Kids & Youth Swim

Learning to swim lasts a lifetime. Our programs encourage everyone to have fun and be comfortable in the water. Our Lifesaving Society swimming lessons develop great swimmers. All instructors are certified by the Lifesaving Society and High-Five™ trained.

Notice: Pool closure on March 27 and March 28

Please be advised that our pool will be temporarily closed for necessary maintenance work on Wednesday, March 27, and Thursday, March 28. The pool will reopen on Tuesday, April 2 after the long weekend building closure.

A fun and safe environment for your child to gain confidence, learn water safety, and develop basic swimming skills

Learning to swim lasts a lifetime. Our programs encourage everyone to have fun and be comfortable in the water. Our Lifesaving Society swimming lessons develop great swimmers. All instructors are certified by the Lifesaving Society and High-Five™ trained.

Programs for Kids & Youth

New Settlement Swim Program

We have developed our very own Settlement Swim Program. Please see below for the swim level conversion between our new Settlement Swim Program and other swim programs.

Red Cross Swim Program

RED CROSS TOT SWIM program is now the BABY SHARKS program
  • TOT SWIM 1 is now Baby Sharks
  • TOT SWIM 2 is now Baby Sharks
  • TOT SWIM 3 is now Baby Sharks
RED CROSS PRESCHOOL program is now the PRESCHOOL PUPS program
  • Sea Turtle is now Preschool Pups 1
  • Sea Otter is now Preschool Pups 1
  • Salamander is now Preschool Pups 2
  • Sunfish is now Preschool Pups 3
  • Crocodile is now Preschool Pups 3
  • Whale is now Preschool Pups 3
RED CROSS SWIM KIDS program is now the SHARKS program
  • Swim Kids 1 is now Sharks Level 1
  • Swim Kids 2 is now Sharks Level 2
  • Swim Kids 3 is now Sharks Level 3
  • Swim Kids 4 is now Sharks Level 4
  • Swim Kids 5 is now Sharks Level 4
  • Swim Kids 6 is now Sharks Level 5
  • Swim Kids 7 is now Sharks Level 6
  • Swim Kids 8 is now Sharks Level 7
  • Swim Kids 9 is now Sharks Level 7
  • Swim Kids 10 is now Sharks Level 8

City of Toronto’s Swim Program

GUARDIAN program is now the BABY SHARKS program
  • Guardian 1 is now Baby Sharks
  • Guardian 2 is now Baby Sharks
  • Guardian 3 is now Baby Sharks
PRESCHOOL program is now the PRESCHOOL PUPS program
  • Preschool 1 is now Preschool Pups 1
  • Preschool 2 is now Preschool Pups 1
  • Preschool 3 is now Preschool Pups 2
  • Preschool 4 is now Preschool Pups 3
ULTRA program is now the SHARKS program
  • Ultra 1 is now Sharks Level 1
  • Ultra 2 is now Sharks Level 2
  • Ultra 3 is now Sharks Level 3
  • Ultra 4 is now Sharks Level 4
  • Ultra 5 is now Sharks Level 4
  • Ultra 6 is now Sharks Level 5
  • Ultra 7 is now Sharks Level 6
  • Ultra 8 is now Sharks Level 7
  • Ultra 9 is now Sharks Level 8

Swim for Life Program

PARENT & TOT program is now the BABY SHARKS program
  • Parent & Tot 1 is now Baby Sharks
  • Parent & Tot 2 is now Baby Sharks
  • Parent & Tot 3 is now Baby Sharks
PRESCHOOL program is now the PRESCHOOL PUPS program
  • Preschool 1 is now Preschool Pups 1
  • Preschool 2 is now Preschool Pups 1
  • Preschool 3 is now Preschool Pups 2
  • Preschool 4 is now Preschool Pups 3
SWIMMER program is now the SHARKS program
  • Swimmer 1 is now Sharks Level 2
  • Swimmer 2 is now Sharks Level 3
  • Swimmer 3 is now Sharks Level 4
  • Swimmer 4 is now Sharks Level 4
  • Swimmer 5 is now Sharks Level 6
  • Swimmer 6 is now Sharks Level 7

Baby Sharks (Lessons for Ages 0 to 3)

Dive into a world of water wonders with our Baby Sharks swimming lessons! Join us for a blend of safety and fun as you and your little one explore the aquatic realm through catchy songs and exciting games. From playful entries and magical floats to toe-tapping kicks, each session is a splash of joy.

