Swimming Lessons
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Vernon Recreation Services offers Lifesaving Society's Swim for Life Learn to Swim program. Swim for Life is a complete learn-to-swim program from Parent & Tot through to Leadership. The program is endorsed by the International Life Saving Federation and the Commonwealth Royal Life Saving Society.
When a swimmer turns 6 years old, they transition from the Preschool levels to the Swimmer levels. If a swimmer has passed Octopus, Crab, or Orca, please register in Swimmer 1. If a swimmer has passed Sea Lion or Narwhal, please register in Swimmer 2.
For more information about the Lifesaving Society, please visit their website.
If you have any questions about the pool schedule, or swim lessons please call 250-545-6035 ext 0 or email greception@vernon.ca.
FAQ’s
Please read below for some common questions we hear. If there is something we have not covered here we want to hear from you. Email us at greception@vernon.ca and let us know your question(s)!
If your child has previously taken swimming lessons, please refer to your last report card as to what level your child should be registered into next. If you haven't taken lessons before, or can't find your old report card, please call the Recreation Clerks at the front desk at 250-545-6035 ext. 0 to set up a free swim assessment with one of our friendly lifeguards.
We request that you don't register your child solely based on age as they may end up in a level beyond their ability in the pool.
We currently have very few private swim lesson time slots available. We have a Private Lesson Interest List available each season where interested participants are called when private lesson time slots become available.
If private lesson time slots are available, the maximum number of participants is 3 participants per booking. All 3 participants must be of similar swimming ability. All additional participants in a semi-private costs $5.00 per additional participant.
Swim for Life report cards can be viewed through SwimGen. Your instructor will give you your participant ID number at the end of your lesson set to access the SwimGen portal.
If your child is registered in Jellyfish, Goldfish or Seahorse:
- These are parented lessons; parent/caregiver participation is required. A second caregiver is allowed to participate during the lesson.
- Anyone who isn't toilet trained must wear a swim diaper in the pool. The front desk has swim diapers available for purchase.
- It is recommended to wear a one piece swim suit or rash guard to keep your child warmer in the water.
- Don't come too early otherwise your child may get cold waiting for the class to start.
- Each changeroom has child seats mounted on the walls to assist caregivers with changing.
- Talk to the lifeguards when you get on the pool deck; the lifeguards can point you to your class's meeting spot.
- Bring a snack for after your class.
If your child is registered in a Preschool (Octopus to Narwhal), a Swimmer or a Canadian Swim Patrol class:
- These levels do not require parent/caregiver participation.
- Caregivers for children under the age of 7 are required to stay on site during swim lessons. Please be available to assist with any bathroom breaks if needed.
- It is recommended to use the changerooms located off the pool's viewing area.
- Talk to the lifeguards as they will point you to your child's meeting spot.
- If your child gets cold easily, it is recommended to wear a rash guard to keep your child warmer in the water.
- Most skill items are evaluated without the use of googles. If your child prefers goggles, please ensure they don't have a nose piece (ie. snorkel mask) so your child can demonstrate that they can exhale through their mouth and nose.