Fall Swimming Lesson Registration

Aquatic Lessons:

PSWC Members: Tuesday, September 1 at 7 a.m.

Non-Members: Wednesday, September 2 at 7 a.m.

Swimming

Swimming

We offer supervised swimming opportunities year-round at the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre and seasonally at John Taylor Memorial Park Wading Pool, Chelsea Garden Wading Pool, and Beavermead Beach.

Swimming Lessons

The Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre offers swimming lessons for all ages and abilities, including Swim for Life, Swim Patrol, Aquatic Leadership courses, Teen and Adult programs. Click here to learn more about our available swimming lessons.

Read the information below about our available swimming lessons.

This complete learn-to-swim program for all ages and abilities teaches the important skills needed to be safe around water while having fun and developing strokes. All levels are taught in a group setting. The Preschool, Swimmer and Patrol levels can also be taught in private lesson format.

Trying to place your child in the right level? Scroll down to the next section of the page, called "Which level is my child best suited for?"

Parent and Tot program

Spend quality time with your child while you both have fun and socialize. Through structured in-water interaction between parent and child, the importance of play in developing water-positive attitudes and skills is stressed. Levels are age-based:

  • Parent and Tot 1: ages 4 to 11 months
  • Parent and Tot 2: ages 12 to 23 months
  • Parent and Tot 3: ages 24 to 35 months

Preschool Program: ages 3 to 4 years

This program consists of 5 levels from Preschool A to E that help children develop an appreciation and healthy respect for the water using play and skill building. Each level includes basic aquatic progressions that incorporate Water Smart® education to ensure 3 to 4 year-olds become comfortable in the water while having fun.

Swimmer Program: age 5 to 12 years

This 7 level program for children ages 5 years and older includes progressions from complete beginners to advanced swimmers who want to build on their current skills. We stress lots of in-water practice to develop solid swimming strokes and skills. The Swimmer program levels are called Swimmer Fundamentals, Swimmer 1, Swimmer 2, Swimmer 3, Swimmer 4, Swimmer 5 and Swimmer 6. 

Swim Patrol: age 8 to 13 years

This 4 level program Patrol Fundamentals, Rookie, Ranger, Star provides enriched training for those who want to develop swim strokes and skills while having fun in the challenging world of lifesaving. Swim patrol develops swimming strength and efficiency with emphasis on Water Smart® behaviour. A perfect way to prepare young swimmers for a future career in Lifeguarding! 

The Centre offers many options for lessons that provide swimmers with lower teaching ratios, and one-on-one support. Learn about the programs below to choose the best fit for you.

Register for Specialty Lessons

Adaptive Lessons

Adaptive lessons provide the opportunity for swimmers of all abilities to be water-safe and water confident. In an adaptive lesson, swimmers can focus on a specific level they want to complete, or they can use this time to work on a skill they'd like to further develop, such as becoming more comfortable in the water. The time is yours to get the most out of your lesson! When registering for an adaptive lesson, you will answer a detailed questionnaire that will be given to the swimming instructor to help them form a lesson plan that will best suit the student.

Trio Lessons

Available for Preschool & Swimmer levels (ages 3+) trio lessons offer a smaller ratio of 3 students to one instructor and are ideal for swimmers who may have repeated a level several times. Participants will be paired with other swimmers of similar ability. Trio lessons are offered for most levels throughout the week. When registering for a trio, look for the level you are interested in with "Trio" in the name. The following levels are paired together during Trio lessons:

  • Preschool A and B 

    Preschool C and D 

    Preschool E 

    Swimmer Fundamentals 

    Swimmer 1 

    Swimmer 2 

    Swimmer 3 and 4 

    Swimmer 5 and 6 

    Patrol Fundamentals 

    Rookie, Ranger and Star Patrol 

Private Lessons

Available for Preschool & Swimmer levels (ages 3+) private lessons offer one-on-one instruction and are ideal for swimmers who may have repeated a level several times, and provide an opportunity to work on specific skills required to progress to the next level. Private lessons are offered every 30 minutes during lesson blocks. When registering for a private lesson, you will answer a questionnaire to be placed in the proper level.

