Swim Lessons

The City of Burlington offers swimming lessons for all ages and skill levels through the Swim for Life™ framework. Our programs focus on developing strong swimming skills, water safety, and a lifelong love of the water.

We believe swimming is more than just moving through levels—it’s about building confidence, achieving personal goals, and creating a positive connection to the water. Every swimmer progresses at their own pace, supported by certified instructors in a safe and welcoming environment.

Swim levels and progressions

Designed for children 6 months to 5 years, these programs introduce early water exposure, comfort, and confidence through fun, parent-supported experiences and gradual independence.

  • Parent & Tot 1 (6–12 months)
  • Parent & Tot 2 (12–24 months)
  • Parent & Tot 3 (24–36 months)
  • Timid Toddlers (2.5–5 years) – lower ratio, partially parent-supported
  • Little Splashers – lower ratio, independent (no caregiver in the water)

Our Preschool program builds the foundation for swimming. Swimmers develop comfort in the water, basic movement skills, and water safety awareness that support future progress.

With five progressive levels, children gain confidence while learning essential skills that carry into higher levels.

  • Preschool 1
  • Preschool 2
  • Preschool 3
  • Preschool 4
  • Preschool 5

Our Swimmer program builds on foundational skills and supports swimmers as they grow in ability, confidence, and endurance—no prior experience required.

Across six levels, swimmers progress from beginner skills to strong stroke development, increased endurance, and a deeper understanding of water safety.

  • Swimmer 1–6 (beginner to proficient)

Advanced Levels

For swimmers ready to go beyond the basics, our advanced levels focus on refining stroke technique, building strength and endurance, and developing more advanced aquatic skills.

  • Swimmer 7 – Rookie - introduces fitness swimming and skill refinement
  • Swimmer 8 – Ranger - builds endurance and strengthens stroke efficiency
  • Swimmer 9 – Star - focuses on advanced technique, fitness, and preparation for future lifesaving and fitness pathways

Additional Opportunities

Swimmers who are passionate about the water can explore programs that introduce lifesaving skills, teamwork, and leadership.

  • Bronze Star - An introduction to Lifeguarding Certification pathway. This program helps prepare swimmers for future lifeguard training while building confidence and responsibility in the water.
  • Junior Lifeguard Club (ages 9–11) - A fun, team-based program where participants develop swimming skills, water safety knowledge, and an introduction to lifesaving in an active and supportive environment.

Our Youth & Teen programs are designed to support different goals and experience levels—whether building foundational skills or continuing along a more advanced aquatic pathway.

  • Teen Swimmer (14–17) - This program is focused on learn-to-swim. It’s ideal for teens who are new to swimming or looking to build confidence, develop basic skills, or improve overall comfort in the water in a supportive and welcoming environment.
  • Junior Lifeguard Club (13–15) - This program is designed for swimmers who already have a strong foundation and are ready for a more advanced, skill-focused experience. Many participants have progressed through higher Swimmer levels and are interested in developing lifeguarding skills, fitness, teamwork, and leadership in and around the water.

Advanced Aquatics programs are also available for those interested in pursuing lifeguarding pathways and continuing their development beyond the recreational stream.

Our Adaptive Aquatic Program is designed to support children with diverse physical, developmental, or sensory needs in a safe, inclusive, and engaging water environment. With a parent or caregiver in the water, each child receives personalized attention, comfort, and encouragement as they build water confidence and foundational swimming skills.

Our adult programs support all experience levels—from first-time swimmers to those refining their strokes.

  • Adult Swimmer 1
  • Adult Swimmer 2
  • Adult Swimmer 3

Lessons are goal-focused and allow participants to build skills, confidence, and comfort at their own pace.

Progress report cards are available online.

A link will be emailed during the last week of lessons, or you can access them anytime using your Contact ID through your Xplor account.

Previous report cards can help guide level selection. If you’re new to lessons or unsure, our staff are happy to help you choose the best starting point.

We encourage swimmers to progress at their own pace. Building strong foundational skills—especially in the early levels—supports long-term confidence, safety, and success in the water.

Discover our know before you go tips and guidelines for a safe and enjoyable swim.