Community Services

Swimming Lessons

Swimming is a life skill; register to learn to swim for safety, fitness and fun.

Swimming lessons have 3 categories: Learn to Swim, Lifesaving / Lifeguarding & Specialty programs

• Participants must be minimum age by the start date
• Programs are offered at a variety of times throughout the year at many pools
• Certified, trained instructors teach all programs
• Wondering how the levels fit together? View the swim program continuum

Learn to Swim Registration

Step 1: Select the Learn to Swim level that best fits the participant's needs

We offer Learn to Swim programs for all ages and skill levels.

If you are uncertain on which level to select, we recommend you use the following criteria to make that selection:

• Participant's Age - Learn to Swim programs are offered for Preschoolers (6 months - 5 years), Kids (6 - 17 years), Teens (10 - 17 years) and Adults (18 years+).
• Participant's Current Swim Skills - detailed descriptions of prerequisites and skills taught in each level for each age group:
  • Preschoolers (6 months - 5 years)
  • Kids (6 - 17 years)
  • Teens (10 - 17 years) & Adults (18 years+)
  • **Please note the name of the level(s) you are interested in - you will use that information in Step 2 when searching for activity numbers

If you are still uncertain, please visit one of our pools during public swim and our friendly staff can assess you or your child's skill level and recommend which Learn to Swim level to register in. Please note that all public swim admission entry requirements apply.

Step 2: Search for and note the activity numbers for activities of interest

Step 3: Using leisureonline to register

Visit winnipeg.ca/leisureonline and log in to your account. Once you have logged into your account, key your selected activity number into the search bar on the Home page.

Please note that the student to teacher ratio for Preschool levels is always very small and spaces fill quickly. Your best opportunity for a successful registration experience is to have activity numbers noted for second and third choices.

Click for more "How to Register" and "When to Register" information and visit the Online Registration FAQs section of leisureONLINE.

Additional programs offered:

• Premium classes — have fewer students and are priced accordingly. These courses are suited to people wanting smaller classes and lower student to teacher ratios.
• Red Cross Swim - People with disabilities classes are available for individuals with developmental, cognitive and/ or physical disabilities. These classes focus on developing sound water safety skills.  They are designed to follow Red Cross Swim programs and provide an opportunity for supervised water activities.
• Red Cross Swim-Private — classes are for 1 student per instructor.  Services will be customized to provide opportunities for candidates to participate in Red Cross programs or to improve specific stroke/skills.
• Red Cross Swim- Semi-private — classes are for 2 students of like age and ability per Instructor.   Class time will be customized to provide opportunities for candidates to participate in Red Cross swim programs or to improve specific strokes or skills.  For safety reasons and to ensure these are successful classes they are designated by age: 6-12 years; 13-17 years; 18 years and older and by swimming ability: level 1-3 (are primarily in shallow water); levels 4-10 are primarily in deep water.
• Leadership Development courses offered include Rookie, Ranger, Star, Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, Distinction as well as First Aid and CPR. Successful completion of Lifesaving/Lifeguarding courses teaches water proficiency: first aid skill; and emergency recognition and response.
• First Aid & CPR courses prepare you to respond to emergencies! Many employers and volunteer opportunities require certification in first aid and CPR. We offer Red Cross First Aid and CPR courses.