Group Lessons

Introduction to the Lifesaving Society’s Swim for Life program and Canadian Swim Patrol Program.

The Swim for Life® Program is a comprehensive swim instruction program that focuses on the acquisition and development of fundamental swim strokes and skills for learners of all ages and abilities. Learning Swim to Survive® skills and achieving the Lifesaving Society’s Swim to Survive® Standard are key foundations of the Swim for Life® Program. Swim for Life® is accessible, flexible, success-oriented, and fun. Instructors ensure swimmers get lots of in-water practice in every lesson. Swim for Life® flows seamlessly into the Canadian Swim Patrol program and then into the Society’s lifesaving and vocational training awards, providing a complete, coherent, single-source program of integrated swimming and lifesaving instruction.

Parent & Tot (Levels 1-3)
Age-based progression
Prerequisite Ages 4 months-3 years old
Parent Tot 1; Ages 4-11 months
Parent Tot 2; Ages 12-23 months
Parent Tot 3; Ages 24-35 months
$45.00 a session

The Parent & Tot Program structures in-water interaction between parent and child to stress the importance of play in developing water-positive attitudes and skills. Activities and progressions are based on child development, so parents register in the level appropriate for their child’s age. Activities to teach Water Smart® education key messages are incorporated into all levels.

Preschool (Levels 1-5)
Participation-based progression
Prerequisite Ages 3-5 years old
$45.00 a session
30-minute classes

The Preschool Program gives children a head start on learning to swim. Preschool Programs develop fundamental physical literacy skills for aquatic activities. In our preschool program we work to ensure 3 - 5-year-olds become comfortable in the water and have fun developing a foundation of water skills. Activities to teach Water Smart® education key messages are incorporated into all levels.

Swimmer (Levels 1-6)
Participation-based progression
Prerequisite Ages 6-16 years old
$55.00 a session
45-minute classes

The Swimmer Program makes sure children learn the fundamental physical literacy skills for aquatic activities. Progressions accommodate 5 - 12-year-old, including beginners and swimmers who want to build on the basics. Lots of in-water practice develops solid swimming strokes and skills. Activities to teach Water Smart® education key messages are incorporated into all levels.

The Canadian Swim Patrol program 
Participation-based progression
Prerequisite Ages 10 years old and older
$55.00 a session
45-minute classes

The Canadian swim patrol program provides enriched training for those who are ready to go beyond learn-to swim. Swim Patrol has three levels: Rookie, Ranger, and Star. These programs continue to develop participants swim strokes and provide the skill foundation that prepares them for success in the Society’s Bronze Medal awards.

Rookie Patrol
Develops individual fitness levels to meet a timed 100m swim and 350m workout. Water proficiency skills include swimming with clothes, ready position, foot-first, and headfirst surface dives. Demonstrating the ability to conduct a primary assessment and initiating EMS are included as first aid skills. Victim recognition and throwing assists are other key elements of the program.

Ranger Patrol
Enhances capability in the water; including stride entry, underwater forward and backward somersaults, lifesaving eggbeater kick, and increased fitness levels to meet a 200m timed swim. Rescue skills involve an increased skill level in ABC first aid basics, victim recognition, and non-contact rescues.

Star Patrol
An excellent preparation for the Bronze Star award, Star Patrol demands good physical conditioning and lifesaving judgment. Participants develop lifesaving and first aid skills; further refine front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke (100m each); and complete 600m workouts and for 300m timed swims.