Swimming Lessons and Activities

Drop-in swimming

Stay active with our drop-in swimming programs available at the Milton Leisure Centre, Milton Sports Centre and Sherwood Community Centre. Browse the drop-in swim schedule by clicking the button below and register for the swimming activity you want to participate in.

Registration information

Registration is recommended for pool visits to secure your space and to save time when you arrive at the facility. Some swims reach capacity and drop-in spaces may not be available. Log in to register.
Pre-registration may be required for some early morning and late evening swims outside of regular customer service hours

Registration opens 72 hours in advance for Milton residents and 48 hours in advance for non-residents
Visit our registration information web page for step-by-step registration instructions, including how to create an account.

Drop-in swim activity types and descriptions

Length swims

Swimmers are asked to swim in the lane that best fits their swim speed (slow, medium, fast) compared to other swimmers attending the swim

Play pool swims

Attendees have access to the warm water play pool for fun swimming, water exercise, water walking, and relaxing. Supervision requirements are in effect for children under 10.

Fun swims

A recreational swim with both lap pool and play pool available for use. Supervision requirements are in effect for children under 10. Lane swimming is not available.

Adult leisure swims

Participants have access to both the warmer play pool and the cooler lap pool and can move freely back and forth between the pools throughout the swim
Adult leisure swims are ideal for self-led water exercise, water walking and aqua jogging, therapeutic exercise and stretching, or just relaxing in either pool

Female only swim

Open to women and girls of all ages; boys are not permitted at any age
Participants of all ages are welcome. Supervision requirements are in effect for children under 10
Windows are covered during this swim and only female lifeguards are on duty

Male only swim

Open to men and boys of all ages
Supervision requirements are in effect for children under 10
Windows are not covered during this swim, and only male lifeguards are on duty

Sensory-Friendly Swims

Enjoy a sensory-friendly swim, in an adapted pool environment without music or running water features, and a reduced number of swimmers in the pool and change rooms.
Attendees have access to the play pool for swimming, exercise, water walking, and relaxing.
Accompanying adults or support persons swim free of charge. Please note that support workers are not provided and supervision requirements are in effect for children under 10.

Supervision requirements

Supervision requirements are enforced at all swims and pool rentals. Our requirements indicate the maximum number of children that one responsible person, who is at least 14 years old, is able to supervise.

0 to 5 year olds

If you have children who are 0 to 5 years of age, you must be in the water and within arms’ reach of the children at all times. You can supervise a maximum of two children who are under the age of 10.

6 to 9 year olds

You must be in the water and within arms’ reach of the children at all times. If all children are wearing lifejackets, you can supervise up to five children between the ages of 6 and 9. You can supervise a maximum of two children who are 6 to 9 years of age.

If a child between the ages of 6 and 9 has successfully completed a facility swim test, direct supervision isn’t required. You are required to remain at the facility and you are encouraged to remain in sight of the children.

Children 10 and older

Children 10 years of age or older don’t require direct supervision.

In addition to the above supervision requirements, groups attending swims must also maintain a minimum supervision ratio of eight children per guardian.

On-deck viewing

Spectators who are not registered may observe from the appropriate viewing area

Facility swim test

Upon arrival at the swim, you’ll complete a facility swim test. To successfully complete the test, you must demonstrate that you can swim continuously for at least 25 metres and you must be able to put your face in the water and breathe while swimming.

Swimming passes, memberships and prices

View the current rates for a single visit, 10-visit or annual pass.

Age	Single visit	10-visit pass	Annual pass
Preschool (0-5)	$1.92	$17.29	$107.58
Child (6-13)	$3.73	$33.56	$208.82
Youth (14-17)	$3.73	$33.56	$208.82
Adult (18-64)	$5.30	$47.29	$294.25
Older Adult (65+)	$3.73	$33.56	$208.82
Group (max 4)	$14.96	$134.65	$837.83

Cancellations

To cancel a swim you have registered for, please log into your account or email Recreation staff.

Swimming lessons

Swim lessons are available for all ages, for everyone, from beginners to those refining their technique. Review our swim program descriptions below to find the right swim program for you or your loved one. Once you decide on a swimming level you can browse swimming courses and register by clicking the button below.

Registration

Visit our registration information web page for step-by-step registration instructions, including how to create an account.

Assessment of swim level

If you are unsure of which swim level to register for, we recommend attending an assessment of swim level session. Our swim instructors can let you know the most appropriate level for you after assessing your swimming skills with just a few short activities in the pool. Visit the Milton recreation platform to view assessment availability.

Ideal for those who have been away from lessons for a while, for those just starting lessons but who aren’t beginners, and those who last participated in lessons somewhere else
Sessions are 15 minutes long
Assessments are regularly scheduled for the weeks prior to registration opening
Recent and current participants in Milton swimming lessons should discuss level placement with their current instructor or refer to your recent progress report card for the appropriate level for registration

Swim program descriptions

Explore the different registered swim programs offered in Milton.

