Looking for a way to get your kids splashing around or maybe you want to brush up on your own water skills? City of Edmonton swimming lessons are a fantastic option for everyone. Whether you’re starting from scratch with a little one or aiming to perfect your butterfly stroke, there’s a program to fit. We’ve checked out what’s on offer to help you find the perfect fit.
Key Takeaways
- City of Edmonton swimming lessons cater to all ages, from tiny tots in Parent & Tot classes to older kids in the Canadian Swim Patrol program focusing on lifesaving skills.
- Facilities like Eastglen Leisure Centre and Wîhkwêntôwin Outdoor Pool provide great spots for lessons, with Eastglen offering a salt-water pool and Wîhkwêntôwin being a summer favourite.
- The instructors, like Alycia Weber, Kennedy Loewen, and Jaden Melton, bring a wealth of experience from competitive swimming and coaching.
- Lesson fees vary, with options for single admissions, ‘Benefit Plus’ programs for specific classes, and memberships that include pool access.
- Safety is a big deal, with instructors holding First Aid and CPR certifications and programs incorporating Water Smart® education.
Discover City of Edmonton Swimming Lessons For All Ages
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, the City of Edmonton has swimming lessons designed for everyone. It’s a fantastic way to get active and learn something new, no matter your age. We’ve got programs that cater to the littlest ones just getting their feet wet, right through to those wanting to master advanced water safety and lifesaving techniques.
Preschooler Programs: Building Water Confidence
For the little tykes aged 3 to 5, our preschool programs are all about making water a fun and safe place. We focus on getting them comfortable, teaching basic water skills in a playful way. Water Smart® education is woven into every session, giving them a head start on staying safe around water.
Swimmer Levels: Mastering Fundamental Strokes
Got kids aged 5 to 14? Our Swimmer levels are a six-stage journey where they’ll really get the hang of swimming. It’s all about building up their skills, stroke by stroke, with plenty of time actually in the water. Plus, they’ll keep learning those important Water Smart® tips along the way.
Canadian Swim Patrol: Lifesaving Skills Development
For swimmers who are ready for a bit more challenge, the Canadian Swim Patrol program is the next step. It’s split into three levels and really gets into developing strength and skill, introducing the exciting world of lifesaving. You’ll have a blast improving your swimming, getting fitter, and learning how to make smart decisions in the water. Each part of the patrol builds on strokes and gives you a solid base for more advanced awards. It’s a great way to build confidence and learn valuable skills that could help others. You can find out more about registering for these programs on the Lifesaving Society website.
Explore Premier Aquatic Facilities for Lessons
When you’re ready to get serious about swimming lessons in Edmonton, you’ll want to know where the action is. The city boasts some ripper aquatic facilities that are perfect for learning and improving your strokes.
Eastglen Leisure Centre: A Community Hub
Eastglen Leisure Centre is a real gem, a place where the community comes together. It’s got this cool salt-water pool, which is a bit different and quite nice. They offer a heap of stuff, from aquafit classes to lane swimming, and of course, swimming lessons for all ages. It’s a great spot for families, with an outdoor sun deck that’s perfect for parties or just chilling out after a swim. They even have women and girls-only swim times, which is a thoughtful touch.
- Pool type: Salt water
- Pool size: 25 metres
- Temperature: Around 29.5°C
- Other facilities: Whirlpool, steam room, slide, pool toys, meeting rooms, ample parking.
Eastglen really feels like a local hub, a place where you can easily fit in a swim lesson or just enjoy a public swim.
Wîhkwêntôwin Outdoor Pool: Summer Aquatic Fun
If you’re looking for some sunshine with your swimming, Wîhkwêntôwin Outdoor Pool is the place to be during the warmer months. It’s a fantastic spot for summer fun, with a decent-sized pool and a slide to keep things interesting. They’ve got picnic tables and a concession, so you can make a day of it. Just remember to check their status daily, especially if the weather’s looking a bit iffy. It’s a bit more basic than Eastglen, with limited accessibility, but it’s all about that summer vibe.
