Swimming Lessons 2024

Our Swim for Life program stresses lots of in-water practice to develop solid swimming strokes and skills. We incorporate valuable Water Smart® education that will last a lifetime.

Private & Semi-Private Lessons

• Private and semi private swimming lessons are available for individuals who require or want more personalized instruction. All selections are open to children (6 years +) and adults. For semi private lessons, it is the responsibility of the participants to find the person(s) they would like to swim with, and register for the program at the same time. A semi private lesson is for 2-3 people of approx. the same ability and age.
• Please note there is limited private and semi private lessons available at it is offered first come, first serve. Private and semi private registrations are excluded from online registration. 
• To request a private or semi-private lessons, please complete the request form at the link below. Link will not be available until April 18, 2024 at 10:00 am. 
• Once your completed request form is received, please allow 7 business days for our staff to reach out to you to confirm details and lessons dates/times. 

IMPORTANT NOTES: Completing this request form does not confirm your lessons or confirm that your private or semi-private lesson will happen during the date or times your have requests. Requests will be booked on a first come, first serve basis until full. Please allow 7 days for us to confirm your request. We will email you directly with further details and private or semi-private booking confirmation.

Private & Semi-Private Swim Lesson Request Form

Registration Dates: Registration opens for all swimming lessons on April 18, 2024 at 10:00 am. First come, first serve. 

You are strongly encouraged to read the 2024 Swim Lesson Program Guide prior to registering. 

If the class you would like to register for is full, please contact Citizen Support to be placed on the waitlist.

All swimming participants must bring the following items with them:

• Bathing suit, towel, sandals/flip flops
• Goggles if preferred for distance swimming (some skills require participants do them without goggles)
• Sunscreen
• Water bottle with name on it
• If taken lessons previously, please bring report card from last time you took lessons.

We understand that you may have a lot of questions and we’re here to answer all of them. We want you to trust us to take amazing care of your child and help them grow socially, emotionally and intellectually while having a whole lot of fun. We hope that the answers we provide to the following FAQs offer all of the information you need in preparation for swimming lessons.

 

Learn more about our swimming lessons, including level descriptions, and the 2024 swim lesson schedule by checking out our 2024 Swim Lesson Guide, found at the link below. 

https://www.myselkirk.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024-Swim-Lesson-Guide.pdf

 

Q1: Some classes are offered together, does this mean my child will pass both levels? Example: Swimmer 3/4

No, you should not expect your child to pass both levels just because they are offered together. While this may happen in some rare cases, this is not a typical progression that occurs over one set of lessons. Each level has its own unique learning outcomes and swimmers progress best when they learn and can preform the skills in each level before advancing to the next.

These classes are offering simultaneously, as the skills progressions advance well together and allows us to offer more swimming times for each level.

Q2: Is there Funding Assistance to help cover the cost of swim lessons?

Yes! Both Jumpstart and Kids Sport Manitoba offer funding assistance for families.

To be eligible for funding for one or more children, families must first meet specific financial criteria as per Revenue Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Offs (LICO) chart. Visit their websites to apply online.

If you have questions about the application or need assistance with securing funding, do not hesitate to reach out to [email protected] 

Q3: Can I request my child’s lessons to be taught by his or her favorite teacher?

Unfortunately we do not accept these types of requests. Our instructor schedules are changing constantly to meet our programs needs and the needs of our instructors. However, we can assure you that all of our instructors undergo a thorough hiring process and an extensive training period, along with nationally recognized certifications programs. You can trust that they’re all fun, patient, and more than qualified to ensure the safety of our swimmers.

Q4: What if my child’s group class only has one or two students registered?

We required a minimum of 3 students to run each of our classes. If a specific class does not have 3 or more participants 10 days before classes begin, we will call the swimmers that are registered and work with you to find an alternative time to accommodate the lessons. We want to make sure that all of our students have the ability to interact with other swimmers so they can socialize and grow in our safe, stimulating environment.

Q5: Do you offer make-ups for missed swim lessons?

Once the session starts, we do not cancel swim lessons, unless there is an extenuating circumstance that requires the City of Selkirk to cancel the class. In such event, we would provide you with a prorated refund, offer a makeup class or work with you to find an alternate class/session to participate in.

