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. Spring Programs now visible.
Lifesaving Society's "Swim For Life"SLS Centre offers Swim Lessons from ages four months to adults with the Lifesaving Society, 'Swim For Life' learn to swim and lifesaving programs.
Cochrane Swim Lessons
- Adapted Aquatic Therapy
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Child/Adult Adapted Aquatic Therapy - Spring 2026
18 and up"This play-based aquatic therapy class, led by a Certified WATSU Therapist, helps participants with a diagnosed disability improve balance, strength, communication, and motor skills. A caregiver/aide (able to swim) joins in the pool to support individual goals using specialized equipment."
- Certification & Leadership
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Lifesaving Society | National Lifeguard
15 and upThe Lifesaving Society’s National Lifeguard certification builds on the fundamental skills, knowledge, fitness, judgment, and values taught in the prerequisite Lifesaving Society lifesaving certifications. Recognized as the standard for lifeguards in Canada, National Lifeguard training develops a sound understanding of lifeguarding principles, good judgment, and a mature and responsible attitude toward the role of the lifeguard. The primary role of the National Lifeguard is the prevention of emergency situations, and the timely and effective resolution of emergencies. The National Lifeguard certification prepares lifeguards to fulfill this role as professional facilitators of safe, enjoyable aquatics. The National Lifeguard program develops the basic lifeguarding skills, principles, and decision-making process to help lifeguards evaluate and adapt to different aquatic facilities and emergencies. The National Lifeguard program cannot in theory or practice prepare candidates for every situation that might occur. Employers must provide inservice training to familiarize their staff with the unique aspects of their aquatic facility. The National Lifeguard certification reflects the Lifesaving Society’s standards, publications, and research into drowning and injury prevention, water rescue, and aquatic safety systems. The National Lifeguard certification is backed by a full range of safety services provided by the Society that support the design and operation of safe aquatic facilities that lifeguards work in.National Lifeguard Pool: trains lifeguards in safety supervision and rescue in a pool environment.Prerequisite(s): Bronze Cross (need not be current), current AB workplace approved Intermediate First Aid, and minimum 15 years of age. Delivery Method(s): in-personCertification Currency: 2 years from the date of certificationRecertification: Attend a National Lifeguard Pool recertification exam. - Learn more and register
Lifesaving Society Lifesaving & Swim Instructor
15 and upThe Lifesaving & Swim Instructor course prepares candidates to teach and evaluate the Swim for Life®, Canadian Swim Patrol, and Bronze Medal programs, as well as Distinction, Boat Rescue, and Lifesaving Society CPR courses.Through this combined certification, candidates develop and apply Level 1 leadership competencies and instructional strategies to effectively teach swimming, stroke development, water rescue, and lifesaving skills. The course emphasizes judgment, knowledge, skill, and fitness—the foundation of effective aquatic instruction.Successful candidates will be certified to teach and evaluate swimmers of all levels, from learn-to-swim participants to advanced lifesaving award candidates. In Alberta and the Northwest Territories, certification also includes CPR Instructor status.Apprenticeship: Completed in-course, Successful candidates may attend an in-house training hosted at SLS CentreCertification Currency: 2 years from the date of certificationAppointment: Lifesaving Instructors are appointed as Bronze Examiners by the BranchRecertification Process: Attend a Swim and Lifesaving Instructor Recertification course (Online) and complete a Leadership Development Plan
- Parent and Tot
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Parent & Tot 1 & 2
