Aquatics Centre
Jump in and discover why everyone can benefit from being active in the water!
Swim Lessons and Programs
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced swimmer, you can gain the skills and confidence you need to stay safe and enjoy our pool. The YMCA has been offering aquatics programming & swimming lessons to Canadians since the 1900s. Thousands of Canadians have learned to swim at the Y.
Check our Winter Aquatic Centre Schedule
LANE POOL SCHEDULE
The Directional arrows indicate the number of lanes available for lane swims.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:00 | LANE SWIM ↑↓↑↓↑↓ |
LANE SWIM ↑↓↑↓↑↓ |
LANE SWIM ↑↓↑↓↑↓ |
LANE SWIM ↑↓↑↓↑↓ |
LANE SWIM ↑↓↑↓↑↓ |
06:00 | |||||||||
| 06:15 | 06:15 | ||||||||||||||
| 06:30 | 06:30 | ||||||||||||||
| 06:45 | 06:45 | ||||||||||||||
| 07:00 | 07:00 | ||||||||||||||
| 07:15 | 07:15 | ||||||||||||||
| 07:30 | 07:30 | ||||||||||||||
| 07:45 | 07:45 | ||||||||||||||
| 08:00 | LANE SWIM ↑↓↑↓↑↓ |
LANE SWIM ↑↓↑↓↑↓ |
08:00 | ||||||||||||
| 08:15 | 08:15 | ||||||||||||||
| 08:30 | 08:30 | ||||||||||||||
| 08:45 | Registered Programming | 08:45 | |||||||||||||
| 09:00 | LANE SWIM ↑↓ |
LANE SWIM ↑↓↑ |
AQUA FIT |
09:00 | |||||||||||
| 09:15 | 09:15 | ||||||||||||||
| 09:30 | 09:30 | ||||||||||||||
| 09:45 | 09:45 | ||||||||||||||
| 10:00 | LANE SWIM ↑↓↑ |
AQUA FREE |
LANE SWIM ↑↓↑ |
AQUA FREE |
LANE SWIM↑↓↑ |
AQUA FREE |
LANE SWIM ↑↓↑ |
AQUA FREE |
LANE SWIM ↑↓↑ |
AQUA FREE |
LANE SWIM ↑↓ |
Registered Programming |
10:00 | ||
| 10:15 | 10:15 | ||||||||||||||
| 10:30 | 10:30 | ||||||||||||||
| 10:45 | 10:45 | ||||||||||||||
| 11:00 | LANE SWIM ↑↓ |
AQUA FIT |
AIM | LANE SWIM ↑↓ |
AQUA FIT |
AIM | LANE SWIM ↑↓↑↓↑↓ |
11:00 | |||||||
| 11:15 | 11:15 | ||||||||||||||
| 11:30 | 11:30 | ||||||||||||||
| 11:45 | 11:45 | ||||||||||||||
| 12:00 | LANE SWIM ↑↓↑↓↑↓ |
LANE SWIM ↑↓↑↓↑↓ |
LANE SWIM ↑↓↑↓↑↓ |
LANE SWIM ↑↓↑↓↑↓ |
12:00 | ||||||||||
| 12:15 | Rec Swim |
LANE SWIM ↑↓↑ |
12:15 | ||||||||||||
| 12:30 | 12:30 | ||||||||||||||
| 12:45 | 12:45 | ||||||||||||||
| 01:00 | 01:00 | ||||||||||||||
| 01:15 | 01:15 | ||||||||||||||
| 01:30 | Registered Programming | LANE SWIM ↑↓ |
01:30 | ||||||||||||
| 01:45 | 01:45 | ||||||||||||||
| 02:00 | LANE SWIM ↑↓↑ |
AQUA FREE |
LANE SWIM ↑↓↑ |
AQUA FREE |
LANE SWIM ↑↓↑ |
AQUA FREE |
LANE SWIM ↑↓↑ |
AQUA FREE |
LANE SWIM ↑↓↑ |
AQUA FREE |
Rec Swim |
02:00 | |||
| 02:15 | 02:15 | ||||||||||||||
| 02:30 | 02:30 | ||||||||||||||
| 02:45 | 02:45 | ||||||||||||||
| 03:00 | Rec Swim |
LANE SWIM ↑↓↑↓↑↓ |
Rec Swim |
LANE SWIM ↑↓↑↓↑↓ |
Rec Swim |
03:00 | |||||||||
| 03:15 | 03:15 | ||||||||||||||
| 03:30 | 03:30 | ||||||||||||||
| 03:45 | 03:45 | ||||||||||||||
