 50 m

Movement / Swimming Skills

Flutter kick on back 5 m; reverse direction and flutter kick on front 5 m
Flutter kick on front 5 m; reverse direction and flutter kick on back 5 m
Whip kick on back 10–15 m
Whip kick on front 10–15 m
Breaststroke arms drill 10–15 m
Front crawl 25–50 m
Back crawl 25–50 m

Fitness

Interval training: 4 x 25 m flutter kick with 15–20 sec. rests
Interval training: 4 x 25 m front or back crawl with 15–20 sec. rests
Sprint front crawl 25 m

Water Smart® Education

Swim with a Buddy
Wear a Lifejacket
Check the Ice
Swim to Survive
Within Arms’ Reach

Teen 3

Entries and Exits

Shallow dive into deep water
Stride entry into deep water
Compact jump into deep water

Surface Support

Legs-only surface support 30–60 sec.

Underwater Skills

Back somersault (in water)
Swim underwater 5–10 m to recover object

Movement / Swimming Skills

Eggbeater kick on back or scissor kick on side 10–15 m
Breaststroke 25–50 m
Front crawl 50–100 m
Back crawl 50–100 m•
Head-up front crawl 10–15 m

Fitness

Interval training: 4 x 50 m front or back crawl or breaststroke with 30 sec. rests
Sprint (25–50 m) front crawl, back crawl, or breaststroke
Workout 300 m

Water Smart® Education

Swim with a Buddy
Wear a Lifejacket
Check the Ice
Swim to Survive
Within Arms’ Reach

Youth Fitness Swimmer

Goals and Accomplishments will be tracked and recorded including:

Pace clocks and timers
Stretches for swimmers
Kicking interval training
Swimming interval training
Workout 300 m
Workout design
Distance swim
Sprint swim

Adult Swimmer 16+

Beginners just starting out or swimmers looking to improve their strokes will find that the new Adult Swimmer program will help them achieve their swimming goals. Swimmers will work to gain confidence in the water, develop smooth recognizable strokes, and improve their water fitness. Water Smart education is incorporated into all levels to support the Lifesaving Society’s mandate of drowning prevention.

Adult Progress Reports

Adult 1

Entries and Exits

Enter and exit shallow water
Jump into deep water, return and exit
Sideways roll entry wearing PFD

Surface Support

Tread water 30 sec. wearing PFD

Underwater Skills

Hold breath underwater 5–10 sec.
Submerge and exhale 5–10 times
Open eyes underwater
Recover object from bottom in chest-deep water

Swim to Survive® Skills

Wearing PFD, jump into deep water, tread 30 sec. and swim/kick on back 5–10 m

Movement / Swimming Skills

Float on front
Float on back
Roll laterally front to back and back to front
Glide on front 3–5 m
Glide on back 3–5 m
Glide on side 3–5 m
Flutter kick on front 5–10 m
Flutter kick on back 5–10 m
Flutter kick on side 5–10 m
Whip kick in vertical position with PFD 15–30 sec.
Front crawl or back crawl 10–15 m

Fitness

Interval training: 4 x 9–12 m flutter kick with 10–15 sec. rests

Water Smart® Education

Swim with a Buddy
Wear a Lifejacket
Check the Ice
Swim to Survive
Within Arms’ Reach

Adult 2

Entries and Exits

Standing dive into deep water
Forward roll entry into deep water with PFD
Forward roll entry into deep water
Tuck jump (cannonball) into deep water

Surface Support

Tread water 1–2 min.

Underwater Skills

Handstand in shallow water
Front somersault (in water)
Swim underwater 5–10 m

Swim to Survive® Skills

Canadian Swim to Survive Standard: Roll entry into deep water, tread 1 min. and swim 50 m

Movement / Swimming Skills

Flutter kick on back 5 m; reverse direction and flutter kick on front 5 m
Flutter kick on front 5 m; reverse direction and flutter kick on back 5 m
Whip kick on back 10–15 m
Whip kick on front 10–15 m
Breaststroke arms drill 10–15 m
Front crawl 25–50 m
Back crawl 25–50 m

Fitness

Interval training: 4 x 25 m flutter kick with 15–20 sec. rests
Interval training: 4 x 25 m front or back crawl with 15–20 sec. rests
Sprint front crawl 25 m

Water Smart® Education

Swim with a Buddy
Wear a Lifejacket
Check the Ice
Swim to Survive
Within Arms’ Reach

Adult 3

Entries and Exits

Shallow dive into deep water
Stride entry into deep water
Compact jump into deep water

Surface Support

Legs-only surface support 30–60 sec.

Underwater Skills

Back somersault (in water)
Swim underwater 5–10 m to recover object

Movement / Swimming Skills

Eggbeater kick on back or scissor kick on side 10–15 m
Breaststroke 25–50 m
Front crawl 50–100 m
Back crawl 50–100 m
Head-up front crawl 10–15 m

Fitness

Interval training: 4 x 50 m front or back crawl or breaststroke with 30 sec. rests
Sprint (25–50 m) front crawl, back crawl, or breaststroke
Workout 300 m

Water Smart® Education

Swim with a Buddy
Wear a Lifejacket
Check the Ice
Swim to Survive
Within Arms’ Reach

Aquatic Leadership 10+

Start your journey toward an exciting and rewarding career in aquatics! Our Aquatic Leadership program offers the certifications needed for employment with the City of Pickering. Lifeguards and swimming instructors are always in high demand, and this program equips you with the skills and qualifications to succeed.

Aquatic Leadership Programs

Bronze Star 10 - 12 yrs
Bronze Medallion & Emergency First Aid 13+
Bronze Cross 14+
Lifesaving Society Assistant Instructor 14+
Lifesaving Society Swim For Life Instructor 15+
Lifesaving and Emergency First Aid Instructor 16+
National Lifeguard Certification (NL) 15+

Aquafit Programs

Participants must be 15+

Take advantage of the unique benefits of water exercise to create a low impact program that appeals to a wide variety of abilities. Classes are offered at both CHD Rec Complex and Dunbarton Indoor pool.