Swimmers who have been ill should be kept at home. This is in the best interest of their health as well as the health of other class participants and the instructor. Unfortunately, non-attendance for any reason does not entitle you to a refund or a make-up class.

If a swimmer must miss a class due to personal circumstances, we do not arrange make-up classes for the participant. We encourage registrants to choose classes and times that work for their schedule to ensure swimmers can attend all classes.

In the event the swimmer has a medical note that prevents them from participating, we will work with you to find an alternative session to swim in. If this is not possible a refund (minus our admin fee) may be provided.

Q6: During registration, it stated that all children under 12 require a parent/guardian to be present and at the facility during their swim lessons. Why and can I swim during this time?

This rule is put in place to ensure safety for our swimmers during lessons. If your child is injured, needs the bathrooms, or is not listening during swim lessons, your child’s instructor may call on the parent/guardian to provide support and assistance for their child. 

Entry to the facility for swimming lessons, does not also allow entry into the pool for public swimming during, before or after the swim lessons. 

In addition, the parent/guardian should not be swimming during this time, and should be present and watching their child’s swim lessons. We encourage parents/guardians to watch their child’s progress and development throughout lessons. 

In some circumstances, child-care for other siblings may not be available and they may need to come to the pool with the parent/guardian. Swimming lessons take place in a different zone/area than public swimming, and the parent/guardian would not be able to properly supervise their child in swimming lessons and other children swimming in a different area. Children 12 and older are allowed to be in the facility alone and may swim without parent/guardian supervision. Those under 12 should not enter the water without proper supervision form a parent/guardian. We encourage parents/guardians to bring toys so children can play with on the sand while next to the parent/guardian. 

Should the family choose to participate in public swimming before or after swimming lessons, they are required to pay regular admission rates (non-residents). 

Q7: It’s raining/thundering, are my swim lessons cancelled?

Being an outdoor pool, we occasionally deal with a rainy or stormy day throughout the swim season.

We do not cancel lessons due poor weather, unless extreme inclement weather (tornado, etc). In some cases, lessons will run during rain only. In the event of poor weather such as thunder or lightening, we are not able to be in the water during inclement weather, however instructors will work with swimmers on pool safety and alternate dry-land water safety skills. Indoor lessons may be relocated to the Ag Building, inside Selkirk Park for safety and shelter. Lessons are not rescheduled or refunded due to weather.  

Q78: How early should we show up for swim lessons?

It is important to be on the pool deck and ready to go 5 minutes before your class time. Children can get anxious if hurried. Please allow plenty of time before class to get dressed, use the restroom, etc.

Q9: Swimming Accessories: Can my child wear goggles, a swim cap, etc.?

Swim Caps – If your child is prone to chill, a swim cap may help. We welcome and encourage this. For swimmers with long hear, we ask that it be tied back and away from the face with a rubber band so it does not interfere with learning to breath.

Goggles – For the beginner swimmer, goggles can present a false sense of safety. If your swimmer feels that they need goggles, they may bring them however, for safety reasons a portion of the lessons will be spent encouraging participants to be comfortable without goggles. Some skills also require that participants not wear goggles to perform them.

Water-proof diapers: Children that are not bathroom trained are required to wear a water-proof swim diaper. 

Q10: Is there a bathroom to use?

We encourage all participants to arrive early enough to use the restroom before class begins. We also encourage swimmers come to their lesson changed and in their swim suit.

For all participants who are not potty trained, we require the use of a swim diaper in the pool.

Q11: Why does my child work on the same thing every class?

Repetition is the key to learning for most young children. Repeating games and skills give children something to look forward to. Swim Lesson participants also feel a greater sense of success by mastering a skill they have been replicating.

Q12: What do I do if my child is crying or won’t get in the water?

Remember every child develops differently – please be patient, consistent, and encouraging. It is natural for beginner swimmers to get upset and even cry, please allow your child to work through the anxiety of separation and a new environment.

We ask that you trust our staff in helping your child overcome their fear. We encourage apprehensive children to continue attending swim lessons in that they may actually regress if they do not actively participate in the class. The more often your child is active in the water, the less of a chance they have of developing an irreversible fear of swimming. Please understand that if your child continues to have difficulty adjusting to swimming lessons, we may ask that you step out of sight so they can build a relationship with their instructor.

