Swimming

Photo of school age children and swimming instructor in pool

During COVID-19, all programs are subject to the latest Provincial public health measures, advice and restrictions for Burlington as we continue to respond to the pandemic. Visit our COVID-19 page for up-to-date information on what’s open and closed.

During COVID-19, all programs are subject to the latest Provincial public health measures, advice and restrictions for Burlington as we continue to respond to the pandemic. Visit our COVID-19 page for up-to-date information on what’s open and closed.

Swimming is an essential life skill for everyone and a great way to stay active and be healthy.

National Drowning Prevention Week

The City of Burlington is marking National Drowning Prevention Week, July 18 to 24, 2021 with daily activities designed to increase awareness about drowning prevention and the benefits of learning to swim. The events will take place during the recreational swims at Mountainside Pool, Nelson Pool and Splash Park and LaSalle Splash Park.

Monday, July 19 – Never Swim Alone: Learn the importance of always swimming with a buddy, decorate “buddy wristbands”, fill in crossword and go over “tip cards”
Tuesday, July 20 – Boat Safety: Learn how to safety enter a boat and exit, and why you should always wear a lifejacket
Wednesday, July 21 – Swim to Survive: Learn what to do if you had an unexpected fall in the water
Thursday July 22 – Lifejackets Save Lives: Learn how to choose an appropriately sized lifejacket and how to wear it
Friday, July 23 – Open Water Safety: Learn things to check before going out in open water
Saturday, July 24 – Be Water Smart All Year-Ice Safety: Learn how to be safe around water especially in cold water, see how it can affect you.

Outdoor Swim Programs

All outdoor swims will run rain or shine as scheduled except for thunder and/or lightning.

As a result, swims times may be shortened or cancelled. If an outdoor swim is cancelled or pool schedules are modified due to inclement weather a refund will be issued.

Swimming Lessons

The city offers Swim for Life™ learn to swim program that maximizes in-water practice to develop solid swimming strokes and development while incorporating valuable Water Smart education to last a lifetime. You are never too young to learn or never too old to start.

Programs will look different but have been designed to offer the highest levels of quality, safety and a wide range of activities. Our Recreation Programs and Facility Safety page has information about safety pre-cautions at each of our facilities, including how to enter a facility, and frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Explore and Register - Swimming Lessons

Swim for Life - swim lesson progression chart

If your swimmer…	Register In Lifesaving Society Swim for Life Level:
Is 4 to 12 months old and ready to learn to enjoy the water with parent...	Parent and Tot 1
Is 12 to 24 months old and ready to learn to enjoy the water with parent...	Parent and Tot 2
Is 2 to 3 years and ready to learn to enjoy the water with a parent...	Parent and Tot 3
Is 2.5 to 5 years and just starting out on his or her own...	Timid Toddler/Little Splashers
Can move through shallow water with assistance, ready to explore and learn with a swim instructor...	Preschool 1
Can get in and out and jump into chest-deep water assisted; float and glide on front and back with assistance; blow bubbles and get face wet...	Preschool 2
Can jump into chest-deep water, submerge and exhale under water; float on front and back assisted for 3 sec; glide on front and back assisted for 3 m...	Preschool 3
Can jump into deep water wearing a lifejacket; recover object from the bottom; Hold breath underwater; float, glide and kick on front and back...	Preschool 4
Can do solo jumps into deep water; swim front crawl 5m wearing a lifejacket and flutterkick on front, back and side...	Preschool 5
Is 5 to 13 years and just starting out...	Swimmer 1
Can jump into chest-deep water by themselves and into deep-water wearing a lifejacket; open eyes, hold breathe, and exhale under water; float, kick and glide on front and back...	Swimmer 2
Can jump in sideways into deep water and do a sideways entry wearing a lifejacket; support self at the surface for 15 sec; do whip kick in vertical position; and swim 10m on front and back...	Swimmer 3
Can tread water for 30 sec; do kneeling dives and front somersaults; 10m whip kick on back; and swim 15m front crawl and back crawl…	Swimmer 4
Can complete the Canadian Swim to Survive Standard; Roll – Tread (1 min) – Swim (50 m); Dive; Swim underwater; 15m whip kick on front; breast stroke arms with breathing; and swim front and back crawl 25m...	Swimmer 5
Can do shallow dives and cannonballs; Egg-beater kick; Swim 50 m front and back crawl; breast stroke for 25 m; Sprint 25 m; Interval training 4 x 50m...	Swimmer 6
Can do stride entries and compact jumps; Legs – only surface support for 45 sec; Sprint 25 m breast stroke; swim 100m of front crawl and back crawl and 300m workout...	Swimmer 7
Preferred successful completion of Swimmer 7: Fitness Swimmer	Swimmer 8 (Rookie Patrol)
Preferred successful completion of Swimmer 8: Rookie Patrol	Swimmer 9 (Ranger Patrol)
Preferred successful completion of Swimmer 9: Ranger Patrol	Swimmer 10 (Star Patrol)
Preferred successful completion of Swimmer 10	Bronze Star

Aquatic Leadership

The city offers many certifications and aquatic leadership courses that will help secure employment opportunities with the city, other municipalities or a camp anywhere across Canada. It will also provide you with life skills and foundational leadership to last a lifetime.

Explore and Register - Aquatic Leadership

Steps to becoming a lifeguard start here, whether you want to work for the City of Burlington or use these skills for other job opportunities.

View leadership progression chart to become a lifeguard [PDF]

Drop-In Lap Swimming

Slow, medium and fast lanes are set up, providing an excellent opportunity to practice swimming strokes and build endurance towards your fitness goals.

Explore and Register – Drop-In Lap Swimming

Drop-In Recreation Swimming

Whether you are looking for a fun swim with your family, or treading water in Water Running program, there are a variety of swimming program available to you to enjoy.

Explore and Register – Drop-In Recreational Swimming

Healthy Swim Etiquette

To reduce the risk of spreading germs and to keep our pools clean, remember the following when participating in our swimming programs.

Shower before you swim
Please shower with soap and warm water before entering or re-entering the pool. It’s clean and it’s green and promotes water quality.
Wear appropriate footwear
Bring clean flip flops or sandals to wear on the pool deck. Street shoes are not permitted.
Not feeling well?
Swimmers should not use the pool when ill, or if they have experienced diarrhea in the past week.
Prevent pool fouling
Please refrain from feeding children or eating large meals before swimming. All swimmers are encouraged to visit the washroom before entering the pool.
What to wear?
Patrons on the pool deck must be dressed in suitable bathing attire and pay the posted admission fee. Children that are not toilet trained must wear swim diapers made for swimming pool use. These are available for purchase in the pool office.
Food-free zone
No food on the pool deck. Only water in reusable, non-glass, drinking containers is permitted on the pool deck.
Photographic devices
The use of any device capable of taking a photo is prohibited in the showers, change rooms and washrooms.

Pool Closure Notification

For the latest update on Aldershot Pool, visit burlington.ca/aldershotpoolrepairs.
Mountainside Pool is nearing the end of its life cycle and the City of Burlington is planning to revitalize the community pool in fall 2021. Learn more at the Mountainside Pool Revitalization project page.