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Home...Recreation ProgramsAquaticsLessons

Swimming Lessons

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The Stratford Lions Pool offers high quality swim lessons in four 2-week sessions throughout the summer. There are over 75 available times per session to choose from. 

News Items

 Summer Swimming Lessons Registration Opens!  March 1, 2025

On Saturday, March 1st at 12:00 AM, registration will officially open for our Summer Swimming Lessons!

Don't miss your chance to sign up early and secure a spot for your child in our fun and safe swim classes. Get ready for a summer filled with splashes, skills, and sunny memories!

Mark your calendars and set your alarms!

See you at the pool!

 

How can we direct you?

Adapted Aquatics, Swim Team, Water Fitness
Become a Lifeguard/Instructor
Poor Weather Policy
Lessons for 4 months to 5 years
Lessons for 5 years and older
Student Drop Off and Spectating Policy

Swim Lesson Programs

Our facility uses the Lifesaving Society program. If you or your child have taken swimming lessons in another program with another organization, (i.e.: YMCA, Red Cross), see below for the course comparison by program. 

Swim Lesson Program Comparison by Organization
Lifesaving SocietyRed Cross Learn to SwimYMCA
Parent and Tot Starfish  Splashers
Parent and Tot Duck  Bubblers
Parent and Tot/Preschool 1 Sea Turtle  Bobbers
Preschool 2 Sea Otter  Floaters/Gliders
Preschool 3 Salamander  Divers
Preschool 4 Sunfish or Crocodile  Surfers
Preschool 5 Crocodile or Whale  Dipper
Swimmer 1 Swim Kids 1  Otter/Seal
Swimmer 2 Swim Kids 2  Dolphin
Swimmer 3 Swim Kids 3  Swimmer
Swimmer 4 Swim Kids 4  Star 1
Swimmer 5 Swim Kids 5  Star 2
Swimmer 6 Swim Kids 6  Star 3
Swimmer 7 Swim Kids 7  Star 4
Swimmer 8 Swim Kids 8  Star 5
Swimmer 9 (Rookie Patrol) Swim Kids 9  Star 6 
Swimmer 10 (Ranger Patrol) Swim Kids 10 Not Applicable 
Swimmer 11 (Star Patrol) Not Applicable Not Applicable

Please note: You must register for a course no later than 12pm on the Saturday before the week of lessons.

Lifesaving Society Preschool Swim Lesson Program (4 months to 5 years)
ProgramAge RequirementIn this Level:Class LengthRegistration Information
Parent Tot 4 months to 3 years

Participation with parent/caregiver in water activities. Once child is 3 years of age, they will progress to Preschool 1. Please note that progression in this level is solely based on age and not skill.

30 minutes $88.25/session
Preschool 1 3 to 5 years Front/back floats, glides, entries and exits, overall comfortability in the water. 30 minutes $88.25/session
Preschool 2 3 to 5 years Front/back floats, glides, jump into chest-deep water with a lifejacket, submerging and exhale underwater. 30 minutes $88.25/session
Preschool 3 3 to 5 years Glides with kicking on front and back, jumping forward and sideways in deep water with a lifejacket, recovering objects in chest deep water. 30 minutes $88.25/session
Preschool 4 3 to 5 years Flutter kick, front crawl, jump into chest deep water, open eyes underwater (without goggles). 30 minutes $88.25/session
Preschool 5 3 to 5 years Front and back crawl, forward roll in deep water, whip kick with a buoyant aid in a vertical position (20 sec.), surface support (10 sec.), submerge and hold breath underwater (5 sec.). 30 minutes $88.25/session
Lifesaving Society Swimmer Level Lesson Program (5 to 16 years old)
ProgramAge RequirementIn this Level:Class LengthCost
Swimmer 1