| 04:00 | LANE SWIM ↑↓ |
LANE SWIM ↑↓ |
LANE SWIM ↑↓↑ |
CY Swim |
LANE SWIM ↑↓↑↓↑↓ |
LANE SWIM ↑↓↑↓ |
04:00 | ||||||||
| 04:15 | Registered Programming | Registered Programming | 04:15 | ||||||||||||
| 04:30 | LANE SWIM ↑↓↑ |
Rec Swim |
04:30 | ||||||||||||
| 04:45 | 04:45 | ||||||||||||||
| 05:00 | LANE SWIM↑↓ |
LANE SWIM ↑↓ |
AQUA FIT |
05:00 | |||||||||||
| 05:15 | LANE SWIM ↑↓ |
AQUA FIT |
05:15 | ||||||||||||
| 05:30 | AQUA FIT |
05:30 | |||||||||||||
| 05:45 | 05:45 | ||||||||||||||
| 06:00 | Registered Programming Hydro therapy Whirl pool CLOSED |
LANE SWIM ↑↓↑↓↑↓ |
LANE SWIM ↑↓↑↓↑↓ |
06:00 | |||||||||||
| 06:15 | 06:15 | ||||||||||||||
| 06:30 | 06:30 | ||||||||||||||
| 06:45 | Registered Programming | Registered Programming | 06:45 | ||||||||||||
| 07:00 | gistered Programming Hydrotherapy Whirlpool REOPEN |
Rec Swim |
LANE SWIM ↑↓↑ |
AQUA FREE |
LANE SWIM ↑↓↑ |
AQUA FREE |
07:00 | ||||||||
| 07:15 | 07:15 | ||||||||||||||
| 07:30 | 07:30 | ||||||||||||||
| 07:45 | 07:45 | ||||||||||||||
| 08:00 | LANE SWIM ↑↓↑ |
08:00 | |||||||||||||
| 08:15 | 08:15 | ||||||||||||||
| 08:30 | 08:30 | ||||||||||||||
| 08:45 | 08:45 | ||||||||||||||
| 09:00 | LANE SWIM ↑↓↑ |
AQUA FREE |
LANE SWIM ↑↓↑ |
AQUA FREE |
LANE SWIM ↑↓↑ |
AQUA FREE |
LANE SWIM ↑↓↑ |
AQUA FREE |
AQUA FREE |
09:00 | |||||
| 09:15 | 09:15 | ||||||||||||||
| 09:30 | 09:30 | ||||||||||||||
TEACHING POOL SCHEDULE
Effective January 25-April 2, 2023
Monday
Restorative Swim
– Shallow Water
07:30 – 08:00 am
Kinder Swim
10:00 – 10:30 am
Parkland Program
Restorative Swim
01:00 – 01:30 pm
Registered Programming
04:45 – 07:30 pm
Tuesday
Restorative Swim
– Deep Water
07:30 – 08:00 am
Kinder Splashpad
09:00 – 09-30 am
AIM
11:00 – 11:30 am
Citadel Program
01:00 – 02:00 pm
Wednesday
Restorative Swim
– Shallow Water
07:30 – 08:00 am
Kinder Swim
10:00 – 10:30 am
Parkland Program
Restorative Swim
01:00 – 01:30 pm
Registered Programming
04:45 – 07:30 pm
Thursday
Restorative Swim
– Deep Water
07:30 – 08:00 am
Kinder
Splashpad
9:00 – 9:15 am
AIM
11:00 – 11:30 am
Citadel Program
01:00 – 01:45 pm
Friday
Restorative Swim
– Shallow Water
07:30 – 08:00 am
Kinder Swim
10:00 – 10:30 am
Parkland Program
Restorative Swim
01:00 – 01:30 pm
Saturday
Registered Programming
08:45 – 11:45 am
Rec Swim
12:15 – 01:00 pm
Registered Programming
08:45 – 11:45 am
Birthday Party Rental
05:00 – 05:45 pm
Birthday Party Rental
06:00 – 06:45 pm
Sunday
Birthday Party Rental
12:45 – 01:30 pm
Rec Swim
2:00 – 3:45 pm
Birthday Party Rental
04:00 – 04:45 pm
Birthday Party Rental
05:00 – 05:45 pm
Rec Swim
What to have fun in the pool? Jump into a Rec Swim and have a good time! All swimming abilities are welcome.
