Kids & Youth Swim
Notice: Pool Closure
Our pool is currently closed due to a malfunction in the chemical control equipment.
We are hopeful the issue will be resolved shortly. Should further work be required, the closure may be extended. Members will receive updates by email.
Notice: Leisure Swim Cancelled on Thursday, May 11 at 10:00 AM
Leisure Swim will be cancelled on Thursday, May 11 at 10:00 AM due to maintenance work.
Thank for you for understanding.
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
Summer Schedule Format
Lessons will be available in a weekly format from July 2nd to August 25th (lessons are once per week) or 2 week sessions (lessons are Monday to Friday for two weeks).
- Session 1: July 2 to July 12
- Session 2: July 15 to July 26
- Session 3: July 29 to August 8
- Session 4: August 12 to August 23
Settlement Swim Program Levels
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.
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.
Swim Meet on November 25th
University Settlement will be hosting a swim meet with our community partners on Saturday, November 25th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm! All swimmers in our Sharks Swim Team are invited to compete.
If you wish to participate or volunteer at the event, please contact aquatics@universitysettlement.ca.
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 2025: Weekly Lessons (March 31 to June 22)
- Saturdays, 11:00 am to 11:30 am
- Sundays, 11:00 am to 11:30 am
*No lessons on holidays: April 18 to 21 (Good Friday and Easter Weekend), and May 17 to 19 (Victoria Day Weekend)
Capacity
Group lesson (8 per class)
Lesson Fees
$22.50 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. 229.
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 2025: Weekly Lessons (March 31 to June 22)
- Mondays, 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm
- Fridays, 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm
- Saturdays, 10:00 am to 10:30 am
- Sundays, 11:30 am to 12:00 pm
*No lessons on holidays: April 18 to 21 (Good Friday and Easter Weekend), and May 17 to 19 (Victoria Day Weekend)
Lesson Fees
$22.50 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. 229.
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 2025: Weekly Lessons (March 31 to June 22)
- Mondays, 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm
- Fridays, 4:00 pm to 4:30 pm
- Saturdays, 11:30 am to 12:00 pm
- Sundays, 10:00 am to 10:30 am
*No lessons on holidays: April 18 to 21 (Good Friday and Easter Weekend), and May 17 to 19 (Victoria Day Weekend)
Lesson Fees
$22.50 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. 229.
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 2025: Weekly Lessons (March 31 to June 22)
- Mondays, 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm
- Saturdays, 11:00 am to 11:30 am
- Sundays, 11:30 am to 12:00 pm
*No lessons on holidays: April 18 to 21 (Good Friday and Easter Weekend), and May 17 to 19 (Victoria Day Weekend)
Lesson Fees
$22.50 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. 229.
Preschool Pups Level 4
[missing course description] In Preschool Pups Level 4, your child will practice swim skills to get them more familiar with the water, such as: jump into deep water, return, and exit, tread water with lifejacket, open eyes underwater, recover object from bottom of water, sideways entry into deep water with lifejacket-tread 15 second, swim 5m, glide on side, flutter kick-front, back and side, front crawl wearing life jacket.
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 2025: Weekly Lessons (March 31 to June 22)
- Fridays, 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm
- Saturdays, 10:30 am to 11:00 am
- Sundays, 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm
*No lessons on holidays: April 18 to 21 (Good Friday and Easter Weekend), and May 17 to 19 (Victoria Day Weekend)
Lesson Fees
$22.50 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. 229.
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 2025: Weekly Lessons (March 31 to June 22)
- Mondays, 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm
- Tuesdays, 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm
- Wednesdays, 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm
- Saturdays, 11:30 am to 12:00 pm
- Sundays, 10:30 am to 11:00 am
*No lessons on holidays: April 18 to 21 (Good Friday and Easter Weekend), and May 17 to 19 (Victoria Day Weekend)
Lesson Fees
$22.50 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. 229.
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 2025: Weekly Lessons (March 31 to June 22)
- Mondays, 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm
- Wednesdays, 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm
- Thursdays, 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm
- Saturdays, 10:30 am to 11:00 am
- Sundays, 11:00 am to 11:30 am
*No lessons on holidays: April 18 to 21 (Good Friday and Easter Weekend), and May 17 to 19 (Victoria Day Weekend)
Lesson Fees
$22.50 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. 229.
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 2025: Weekly Lessons (March 31 to June 22)
- Mondays, 4:30 pm to 5:00 pm
- Fridays, 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm
- Saturdays, 11:30 am to 12:00 pm
- Sundays, 10:30 am to 11:00 am
*No lessons on holidays: April 18 to 21 (Good Friday and Easter Weekend), and May 17 to 19 (Victoria Day Weekend)
Lesson Fees
$22.50 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. 229.