5 to 14 years

Front/back floats, front/back/side glides, flutter kick (5m), front crawl, hold breath underwater (5 sec.), open eyes underwater (without goggles). 30 minutes $88.25/session
Swimmer 2 5 to 14 years Flutter kick on front, back and side (7m), front and back crawl (5m), surface support (10 sec.), jump into deep water (assisted), interval training flutter kick (2 x 5m). 30 minutes $88.25/session
Swimmer 3 5 to 14 years Front and back crawl (10m), flutter kick on front, back and side (10m), whip kick (30 sec. in vertical position with buoyant object), surface support (15 sec.), interval training flutter kick (4 x 5m). 30 minutes $88.25/session
Swimmer 4 5 to 14 years Front and back crawl (15m), whip kick on back (5m), in-water front somersaults and handstands, surface support (20 sec.), interval training flutter kick (2 x 15m). 30 minutes $88.25/session
Swimmer 5 5 to 14 years Front and back crawl (15m), whip kick on back (10m), in-water front somersaults and kneeling dive, surface support (30 sec.), interval training flutter kick (4 x 15m).  30 minutes $88.25/session
Swimmer 6 5 to 14 years Front and back crawl (25m), whip kick on front (15m), elementary backstroke (10m), standing dives, surface support (1 min.), swim underwater (5m), completion of Canadian Swim to Survive Standard. 45 minutes $98.25/session
Swimmer 7 5 to 14 years Front and back crawl (50m), breaststroke (25m), elementary backstroke (15m), scissor kick (15m), head-up front crawl (10m), tread water (2 min), shallow dives, eggbeater kicks, and in-water backward somersault, interval training of 4 x 50 m front or back crawl and 4 x 15 m breaststroke, 25 m sprints of front and back crawl. 45 minutes $98.25/session
Swimmer 8 5 to 14 years Front and back crawl (100m), breaststroke (50m), elementary backstroke (25m), head-up swim (25m), eggbeater kick on back (15m), stride entries, compact jumps, swim 300m. 45 minutes $98.25/session
Swimmer 9/Rookie Patrol 9 to 16 years Front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke (50m), obstacle swim (25m), object carry (15m), fitness swim (350m), timed swim (100m in 3min), assessment of conscious victims, contacting EMS, and treatment for bleeding. 45 minutes $98.25/session
Swimmer 10/Ranger Patrol 9 to 16 years Front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke (75m), rescue with a buoyant aid, tread with object (1 min), timed swim (200m in 6min), assessment of unconscious victims, treatment of victims in shock and obstructed airway procedures. 1 hour

$105/session

Swimmer 11/Star Patrol 9 to 16 years Front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke (100m), fitness swim (600m), timed swim (300m in 8min) object carry (25m), victim removals, supporting a victim face up in shallow water, care for bone and joint injury, care for respiratory emergencies (asthma and allergic reactions). 1 hour

$105/session

Lifeguard/Instructor Pre-Certification Program
ProgramPre-Certification CoursesGeneral Requirements for Successful Completion:Class LengthCost
Bronze Star

None, but recommended to have Swimmer 9, 10 and 11

 

This award develops proficiency, lifesaving skill and personal fitness for skilled candidates. Bronze Star is excellent preparation for success in Bronze Medallion as well as a prerequisite for the Bronze Medallion award if participants wish to take Bronze Medallion before they are 13 years old. Completion of Bronze Star includes CPR-A. and Basic First Aid.

More information on Bronze Star

1 hour  $105/session
Bronze Medallion 13+ years of age by first day of class or successful completion of Bronze Star

This award challenges candidates both mentally and physically. This  includes judgment, knowledge, skill and fitness. Candidates learn assessment and problem-solving skills varying in degrees of risk. Bronze Medallion is a pre-requisite for Bronze Cross Award. Completion of Bronze Medallion includes CPR-B. and Emergency First Aid.

More information on Bronze Medallion

3 hours $235 plus book
Bronze Cross Successful completion of Bronze Medallion This award is designed for candidates to advance their training and transition skills from lifesaving to lifeguarding. Teamwork is integral, as candidates will learn how to rescue a spinal-injured victim and learning how to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies. Bronze Cross is a pre-requisite for all advanced training programs in lifesaving, lifeguard and leadership.

More information on Bronze Cross

3 hours $235 plus book
Specialized Aquatic Programs
ProgramRequirementsIn this Program:Class LengthCost
Adapted Aquatics   Emphasis is placed on individual experiences of the candidate in a positive, safe, and reinforcing environment. 30 minutes $88.25/session
Swim Team 6 to 18 years old This program delivers quality stroke correction, swim endurance, and pre-competitive training for all abilities. It is our goal to offer age-specific training for all of our swimmers. Practices are Monday through Friday from 8 - 9am. Swimmers are expected to attend a minimum of three practices a week, and participate in at least one swim meet before finals in August. It's typical for our team to have four Saturday swim meets throughout the summer. For practices, it is recommended that swimmers wear a swim cap, goggles, apply sunscreen, and bring a water bottle to stay fully hydrated. 