AquaFree
This program is designed to allow pool users the space required to complete their aquatic workouts, physical therapy, or swimming skills practice
Lane Swim
All swimmers must be able to swim the full length of the pool (25 m) without stopping to participate in this program.
Kinder Splashpad
(0 to 6 yrs) Teaching Pool is 5cm deep! Toys are available for your use. Come join in the fun! Parent accompaniment required.
Kinder Swim
(0 to 6 yrs) Kinder Swim time is when our Teaching Pool is 60cm deep! Toys are available for your use. Parent accompaniment required.
Hydrotherapy Pool
(Seats 16ppl) The purpose of a Hydrotherapy Whirlpool is to provide a warm water environment that will help to restore health and heal injuries. Hydrotherapy Whirlpool water temperature is typically about 38-40°C.
Our Mobile Apps
Download My Y app
Search for programs you like and join them with a touch of a button!
Swim Lessons
The YMCA believes that learning to swim is a critical life skill. The YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth offers one FREE swimming lessons at a time for members of all ages! We are committed to reducing water-related injuries and encouraging more people to learn to swim and stay safe around water.
LEVEL 1 (6 to 18 mos)
The first level of our YMCA Preschool Swim program, Splashers is a great way to introduce babies, 6-18 months old, to the water. Parents get in on the fun by participating with their children. At this early stage, children are still learning a lot about their environment. The goal of Splashers is to make children and parents comfortable in the water together, and (of course) to learn to splash with arms and legs!
LEVEL 2 (18 mos to 3 yrs)
The second level of our YMCA Preschool Swim program, Bubblers, is for children 18 months – 3 years old. We work with you to introduce your child to new movements in the water, including holding the wall, kicking feet, and blowing bubbles. Parents get in on the fun by participating with their children.
LEVEL 3 (3 to 5 yrs)
The third level of our YMCA Preschool Swim program, Bobbers, is for children 3-5 years old who are new to swimming. We continue to introduce fun activities in the water to activate the movements that will eventually lead to swimming. By the end, your child will be comfortable having their face in the water and will have learned basic movements while being supported.
LEVEL 4 (3 to 5 yrs)
The fourth level of our YMCA Preschool Swim program, Floaters, is for children 3-5 years old who have completed Bobbers or equivalent. We introduce floating and gliding, and continue to practice other movements. Through structured activities and play, children will also become comfortable submerging themselves underwater.
LEVEL 5 (3 to 5 yrs)
The fifth level of our YMCA Preschool Swim program, Gliders, is for children who are 3-5 years old and have completed Floaters or show an equivalent level of competence. Children will combine kicking with gliding to learn how to propel themselves through the water.
LEVEL 6 (3 to 5 yrs)
The sixth level of our YMCA Preschool Swim program, Divers, is for children who are 3-5 years old and have completed Gliders or show an equivalent level of skill. Children will combine all the skills they have learned so far to swim on their front and back unaided for a distance of 10 metres. Your child will also learn to jump into and float in deep
water unassisted.
LEVEL 7 (3 to 5 yrs)
The seventh level of our YMCA Preschool Swim program, Surfers, is for children 3-5 years old who have completed Divers or show an equivalent level of competence. We continue to help your child develop front and back swimming skills and build up to a distance of 15 metres. And now that your child is comfortable jumping into the water, we’ll work on some creative, fun entries — ker-splash!
LEVEL 8 (3 to 5 yrs)
The eighth and final level of our YMCA Preschool Swim program, Jumpers, is for children who are 3-5 years old and have completed Surfers or show an equivalent skill level. We introduce the front and back crawl as well as underwater swimming. Children at this level will have achieved a foundation of swimming skills and be able to front swim a distance of 25 metres.