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 2025: Weekly Lessons (March 31 to June 22)
- Mondays, 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm
- Saturdays, 10:00 am to 10:30 am
- Sundays, 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm
*No lessons on holidays: April 18 to 21 (Good Friday and Easter Weekend), and May 17 to 19 (Victoria Day Weekend)
Lesson Fees
$22.50 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. 229.
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 2025: Weekly Lessons (March 31 to June 22)
- Thursdays, 5:30 pm to 6:00 pm
- Saturdays, 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm
- Sundays, 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm
*No lessons on holidays: April 18 to 21 (Good Friday and Easter Weekend), and May 17 to 19 (Victoria Day Weekend)
Lesson Fees
$22.50 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. 229.
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 2025: Weekly Lessons (March 31 to June 22)
- Mondays, 5:00 pm to 5:45 pm
- Tuesdays, 5:30 pm to 6:15 pm
- Thursdays, 5:30 pm to 6:15 pm
- Sundays, 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm
*No lessons on holidays: April 18 to 21 (Good Friday and Easter Weekend), and May 17 to 19 (Victoria Day Weekend)
Lesson Fees
$27.50 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. 229.
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 2025: Weekly Lessons (March 31 to June 22)
- Lesson Duration: 30 minutes or 45 minutes (Please note: 45-minute lessons are recommended for Sharks Level 5 and higher)
- Schedule: Lessons will be available in a weekly format (lessons are once per week).
*No lessons on holidays: April 18 to 21 (Good Friday and Easter Weekend), and May 17 to 19 (Victoria Day Weekend)
Private Lesson Fees
- 30-Minute Lesson: $38.50 per class
- 45-Minute Lesson: $49.50 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. 229.
Settlement Sharks Swim Team (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 2025 Practices (March 31 to June 22)
- Monday, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- Thursday, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Fees
- Mondays only: $112.50
- Thursdays only: $125
- Mondays AND Thursdays: $200
- Settlement Sharks Swim Cap: $10 (Purchase at Front Desk)
*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. 229.
Junior Lifeguard Club
The Junior Lifeguard Club (JLC) offers a unique aquatic alternative for children who love the water and wish to complement the skills they are learning in swimming lessons.
In a safe, fun and controlled setting they will learn about lifesaving and lifeguarding, challenge themselves for personal bests, get fit, make friends, and have a great time. University Settlement’s Junior Lifeguard Club will also a unique opportunity for participants to volunteer and assist in aquatic programs!
Prerequisite
Minimum 8 years old and completion of Sharks Level 6 is recommended.
Winter 2024 Session
Thursdays, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
(January 11 to February 29)
Fees
$100
Winter Registration is Now Closed
If you have any questions, please contact the Recreation Supervisor at aquatics@universitysettlement.ca, or call 416‑598‑3444 ext. 229.
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.
Leisure Swim
Come and enjoy the pool. Have fun and get comfortable in the water. Our 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
Family Swim
Don’t forget to check out our Family Swim programs!
Making Waves: A Family’s Journey with University Settlement’s Aquatics Program
Since 2011, the Hedges family has been an integral part of University Settlement’s Aquatics Program, finding convenience close to home and discovering a welcoming community within its walls. Starting with the mom and baby swim program, their journey expanded with Level 1 swim classes, drawn by the small class sizes, cleanliness, and excellent instructor training. For the Hedges, University Settlement wasn’t just about swimming—
“The proximity to our house, cleanliness, safety measures, and friendliness of the staff kept us coming back,” recalls Mrs. Hedges. “We never went anywhere else for swimming after that.”
“What sets University Settlement apart for us is not just the programs but the people,” Mr. Hedges reflects. “The lifeguards are the best. Kind, patient, and always ready to say hi even if we see them outside of class.”
The family shared –“The impact of University Settlement extends beyond the pool, we have been offered free tickets to the games and inclusion in community events like Grange Festivals and We Care, gives us a sense of belonging and joy. The genuine outreach from the program coordinator, especially towards homeschooling families like ours, has left a lasting impression in our hearts.”
Through the Aquatics Program, the children gained confidence, with the younger one progressing remarkably in just a year and a half. Beyond swimming, the program became a space of growth, community, and empowerment for the Hedges family and many others, leaving positive ripples far beyond the water’s edge.
Help Us Make A Difference
When you give to University Settlement, you make it possible for us to provide more aquatics programs for students and families like the Hedges family.
Your contribution enriches the entire community. Consider a monthly donation today to leave a lasting impact.
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.