You can now register up to two swimmers into a private lesson, of similar swimming ability. View the combinations in our Trio Lessons above to see what levels can take place during the same private lesson.

Teen 1

This program is designed for individuals looking to develop water confidence and learn how to swim. You will set desired goals and work with the Instructor to achieve floating, glides and kicking through the water on your front and back!

Teen 2

This program is designed for individuals who have completed Teen 1 or have previous experience swimming that want to develop recognizable strokes as well as improve their efficiency in the water. You will learn front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke, dive entries and supporting yourself at the surface for two minutes!

Teen 3

This program is designed for individuals who have completed Teen 2 or have previous experience swimming that want to improve strokes and work on fitness and endurance. You will get an opportunity to learn eggbeater, scissor kick, stride entries and compact jumps!

Beginner Swimmer

This program is designed for individuals looking to develop water confidence and learn how to swim. You will set desired goals and work with the Instructor to achieve floating, glides and kicking through the water on your front and back!

Intermediate Swimmer

This program is designed for individuals who have completed Beginner Swimmer or have previous experience swimming that want to develop recognizable strokes as well as improve their efficiency in the water. You will learn front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke, dive entries and supporting yourself at the surface for two minutes!

Advanced Swimmer

This program is designed for individuals who have completed Intermediate Swimmer or have previous experience swimming that want to improve strokes, work on fitness and endurance. You will get an opportunity to learn eggbeater, scissor kick, stride entries and compact jumps!

Swim Level Assessments

Unsure of what level to register in? We can help you find the best fit, please register for a Swim Lesson Assessment with our Head Instructor as they will assess your swimming abilities!

Swim Lesson Assessments are available the second last week of the current session to help you know to what level to register your child in before registration day!

Swim Lesson Assessment Booking Page

Swimming Lessons Progress Reports

After each session a progress report from the child's lessons will be sent to the email on file at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre. The email will contain a unique code / username to access the child's progress report. Click here to search the swimmer by username to find the progress report. 

Drop-In Swimming

See descriptions and information below for the drop-in swims available at the Peterborough Sport & Wellness Centre. Click the button below to see upcoming drop-in swims.

Leadership Swim is for those aged 12+ to practice their skills in the pool with a leadership conductor to acquire extra support to be more successful for their Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, National Lifeguard and Swim Instructor. Access to the weighted bricks, manikins and rescue aids will be available. The cost is free for members and $5.25 per swim for non-members, the event is non-refundable.

Open to people with physical or developmental disabilities, their caregivers/support workers and their families. Caregivers/support workers may attend free of charge.

The Therapy Pool and Leisure Pool are available with water features and water slide active. Water wings, life jackets and noodles are available. All ages can attend. 

For those 12 years of age and older. The Leisure Pool is divided into 3 lanes with lap signs to indicate where to swim based on speed and ability. The slide area is is available for leisure swimming. Flutter boards, pull buoys and flippers are available for use.

For those 3 years of age and younger, accompanied by a guardian. This swim takes place in the Therapy Pool. Waterproof diapers are required.

The Therapy Pool and Leisure Pool are open with one lane in the Leisure Pool for lengths. The water features and water slide are not active. All ages can attend.

For those 12 years of age and older. This swim takes place in the Therapy Pool and is intended for therapeutic purposes, with equipment such as noodles and flutter boards provided.

Swimming Fees

Fees listed below include tax.

Current fee schedule
Swim Type Price
Individual Swim $5.25
Group Swim (maximum 5 swimmers) $15.75
Nursery Swim (1 adult and 1 child) $5.25
Multi-Visit Pass (10 Swims) $52.50

Aqua Fitness

Aquafit is an in-water fitness class designed to strengthen your muscles and improve your cardiovascular fitness. The water adds resistance to your muscles without the impact that land activities can have on your joints. We have classes for swimmers and non-swimmers alike. Click the button below to view our available Aqua Fitness registration page. 

For ages 12+ years.

Combo Aquafitness is a multi-level class that takes place in the shallow and deep water and is great for everyone. It is a safe and effective fitness program led by qualified fitness instructors. Exercises are low-impact. Participants do not need to know how to swim; just be comfortable in chest-deep water.