At least 4m but less than 100 PARENT & TOTParent & Tot program structures in-water interaction between parent and child to stress the importance of play in developing water-positive attitudes and skills. Activities and progressions are based on child development, so parents register in the level appropriate for their child's age. Targeted Water Smart drowning prevention messages are an integral part of the Swim for Life program. These messages are delivered in all Parent & Tot levels.PARENT & TOT 1 (4-12 MONTHS)Parents and babies will explore the water together under the watchful eyes of their instructor. They will learn how to safely enter and exit the water and work on getting ready to discover the water safely. Parents will learn how to safely support their child while they play.PARENT & TOT 2 (12-24 MONTHS)Instructors will lead sessions to help parents with children learn basic water safety skills in a welcoming environment. Parents are taught how to support their child with assisted entries and exits into water and support them in learning to float and kick. They can celebrate together when the child can get their face wet and blow bubbles for the first time.PARENT & TOT 3 (2-3 YEARS)Parents will work towards supporting their toddlers in becoming more independent in the water. Getting in, getting out, going under, and floating, parents and toddlers will be introduced to different iterations of these fundamental skills.Next Step: 0-2 years > Parent & Tot 1 & 2Next Step: 2-3 years > Parent & Tot 3 - Learn more and register
Parent & Tot 3
At least 4m but less than 100 PARENT & TOTParent & Tot program structures in-water interaction between parent and child to stress the importance of play in developing water-positive attitudes and skills. Activities and progressions are based on child development, so parents register in the level appropriate for their child's age. Targeted Water Smart drowning prevention messages are an integral part of the Swim for Life program. These messages are delivered in all Parent & Tot levels.PARENT & TOT 1 (4-12 MONTHS)Parents and babies will explore the water together under the watchful eyes of their instructor. They will learn how to safely enter and exit the water and work on getting ready to discover the water safely. Parents will learn how to safely support their child while they play.PARENT & TOT 2 (12-24 MONTHS)Instructors will lead sessions to help parents with children learn basic water safety skills in a welcoming environment. Parents are taught how to support their child with assisted entries and exits into water and support them in learning to float and kick. They can celebrate together when the child can get their face wet and blow bubbles for the first time.PARENT & TOT 3 (2-3 YEARS)Parents will work towards supporting their toddlers in becoming more independent in the water. Getting in, getting out, going under, and floating, parents and toddlers will be introduced to different iterations of these fundamental skills.Next Step: 0-2 years > Parent & Tot 1 & 2Next Step: 2-3 years > Parent & Tot 3
- Preschool
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Preschool 4
At least 3 but less than 6Preschool 4 strengthens aquatic skills and stamina while promoting water safety. Swimmers jump into deep water, do sideways entries, tread in a lifejacket, and retrieve objects underwater. They glide on their side, practice flutter kicking on front, back, and side, and begin 5 m front crawl with Water Smart® safety tips.Next Steps: Learn to Swim -> Preschool 5 - Learn more and register
Preschool 4/5
At least 3 but less than 6Preschool 4 strengthens aquatic skills and stamina while promoting water safety. Swimmers jump into deep water, do sideways entries, tread in a lifejacket, and retrieve objects underwater. They glide on their side, practice flutter kicking on front, back, and side, and begin 5 m front crawl with Water Smart® safety tips.Next Steps: Learn to Swim -> Preschool 5 - Learn more and register
Preschool 5
At least 3 but less than 6Preschool 5 advances swimming skills and water safety. Swimmers practice forward roll entries in a lifejacket, tread for 10–20 seconds, submerge and recover objects, and complete sideways entries into deep water. They swim or kick 10 m, learn vertical whip kick, practice 5 m front and back crawl, and review Water Smart® safety tips.Next Steps: Learn to Swim -> Swimmer 1 at 6 years old
- Swim 2 Survive
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Swim 2 Survive
At least 6 but less than 99Swim 2 Survive teaches just the essentials needed to survive an unexpected fall into deep water-an important first step to being safe around water. The Swim 2 Survive program's flexible and simple design makes it ideal for camps, schools. and youth groups. Swim 2 Survive can meet even the tightest time frames and budgets. Basic Swimming ability is a requirement of any meaningful attempt to eliminate drowning in Canada. Swim 2 Survive defines the minimum swim skills needed to survive an unexpected fall into deep water. Because most drownings occur close to safety and most victims had no intention of going into the water.Swim 2 Survive is for swimmers aged 6 & above. Swim 2 Survive focuses on basic survival skills performed as a sequence of three Skills:1. ROLL into deep water2. TREAD water for one minute3. SWIM 50 Meters.
