Swimming

Swimmer

Please note: all municipal facilities are closed to the public as of Monday, December 14. All in-person Town programs have been cancelled until facilities reopen. This closure will affect the arenas, fitness centre, group fitness, aquatics and gymnasium drop-in programs. The closure is scheduled for a minimum of 28 days

There will be virtual programs taking place during the shutdown period, and more will be added as they become available. Program information will be released as it becomes available, please visit the WSPlay Online Virtual Programs Calendar frequently for updates.

All in person programs previously scheduled during the lockdown have been cancelled and a credit will be placed on your WSPlay online account.

Winter virtual programs will begin on Monday, January 11, 2021. Registration will open on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. for residents.

If you have any questions, please contact us at leisure.services@townofws.ca or 905-642-PLAY(7529). For Community COVID updates, please visit Stouffville Re-opens

FAQ

What is the temperature of the pools?
28.3°C/83°F in the main pool and 32.2°C/90°F in the teaching/therapy pool. Temperatures may vary slightly.

Can I bring my infant swimming?
Yes, however, disposable diapers cannot be worn in the pool. Children must wear pool pants or swim diaper.

Can I swim in the deep end of the Main Pool?
Children who pass the facility swim test (see admission policy) will receive a wrist band that permits entry into the deep end of the pool.

Should I inform the lifeguards of my medical condition?
Yes, Lifesaving Society, Canada's lifeguarding experts, state "individuals with a serious medical condition are at greater risk of drowning and should be accompanied by another person who is familiar with the condition and treatment of the condition." We understand there are individuals who need assistance to use our facilities. Support workers will not be charged entry fee if their sole purpose is to support an individual with special needs.

Where can I put my stroller when I come to swim?
Strollers are not permitted on deck but may be kept by the viewing window near the lifeguard office or in the hall outside the change rooms.

Is the facility accessible?
Yes, the entire Leisure Centre is accessible to those with special needs.

Who can use the change rooms?
Change rooms are available for parents/guardians with young children of opposite gender, or those with special needs who require assistance. Children 6 and older should be using the same gender change room.

Can I photograph/videotape my child swimming?
To respect the privacy of all participants, please speak with the Deck Supervisor and they will arrangements for you.

For more information please call 905-642-PLAY(7529) or email leisure.services@townofws.ca.

COVID-19 Safety Measures

ONLINE registration is required
Complete online screening before entering town facilities
Must wear mask upon entering facility
NO MASK while swimming
Arrive with your bathing suit on
Check in at front desk MAXIMUM 10 minutes before your swim
Maintain social distancing where possible
Facility Swim Test will ONLY be conducted during the first 5 minutes of the Leisure Swim.
End of swim; change room will ONLY be open for 10 Minutes

For more information please call 905-642-PLAY(7529) or email leisure.services@townofws.ca.

Leisure Centre Pool Features

6-lane, 25m pool with access ramp

Therapy pool with Hydro jets
1 ½ revolution slide
accessible change room

Swim Schedule & Prices

Holiday Hours

Pool Rentals and Pool Parties

For more information please call 905-642-PLAY(7529) or email leisure.services@townofws.ca.

Types of Swims

Lane Swim:

Time Designated for fitness swim
Open to 10 years of age and older
Main pool divided into lanes
Lane swim etiquette

Leisure Swim:

Available for all ages
Mats and noodles available for water play
You can bring your own pool toys
NO INFLATABLES
Social distancing must be maintained at all times
No Slide

Family Swim:

Warmer Therapy/Small Pool ONLY
Available for all ages
Noodles available for water play
You can bring your own pool toys
NO INFLATABLES
Social distancing must be maintained at all times
For caregivers and children

Aquafit:

Open to 14 years of age and older
Low impact aerobics class that works on cardio and muscle conditioning

For more information please call 905-642-PLAY(7529) or email leisure.services@townofws.ca.

Swim Lesson

Due to COVID-19, Instructors will be teaching from the deck. Participants registered in lessons for Preschool A to Swimmer 3 will be required to have a parent or caregiver (13 years and older) in the water with them for physical contact and safety purposes.

This video will demonstrate different ways to support in the water

Swim Lesson Barcodes

Parents Day

Parent’s Day allows you the opportunity to participate in your child’s class or simply watch your child’s class from the pool deck and take pictures. During the last 5 to 10 minutes of the class, your child’s instructor will be available to give you a progress report and make recommendations for your child's next registration. If you are cannot attend Parent’s Day, please speak to your child's instructor the lesson prior to Parent’s Day.