Parent and tot program types

In our parent and tot programs, you will introduce your child to the water and help them get comfortable swimming in a fun and nurturing environment. Classes are based on the child’s age so that activities and skills are developmentally appropriate. For list of currently offered swim programs please visit the Milton recreation platform and filter by Service.

Parent and tot 1 (4 to 12 months)

Parents will help their child to feel and explore the water – floating, splashing, paddling, blowing bubbles, kicking, and gaining comfort through a variety of songs and activities.

Parent and tot 2 (12 to 24 months)

Children are taught to get their face wet, blow bubbles, and gain comfort in the water through a variety of songs and activities. With your guidance, they will learn assisted front and back floats, and begin to use kicking to travel across the surface.

Parent and tot 3 (20 months to 3 years)

Toddlers will have fun jumping in to their parents and climbing out again, and will learn to hold their breath and open their eyes underwater. Practicing front and back floats in “starfish” and “pencil” positions, along with kicking on front and back, provides the building blocks for moving to the Preschool program at 3 years of age.

Preschool program types

Our preschool programs are for children ages 3 to 5. For list of currently offered swim programs please visit the Milton recreation platform and filter by Service.

Preschool A

Preschoolers will have fun learning to get in and out of the water, getting their face wet, blowing bubbles underwater, jumping into chest deep water, trying floats with assistance, and practicing assisted glides on their front and back.

Preschool B

Participants will learn to jump into chest deep water by themselves and submerge and exhale underwater. While wearing a lifejacket, they will work towards mastering front & back floats, front & back glides, and work towards kicking on their back for 5 metres.

Preschool C

Participants will learn to independently perform front and back floats (5 seconds each) and front and back glides (3 metres each). They will work towards propelling themselves for 5 metres using flutter kick, and will jump and roll into the water wearing a lifejacket.

Preschool D

Participants will learn kicking glides on their front (7 metres), back (7 metres), and side (5 metres), front crawl using a lifejacket, jumps and rolls, and treading water while wearing a lifejacket

Preschool E

These advanced preschoolers learn to tread water, and they start swimming front crawl and back crawl without a lifejacket. They will also learn forward rolls, vertical whip kick, and challenge themselves with flutter kick interval training.

Swimmer level descriptions

Our swimmer programs are for children between the ages of 5 and 12. If your child is five, you can choose between enrolling them in the preschool programs or swimmer programs. If your child completed Preschool D or E, they should register in Swimmer 2 when moving to the Swimmer program. For list of currently offered swim programs please visit the Milton recreation platform and filter by Service.

Swimmer 1

These beginners will become comfortable jumping into water, floating on their front and back, gliding (front and back), kicking through the water, opening their eyes, and exhaling underwater.

Swimmer 2

Participants will learn front crawl and back crawl, working towards completing 10 metres of each stroke. Front crawl breathing in a regular breathing pattern with underwater exhalation is a key skill learned, along with jumping into deep water and treading water.

Swimmer 3

Junior swimmers will work to develop Swim to Survive® skills which include rolls into the water, treading water for 30 seconds, and swimming 25 metres. Swimmers will build on the strokes learned previously by increasing distance and mastering side breathing for front crawl.

Swimmer 4

Participants continue to strengthen their front crawl and back crawl, and swim full lengths of each stroke. Swimmers will also learn standing dives, whip kicks and breast stroke arm drills and will work towards completing the Canadian Swim to Survive Standard of a roll into deep water, tread water for 1 minute and swim 50 metres.

Swimmer 5

Intermediate swimmers will learn breaststroke, shallow dives, tuck jumps and eggbeater kick. They will refine their front and back crawl technique over 50-metre swims, 25 metre sprints, interval training and they will learn head-up front crawl.

Swimmer 6

Participants will master stride entries, compact jumps, and lifesaving kicks such as eggbeater and scissor kick. They will develop strength and power in head-up breaststroke sprints, further refine their front crawl, back crawl and breaststroke for improved efficiency and complete 300-metre swim workouts.

Swimmer 7

Swimmers develop strength and efficiency in front crawl, back crawl and breaststroke and begin learning lifesaving and rescue skills including surface dives, obstacle swims and lifesaving kicks to support themselves and objects. Participants also begin learning the basics of first aid, including assessment of conscious victims, contacting Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and treatment for bleeding.

Swimmer 8

Swimmers improve efficiency, speed and endurance with each swimming stroke and lifesaving kick. They tackle rescue skills in a lifesaving medley, timed object support and rescue with a buoyant aid while learning to recognize victims and obstructed airway rescue procedures.

Swimmer 9

Swimmers are challenged with 600-metre swim workouts and a 300-metre endurance swim. Development of lifesaving and rescue skills continues with defence methods, rescues with a towing aid, and victim support and removals. Participants also learn to care for people with asthma, allergic reactions and bone or joint injuries.

