Parent & Tot Swimming Lessons
(3 months – 3 years)
Social
A gentle and playful introduction to the water for both parents and little ones. This class focuses on bonding, songs, and early water play — perfect for families just starting their aquatic journey.
Skills
Designed for tots who are already comfortable in the water and ready for the next step. Skills are development-based and facilitated by a parent with instructor guidance. With a focus on safety and fun, this class introduces early swim skills while building confidence and independence.
NOTE: Children 2+ who enjoy the water and can separate easily from parents to engage in lessons may be ready for our Guppy program!
Not sure which of these levels will be best for your child?
Guppy (2 – 5 years)
Our Guppy program is a series of 6 levels that sets a strong foundation in water safety and survival. Through fun and engaging lessons, swimmers progress toward being able to jump into deep water, surface, tread, and swim to safety. Designed to meet or exceed global safety benchmarks, this program blends life-saving skills with joyful learning — giving kids the best possible start before age 6.
NOTE: Children who are under 3 and not yet comfortable separating from parents or engaging in instructor-led classes should remain in Parent and Tot until they are 3 years old.
Not sure which of these levels will be best for your child?
Swimmer (6+ years)
We follow the Lifesaving Society’s Swimmer program, designed to build stroke technique, endurance, water confidence, and practical water-safety skills. Swimmers progressively develop the skills needed to become stronger and safer in the water while preparing for the Canadian Swim to Survive and Swim to Survive Plus challenges, which are facilitated by Marlin Swim Academy and, in some cases, through schools for Grade 3 and Grade 7 students.
Canadian Swim Patrol (Swimmer 7, 8 & 9)
The Swim Patrol provides enriched training for those who are ready to go beyond learn-to-swim. Swim Patrol's three levels - Rookie, Ranger, and Star - continue to develop participants' swim strokes and provide the skill foundation that prepares them for success in the Society's Bronze medal awards.
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Rookie Patrol (8-10 hr.): Swimmers continue stroke development with 50 m swims of front crawl, back crawl and breaststroke. Lifesaving Sport skills include a 25 m obstacle swim and 15 m object carry. First aid focuses on assessment of conscious victims, contacting EMS and treatment for bleeding. Fitness improves in 350 m workouts and 100 m timed swims.
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Ranger Patrol (8-10 hr.): Swimmers develop better strokes over 75 m swims of each stroke. They tackle Lifesaving Sport skills in a lifesaving medley, timed object support and rescue with a buoyant aid. First aid focuses on assessment of unconscious victims, treatment of victims in shock and obstructed airway procedures. Skill drills develop a strong lifesaving foundation.
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Star Patrol (8-10 hr.): Swimmers are challenged with 600 m workouts, 300 m timed swims and a 25 m object carry. Strokes are refined over 100 m swims. First aid focuses on treatment of bone or joint injuries and respiratory emergencies including asthma and allergic reactions. Lifesaving skills include defence methods, victim removals and rolling over and supporting a victim face up in shallow water.
Not sure which of these levels will be best for your child?
Swim to Thrive (All Ages)
Not every swimmer fits into a traditional program — and that’s okay. Swim to Thrive is our alternative to standard, curriculum-based lessons, designed specifically for individuals who need a more personalized and flexible approach.
This program is ideal for:
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Children or adults with neurodiversities (such as autism, ADHD, or sensory sensitivities)
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Those with a history of trauma or fear around water
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Swimmers who experience anxiety, learning differences, or simply need a slower, more supported pace
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Families looking for a relationship-based and emotionally safe learning environment
Lessons focus on comfort, trust, body awareness, and gentle progress — not checklists or badges. Activities are adapted to the swimmer's needs and pace, with space for creative play, exploration, and meaningful connection to the water.
Private lessons in this program are taught exclusively by Senior or Master Instructors, who have the experience and training to recognize cues, adjust plans on the fly, and respond with empathy and care.
Group lessons are available for swimmers who are able to follow instructions and participate safely with others. If your child is prone to emotional outbursts or needs extra support, a caregiver is welcome to attend alongside them.
Swim to Thrive isn’t about fitting in — it’s about feeling safe, supported, and successful in the water, no matter where you’re starting from.
📩 Not sure if this program is right for your swimmer? Reach out to us — we’d be happy to help guide you.
Adult Learn to Swim
Whether you're brand new to swimming or returning after years away, we meet you where you're at. With a focus on comfort, skill-building, and supportive coaching, our adult program is available in both group and private settings. We recommend working with a Senior or Master Instructor to create a safe, encouraging, and effective learning experience.
Group Options
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Intro to Water: This program is designed for those who have very little to no experience or have experienced water-related trauma. The ideal swimmer for this program may be hesitant to get in the water, is unable to submerge with confidence and is not comfortable moving through shallow water independently. This program will teach you the fundamentals of moving through water, what to do if you fall over and how to control your breathing.
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Adult Learn to Float: This program is designed for those who are comfortable in the water but have few skills yet. The ideal swimmer for this program can submerge their head comfortably but refrains from water depths where they can't touch. This program will teach you how to use your breathing to practice buoyancy and develop confidence in treading water.
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Adult Learn to Swim: This program is for the "intermediate" group who is comfortable with some basic water skills but would like to learn the basics on strokes. The ideal swimmer for this program is one who can submerge, tread water (5-10sec.) and is able to comfortably support them self in a float. This program will guide you to choose a beginner stroke that best suits your abilities and comfort level, in order to start confidently moving around the pool. Great for someone who is hoping to start swimming for fitness some day!
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Adult Stroke Correction: This program is for those who are confident swimmers but need some assistance with learning the strokes. The ideal swimmer for this program is capable in deeper water and can swim 10-15m unassisted.
Intro to Lifesaving Sport (7 – 10 years)
This new introductory program starts kids young with the possibility of training towards becoming a professional lifeguard. Not only does Lifesaving Sport teach you about the sport of rescue, but it also sets candidates up to be excellent lifeguards, looks great on a resume and can open the doors for more opportunities in any field!
Skills for the 7-10 age group include:
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Throwing accuracy
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Line throw
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Manikin carry
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Manikin tow
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Ongoing stroke correction and fitness training
This is an amazing way to keep your children interested in swimming while they continue to develop their strength and stamina. If you want your child to be a great lifeguard one day, Lifesaving Sport is an excellent place to start!
NOTE: Children who would like to participate will need to have completed Swimmer 3 or be able to show proof of swim competency.
