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. Click the button below for our Swim Lessons Program Guide, which lists all the lesson times for Winter/Spring 2025.
Parent & Tot (4 Months - 3 Years)
The Parent & Tot program is designed to introduce young children to the water in a fun and safe environment.Parent & Tot 1+2
Parent and Tot 1 & 2 introduces water safety and comfort for young children with the support of a caregiver. Caregivers learn to safely enter and exit the water while supporting their tot in floats and movements on their front and back. Activities focus on assisted front and back floats, arm and leg movements like splashing and paddling, and readiness for submersion. Lifejacket use is introduced, and Water Smart® messages help build water safety awareness for both parent and tot. This level is all about fostering confidence and enjoyment in the water.
Parent & Tot 3
Parent and Tot 3 focuses on developing independence and confidence in the water with caregiver support. Tots practice assisted jump entries, submerging, holding their breath, and opening their eyes underwater. They’ll attempt to recover objects from the bottom and perform assisted "starfish" and "pencil" floats. Lifejacket skills include jump entries and floating, while underwater passes build comfort and coordination. Unassisted exits are introduced, and Water Smart® messages reinforce key safety concepts. This level prepares tots for further aquatic exploration with a strong foundation of skills.
Preschool (Ages 3-6)
The Preschool program is the next step after Parent & Tot, designed to build on the foundational water skills learned in the previous program.Preschool 1
Preschool 1 introduces basic water safety and comfort, with an emphasis on building confidence in the water. Children will learn to enter and exit shallow water safely with assistance, jump into chest-deep water, and blow bubbles. They will also practice floating on their front and back for 3 seconds with support, and glide on their front and back while wearing a lifejacket. Water Smart® messages are introduced to instill water safety awareness, making this a fun and supportive introduction to the aquatic environment.
Preschool 2
Preschool 2 builds on water comfort and safety, focusing on developing basic swimming and submersion skills. Children will practice entering and exiting shallow water while wearing a lifejacket, jumping into chest-deep water, and submerging with exhalation (3 times). They’ll learn to float on their front and back for 3 seconds, roll laterally from front to back, and glide with a buoyant aid. Flutter kicking on the back with support helps build coordination, while Water Smart® messages continue to emphasize water safety. This level fosters confidence and prepares children for further skill development in the water.
Preschool 3
Preschool 3 focuses on refining swimming and safety skills in deeper water. Children will practice jumping into deep water while wearing a lifejacket, exiting safely, and performing a sideways entry. They’ll learn to hold their breath underwater for 3 seconds, submerge and exhale (5 times), and recover objects from the bottom in waist-deep water. Other key skills include back floating, rolling from front to back, floating for 5 seconds on both front and back, and flutter kicking on both back and front. Gliding and rolling laterally are also practiced to build coordination, while Water Smart® messages continue to reinforce safety in and around the water.
Preschool 4
Preschool 4 focuses on refining aquatic skills and building stamina, all while promoting water safety. Children will practice jumping into deep water, performing sideways entries, and safely returning and exiting. They’ll tread water for 10 seconds while wearing a lifejacket and open their eyes underwater to recover objects from the bottom in chest-deep water. More advanced skills include a 15-second tread while wearing a lifejacket, gliding on their side, and swimming or kicking 5 meters. Flutter kicking is practiced on the front, back, and side, while front crawl is introduced for 5 meters. Water Smart® messages continue to emphasize safety and awareness. This level prepares children for more independent swimming and rescue readiness.
Preschool 5
Preschool 5 continues to develop swimming proficiency and water safety. Children will practice forward roll entries while wearing a lifejacket, tread water for 10 seconds, and submerge while holding their breath for 5 seconds. They’ll recover objects from the bottom in chest-deep water and perform sideways entries into deep water, followed by treading water for 20 seconds and swimming or kicking 10 meters. Advanced skills include the whip-kick in a vertical position, front and back crawl for 5 meters each, and interval training with flutter kicks on the back. Water Smart® messages reinforce ongoing water safety awareness. This level sets the foundation for more independent swimming and increased endurance.