- Swim Abilities
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Swim Abilities - Private Lessons
At least 3 but less than 16 SWIM ABILITIESSwim Abilities is a learn to swim program suitable for children with diverse needs. Certified instructors will provide lessons with a 4-level, progressive curriculum where the caregiver is in the water. This program will assist children and their caregivers to increase safety, independence, and enjoyment in and around the water. Swim Abilities lessons are best suited for children, aged 3-18 years, who would benefit from slower paced lessons with additional practice time and one-on-one safety supervision. Every child who does not yet fit into regular swim lessons is welcome in Swim Abilities. - Learn more and register
Swim Abilities | Age: 18 & Under
At least 3 but less than 16 SWIM ABILITIESSwim Abilities is a learn to swim program suitable for children with diverse needs. Certified instructors will provide lessons with a 4-level, progressive curriculum where the caregiver is in the water. This program will assist children and their caregivers to increase safety, independence, and enjoyment in and around the water. Swim Abilities lessons are best suited for children, aged 3-18 years, who would benefit from slower paced lessons with additional practice time and one-on-one safety supervision. Every child who does not yet fit into regular swim lessons is welcome in Swim Abilities. - Learn more and register
Swim Abilities | Age: 10 & Under
At least 3 but less than 16 SWIM ABILITIESSwim Abilities is a learn to swim program suitable for children with diverse needs. Certified instructors will provide lessons with a 4-level, progressive curriculum where the caregiver is in the water. This program will assist children and their caregivers to increase safety, independence, and enjoyment in and around the water. Swim Abilities lessons are best suited for children, aged 3-18 years, who would benefit from slower paced lessons with additional practice time and one-on-one safety supervision. Every child who does not yet fit into regular swim lessons is welcome in Swim Abilities.
- Youth Swim Lessons
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Swimmer 2
At least 6 but less than 12y 11m Swimmer 2 develops confidence and endurance in deep water. Participants jump into deep water, do sideways entries in a lifejacket, tread 30 seconds, swim or kick 15 m, recover objects, flutter kick 10 m front, back, and side, perform 30-second whip kicks, swim 10 m front and back crawl, and follow Water Smart® safety tips.Need Help? |Schedule a swim assessment to help determine what level to register in.Next Steps: Learn to Swim -> Swimmer 3 - Learn more and register
Swimmer 4
At least 6 but less than 12y 11m Swimmer 4 refines advanced skills with standing dives, 1-minute treading, 5 m underwater swims, and 25 m front and back crawl. Participants learn whip kick, breaststroke arms, complete the Canadian Swim to Survive® Standard, do 25 m sprints, 4 × 25 m interval training, and follow Water Smart® safety tips.Need Help? |Schedule a swim assessment to help determine what level to register in.Next Steps: Learn to Swim -> Swimmer 5 - Learn more and register
Swimmer 5
At least 6 but less than 12y 11m Swimmer 5 masters shallow dives, cannonball entries, eggbeater kicks, and in-water backward somersaults. They refine 50 m front and back crawl, 25 m breaststroke, complete 25 m sprints, and advanced interval training, with Water Smart® messages reinforcing water safety.Need Help? |Schedule a swim assessment to help determine what level to register in.Next Steps: Learn to Swim -> Swimmer 6 - Learn more and register
Swimmer 5/6
At least 6 but less than 12y 11m Swimmer 5 masters shallow dives, cannonball entries, eggbeater kicks, and in-water backward somersaults. They refine 50 m front and back crawl, 25 m breaststroke, complete 25 m sprints, and advanced interval training, with Water Smart® messages reinforcing water safety.Need Help? |Schedule a swim assessment to help determine what level to register in.Next Steps: Learn to Swim -> Swimmer 6 - Learn more and register
Swimmer 6
At least 6 but less than 12y 11m Swimmer 6 challenges advanced swimmers with stride entries, compact jumps, eggbeater and scissor kicks, and 25 m head-up sprints. They swim 100 m front and back crawl, 50 m breaststroke, complete a 300 m workout, and continue learning Water Smart® safety messages.Need Help? |Schedule a swim assessment to help determine what level to register in.Next Steps: Learn to Swim -> Canadian Swim Patrol (Rookie, Ranger, Star Patrol)Next Steps: Lifeguarding -> Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, National LifeguardNext Steps: Instruction -> Swim Instructor, Lifesaving InstructorNext Steps: Active for Life -> Fitness Swimmer