More information on Swim Team

Monday to Friday, 1 hour  $170/season
Water Fitness  16 years plus A shallow water fitness workout in chest deep water. Participants should be comfortable in chest deep water. No pre-registration required.  45 minutes $5.25/session 

Become a Lifeguard/Instructor

The Stratford Lions Pool program runs from June until the end of August each season. Although it varies from one year to the next, we may have to recruit new staff into available positions. Typically, seasonal job postings are released the January before the next summer employment. 

Visit www.stratford.ca/careers

Lifeguard/Instructor Pre-Certification Courses and Requirements
ProgramPre-Certification CoursesGeneral Requirements for Successful Completion:Class LengthCost
Bronze Star

None, but recommended to have Swimmer 9, 10 and 11

This award develops proficiency, lifesaving skill and personal fitness for skilled candidates. Bronze Star is excellent preparation for success in Bronze Medallion as well as a prerequisite for the Bronze Medallion award if participants wish to take Bronze Medallion before they are 13 years old. Completion of Bronze Star includes CPR-A. and Basic First Aid.

More information on Bronze Star

1 hour

$105/session
Bronze Medallion 13+ years of age by first day of class or successful completion of Bronze Star

This award challenges candidates both mentally and physically. This includes judgment, knowledge, skill and fitness. Candidates learn assessment and problem- solving skills varying in degrees of risk. Bronze Medallion is a pre-requisite for Bronze Cross Award. Completion of Bronze Medallion includes CPR-B. and Emergency First Aid.

More information on Bronze Medallion

3 hours

$235 plus book

Bronze Cross Successful completion of Bronze Medallion This award is designed for candidates to advance their training and transition skills from lifesaving to lifeguarding. Teamwork is integral, as candidates will learn how to rescue a spinal-injured victim and learning how to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies. Bronze Cross is a pre-requisite for all advanced training programs in lifesaving, lifeguard and leadership.

More information on Bronze Cross

3 hours $235 plus book
Lifesaving Swim Instructor 15 years of age by the end of the course; Bronze Cross certification (need not be current). 

The Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor course prepares the instructor to teach and evaluate the swimming strokes and related skills found in the Lifesaving Society Swim for Life program. Candidates acquire proven teaching methods, planning skills, and a variety of stroke development drills and correction techniques.

More information on Lifesaving Swim Instructor

varies varies
Lifesaving Instructor 15 years of age by the end of the course; Bronze Cross certification (need not be current). 

The Lifesaving Instructor course prepares instructors to teach the Lifesaving Society's:

  • Canadian Swim Patrol Program
  • Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross
  • Lifesaving Fitness, Distinction
  • Basic and Emergency First Aid, and CPR-A, CPR-B and CPR-C

More information on Lifesaving Instructor

varies  varies 
National Lifeguard Service Minimum 15 years of age, Bronze Cross, and Lifesaving Society Standard First Aid (need not be current) or Standard First Aid This award builds on the fundamental skills, knowledge, and values taught in earlier lifesaving awards, including the practical skills and knowledge required by lifeguards. This course deals with lifeguarding principles and techniques found in the pool environment.

More information on National Lifeguard Service

 varies  varies

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Student Drop Off/Pick Up and Spectating Policy

Student Drop

Each day of lessons, the Swim Instructor of the class will meet students on the hill directly in front of the facility’s main entrance. From there, the class will be led into the pool area, inside the fence barrier. Parents/guardians are to ensure young students are in the hands of an Instructor before leaving the facility. 

Student Pick Up

Students in Preschool 1 through to Swimmer 4 can be picked up outside the fence to the left of the facility’s main entrance, at the shallow end emergency gate. 

Students in Swimmer 5 and above can be picked up outside the fence to the right of the facility’s main entrance, at the deep end emergency gate (Huron Street side).

Parent/Guardian Spectating

In the interest of student and public safety, parents/guardians attending swim lessons are required to watch from outside the facility’s fence.


Inclement Weather Policy (Poor Weather)

The Pool will remain open on rainy days, unless: thunder and/or lightning is evident; or, the downpour is so heavy, that the black dot on the bottom of the pool is not visible. 

If either of the above two points are present, the pool must be closed immediately.  It may re-open after an interval void of these two conditions, or upon the discretion of the Supervisor on Duty.

Should students have to leave the pool, as described above, dry-land lessons/activities will be offered until the swim lesson can resume or the session time is over.

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02/25/25

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