You can spot Water Smart kids right away. They're the ones who know how to swim and behave safely around water. The Lifesaving Society's Swim Program makes sure your kids are Water Smart before they get in too deep.

You're never too young to start, and never too old to learn. Our Swim for Life Program offers different strokes for different folks - of all ages and abilities.

The best place to learn to swim is in the water. That’s why our Swim for Life Program stresses lots of in-water practice to develop solid swimming strokes and skills. We incorporate valuable Water Smart® education that uses hands-on, fun and active teaching activities, lessons that will last a lifetime.

Lifesaving Society Swim Program - Swim for Life

Swim to Survive
L'il Tots
L'il Swimmer Levels
Swimmer Levels
Adult Swimmer
Canadian Swim Patrol

Swim to Survive
Participants gain vital survival skills needed to recover from a sudden fall into deep water. The straight forward approach used in the Lifesaving Society, Swim to Survive level teaches how to recover from a fall into deep water and develops necessary basic swimming skills needed to reach safety.

L'il Tots
Especially for children aged 6 months to 3+ years and their caregivers. Based on the principle "Within Arms Reach", L'il Tots focuses on close playful interaction and shared fun between child, caregiver and water. Through safety education provided caregivers learn what it takes to make Water Smart® choices.

L'il Swimmer
The Lifesaving Society's, L'il Swimmer levels gives your child a head start on learning to swim. For independent 3-5 year old children ready to learn without their caregiver in the class. Instructors use a graduated approach that builds confidence and comfort in the water, which ultimately teaches Swim to Survive skills, necessary to recover from a sudden fall into deep water.

Swimmer
The Lifesaving Society's Swimmer levels challenge school aged children 6 years and older to enhance their Swim to Survive skills; learn swimming strokes, safe entries, support and underwater skills. We stress lots of in-water practice to develop solid swimming strokes and skills. The Swimmer levels develop everlasting habits for healthy, active living. The Lifesaving Society's 5 level Swimmer program makes sure your children learn how to swim before they get in too deep. The Swimmer levels lead seamlessly into the lifesaving training awards: Canadian Swim Patrol and the Bronze medal awards.

Adult Swimmer
Whether you're just starting out or want help with your strokes, our Adult Swimmer Program is for the young at heart - no matter what your age. You'll develop water confidence and smooth effective strokes good enough for lane swimming and fit enough for the beach. Choose between these four levels to meet your goals .

Swim to Survive:
For individuals who want to overcome their fear of water and learn basic survival skills needed to recover from an unexpected fall into the water. Floatation aids are key teaching tools used to support you, building your confidence and swimming skills to the point where you are ready to swim with out support.

Adult Swimmer:
For individuals who want to increase their comfort level with swimming. Choose what you want to learn, set your own pace for meeting your goals. Whether your goal is to learn the basics or gain skill in swimming strokes your instructor will be able to provide you the support that you need.

Fitness Swimmer:
For individuals who use swimming as part of their fitness plan. Improve your strokes under the guidance of your Instructor and learn to create your own workout design using interval training as a key component.

Distance Swimmer:
For individuals who want to set a distance swimming goal and acquire the skills and experience to achieve that goal. Learn to create your own worksout design by using warm up, main and cool down sets to increase the distances you can swim.

Lifesaving Society Canadian Swim Patrol Program

Perfect fit for youths wanting to kick it up a notch and are ready to go beyond learn-to-swim. The Lifesaving Society's Canadian Swim Patrol Program uses a work hard/play hard approach, to develop swimming strength and efficiency with emphasis on personal responsibility for Water Smart® behaviour. Each level of the Canadian Swim Patrol Program has three modules: Water Proficiency, First Aid, and Recognition & Rescue. Swim Patrollers choose what level to take based on their skill level and interests.

Rookie:
Practices develop fitness levels to meet a timed 100m swim and 350m workout. Water proficiency skills include: swims with clothes, ready position, foot first and head first surface dives. Rescue Breathing and initiating EMS are included as first aid skills. Victim recognition and throwing assists are other key elements of the program.

Ranger:
Ranger Patrol enhances capability in the water, including compact jumps from 1m heights, 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:
An excellent preparation for the Bronze Star award, Star Patrol demands good physical conditioning and lifesaving judgement for timed 300m swims, 600m workouts and 20m tow with towing aid. Whistle signals, airway and bleeding first aid priorities are taught.