Q13: I have some concerns about my child’s swim lessons, who do I talk to?

If you have any concerns with a class, participant or instructor, we encourage you to please talk to the instructor first. We ask that you kindly speak to them before or after the lessons.

Should the situation be more serious, or you do not feel comfortable reaching out to the instructor directly, you may approach one of our pool supervisors. We have one head supervisor and four head guards at the pool and at least one of the five will also be at the facility during operating hours.

Q14: How do I know if my child is passing or failing their level?

Instructors are taught to provide continuous constructive feedback throughout all the levels. This allows students to know immediately what they need to work on and what they are doing well. We do not have a specific “test day” as participants are continually evaluated throughout the entire course. (Exclusion to this is our leadership courses that have specific exams).

If you have questions about where your child is at or would like to know what they could work on, we encourage you to speak to your child’s instructor. They would be happy to provide with some tips, tricks and feedback.

Q15: Progress Reports

Progress reports will be issued the last day of class. It is not unusual for a swimmer to need to repeat a level more than once because swimming is progressive. All skills must be achieved for a given level before a child can progress to the next level.

Q16: Am I allowed to take videos, picture, post to social media, etc while at the pool?

You may take photos and/or videos while at our facility. However, we ask that you ensure no other swimmers/persons are in the photo or video. This is to ensure the privacy of others that may be at the pool. In some circumstances, staff may ask you not to take photos/videos. All pool staff have the right ask you to stop or delete any photos/videos.

If you do post a photo to social media of you enjoying your time at the pool, be sure to tag the City of Selkirk!

 

 

Need assistance or have additional questions about City of Selkirk programs, contact Citizen Support

Email: [email protected]

Call: (204) 785-4900

Please note start date, time and location of this program. You will be contacted only if the course is cancelled (due to insufficient registrants) or details have changed.

• For courses cancelled due to insufficient enrollment registered participants will be notified by email and money refunded in full. 
• A full refund will be issued for any program cancelled by the City of Selkirk. Participants will be notified by email of any program cancellation or changes.
• If a registrant withdraws from a program 5 or more business days before the start of the program, they may receive a full refund minus a $15.75 (GST included) administration fee. Refunds after this date are subject to the discretion of the Director of Culture, Recreation and Green Transportation for special circumstances only. Request for refunds must be in writing (email).
• NSF cheques will be charged a $40.00 fee.
• No refunds will be issued for any participants that have been asked to leave a class or program.
• Individual classes during a program may be cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control (Ex: bad weather). Make up classes will be offered when possible but is not guaranteed. 

By choosing to register for this program, you understand that certain risks are inherent to participation in sports and recreation activities. Those that participate in these program agree to the following:

• /we understand that all program participants are asked to self-screen prior to attending the program. Anyone experiencing cold/flu and or other illness symptoms are asked to stay home and not attend programming. This helps keep our staff and participants safe and healthy. 
• I/we the undersigned, hereby acknowledge that certain risks of injury are inherent to participation in sports and recreational activities. These types of injuries may be minor or serious and may result from one’s actions or in-actions of others or a combination of both.
• I/we understand that the rules and regulations are designed for the safety and protection of participants and hereby undertake to abide by these rules and regulations.
• I/we understand that certain activities require a minimum level of fitness and health (physical, mental and emotional) and that each person has a different capacity of participating in these activities.
• I/we agree to allow my child to participate in off-campus field trips that may require the use of public transportation.
• I/we agree that the City of Selkirk and/or its employees, servants or agents shall not be liable for any injury to any
  person or loss or damage to personal property arising from, or in any way resulting from, my or my child’s participation in these activities, unless such injury, loss or damage is caused solely by the negligence of the City or its employees, servants, or agents while acting.
• I/we agree that we have read and understood the above Informed Consent Agreement in its entirety and hereby consent to participate acknowledging all the foregoing.

Location/Venue: All lessons take place outdoors and the Selkirk Park Pool & Splash Pad. Located inside Selkirk Park; 486 Eveline Street, Selkirk