Cochrane Swim Lessons
SLS Centre offers swim lessons for all ages and abilities! Browse this page to see all our offerings, and what skills are required for each level and program. Click the button below for our Swim Lessons Program Guide, which lists all the lesson times for Spring 2025.
Summer Swim Lessons Registration
OPEN!Parent & Tot (4 Months - 3 Years)
The Parent & Tot program is designed to introduce young children to the water in a fun and safe environment.Parent & Tot 1+2
Parent and Tot 1 & 2 introduces water safety and comfort for young children with the support of one caregiver in the water with the child. Caregivers learn to safely enter and exit the water while supporting their tot in floats and movements on their front and back. Activities focus on assisted front and back floats, arm and leg movements like splashing and paddling, and readiness for submersion. Lifejacket use is introduced, and Water Smart® messages help build water safety awareness for both parent and tot. This level is all about fostering confidence and enjoyment in the water.
Parent & Tot 3
Parent and Tot 3 focuses on developing independence and confidence in the water with one caregiver's support. Tots practice assisted jump entries, submerging, holding their breath, and opening their eyes underwater. They’ll attempt to recover objects from the bottom and perform assisted "starfish" and "pencil" floats. Lifejacket skills include jump entries and floating, while underwater passes build comfort and coordination. Unassisted exits are introduced, and Water Smart® messages reinforce key safety concepts. This level prepares tots for further aquatic exploration with a strong foundation of skills.
Preschool (Ages 3-6)
The Preschool program is the next step after Parent & Tot, designed to build on the foundational water skills learned in the previous program.Preschool 1
Preschool 1 introduces basic water safety and comfort, with an emphasis on building confidence in the water. Children will learn to enter and exit shallow water safely with assistance, jump into chest-deep water, and blow bubbles. They will also practice floating on their front and back for 3 seconds with support, and glide on their front and back while wearing a lifejacket. Water Smart® messages are introduced to instill water safety awareness, making this a fun and supportive introduction to the aquatic environment.
Preschool 2
In Preschool 2, swimmers continue building confidence in the water with a focus on basic independent movement and water safety. These preschoolers learn to jump into chest-deep water by themselves, and get in and get out wearing a life jacket. They’ll submerge and exhale underwater. Wearing a life jacket they’ll learn to float, glide, and kick on their front and back. They'll also practice floating, kicking, and rolling from front to back. Instructors introduce fundamental swimming skills in a fun, engaging environment, helping swimmers become more comfortable and independent in the water. Water Smart® education is included to reinforce essential safety habits.
Preschool 3
Preschool 3 focuses on refining swimming and safety skills in deeper water. Children will practice jumping into deep water while wearing a lifejacket, exiting safely, and performing a sideways entry. They’ll learn to hold their breath underwater for 3 seconds, submerge and exhale (5 times), and recover objects from the bottom in waist-deep water. Other key skills include back floating, rolling from front to back, floating for 5 seconds on both front and back, and flutter kicking on both back and front. Gliding and rolling laterally are also practiced to build coordination, while Water Smart® messages continue to reinforce safety in and around the water.
Preschool 4
Preschool 4 focuses on refining aquatic skills and building stamina, all while promoting water safety. Children will practice jumping into deep water, performing sideways entries, and safely returning and exiting. They’ll tread water for 10 seconds while wearing a lifejacket and open their eyes underwater to recover objects from the bottom in chest-deep water. More advanced skills include a 15-second tread while wearing a lifejacket, gliding on their side, and swimming or kicking 5 meters. Flutter kicking is practiced on the front, back, and side, while front crawl is introduced for 5 meters. Water Smart® messages continue to emphasize safety and awareness. This level prepares children for more independent swimming and rescue readiness.
Preschool 5
Preschool 5 continues to develop swimming proficiency and water safety. Children will practice forward roll entries while wearing a lifejacket, tread water for 10 seconds, and submerge while holding their breath for 5 seconds. They’ll recover objects from the bottom in chest-deep water and perform sideways entries into deep water, followed by treading water for 20 seconds and swimming or kicking 10 meters. Advanced skills include the whip-kick in a vertical position, front and back crawl for 5 meters each, and interval training with flutter kicks on the back. Water Smart® messages reinforce ongoing water safety awareness. This level sets the foundation for more independent swimming and increased endurance.
Swimmer (Ages 6-12)
The Swimmer program is designed for children who have gained basic water skills and are ready to take their swimming abilities to the next level.Swimmer 1
Participants in Swimmer 1 will learn to confidently enter and exit shallow water and jump into chest-deep water. They will practice wearing a lifejacket while jumping into deep water, treading water for 30 seconds, and performing a 5-meter front crawl. Other skills include submerging and exhaling five times, opening their eyes underwater, and floating on their front and back for 5 seconds each. They will also learn to roll from front-to-back and back-to-front, glide 3 meters on their front, back, and side, and flutter kick 5 meters on their front and back. Water Smart® messages will be integrated throughout the program to teach essential water safety knowledge.
Swimmer 2
In Swimmer 2, participants will jump into deep water, return to the surface, and exit safely. They will practice wearing a lifejacket for a sideways entry, jumping into chest-deep water, treading water for 30 seconds, and swimming or kicking 15 meters. Skills include recovering an object from the bottom in chest-deep water, flutter kicking 10 meters on the front, back, and side, and performing a whip kick in a vertical position for 30 seconds using an aid. Participants will also learn front crawl and back crawl for 10 meters each and complete interval training with 4 x 5-meter flutter kicks with 20-second rests. Water Smart® messages will reinforce key water safety principles throughout the program.