Otter – LEVEL 1
The first level in our YMCA Learn to Swim program, Otter teaches your child how to stay safe in the water and to develop their swimming skills. Otter will teach your child the basics of pool safety, going underwater, and gliding on their front and back.
Seal – LEVEL 2
The second level in our YMCA Learn to Swim program, Seal teaches your child how to stay safe in the water and to develop their swimming skills. At this level they will further develop the skills of gliding, kicking, and submerging.
Dolphin – LEVEL 3
The third level in our YMCA Learn to Swim program,
Dolphin teaches kids how to stay safe in the water and to develop their swimming skills. Your child will be introduced to swimming on their front, back, and underwater.
Swimmer – LEVEL 4
The fourth level in our YMCA Learn to Swim program, Swimmer teaches children how to stay safe in the water and to develop their swimming skills. In this class, kids will learn front and back crawl, and how to tread water. Children at this level will have achieved a solid foundation of swimming skills and be able to front swim for a distance of 25 metres.
Star 1- LEVEL 5 The first level of our YMCA Star Program is for children who have completed the Swimmer level in our Learn to Swim program. In this class, kids will learn to use the whip kick on their back and the egg-beater motion for treading water. We will help your child continue to develop front and back crawl technique and endurance. We also introduce your child to other aspects of swimming such as competitive swimming, lifesaving, synchronized swimming, aquatic fitness, and water polo.
Star 2 – LEVEL 6 The second level of our YMCA Star Program, we focus on the backstroke, and continue to help kids refine their stroke technique and increase their endurance.
Star 3 – LEVEL 7 The third level of our YMCA Star Program, in this level your child will focus on the breaststroke and egg-beater motion for treading water, while continuing to build endurance in the pool. We will also introduce young swimmers to introductory lifesaving concepts.
Star 4 – LEVEL 8 The fourth level of our YMCA Star Program, in this level we will help your child focus on the sidestroke, and we will continue to introduce lifesaving skills.
Star 5 – LEVEL 9 The fifth level of our YMCA Star Program, we will introduce the butterfly stroke along with lifesaving and first aid elements from the Rookie and Ranger levels of the Canadian Swim Patrol program.
Star 6 – LEVEL 10 The sixth level of our YMCA Star Program, swimmers will continue to develop lifesaving and first aid skills at the Ranger and Star level of the Canadian Swim Patrol program. They will also begin to learn how to teach others to swim.
Teen Beginner: (13 to 17 yrs) It’s never too late to learn how to swim! Learn the basic swimming skills to become comfortable in the water: how to learn to safely enter and exit the pool, how to move through the water, and to float with and without assistance. Other skills such as breathing techniques, flutter kick, and front and back swimming may be introduced depending on individual abilities.
Teen Intermediate: (13 to 17 yrs) Learn the basic swimming strokes: Front Crawl, Back Crawl, Elementary Backstroke, and Breaststroke. Other skills such as surface support and lifesaving kicks may be introduced depending on individual abilities.
Teen Advanced: (13 to 17 yrs) Perfect your swimming strokes: Front Crawl, Back Crawl, Elementary Backstroke, and Breaststroke. Other skills such as surface support and lifesaving kicks may be introduced depending on individual abilities.
Adult 1 – Silver: (18 yrs+) Learn the basic swimming skills to become comfortable in the water by learning to safely enter and exit the pool, move through the water, and float with and without assistance in Adult Silver. Other skills such as breathing techniques, flutter kick, and 10 m front and back swimming may be introduced depending on individual abilities.
Adult 2 – Ruby: (18 yrs+) Keep going with your basic swimming skills by learning how to swim front and back crawls, along with lifesaving kicks and surface support skills in Adult – Ruby.
Adult 3 – Golden: (18 yrs+) Improve your basic swimming strokes: Front Crawl, Back Crawl in Adult – Golden. Other skills such as surface support and lifesaving kicks may be introduced depending on individual abilities.
Adult 4 – Diamond: (18 yrs+) Perfect your swimming strokes: Front Crawl, Back Crawl, Elementary Backstroke, and Breaststroke. Other skills such as surface support and lifesaving kicks may be introduced depending on individual abilities.
