Recreation Guide

Please ensure that you read the course description and prerequisites before enrolling. If you are still unsure of the appropriate level, we can arrange for an assessment by one of our aquatic staff. Refunds are not issued for enrolling in the incorrect level or a level that was not recommended.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s lessons, please do not hesitate to talk to the on-deck supervisor immediately. We appreciate your feedback and can usually solve your concerns as soon as we know about them.

Just a swimsuit and a towel. All children who are not toilet trained are required to wear a plasticized bathing suit or plastic pants over their bathing suit - no disposable diapers.

Plan your schedule carefully. There are no make-up lessons or credits for missed classes. If we need to cancel a class due to inclement weather, pool fouling, etc., we will do our best to reschedule it at the end. If we cannot reschedule the class, you will be credited for the missed lesson.

Experience has shown us that your child is better able to concentrate on lessons without additional on deck distractions. Viewing is available in the area upstairs at the Recreation Complex or the foyer at Dunbarton Pool.

• We suggest not to leave the premises as lessons run for 30 or 45 minutes. 
• Open House takes place on the last day of lessons. During this time, you are welcome to remove your street shoes and stay on the pool deck.
• Please help us to prevent cancellations by feeding your child after lessons or at least one hour before.
• Due to the large number of program participants, we are unable to accept requests for specific instructors.

If your child is returning to swim lessons but you are not sure what level to register them for you can stop by during public swim times to get an evaluation. Evaluations are free and are approximately 15 minutes in length. All pool admission policies apply. See the Aquatics Page for public swim times and information.

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. 

The parent & tot programs provide 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 1 4 - 12 mos

• Parent & Tot 2 12 - 24 mos

• Parent & Tot 3 2 - 3 yrs

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The preschool programs provide children with an early start in learning to swim. Children 3-5 years old 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 1

• Preschool 2

• Preschool 3

• Preschool 4

• Preschool 5

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This is a 6-level learn to swim program for children 6-12 years old. There is a prominent focus on in-water swimming practice as swimmers learn fundamental strokes and skills, mastering them as they progress through the program. Swimmers also learn how to be safe in, on, and around the water through Water Smart education incorporated into every level.

• Swimmer 1
• Swimmer 2
• Swimmer 3
• Swimmer 4
• Swimmer 5
• Swimmer 6

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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.

• Rookie Patrol (Swimmer 7)

• Ranger Patrol (Swimmer 8)

• Star Patrol (Swimmer 9)

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• Bronze Star 10 - 12 yrs
• Teen Swimmer
• Youth Fitness Swimmer

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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 1

• Adult 2

• Adult 3

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The path to an exciting and rewarding career in Aquatics starts here! The following courses are offered...

• 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+

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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.

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