Swimming & Aquatics

Have fun in the pool and learn how to swim at University Settlement. We offer swimming & aquatics programs for adults, children, youth, and families. Explore leisure swims, swim lessons, aquafit, lane swim, leadership training courses, and more.

Explore Programs and Classes

Fall Registration is Now Open

Fall lessons begin September 15. Learn to swim or improve your technique. We offer a range of group classes and private instruction taught by Lifesaving Society certified instructors.

For more information or requests, please contact the Recreation Supervisor at aquatics@universitysettlement.ca.

The Value of Community Support: A Story of Resilience and Growth

Bogdan’s story begins far from Toronto—in Ukraine, where he was forced to leave his home due to the devastating effects of war. Arriving in a new country with uncertainty in his heart, he soon found a place that would change everything: University Settlement.
“I’ll never forget how University Settlement gave me a chance when I had very little experience,” Bogdan recalls. “They saw potential in me—and that’s how I began to grow.”

That first opportunity turned into a life-changing journey. Bogdan became a certified lifeguard, then a swim team coach, where he discovered his passion for mentoring youth. His role expanded to include being an after-school program leader, allowing him to develop strong leadership skills, build confidence, and make meaningful connections with children and families in the community.

“University Settlement became more than a workplace—it became a place of growth, belonging, and purpose,” Bogdan shares. “Here, I found not only my first job, but my voice and my future.”

Through every role, Bogdan has given back with heart, helping young people feel supported and inspired—just as he once was. For him, University Settlement represents opportunity, resilience, and the incredible power of community.

“I will always remember that this place gave me a second chance at life—and a place where I could become the best version of myself.”

– Bogdan Molchanov

Help Us Make A Difference

When you give to University Settlement, you make it possible for us to provide more aquatics programs for community members like Bogdan.

Your contribution enriches the entire community. Consider a monthly donation today to leave a lasting impact.

Cancellation and Make-up Lesson Policy
(Updated May 2024)

Swimming Lesson Cancellation Policy

Refund Eligibility

  • Withdraw requests made at least 14 days before the commencement of the first lesson will be eligible for a refund, minus a 6% transaction fee deducted from the refund amount.
  • Withdraw requests made less than 14 days before the first lesson will incur a 30% cancellation fee deducted from the refund amount, alongside transaction fees.
  • Withdraw requests made after the second lesson will not be eligible for a refund.

Transaction Fees

Each transaction after the original transaction is subject to a 6% transaction fee.

Summer Makeup Policy

Due to the intensive nature of our Summer programming, in addition to limited availability, no make-up lesson or refund will be provided for missed lessons.

Credit

Credits will only be issued in exceptional circumstances and will be provided minus the cost of classes taken to that point. Credits can be used towards future University Settlement programming and will expire if not used within six months of being added to the student’s account.

Please review the Cancellation and Makeup Lesson Policy on the registration page before completing registration.

Workshop/One-time Course Cancellation Policy

This policy applies to one-time courses such as HIGH FIVE, leadership courses, first aid courses, and recertifications.

Refund Eligibility

  • Withdraw requests made at least 14 days before the first course date will be eligible for a refund, minus a 6% transaction fee deducted from the refund amount.
  • Withdraw requests made less than 14 days before the first course date will incur a 30% cancellation fee deducted from the refund amount, alongside transaction fees.
  • Withdraw requests made within 2 days of the course date will not be eligible for a refund.

Transaction Fees

After the initial registration, each transaction will incur a 6% fee in addition to any other applicable fees.

Please review the Cancellation and Makeup Lesson Policy on the registration page before completing registration.

Pool Policies

Admittance Policy

Child(ren) that are 9 years and under must be accompanied by a guardian that is 14 years and older. The guardian must remain within arms reach of the child(ren) at all times.

Deep End Swim Test

If you are 13 years and under, you must take a deep end test to swim in the deep end. These are the deep end test must-sees:

  • Swim 2 continuous widths of the pool
  • Face in the water and ability to take breaths
  • No stopping or touching the pool bottom
  • Comfort in water
  • Recognizable front swim (front crawl or breastroke)

General Pool Rules

  • Supervise and remain within arms reach of children
  • Shower before entering pool
  • Swim in bathing suit
  • Do not run on pool deck
  • Do not wear outdoor shoes on pool deck
  • No food or drinks or glass on pool deck
  • No playing rough