Adult 5 – Sapphire: (18 yrs+) Perfect your swimming strokes: Front Crawl, Back Crawl, Elementary Backstroke, and Breaststroke. Other skills such as surface support and lifesaving kicks may be introduced depending on individual abilities.
Private Lessons (3YRS +): Private lessons provide one-on-one instruction to meet each swimmer’s individual needs. All lessons are 30 minutes in length. *Additional program fees apply*
Semi-Private Lessons (3YRS +): Take a swimming class with a friend or family member of similar swimming ability! Semi-Private Lessons provide instruction based on your swimming needs. All lessons are 30 minutes in length. *Additional program fees apply*
Determine What Swim Level is Right for Your Child
1. If your child has taken a YMCA swim lesson within the last 6 months, visit this page to see your child’s last swim report card. You will need your child’s membership number or access number.
2. If your child hasn’t taken a swim lesson contact the John W. Lindsay YMCA front desk Staff or consult the conversion chart below.
YMCA Swimming Lessons Conversion Chart
| YMCA Preschool Program: 6 months – 5 years old | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| YMCA Canada | Lifesaving Society | Red Cross | |
| Intro (6mos-1yr) | Splashers | Parent & Tot | Starfish |
| Intro (1yrs – 3yrs) | Bubblers | Parent & Tot | Duck & Sea Turtle |
| Beginner (3-5yr) | Bobbers | Preschool 1 | Sea Otter |
| Beginner (3-5yr) | Floaters | Preschool 1 | Salamander |
| Inter (3-5yrs) | Gliders | Preschool 2 | Sunfish |
| Inter (3-5yrs) | Divers | Preschool 3 | Sunfish |
| Advance (4-5yrs) (Swim with no assistance) |
Surfers | Preschool 4 | Crocodile |
| Advance (4-5yrs) (Swim with no assistance) |
Jumpers | Preschool 5 | Whale |
| YMCA Learn to Swim & Star Program: 6 – 12 years old | |||
| Beginner | Otter | Swimmer 1 | Swim Kids 1 |
| Seal | Swimmer 1 | Swim Kids 1 | |
| Dolphin | Swimmer 2 | Swim Kids 2-3 | |
| Swimmer | Swimmer 3 | Swim Kids 4-5 | |
| Intermediate | Star 1 | Swimmer 4 | Swim Kids 6-7 |
| Star 2 | Swimmer 5 | Swim Kids 8 | |
| Star 3 | Swimmer 6 | Swim Kids 9 | |
| Star 4 | Rookie Patrol | Swim Kids 9 Complete Swim 400 m continuously |
|
| Advance | Star 5 | Ranger Patrol | Swim Kids 10 |
| Star 6 | Star Patrol | Swim Kids 10 Complete Swim 400 m continuously |
|
| YMCA Teen Swim Program: 13-17 years old | |||
| Beginner | Teen Beginner | Adult 1 | - |
| Intermediate | Teen Intermediate | Adult 2 | - |
| Advanced | Teen Advanced | Adult 3 | - |
| YMCA Adult Swim Program: 18+ years old | |||
| Beginner | Silver | Adult 1 | - |
| Ruby | Adult 1 | - | |
| Intermediate | Golden | Adult 2 | - |
| Diamond | Adult 2 | - | |
| Advanced | Sapphire | Adult 3 | - |
| Complete/Incomplete YMCA Preschool Levels (6 years old) | YMCA Learn to Swim & Star Program | |
|---|---|---|
| Bobbers | Complete or Incomplete | Otter |
| Floaters | ||
| Gliders | Complete or Incomplete | |
| Divers | Incomplete | |
| Complete | Seal | |
| Surfers | Complete or Incomplete | |
| Jumpers | Incomplete | |
| Complete | Dolphin | |
- Bronze Star – Should be able to swim at a Star 2 Level. Ages 10-12yrs
- Bronze Medallion – Age 13+ or have Bronze Star.
- Bronze Cross – Age 13+, Must have Bronze Medallion & Basic Workplace First Aid
- Lifesaving Sport– Should be able to swim at a Star 1 level.
