Swimming programs


Before you go, you should know:

  • The City of Oshawa has transitioned from the Canadian Red Cross Swim Program to the Lifesaving Society Swim for Life Program. This change will take effect for the City’s summer program session. Learn more at Oshawa.ca/SwimLessons.
  • Bring a bathing suit, towel and goggles if needed.
  • Long hair should be tied back.
  • Street shoes are not permitted on the pool deck. If you would like shoes, they must be indoor sandals or water shoes.
  • Lockers are available for use; belongings cannot be left in the change cubicles.
  • Pool admission policies are in effect during all leisure swims. Learn more at Oshawa.ca/Swim.
  • Do not eat large meals before you come swimming. Try a light snack instead.
  • Swimming lessons are designed to work on personal improvement and becoming water safe. 
  • Badges are not the only indicator of success, it takes time to learn to swim and achieve goals.

To search for a course:

  • Enter the course code from the activeOshawa Recreation Program Guide into the Course ID# field.
  • Enter the title of the course into the Search field. Returned results will include your searched word(s) from course titles and course descriptions. 

Tips when searching for a course:

  • Each filter option does not need to be entered to complete a search. Leaving all filter options unselected will display all available courses.
  • Hold the "Ctrl" key and click to select multiple values or to remove a selection.
  • Select the Reset button to clear all information entered in the filter options.

For more information on our recreation programs, or to view the latest activeOshawa Recreation Program Guide, visit activeOshawa registered programs.


Select the program or level you are interested in registering for from the below list to see additional details.

Swimming Lessons - Parent & Tot Swimmer (4-36 Months)

Swimming Lessons - Parent & Tot Swimmer (4-36 Months)

Parent and Tot Swimmer swimming lessons are for children ages 4 to 36 months and their parent.

Swimming Lessons - Transition Level (2-5 years)

Swimming Lessons - Transition Level (2-5 years)

Transition Level swimming lessons are for confident 2-5 year olds who are ready to learn how to swim. Parents will be required to be in the water at the start of the course and gradually transition out. 

Swimming Lessons - Preschool Swimmer (3-5 years)

Swimming Lessons - Preschool Swimmer (3-5 years)

Preschool Swimmer swimming lessons are for children ages 3 to 5 years.

Swimming Lessons - Swimmer (6-15 years)

Swimming Lessons - Swimmer (6-15 years)

Swimmer swimming lessons are for children ages 6 to 15 years.

Low Ratio Swim Lessons

Low Ratio Swim Lessons

Low Ratio Swim Lessons are ideal for individuals who prefer smaller class sizes. Receiving more individual attention can help to improve on specific skills and strokes that can be customized in a lower ratio lesson.  The ratio of instructor to participant is 1:3.​

Private Swim Lessons

Private Swim Lessons

Designed for participants who would like a 1:1 ratio. Participants will receive individual attention to improve their swimming technique and have the convenience of selecting their preferred day and time.  Levels will be determined upon registration.

Grandview Swim Lessons

Grandview Swim Lessons

This program is specifically designed for children and youth with disabilities and incorporates an adapted
aquatics aaproach to swimming lessons based on individual requirements. Private lessons are for
participants 3-19 years of age.

Speciality Swim Lessons

Speciality Swim Lessons

See our selection of speciality swim lesson programs.