Adult and youth program level descriptions

These programs are for adults and youth ages 12+ who want to learn to swim or improve their swim strokes and technique. Swimmers who have completed Swimmer 9 should advance to the Aquatic Leadership programs. For list of currently offered swim programs please visit the Milton recreation platform and filter by Age or Service.

Adult and youth level 1

This level is for beginning swimmers and includes skills similar to Swimmer 1 and 2. You will gain comfort in the water, learn to submerge and exhale underwater, practice floats and glides on your front, back and side, propel yourself by kicking and work towards swimming 10 metres of front crawl and back crawl.

Adult and youth level 2

This level includes skills similar to Swimmer 4 and is for those who are able to swim 10 metres on front and back. You will develop effective front crawl breathing and improve the efficiency of your front crawl, back crawl and breaststroke. Surface support (treading water) and dive entries are also practiced.

Adult and youth level 3

This level is similar to Swimmer 5 and 6. You will work towards a 300-metre workout, sprinting for 25-50 metres and mastering your front crawl, back crawl and breaststroke. Learn eggbeater kick, stride entries and compact jumps.

Note: 12-year-olds who have completed Youth level 2 should register in Swimmer 5 program.

Private lessons

Enjoy swim lessons with personalized one-on-one instruction for your specific needs. To register for currently offered swim programs please visit the Milton recreation platform and filter by Service.

Private lessons – Preschool A-E, Swimmer 1-3 capabilities

Participants will work on beginning swim skills in the shallow play pool. Available for 5 to 13 year olds.

Private lessons - Swimmer 4 and above capabilities (deep water, unassisted)

Participants should be comfortable in the deep water of the lap pool. Available for 5 to 13 year olds.

Private lessons – Adult and Youth (14 years old)

Available for anyone 14 years or older.

ICAN swim programs

Our inclusive ICAN swim programs offer extra support to children and youth with exceptionalities. Please visit the Milton recreation platform for availability.

Aquatic leadership programs

Milton Recreation provides comprehensive training for individuals aspiring to develop advanced swimming and lifesaving skills, pursue lifeguard certification, or become swim instructors. These programs follow Lifesaving Society standards and include courses such as Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, National Lifeguard certification, and Swim Instructor training. Designed for a range of ages and skill levels, the programs combine in-water practice with classroom theory to build confidence, leadership abilities, and the technical expertise needed for aquatic safety and instruction.

Visit the Milton recreation platform and filter by Service to find the program you want to register for.

Program and certification descriptions

Bronze Star

Participants develop problem solving and decision making skills individually and in partners. Candidates learn CPR and develop the lifesaving skills needed to be their own lifeguard. This program includes a timed 400-metre swim and will help to prepare participants for success in Bronze Medallion.

Prerequisite:

Completion of Swimmer 9 (recommended), 12 years of age (recommended)

Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid

Gain an understanding of the lifesaving principles embodied in the four components of water rescue: judgment, knowledge, skill and fitness. Rescuers will learn tows, carries, defence methods and releases in preparations for challenging rescues.

Prerequisite:

Participants should be at least 13 years of age or have their Bronze Star certification

Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid

Lifesavers learn to perform safe rescues in challenging emergency scenarios, providing advanced training in the lifesaving principles learned in Bronze Medallion. Bronze Cross is the prerequisite for the Swim Instructor and National Lifeguard courses. Standard First Aid covers all aspects of first aid and CPR training, including CPR-C certification, breathing and cardiac emergencies, bone and joint injuries, bleeding, and other medical emergencies.

Prerequisite:

Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid

Lifesaving Assistant Instructor

Through classroom learning and in-water practice, this program prepares candidates to help certified instructors with swimming and lifesaving classes. You will be introduced to key principles of learning and teaching, and master basic progressions. The roles and responsibilities of instructors and their assistants are emphasized. Attendance in each class is required.

Prerequisite:

Participants should be at least 14 years of age and have their Bronze Cross certification

Lifesaving and Swim Instructor

This program prepares the instructor to teach and evaluate swim strokes and lifesaving skills. Through classroom learning and in-water practice, instructor candidates explore proven teaching methods; learning strategies and activities; a variety of strokes and skills; effective correction techniques and evaluation criteria. Practice teaching is emphasized throughout. Complete attendance is required.

Prerequisite:

Participants should be 15 years of age and have their Bronze Cross certification and Standard First Aid.

National Lifeguard

Recognized as the standard measurement of lifeguard performance in Canada, National Lifeguard education is designed to develop a sound understanding of lifeguarding principles, good judgment and a mature and responsible attitude toward the role of the lifeguard. Complete attendance is required.

Prerequisite:

Participants should be at least 15 years of age and have their Bronze Cross certification and Standard First Aid.

Total Lifeguard for Adults

Fast track your way to becoming a lifeguard. This course covers all aspects of Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, Standard First Aid, and National Lifeguard and is ideal for adult learners looking to become lifeguards. Candidates are encouraged to attend an information session to learn if this program is right for you.

Pre-requisite:

18+ years of age

Comfortable swimmers