Swimmer 3
In Swimmer 3, participants will advance their water skills by performing a kneeling dive and a forward roll entry into deep water. They will tread water for 30 seconds, execute a handstand in shallow water, and complete a front somersault in the water. The Canadian Swim to Survive standard for this level includes jumping into deep water, treading for 30 seconds, and swimming or kicking 25 meters. Participants will practice flutter kicks on their back (5 m), reverse direction to kick on their front (5 m), and flutter kicks on their front (5 m) before reversing to kick on their back (5 m). They will also work on whip kick on their back (10 m) and swim front crawl and back crawl for 15 meters each. Interval training involves 4 x 15-meter flutter kicks with 20-second rests. Water Smart® messages will be integrated to promote water safety awareness.
Swimmer 4
In Swimmer 4, participants will refine advanced swimming skills, starting with a standing dive into deep water and treading water for 1 minute. These intermediate swimmers will swim 5 m underwater and 25m lengths of front and back crawl. New skills introduced include whip kick, breaststroke arms, and the completion of the Canadian Swim to Survive® Standard. They’ll cap it all off with 25m front crawl sprints and 4 x 25 m front or back crawl interval training. Water Smart® messages will continue to emphasize critical water safety knowledge.
Swimmer 5
In Swimmer 5, these swimmers will master shallow dives, cannonball entries, eggbeater kicks, and in-water backward somersaults. They’ll refine their front and back crawl over 50 m, and breaststroke over 25 m. Then they’ll pick up the pace in 25 m front and back crawl sprints and increased difficulty interval training. Water Smart® messages are integrated to reinforce water safety knowledge.
Swimmer 6
In Swimmer 6, these advanced swimmers challenge themselves with sophisticated aquatic skills including stride entries, compact jumps and lifesaving kicks like eggbeater and scissor kick. They’ll develop strength and power in head-up sprints over 25 m. They’ll challenge themselves to swim 100 m of front crawl and back crawl, and 50 m breaststroke. They'll also work on improving their fitness through the 300 m workout. Water Smart® messages will be incorporated to reinforce vital water safety knowledge.
Swim Patrol (Ages 10+)
The Swim Patrol program is the perfect next step for swimmers who are ready to take their skills to the next level. Building on foundational swimming abilities, participants will focus on developing water safety, rescue techniques, and stroke efficiency. This program is an ideal progression for those looking to gain confidence and prepare for future aquatic leadership courses, such as Bronze Medallion or lifeguard certification.Rookie, Ranger, and Star Patrol
The Patrol Level Series prepares swimmers aged 10+ for lifesaving and advanced aquatic skills, focusing on endurance, water safety, and rescue techniques. Participants progress from foundational skills like head-up swimming, surface dives, and lifesaving kicks to advanced tasks, including carrying and supporting objects up to 4.5 kg, underwater swimming, and survival scenarios. Lifesaving training includes primary assessments, rescue breathing, treating shock, airway obstructions, and managing injuries like bleeding. Rescues involve recognizing victim types, towing weak or non-swimmers, and working with bystanders. Endurance builds with timed swims up to 300 m and workouts up to 600 m, ensuring preparedness for emergency situations. This series develops strong swimming, lifesaving confidence, and water safety awareness.
Adult Lessons (Ages 13+)
Adult lessons are designed to help individuals of all skill levels become more confident and proficient in the water.Adult Swimmer 1/2/3
Beginners just starting out or swimmers looking to improve their strokes will find that the Adult Swimmer program will help them achieve their swimming goals. Swimmers will work with a certified instructor 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 Society’s mandate of drowning prevention. Instructors are prepared to adapt these items and awards to accommodate the needs of adult learners and provide the flexibility for them to select the skills they want to learn in order to achieve their personal swimming goals.
Other Aquatic Programs
Along with our core lesson offerings, SLS Centre also offers a variety of specialty aquatic programs for those that don't fit into the above lessons.Private Swim Lessons
Private swim lessons offer personalized, one-on-one instruction tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of swimmers of all ages. Whether you're a child learning basic water safety, a teen refining your strokes, or an adult looking to improve your technique, private lessons provide focused attention to help you progress at your own pace. With customized lesson plans and individualized feedback, these sessions are perfect for anyone seeking a flexible and personalized learning experience in the water.
SwimAbilities®
SwimAbilities is a specialized program designed to support individuals with physical, cognitive, or developmental challenges in gaining confidence and skills in the water. With personalized instruction and adaptive activities, participants will work on foundational swimming skills such as floating, kicking, and breath control at their own pace. No diagnosis is needed to participate—this inclusive program is open to anyone who could benefit from a supportive and tailored aquatic environment. SwimAbilities promotes safety, coordination, and water enjoyment, ensuring every participant feels empowered and successful in their aquatic journey.
Child/Adult Adapted Aquatic Therapy
Experience the benefits of aquatic therapy in this fun and supportive program led by a Certified WATSU/Aquatic Therapist. This class focuses on improving balance, strength, communication, and gross and fine motor skills through a play-based approach in our therapy pool. Participants work towards their individual goals with the assistance of a personal aide or caregiver. Using specialized equipment and techniques, this program empowers both participants and their aides to achieve meaningful progress in the water.
Fitness Swimmer
The Fitness Swimmer Program is for swimmers of any age who want to improve their overall physical fitness in the water. Fitness Swimmer provides a structured approach to improve physical fitness based on accepted training principles, and practices including interval training. Participants set their own goals.
Not sure exactly what lesson your child should take?
Click below to book a swim assessment to find out!
