Aquatic Programs
New swim program FAQs
The Canadian Red Cross announced it is winding down its swim and lifeguard programming to direct more attention to surging humanitarian demands in other areas – such as disaster and pandemic response, opioid harm reduction and caregiving for seniors.
We are excited to continue our First Aid programs through the Red Cross and do not have plans to switch organizations.
It's never too late to learn to swim
Whether you're most at home when you're in the water, or you're scared to even dip your baby toe, the University of Calgary Aquatic Centre is the place to find programs to help meet your swimming goals.
If you are unsure of the correct level for you, please call 403.210.7832 to schedule a swim assessment.
Adult Swimmer 1
The Adult Swimmer Program is for beginners or swimmers who want to improve their skills. Within the Adult Swimmer curriculum, participants set their own goals to develop water confidence and recognizable strokes. Adult swimmers will work towards being able to complete short distance swims (10-15m) on their front and back. They will work through swimming stroke fundamentals such as floats, rolls, glides, and kicks. Swimmers will develop their underwater skills as they continue to build their confidence in the water.
Adult Swimmer 2
Within the Adult Swimmer curriculum, participants set their own goals to develop water confidence and recognizable strokes. Adult swimmers will practice different entries into deep water including dives, rolls, and tuck jumps (cannonballs). As they work on building strength and endurance, they will aim to be able to tread water for 1-2 minutes, New underwater skills are introduced such as handstands in shallow water and front somersaults (in water). Swimmers will achieve the Swim to Survive standard by being able to roll into deep water, tread water for 1 minute, and swim 50m. In addition to improving their front crawl, back crawl, and whip kick, swimmers will be introduced to breaststroke.
Adult Swimmer 3
Within the Adult Swimmer curriculum, participants set their own goals to develop water confidence and recognizable strokes. Adult swimmers will work towards mastering front crawl, back crawl, and breast stroke. Challenging skills such as shallow dives, stride entries and compact jumps will be completed as well as focus on developing lifesaving kicks. Swimmers can expect to improve their fitness levels as they work on completing 300m workouts and 25-20m sprints.
Adult Private Swim Lessons
Working with a certified swim instructor, adult swimmers can work on skills in the Lifesaving Society Swim For Life program. Whether you are looking for advancements in your workout or a little extra help, this one-on-one experience can provide it.
Learn to Float
Knowing how to float can save your life. Join us for a free learn to float class and take your first steps towards learning to swim. No previous experience is required.
Learn to Float sessions are pop-up classes that appear throughout the year. Please check back frequently for availability.
Aquatic Certification Courses
Become a certified Lifeguard or Water Safety Instructor through courses on UCalgary campus.