Level Description

PARENT & TOT PROGRAM

Spend quality time with your child while you both have fun, learn and socialize. Through structured in-water interaction between parent and child, we stress the importance of play in developing water-positive attitudes and skills. We provide Lifesaving Society Water Smart tips on keeping your child safe in any aquatic setting. Certified instructors provide guidance and answers to your questions. Because activities and progressions are based on child development, you register in the level appropriate for your child’s age: 4-12 months, 12-24 months, or 2-3 years.

Parent & Tot 1 - Designed for the 4 to 12-month-old to learn to enjoy the water with the parent.

Parent & Tot 2 - Designed for the 12 to 24-month-old to learn to enjoy the water with the parent.

Parent & Tot 3 - Designed for the 2 to 3-year-old to learn to enjoy the water with the parent.

Preschool Program

Give your child a head start on learning to swim. The Lifesaving Society Preschool Program develops an appreciation and healthy respect for the water before these kids get in too deep. In our basic aquatic progressions, we work to ensure 3 to 5 years old become comfortable in the water and have fun acquiring and developing a foundation of water skills. We incorporate Lifesaving Society Water Smart education in all Preschool levels. Children MUST be at least 3 years of age by the first lesson to register for these levels.

Preschool A – 1 instructor:2 Participants ratios (w/parent/guardian)

We encourage the parent to assist their child with separation, so they can do it themselves. These preschoolers will have fun learning to get in and out of the water. We’ll help them jump into chest deep water. They’ll try floats and glides on their front and back, with the help from the instructor. They’ll learn to get their face wet and blow bubbles underwater. In order to complete this level, children must participate independently by the end of the session.

Preschool B – 1 instructor:2 Participants ratios (w/parent/guardian)

These preschoolers learn to jump into chest deep water by themselves, and get in and out of the water wearing a Personal Floatation Device. They’ll submerge and exhale underwater. While wearing a Personal Floatation Device, they’ll float and glide on their front and back, and kicking on their back.

Preschool C – 1 instructor:2 Participants ratios (w/parent/guardian)

These youngsters will try both jumping and side entry into deep water wearing a Personal Floatation Device. They’ll recover objects from the bottom in waist deep water. They’ll be floating, gliding and kicking on their front and back by themselves.

Preschool D – 1 instructor:2 Participants ratios (w/parent/guardian)

Advanced preschoolers will learn to do solo jumps into deeper water and get out by themselves. They’ll do side entry and open their eyes underwater. They’ll master short distance kicking on their front, back and side; front crawl wearing Personal Floatation Device.

Preschool E – 1 instructor:2 Participants ratios (w/parent/guardian)

These youngsters get more adventuresome with a forward roll entry wearing a PFD and holding their breath underwater for up to 10 sec. They'll work on longer front and back crawl swims, interval training and get a giggle out of whip kick.

Swimmer Program (6 - 15 yrs)

The Lifesaving Society’s 6-level Swimmer program makes sure your children learn how to swim before they get in too deep. Swimmer progressions accommodate 6 years old and older including absolute beginners as well as swimmers who want to build on the basics. We stress lots of in-water practice to develop solid swimming strokes and skills. We incorporate Lifesaving Society Water Smart education in all Swimmer Levels.

Swimmer 1 – 1 instructor:2 Participants ratios (w/parent/guardian)

These beginners will become comfortable jumping into water with and without a Personal Flotation Device. They'll learn to open their eyes, exhale and hold their breath under water. They'll work on floats, glides and kicking through the water on their front and back.

Swimmer 2 – 1 instructor:2 Participants ratios (w/parent/guardian)

These advanced beginners will jump into deeper water and learn to be comfortable falling sideways into water wearing a Personal Floatation Device. They will be able to support themselves at the surface without an aid, learn whip kick, and swim front crawl and back crawl for 10m. They’ll be introduced to flutter kick interval training (4 x 5m).

Swimmer 3 – 1 instructor:2 Participants ratios (w/parent/guardian)

These junior swimmers will dive and perform forward somersaults. They’ll work on front and back crawl 15m, whip kick 10m, flutter kick interval training increases to 4 x 15m.

Swimmer 4 – 1 instructor:4 Participants ratios

These intermediate swimmers will swim 5m underwater and 25m of front and back crawl. They’ll cap it all off with front crawl sprints over 25m, and 4 x 25m front or back crawl interval training, and completion of the Canadian Swim to Survive® Standard.

