GENERAL INFORMATION
SWIM LESSONS
Let’s get started! The most important step is to make sure your child is placed in the right swim level. Staff reserves the right to ask a child be moved to a different level if the class is too challenging, so it’s best to get it right.
If you’re uncertain what level your child should be in, and/or the child has been out of lessons for more than a year, call the Swimplex at 519-886-1177 to arrange a free swim level evaluation. Or follow the recommendations from the child’s last progress report card, and review the detailed standards of performance for each level (online at waterloo.ca/swim/swimlevels). Requests for specific instructors are considered, but we are unable to guarantee that all requests can be granted. Registrations are accepted up to the start of the fifth lesson.
Making the most of your swim experience Leave your valuables at home and bring a lock to secure your belongings. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items. Shower with soap and water before your swim lesson. Footwear is not permitted on the pool deck. Be prepared to go barefoot, or purchase reusable shoe covers at the customer service desk for 75¢. Children who are not fully toilet trained must wear watertight elastic pants or specially designed
disposable swimming diapers, available at the customer service desk for $2.00. Do not send a child to lessons if they are not feeling well. Pool fouling affects all lessons. If a pool fouling happens, lessons are conducted on the pool deck instead of in the water. Refunds/credits are not given for pool foulings. If your child requires one-on-one support in our group lessons, please call the inclusion coordinator up to 3 weeks in advance, at 519-741-2200 ext. 7228. Volunteers are subject to availability.
What to expect Swimmers should go to the pool deck at the lesson start time and not earlier. Parents can escort their child on the first day to meet the instructor. Afterwards, spectators can watch swimmers from the second floor observation gallery.
Photography or videotaping is only permitted on the last day of lessons, subject to advance staff approval. The use of cell phones and PDAs is strictly prohibited in City of Waterloo recreation facility change rooms, washrooms, pool decks and gallery.
One parent is asked to meet the instructor on deck during the last 10 minutes of the sixth lesson to receive a verbal progress report.
In the event of bad weather, listen to local radio stations in case the program has been cancelled unexpectedly. We are unable to make up lessons cancelled due to emergency closures, but will credit the value of the missed class.
A written progress report is provided at the last lesson and will identify the next recommended swim level. Badges may be purchased at the customer service desk for all Waterloo Splash and Preschool levels.
waterloo.ca/swim