One caregiver per participant must always participate in the water.

Prerequisites: None

Spring 2024 Sessions (April 8 to June 16)

  • Wednesday, 11:00 am to 11:30 am (10 lessons)
  • Friday, 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm (10 lessons)
  • Saturday, 11:00 am to 11:30 am (9 lessons)
  • Sundays, 11:00 am to 11:30 am (9 lessons)

*No lessons May 18 to May 20 (Victoria Day Weekend)

Capacity

Group lesson (8 per class)

Lesson Fees

$20 per class

Spring Registration is Now Open

If you have any questions, please contact the Recreation Supervisor at aquatics@universitysettlement.ca, or call 416‑598‑3444 ext. 228.

Preschool Pups (Lessons for Ages 3 to 5)

This is the first opportunity for a child to participate in a swim program without their guardian. It may also be their first swimming experience. Students will learn skills such as floats, glides, kicks, surface support and more!

Preschool Pups Level 1

In Preschool Pups 1, your child will be introduced to fundamental swimming skills to get them more familiar with the water, such as: entering and exiting the water, bubbles and bobs, and assisted floats, glides, and kicking. No prerequisites.

Spring 2024 Sessions (April 8 to June 16)
  • Monday, 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm (9 lessons)
  • Wednesday, 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm (10 lessons)
  • Friday, 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm (10 lessons)
  • Saturday, 10:00 am to 10:30 am (9 lessons)
  • Sunday, 11:30 am to 12:00 pm (9 lessons)

*No lessons May 18 to May 20 (Victoria Day Weekend)

Preschool Pups Level 2

In Preschool Pups 2, your child will practice swim skills to encourage independence in the water, such as: unassisted floats, glides, kicks, and treading, and an introduction to front and back swim.

Prerequisite

Successful completion or skill ability equal to Preschool Pups 1.

Spring 2024 Sessions (April 8 to June 16)
  • Wednesday, 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm (10 lessons)
  • Friday, 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm (10 lessons)
  • Saturday, 11:30 am to 12:00 pm (9 lessons)
  • Sunday, 10:00 am to 10:30 am (9 lessons)

*No lessons May 18 to May 20 (Victoria Day Weekend)

Preschool Pups Level 3

In Preschool Pups 3, your child will practice swim skills to improve their endurance and technique, such as: development of front swim, back swim, and treading, and an introduction to front crawl and deep water.

Prerequisite

Successful completion or skill ability equal to Preschool Pups 2.

Spring 2024 Sessions (April 8 to June 16)
  • Monday, 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm (9 lessons)
  • Thursday, 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm (10 lessons)
  • Saturday, 11:00 am to 11:30 am (9 lessons)
  • Sunday, 11:30 am to 12:00 pm (9 lessons)

*No lessons May 18 to May 20 (Victoria Day Weekend)

Lesson Fees

$20 per class

Spring Registration is Now Open

If you have any questions, please contact the Recreation Supervisor at aquatics@universitysettlement.ca, or call 416‑598‑3444 ext. 228.

Sharks (Lessons for Ages 5 to 13)

Sharks Level 1

In our beginner level, swimmers develop foundational skills like safe entries, pool rule awareness, blowing bubbles, assisted bobs, and mastering assisted floats and glides. From confident front and back kicks, object recovery, and treading with a PFD to the thrill of jumping into shallow waters with assistance – this level sets the stage for a lifetime of aquatic enjoyment!