For ages 12+ years.

Gentle Aqua Fitness programs are performed in the warm therapy pool and focus on range of motion exercises. These classes are ideal for individuals recovering from injury or looking to increase mobility and function. We encourage participants to work at their own pace.

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For ages 12+ years.

Flow through the warm water of the Therapy Pool and strengthen your body with this restorative yoga class. Focus on the movements, balance and breathing with Aqua Yoga. This class will improve balance, strength, relaxation and overall flexibility using the soothing properties of the warm water.

For ages 12+ years.

This high-intensity interval training class is designed to improve strength, power and cardiovascular endurance. Experience cardio drills and muscle conditioning followed by stretching. Participate in the shallow end of the Leisure Pool or add an extra challenge using a flotation belt in the deep end. Ideal for all fitness levels, as modifications are provided.

Admission Standards for Public Pools

The following admission standards are in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of children using the facility during fun swims, nursery swims, and open swims. All supervision and ratio requirements are strictly upheld.

Click the button below to view and print the Admission Standards infographic, or read the admission standards below.

Guardians must always be in bathing attire and within arm's reach, or in the same pool, based on the age of the child(ren) they are accompanying. (see below age-based admission standards)

Guardians must be 16 years of age or older and are responsible for the direct supervision of the child(ren) in their care in and out of the water.

Facility Swim Test Criteria

To pass the facility swim test, you must jump into the deep end of the Leisure Pool, successfully swim continuously on your front, one length of the pool in a comfortable manner. Your face and head must submerge under the rope and your body must remain horizontal throughout.

Touching the side, bottom, or rope during the test is prohibited and will not result in a pass.

If you are wishing to use the waterslide, you must pass the swim test and meet the minimum height requirement of 48".

All children who wish to go down the waterslide must complete the facility swim test with a member of the aquatic staff, no matter their wristband colour.

 

General Aquatic Centre Rules

View and print the Aquatic Centre Swimsuit Policy Infographic or read below.

All participants using the pool or sauna must change from street clothes to swimsuit or clean clothing brought to the facility for the purpose of swimming. Participants may wear t-shirts, thin long-sleeved shirts, shorts or tight-fitting leggings. Clothing worn in the pool must allow individuals to participate safely in programs. Head coverings or scarves must be tight-fitting to ensure the safety of the participant. If using the waterslide, head coverings must be tucked under clothing.

  • Undergarments, cut-offs, jeans and loose clothing are not permitted in the pool.
  • Remove your shoes before entering the showers and pool area.
  • For swimmers who are not toilet-trained, specially designed swim diapers are required.

The Universal changeroom is intended for the following uses:

  • Private stalls for those who want more privacy.
  • Individuals with special needs who require additional space or who are accompanied by an opposite-gender support worker.
  • Those 13 years of age and under who are not permitted to use or access the sauna.

Infants and small children cannot be left unattended on the pool deck.

Car seats and strollers must be left in the changerooms.

Children who are not toilet-trained must wear snug fitting plastic pants or a swimming diaper under suitable swimming attire. Regular diapers are not permitted.

To protect the privacy of participants, cell phones (and any electronic device with a camera) are not permitted to be used while on the pool deck, in washrooms or changerooms, or while participating in programs.

Please make everyone’s swim an enjoyable experience and help prevent pool fouling’s by feeding your children after swimming or at least one hour before. Additionally, have your child use the washroom facilities before entering the pool and as needed throughout their swim to prevent accidents.

Cancellations and Service Disruptions

Public safety is our top priority. If Peterborough does not have the required number of lifeguards available to work and supervise pools, the City will be forced to cancel scheduled swimming programs.

Swimming hours may be adjusted due to special events, maintenance, or other unforeseen circumstances. Changes to the schedule will be posted one week before the change, wherever possible. You may also find service disruptions by contacting any of our recreation facilities.

Contact Us

City Hall
500 George St. N.
Peterborough, ON
K9H 3R9

Phone: 705-742-7777
Toll Free: 1-855-738-3755
cityptbo@peterborough.ca