- Pool type: Outdoor
- Pool size: 30.5 metres
- Depth: Ranges from 0.8 to 2.7 metres
- Features: Deep water slide, sundeck, picnic tables, concession.
It’s worth noting that while Eastglen has more indoor amenities, Wîhkwêntôwin really shines when the sun’s out. Both offer different experiences, but both are great places to get your swim on. You can find out more about the different programs available, including those for kids aged 6-15, at Lifesaving Society programs.
Meet Our Expert City of Edmonton Swim Instructors
Our swimming instructors are the heart and soul of the City of Edmonton’s aquatic programs. They’re not just people who know how to swim; they’re passionate individuals dedicated to helping everyone, from tiny tots to adults, feel comfortable and capable in the water. Each instructor brings a unique background and a wealth of experience, making sure you get top-notch guidance.
Alycia Weber: Founder and Elite Coach
Alycia is the driving force behind our swimming community. With a background that includes winning a silver medal at Canadian Nationals and gold at the North American Indigenous Games, she knows what it takes to excel. Alycia’s journey started 15 years ago, and she’s been coaching for a good while now, even getting certified as a Developmental Swim Coach. She’s all about building water confidence in swimmers of all ages.
Kennedy Loewen: Director of Performance
Kennedy brings a high-performance perspective to our lessons. As captain of the UBC varsity swim team, she’s competed at national levels and contributed to university championships. Now, she’s keen to share her passion and help others discover the joy of swimming, focusing on technique and personal growth. She’s been studying at UBC for three years now, balancing her athletic pursuits with her coaching.
Jaden Melton: Developmental Swim Coach
Jaden has a solid 12-year history with the Okotoks Mavericks Swim Club, even winning a gold medal at provincials. He’s learned a lot from his dad, who’s a pretty well-known coach. Jaden really enjoys working with kids and younger teens, helping them pick up the skills they need to hit their swimming targets. He’s got his LSI certifications, which means he’s properly trained to teach. You can find out more about the requirements for becoming an instructor, like the Skills & Strokes assessment, on our website.
Our instructors are committed to creating a positive and safe learning environment. They understand that everyone learns at their own pace and tailor their approach to suit individual needs, making sure each swimmer feels supported and encouraged throughout their lessons.
Understanding City of Edmonton Swimming Lesson Fees
Figuring out the costs for swimming lessons in Edmonton is pretty straightforward, and there are a few ways to go about it depending on what you’re after. You can pay per visit, or if you plan on swimming regularly, a membership might be a better deal. It really just depends on how often you see yourself hitting the pool.
For casual visits, the City of Edmonton has set ‘Value’ admission rates. These cover general access to the pools for public swims and lane swimming. It’s a good way to try things out without a big commitment.
Value Admission for Public Swims
Here’s a rough idea of what a single visit might cost:
- Adults (18-64 years): Around $9.25
- Youth/Seniors (13-17/65+ years): About $7.75
- Children (2-12 years): Roughly $6.25
- Infants (Under 2 years): Free
- Household (up to 7 people): Approximately $25.25
Keep in mind these prices can change, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest rates on the City of Edmonton’s recreation website.
Benefit Plus Programs for Aquafit and Training
Now, if you’re keen on specific programs like Aquafit classes or dedicated swim training sessions, these often fall under a ‘Benefit Plus’ category. This means they have a slightly different pricing structure compared to general public swims. For instance, an adult Aquafit class might be around $12.75. It’s worth looking into if you’re targeting particular fitness goals in the water.
Membership Options for Recreation Centres
If you’re a regular swimmer or plan to use other facilities like the gym, a membership is definitely the way to go. The City of Edmonton offers various membership tiers. For example, the Leisure Access Program provides affordable monthly options, with individual memberships at $20 and family memberships at $70. This program also includes access to things like drop-in Child Minding. Having a membership often means you get access to all amenities, including the pool for public swims, without paying extra per visit. It’s a great way to save money if you’re committed to a regular fitness routine. You can find out more about these affordable monthly memberships.