Prerequisites

None

Class Capacity

Group lesson (4 per class)

Spring 2024 Sessions (April 8 to June 16)
  • Monday, 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm (9 lessons)
  • Wednesday, 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm (10 lessons)
  • Friday, 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm (10 lessons)
  • Saturday, 10:30 am to 11:00 am (9 lessons)
  • Sunday, 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm (9 lessons)

*No lessons May 18 to May 20 (Victoria Day Weekend)

Sharks Level 2

Swimmers refine fundamental skills, achieving proficiency in unassisted floats, glides, and kicks. This level includes treading for 15 seconds and a 5m distance swim. Beyond skill mastery, participants are introduced to side glides and front crawl arms, complemented by a heightened emphasis on water safety principles, such as calling for help and emergency services.

Prerequisites

Successful completion or skill ability equal to Sharks Level 1 or Preschool Pups 2

Class Capacity

Group lesson (4 per class)

Spring 2024 Sessions (April 8 to June 16)
  • Monday, 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm (9 lessons)
  • Wednesday, 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm (10 lessons)
  • Friday, 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm (10 lessons)
  • Saturday, 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm (9 lessons)
  • Sunday, 10:30 am to 11:00 am (9 lessons)

*No lessons May 18 to May 20 (Victoria Day Weekend)

Sharks Level 3

Swimmers learn safety equipment protocols and navigate through dynamic challenges like a 3m underwater object recovery and daring jumps into deep water. This level introduces intricate skills, including sitting dives, sculling techniques, back crawl arms, and a 30-second treading milestone. Swimmers continue to develop technique and endurance with their kicking, and complete 10m of front crawl.

Prerequisites

Successful completion or skill ability equal to Sharks Level 2 or Preschool Pups 3.

Class Capacity

Group lesson (4 per class)

Spring 2024 Sessions (April 8 to June 16)
  • Monday, 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm (9 lessons)
  • Wednesday, 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm (10 lessons)
  • Saturday, 10:30 am to 11:00 am (9 lessons)
  • Sunday, 11:00 am to 11:30 am (9 lessons)

*No lessons May 18 to May 20 (Victoria Day Weekend)

Sharks Level 4

Swimmers learn hazard awareness and recover objects in a 5m underwater swim. Participants build confidence with kneeling dives and a forward somersault. They are introduced to eggbeater and whip kick, which assists them in treading for 60 seconds. Swimmers build their endurance, completing 15m of front crawl and back crawl, and cap it off with a 25m distance swim.

Prerequisites

Successful completion or skill ability equal to Sharks Level 3.

Class Capacity

Group lesson (4 per class)

Spring 2024 Sessions (April 8 to June 16)
  • Monday, 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm (9 lessons)
  • Tuesday, 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm (10 lessons)
  • Friday, 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm (10 lessons)
  • Saturday, 11:30 am to 12:00 pm (9 lessons)
  • Sunday, 10:30 am to 11:00 am (9 lessons)

*No lessons May 18 to May 20 (Victoria Day Weekend)

Sharks Level 5

Sharks 5 dives into advanced water safety and skills. Swimmers tackle boat safety and PFD usage, execute a 3m underwater swim in deep water, and tread for 90 seconds. With a standing dive and disorienting entry into deep water, they refine entries. They continue to develop eggbeater and complete 15m of whip kick on both their front and back (with an aid). Elementary backstroke is introduced, and swimmers conquer 25m front crawl and back crawl. The level includes a Swim to Survive challenge and a 75m distance swim, showcasing water survival skills and endurance.

Prerequisites

Successful completion or skill ability equal to Sharks Level 4.