Swimmer 5 – 1 instructor:4 Participants ratios

These swimmers will master shallow dives, cannonball entries, eggbeater kicks, and in-water backward somersaults. Surface dives will take them down to underwater swims. They'll refine their front and back crawl over 50m swims of each, and breaststroke over 15-25m. Then they'll pick up the pace in 25m sprints and two interval training bouts: 4 x 50m front or back crawl; and 4 x 10-15m breaststroke.

Swimmer 6 – 1 instructor:4 Participants ratios

These advanced swimmers will rise to the challenge of sophisticated aquatic skills like stride entries, compact jumps and lifesaving kicks like eggbeater and scissor kick. They'll develop strength and power in head-up breaststroke sprints over 25m. They'll easily swim lengths of front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke, and complain about the 300m workout.

Canadian Swim Patrol Program

The Lifesaving Society’s 3-level Canadian Swim Patrol program provides enriched training for those who want to develop swim strokes and skills while having fun in the challenging world of lifesaving. Swim Patrol develops swimming strength and efficiency with emphasis on Water Smart behaviour. Skill drills enhance capability in the water, good physical conditioning and lifesaving judgment.

Swimmer 7 (Rookie Patrol) – 1 instructor:6 participants

Swimmers continue stroke development with 50m swims of front crawl, back crawl and breaststroke. Lifesaving sport skills include a 25m obstacle swim and 15m object carry. First aid focuses on assessment of conscious victims, contacting EMS, and treatment for bleeding. Fitness improves in 350m workouts and 100m timed swims.

Swimmer 8 (Ranger Patrol) – 1 instructor:6 participants

Swimmers develop better strokes over 75m swims of each stroke. They tackle lifesaving sport skills in a lifesaving medley, timed object support and rescue with a buoyant aid. First aid focuses on assessment of unconscious victims, treatment of victims in shock and obstructed airway procedures. Skill drills develop a strong lifesaving foundation.

Swimmer 9 (Star Patrol) – 1 instructor:6 participants

Swimmers are challenged with 600m workouts, 300m timed swims and a 25m object carry. Strokes are refined over 100m swims. First aid focuses on treatment of bone or joint injuries and respiratory emergencies including asthma and allergic reactions. Lifesaving skills include defense methods, victim removals and rolling over and supporting a victim face up in shallow water.

Bronze Star - 1 instructor:6 participants

Excellent preparation for success in Bronze Medallion. Participants develop problem-solving and decision-making skills individually and in partners. Candidates learn CPR and develop the lifesaving skills needed to be their own lifeguard. Includes a timed 400m swim.

Private & Semi-Private Lessons

PRIVATE SWIMMING LESSONS (1 participant : 1 instructor)

For those who need to focus on completing specific skills in order to progress to the next level. All classes 30 minutes in length.

SEMI-PRIVATE SWIMMING LESSONS

Turn a private swim lesson into a semi-private lesson. Register the first child in a private lesson time slot and then visit the WS Leisure Centre to add the second child. Please note: the 2nd child must be in the same level (or have similar swim ability) to take semi-private lessons.

For more information please call 905-642-PLAY(7529) or email leisure.services@townofws.ca.

Aquatic Leadership

Bronze Medallion & Emergency First Aid/CPR "B"

Pre-requisite: 13 years of age or Bronze Star

Teaches an understanding of the lifesaving principles embodied in the four components of water rescue education-judgement, knowledge, skill and fitness. Rescuers learn tows and carries, along with defense methods and releases in preparation for challenging rescues of increased risk involving conscious and unconscious victims of various types. Lifesavers develop stroke efficiency and endurance in a 500m times swim. Taught in conjunction with Emergency First Aid /CPR B, which provides general knowledge of first aid principles and the emergency treatment of injuries. Skills include victim assessment, rescue breathing, CPR choking procedures, and what to do for external bleeding, heart attack and stroke. Manual included.

Bronze Cross

Pre-requisite: Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid/CPR B

Designed for lifesavers who want the challenge of more advanced training including an introduction to safe supervision in aquatic facilities. Bronze Cross is the prerequisite for all advanced training programs including National Lifeguard(NL) and Instructor certification. Includes a times 600m swim. This the training needed to become an assistant lifeguard. Manual from Bronze Medallion is used for this course (not included).