When you’re budgeting for swimming lessons, think about the long-term. While single visits are fine for a one-off, a membership often works out cheaper if you’re planning on attending lessons and using the facilities regularly throughout the season. It’s all about finding the best value for your situation.
Prioritising Safety in City of Edmonton Swimming Lessons
When you’re looking at swimming lessons in Edmonton, safety is always the top priority. It’s not just about learning to swim; it’s about making sure everyone feels secure and confident in and around the water. The City of Edmonton really puts a lot of effort into making sure their facilities and programs are as safe as can be.
Facility and Swimming Safety Guidelines
Each pool has its own set of rules designed to keep everyone safe. These cover things like how to use the equipment, where you can swim, and general behaviour. For instance, you’ll find specific guidelines about using the slides or diving areas. It’s a good idea to have a quick look at the posted rules before you start your lesson. They also have specific rules for different age groups, which is pretty sensible.
Water Smart® Education for Children
Water Smart® is a big part of the swimming lesson curriculum here. It’s all about teaching kids how to be safe around water, whether it’s in a pool, a lake, or even a bathtub. They learn about things like never swimming alone, asking permission before going near water, and what to do if they get into trouble. It’s really practical stuff that can make a huge difference. They incorporate this education into all the different levels, from the little ones in preschool programs right up to the older kids in the swimmer levels. It’s all about building good habits from the start.
First Aid and CPR Certified Instructors
All the instructors teaching these lessons are properly trained. This means they have up-to-date First Aid and CPR certifications. They know how to respond if something unexpected happens, which gives parents and guardians a lot of peace of mind. Knowing that the people looking after your kids in the water are qualified to handle emergencies is pretty important. You can feel confident that they’re prepared for most situations. You can find out more about the adult swimming lessons and the qualifications of instructors on the City of Edmonton website.
Ready to Make a Splash?
So there you have it, a bunch of options for getting your swim on in Edmonton. Whether you’re keen on lessons for the little ones, want to get fitter yourself, or just fancy a dip on a hot day, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to check out places like Eastglen Leisure Centre or the Wîhkwêntôwin outdoor pool for a good time. Getting comfortable in the water is a great skill, and hey, it’s a ripper way to spend your time. Give it a go!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of swimming lessons are available for different age groups in Edmonton?
Yep, City of Edmonton pools have lessons for all ages! Little ones can start with preschool programs to get comfy in the water. Then, there are the ‘Swimmer’ levels for kids aged 5 to 14 to learn the main strokes. If you’re keen on lifesaving skills, the Canadian Swim Patrol is the go-to.
Where are the best places to take swimming lessons in Edmonton?
You can learn to swim at places like Eastglen Leisure Centre, which has a cool saltwater pool and lots of programs. For a summer splash, Wîhkwêntôwin Outdoor Pool in the downtown area is a great spot to check out.
Who are the swimming instructors, and what’s their experience?
The instructors are pretty experienced! People like Alycia Weber, who’s a founder and elite coach, Kennedy Loewen, the Director of Performance, and Jaden Melton, a developmental swim coach, are all mentioned. They’ve got heaps of competitive swimming experience and know how to teach.
How much do swimming lessons cost in Edmonton?
There are different prices depending on what you want. Single visits cost a set amount for adults, kids, and seniors. If you’re a regular, you can get memberships for the recreation centres, which often include pool access. There are also ‘Benefit Plus’ programs for things like aquafit.
What safety measures are in place for swimming lessons?
Safety is a big deal! The City of Edmonton has guidelines for pools and swimming. Instructors are certified in First Aid and CPR, and they teach ‘Water Smart®’ stuff to help kids stay safe around water. You can trust they’re looking out for everyone’s well-being.
Are there lessons for really young kids, like babies?
For the little tackers, there’s a ‘Parent & Tot’ program where a grown-up joins them in the water. It’s usually in a shallow pool, perfect for babies aged 4 to 12 months to get used to the water with their caregiver.