Class Capacity

Group lesson (4 per class)

Spring 2024 Sessions (April 8 to June 16)
  • Monday, 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm (9 lessons)
  • Wednesday, 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm (10 lessons)
  • Friday, 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm (10 lessons)
  • Saturday, 10:00 am to 10:30 am (9 lessons)
  • Sunday, 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm (9 lessons)

*No lessons May 18 to May 20 (Victoria Day Weekend)

Sharks Level 6

Sharks 6 introduces advanced aquatic skills with a focus on cold water safety. Participants master head-first surface dives, foot-first surface dives, and stride jumps, preparing them with fundamental skills for lifesaving techniques. With sculling, treading, and 60 seconds of eggbeater, swimmers enhance their control. They are introduced to breaststroke arms and continue to develop whip kick. Proficiency is highlighted in 50m front crawl, back crawl, and 25m elementary back stroke. Sharks 6 concludes with a 150m distance swim, emphasizing endurance and advanced swimming techniques.

Prerequisites

Successful completion or skill ability equal to Sharks Level 5.

Class Capacity

Group lesson (6 per class)

Spring 2024 Sessions (April 8 to June 16)
  • Tuesday, 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm (10 lessons)
  • Thursday, 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm (10 lessons)
  • Saturday, 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm (9 lessons)
  • Sunday, 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm (9 lessons)

*No lessons May 18 to May 20 (Victoria Day Weekend)

Sharks Level 7/8

Sharks Level 7

Sharks 7 participants will dive deep into the world of lifesaving principles and advanced aquatic skills. From mastering the reverse & ready technique to executing precise stride jumps and surface dives, swimmers will develop the agility, endurance, and confidence needed to navigate any aquatic environment. With a focus on refining stroke techniques such as 15m head-up front crawl, 100m front crawl, 100m back crawl, 75m elementary backstroke, and 50m breaststroke, swimmers will enhance their proficiency in various swimming styles. The curriculum also includes challenging exercises like treading water for 3 minutes and performing eggbeater kicks with a 10 lb brick, strengthening endurance. Participants will put their skills to the test with interval training and a 200m distance swim.

Sharks Level 8

This is the final level of the Sharks swim program, where participants refine their skills to become proficient and confident swimmers capable of handling various aquatic challenges. Throughout this advanced course, emphasis is placed on mastering the rescue process, including the ladder approach and the use of throwing aids for effective rescue operations. Building on previous levels, swimmers further strengthen their technique through activities such as treading water for 4 minutes and mastering lifesaving kicks like whip kick and eggbeater for 25m. Stroke refinement continues with 25m head-up front crawl, 150m front crawl, 150m back crawl, and 100m breaststroke, culminating in a 400m swim. Participants emerge from this final level prepared for further lifesaving training such as Bronze Star or Bronze Medallion.

Prerequisites

Successful completion or skill ability equal to Sharks Level 6 or Sharks Level 7.

Class Capacity

Group lesson (6 per class)

Spring 2024 Sessions (April 8 to June 16)
  • Tuesday, 5:30 pm to 6:15 pm (10 lessons)
  • Thursday, 5:30 pm to 6:15 pm (10 lessons)
  • Sunday, 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm (9 lessons)

*No lessons May 18 to May 20 (Victoria Day Weekend)

Spring 2024 Lesson Fees

$20 per class

Spring Registration is Now Open

If you have any questions, please contact the Recreation Supervisor at aquatics@universitysettlement.ca, or call 416‑598‑3444 ext. 228.

Private Lessons

Private Lessons are one-on-one swim instruction with a Lifesaving Society Certified instructor. The great thing about Private lessons is that you can learn at your pace and you can communicate your personal swimming goals with the instructor.

Private lessons are available for all age groups.