Swimmer (Ages 6-12)
The Swimmer program is designed for children who have gained basic water skills and are ready to take their swimming abilities to the next level.Swimmer 1
Participants in Swimmer 1 will learn to confidently enter and exit shallow water and jump into chest-deep water. They will practice wearing a lifejacket while jumping into deep water, treading water for 30 seconds, and performing a 5-meter front crawl. Other skills include submerging and exhaling five times, opening their eyes underwater, and floating on their front and back for 5 seconds each. They will also learn to roll from front-to-back and back-to-front, glide 3 meters on their front, back, and side, and flutter kick 5 meters on their front and back. Water Smart® messages will be integrated throughout the program to teach essential water safety knowledge.
Swimmer 2
In Swimmer 2, participants will jump into deep water, return to the surface, and exit safely. They will practice wearing a lifejacket for a sideways entry, jumping into chest-deep water, treading water for 30 seconds, and swimming or kicking 15 meters. Skills include recovering an object from the bottom in chest-deep water, flutter kicking 10 meters on the front, back, and side, and performing a whip kick in a vertical position for 30 seconds using an aid. Participants will also learn front crawl and back crawl for 10 meters each and complete interval training with 4 x 5-meter flutter kicks with 20-second rests. Water Smart® messages will reinforce key water safety principles throughout the program.
Swimmer 3
In Swimmer 3, participants will advance their water skills by performing a kneeling dive and a forward roll entry into deep water. They will tread water for 30 seconds, execute a handstand in shallow water, and complete a front somersault in the water. Skills include jumping into deep water, treading for 30 seconds, and swimming or kicking 25 meters. Participants will practice flutter kicks on their back (5 m), reverse direction to kick on their front (5 m), and flutter kicks on their front (5 m) before reversing to kick on their back (5 m). They will also work on whip kick on their back (10 m) and swim front crawl and back crawl for 15 meters each. Interval training involves 4 x 15-meter flutter kicks with 20-second rests. Water Smart® messages will be integrated to promote water safety awareness.
Swimmer 4
In Swimmer 4, participants will refine advanced swimming skills, starting with a standing dive into deep water and treading water for 1 minute. They will swim underwater for 5 meters and complete the Canadian Swim to Survive® standard, which includes a roll entry into deep water, treading water for 1 minute, and swimming 50 meters. Participants will practice whip kick on their front (15 m) and a breaststroke arms drill (15 m), along with improving their front crawl and back crawl technique over 25 meters each. Interval training will focus on 4 x 25-meter front or back crawl with 20-second rests, as well as sprinting a 25-meter front crawl. Water Smart® messages will continue to emphasize critical water safety knowledge.
Swimmer 5
In Swimmer 5, participants will build advanced water skills, starting with a shallow dive and a tuck jump (cannonball) into deep water. They will practice jumping into deep water, treading for 2 minutes, and performing a stationary eggbeater kick for 30 seconds. Skills include completing a back somersault in water and a roll entry into deep water, followed by treading for 90 seconds and swimming 75 meters. Participants will refine their breaststroke (25 m), front crawl, and back crawl (50 m each), and practice a head-up front crawl (10 m). Interval training includes 4 x 50-meter front or back crawl with 30-second rests and 4 x 15-meter breaststroke with 30-second rests. Sprint training focuses on 25-meter front crawl and back crawl. Water Smart® messages are integrated to reinforce water safety knowledge.
Swimmer 6
In Swimmer 6, participants will master advanced swimming techniques, including a stride entry and compact jump into deep water. They will practice legs-only surface support for 45 seconds and swim underwater for 10 meters to recover an object. Skills include eggbeater kick on the back (15 m) and scissor kick (15 m). Participants will refine breaststroke over 50 meters and enhance their front crawl and back crawl technique over 100 meters each. They will also complete a head-up swim (25 m), interval training with 4 x 25-meter breaststroke and 30-second rests, and a 25-meter sprint breaststroke. The program concludes with a 300-meter workout to build endurance. Water Smart® messages will be incorporated to reinforce vital water safety knowledge.