Lifesaving Society Emergency First Aid/CPR "B"

For people who want a general knowledge of first aid principles and the emergency treatment of injuries. Skills include victim assessment, rescue breathing, CPR, choking and what to do for external bleeding, heart attack and stroke. Manual included.

Provides comprehensive training covering all aspects of first aid and CPR. Standard First Aid incorporates all of Emergency First Aid and is designed for those who require a more in-depth understanding of first aid including legal implications of first aid treatment, spinal injuries, heat or cold injuries, bone and joint injuries, abdominal and chest injuries, burns, and medical emergencies. Now includes training in Automatic External Defibrillation (AED). Manual included.

Lifesaving Society Standard First Aid/CPR "C" - WSIB Approved

Pre-requisite: Current LSS Standard First Aid, Lifesaving Society Standard First Aid/CPR "C" Recertification

Current Standard First Aid (SFA) award holders may recertify their Lifesaving Society SFA certification just once on a Lifesaving Society SFA Recertification Course not more than three years from the Standard First Aid date of issue. To renew SFA certifications subsequently, award holders must repeat the full SFA Course. Thereafter, individuals may renew by alternating recertifications and original courses.
Holders of Standard First Aid certificates from other agencies may not recertify their certificate on a Lifesaving Society recertification course. They may recertify only with the original certifying agency.

Assistant Instructor

Pre-requisite: Bronze Cross certification (or higher), 14+ years

Through classroom learning and in-water practice, the Lifesaving Society Assistant Instructor Course prepares candidates to help certified instructors with swimming and lifesaving classes. Candidates are introduced to key principles of learning and teaching and they master basic progressions. The roles and responsibilities of instructors and their assistants are emphasized. Materials included.

Swim, Lifesaving & Emergency First Aid Instructors

Pre-requisite: Bronze Cross (or higher) certification or NLS; Assistant Instructor certification recommended, 15+ years

The combined Swim and Lifesaving Instructor course prepares the instructor to teach and evaluate swim strokes and lifesaving skills. Through classroom learning and in-water practice, instructor candidates explore proven teaching methods; learning strategies and activities; a variety of stroke and skill drills; effective correction techniques; and evaluation criteria. Practice teaching is emphasized throughout. Materials included. 100% attendance & participation is mandatory.

National Lifeguard - Pool

Pre-requisite: Bronze Cross, Standard First Aid/CPR-C, 15+ years
The National Lifeguard certification is the standard measurement of lifeguard performance in Canada. This course is designed to develop sound understanding of lifeguarding principles, good judgment and mature, responsible attitude toward the role of the lifeguard. The program emphasizes teamwork, leadership, communications and the prevention of accidents and the treatment of medical emergencies. Participants are taught advanced lifeguarding skills in a lecture format and are required to demonstrate competency in managing a variety of emergency situations within an aquatic environment. Successful completion of this course will certify the candidate in the only nationally recognized lifeguarding award. Manual included. 100% attendance & participation is mandatory. Due to COVID-19, your in class session will take place via Zoom. Please ensure your email address is accurate on your account.

National Lifeguard - Pool (Recertification)

Pre-requisite: National Lifeguard, 15+ years

This course is designed for those who need to requalify to be a lifeguard. Successful completion renews the award for 2 years.

Examiner Course

Pre-requisite: 16 years of age, Lifesaving Instructors and Bronze Cross (or higher) certification. Experience of teaching at least one course in the stream that certification is applied for.

The Examiner course is first step in the three-step process to be certified as an Examiner for the Society. It prepares candidates to successfully apprentice as an examiner on the exam of their choice. Examiner candidates must have teaching experience with at least one course in the stream they are seeking certification.

Aquatic Supervisor Training

Pre-requisite: 16 years of age, Current National Lifeguard certification or current Lifesaving Society Instructor (Swim or Lifesaving) certification; and 100 hours experience as a lifeguard and/or instructor.

The AST is for deck level supervisory staff, it provides the knowledge and skills (beyond National Lifeguard certification) to manage a safe aquatic environment

For more information please call 905-642-PLAY(7529) or email leisure.services@townofws.ca.

Become an Aquatic Instructor/Lifeguard

Volunteer

Water Safety

- Water Smart children activity

- Water Smart Children under 7 Activity

- Water Smart Children 8 & Older Activity

- Coldwater Tips

- Lifejacket & PFD Tips

- Ice Safety Poster

- Watch me, Not your phone

- Unsupervised Swimming