Capacity

1 person

Spring 2024 Sessions (April 8 to June 16)
  • Lesson Duration: 30 minutes or 45 minutes (note: 45-minute lessons are recommended for Sharks Level 5 and higher)
  • Availability: Please visit our online portal to view the schedule and to register online (available starting Saturday, February 24).
  • No Lessons on Holidays: May 18 to May 20 (Victoria Day Weekend)
Private Lesson Fees
  • 30-Minute Lesson: $35 per class
  • 45-Minute Lesson: $40 per class
Spring Registration is Now Open

If you have any questions, please contact the Recreation Supervisor at aquatics@universitysettlement.ca, or call 416‑598‑3444 ext. 228.

Settlement Sharks (Youth Swim Team for Ages 7 to 17)

Settlement Sharks competitive swim team is for those who want to improve their swimming strokes. The entire program is focused on the competitive practice of swimming as fast as possible. This program is special compared to the Sharks Program because of the opportunities to challenge and develop yourself along with our friendly competitors from other centres.

This program has three goals that we try to achieve at every practice and meet: stroke improvement, fun, and competition!

All swim meets are optional. Swim meets may require travel to a different pool to compete. Swimmers must be able to complete at least 2 lengths of the pool non-stop. Open for 7 to 17 years old, recommended completion of Sharks Level 6 or higher.

Capacity

24 people

Spring 2024 Sessions (April 8 to June 16)

  • Monday, 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
  • Thursday, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Fees

  • Monday ONLY or Thursday ONLY: $100
  • Mondays and Thursdays: $175
  • Settlement Sharks Swim Cap: $10

*Entry fees for competitions not included

Spring Registration is Now Open

If you have any questions, please contact the Recreation Supervisor at aquatics@universitysettlement.ca, or call 416‑598‑3444 ext. 228.

Agency Membership Fees: In addition to program fees, an annual Agency Membership ($25 plus HST per year) is required for all individuals participating in swim lessons and courses at University Settlement.

Free Leisure Swim

Come and enjoy the pool. Have fun and get comfortable in the water. Our Free Leisure Swims are open to all ages – adults, seniors, kids, and youth. Everyone in the pool!

  • Shallow and deep areas separated
  • Proper supervision ratios
  • Age restrictions for swimming alone
  • Swim tests for deep-end access apply

Capacity

30 people

Schedule

  • Tuesday and Thursday: 10:00 am to 11:00 am
  • Friday: 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
  • Saturday and Sunday: 2:00 pm to 3:15 pm

Fees

Included in University Settlement Agency Membership

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.

Please note: This is a drop-in program on a first come, first serve basis. Spots are limited.

Family Swim

Don’t forget to check out our Family Swim programs!

Julie’s Story —“…Her University Settlement swimming instructor noticed that she was hesitant, but he knew she had the potential to do more…”

Julie now five, started swimming when she was 22 months old. The gap in swimming opportunities due to pandemic-related pool closures left her nervous about getting back in the water. Her parents decided to change pools and started with University Settlement in September 2021. “Online signup was easy, and lessons were affordable with lots of choices,” her parents shared.

Her University Settlement swimming instructor noticed that she was hesitant, but he knew she had the potential to do more. “When I started teaching Julie, she wanted me to hold her every time she did a front or back glide.” With his encouragement, Julie eventually started to do everything on her own and advanced from Pre-school Swimmer 3 to Swimmer 2. “Her independence and swimming skills are admirable. Julie is a pleasure to teach,” her instructor said.

Julie’s family particularly enjoys the weekend family swims that allow them to participate in Julie’s journey.

“Throughout our time at the University Settlement, we found everyone friendly, and it became a refuge for us during these difficult times. We are looking forward to her first session of Summer Day Camp at University Settlement this summer.”

Help Us Make A Difference

When you give to University Settlement, you make it possible for us to provide aquatics programs for students of all ages, like Julie.

Make a donation. Make a difference.

High Five

Proudly HIGH FIVE™ Accredited

HIGH FIVE™ is Canada’s only comprehensive quality standard for children’s programs. Based on a holistic approach to healthy child development, it’s quality framework addresses Staff Training and Development, Program Assessments, Policies/Procedures, and Awareness.