Swim Patrol (Ages 10+)
The Swim Patrol program is the perfect next step for swimmers who are ready to take their skills to the next level. Building on foundational swimming abilities, participants will focus on developing water safety, rescue techniques, and stroke efficiency. This program is an ideal progression for those looking to gain confidence and prepare for future aquatic leadership courses, such as Bronze Medallion or lifeguard certification.Rookie, Ranger, and Star Patrol
The Patrol Level Series prepares swimmers aged 10+ for lifesaving and advanced aquatic skills, focusing on endurance, water safety, and rescue techniques. Participants progress from foundational skills like head-up swimming, surface dives, and lifesaving kicks to advanced tasks, including carrying and supporting objects up to 4.5 kg, underwater swimming, and survival scenarios. Lifesaving training includes primary assessments, rescue breathing, treating shock, airway obstructions, and managing injuries like bleeding. Rescues involve recognizing victim types, towing weak or non-swimmers, and working with bystanders. Endurance builds with timed swims up to 300 m and workouts up to 600 m, ensuring preparedness for emergency situations. This series develops strong swimming, lifesaving confidence, and water safety awareness.
Adult Lessons (Ages 13+)
Adult lessons are designed to help individuals of all skill levels become more confident and proficient in the water.Adult Swimmer 1/2/3
The Adult Swim program focuses on developing water safety, swimming skills, and endurance across three progressive levels. Participants will build comfort and confidence in the water, practicing safe entries and exits, treading water, floating, and recovering objects. As they advance, they’ll refine skills like front and back crawl, whip kick, breaststroke, and somersaults while learning endurance techniques through interval training and sprints. Water safety techniques include roll and stride entries, treading water, and mastering the Canadian Swim to Survive® standard. Advanced levels introduce shallow dives, compact jumps, and eggbeater kicks, culminating in a 300-meter swim workout. Water Smart® messages reinforce essential safety and awareness at every stage.
Other Aquatic Programs
Along with our core lesson offerings, SLS Centre also offers a variety of specialty aquatic programs for those that don't fit into the above lessons.Private Swim Lessons
Private swim lessons offer personalized, one-on-one instruction tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of swimmers of all ages. Whether you're a child learning basic water safety, a teen refining your strokes, or an adult looking to improve your technique, private lessons provide focused attention to help you progress at your own pace. With customized lesson plans and individualized feedback, these sessions are perfect for anyone seeking a flexible and personalized learning experience in the water.
SwimAbilities®
SwimAbilities is a specialized program designed to support individuals with physical, cognitive, or developmental challenges in gaining confidence and skills in the water. With personalized instruction and adaptive activities, participants will work on foundational swimming skills such as floating, kicking, and breath control at their own pace. No diagnosis is needed to participate—this inclusive program is open to anyone who could benefit from a supportive and tailored aquatic environment. SwimAbilities promotes safety, coordination, and water enjoyment, ensuring every participant feels empowered and successful in their aquatic journey.
Child/Adult Adapted Aquatic Therapy
Experience the benefits of aquatic therapy in this fun and supportive program led by a Certified WATSU/Aquatic Therapist. This class focuses on improving balance, strength, communication, and gross and fine motor skills through a play-based approach in our therapy pool. Participants work towards their individual goals with the assistance of a personal aide or caregiver. Using specialized equipment and techniques, this program empowers both participants and their aides to achieve meaningful progress in the water.
Fitness Swimmer
The Fitness Swimmer program is perfect for individuals looking to improve their swimming technique, build endurance, and stay active in the water. Designed for swimmers of varying skill levels, the program focuses on refining strokes, interval training, and developing efficient swimming techniques. Participants will also work on endurance through structured workouts and practice sets, helping them achieve personal fitness goals. Whether you're training for a competition or simply seeking a low-impact, full-body workout, the Fitness Swimmer program offers the tools and guidance to help you succeed.
Not sure exactly what lesson your child should take?
Click below to book a swim assessment to find out!