- National Lifeguard Pool – Age 15+, Must have Bronze Cross & Intermediate Workplace First Aid
Leadership Programs
Intro to Jr. Lifesaving Sport: (9 to 15 yrs) Want to try something different? Here you will learn all of the different aspects of being a lifesaving sport athlete: teamwork, leadership, and lifesaving skills. All of these are developed while having fun learning and perfecting the different events: Obstacle Swim, Manikin Tow, Line Throw, and much, much more!
Jr. Lifesaving Sports Team: (9 to 15 yrs) Want to keep up your lifesaving skills? Join our Jr. Lifesaving Sport Team! Here you will learn all of the different aspects of being a jr. lifesaving sport athlete: teamwork, leadership, and lifesaving skills. All of these are developed while having fun learning and perfecting the different events: Obstacle Swim, Manikin Tow, Line Throw, and much, much more!
Lifeguard Sports Team: (15 yrs+) Want to keep up your lifeguarding skills and fitness? Join Lifeguard Sport Team! Here you will practice all of the different aspects of being a lifesaving sport athlete: teamwork, leadership, and lifesaving skills. All of these are developed while having fun learning and perfecting the different events: Obstacle Swim, Manikin Tow, Line Throw, and much, much more!
Lifesaving Society’s Bronze Medallion with Basic Workplace First Aid
Bronze Medallion teaches an understanding of the lifesaving principles embodied in the four components of water-rescue education – judgment, knowledge, skill and fitness. Rescuers learn tows and carries, and defence 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.
Includes: Basic Workplace First Aid (Formerly known as Emergency First Aid)
Pre-Requisite: 13 years old or completed Lifesaving Society’s Bronze Star
Lifesaving Society’s Bronze Cross with Intermediate Workplace First Aid: As the Lifesaving Society’s Assistant Lifeguard certification, Bronze Cross prepares lifesavers for the safety supervision role and responsibilities of assistant lifeguards in aquatic facilities. Bronze Cross is a prerequisite for all advanced training programs including National Lifeguard and Instructor certification.
Includes: Intermediate Workplace First Aid (Formerly known as Standard First Aid)
Pre-Requisite: Completed Lifesaving Society’s Bronze Medallion and Basic Workplace First Aid (Formerly known as Emergency First Aid)
National Lifeguard with CPR-HCP: National Lifeguard education is designed to develop a sound understanding of lifeguarding principles, good judgment and a mature and responsible attitude toward the role of the lifeguard. The course develops the basic lifeguarding skills, principles and decision-making processes that will assist the lifeguard to evaluate and adapt to different aquatic facilities and emergencies.
Includes: Health Care Provider CPR certification
Pre-Requisite: Completed Lifesaving Society’s Bronze Cross and Intermediate Workplace First Aid (Formerly known as Standard First Aid)
National Lifeguard and Intermediate Workplace First Aid – Recertification: National Lifeguard certification is current for 2 years and is recertified by completing a National Lifeguard recertification exam. The recertification may require 4 – 8 hr. depending on the number of candidates.
The National Lifeguard recertification exam is your opportunity to demonstrate your skills and recertify your award. You are responsible for reviewing the required content and skills and preparing yourself for the exam. Your exam is based on the National Lifeguard Award curriculum. The required content for this curriculum can be found in your Alert text and the Canadian Lifesaving Manual. Candidates should bring Alert, a whistle, barrier devices (gloves and pocket mask) and proof of prerequisite (previous National Lifeguard).
Pre-Requisite: Completed Lifesaving Society’s National Lifeguard Pool and Standard First Aid
Admission Policy
- 13 years old + can access the Aquatic Centre without adult/guardian supervision.
- 9 – 12 years must be accompanied in the water by a parent/guardian (adult/guardian must be at least 16 years of age) if they require a PFD or they are unsuccessful in completing a swim test.
- 9 – 12 years must be accompanied in the facility by a parent/guardian (adult/guardian must be at least 16 years of age) if they successfully complete the swim test.
- 8 years and under must have a parent in the water with them.
Child Protection Sign-in/out Policies
- At the beginning of the class, participants 12 years old and under must check in with the instructor with an adult (16 yrs+).
- At the end of the class, participants 12 years old and under must check out by the same adult.
- Parents who are not in the water can observe lessons from the pool-level windows or from the Great Hall.
- Videography and photography are not permitted to ensure our member’s privacy.