Swimming lessons

Why are you making changes to lessons and pool space?

All changes are based on feedback heard from pool users through two surveys that were conducted in March and June 2026. Respondents identified limited swim lesson availability and long waitlists as primary challenges, with many reporting difficulties securing spaces when registration opens. There was strong support for increasing lesson capacity, improving access to registration, and making better use of available pool space to accommodate additional lessons. Review the swim lesson survey project page for complete background information. 

When will the wave pool be closed?

To help meet the growing demand for swimming lessons, the wave pool will be closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 3:30pm to 7pm. This change will allow us to offer additional swimming lesson space and help more children develop essential water safety and swimming skills.

Why is the wave pool closing during these hours?

Swimming lessons continue to fill very quickly, and demand for aquatic programs remains high. Closing the wave pool during these peak lesson times allows us to expand lesson capacity and provide more opportunities for children and families to access swim instruction. 

What areas of the facility will remain open?

When the wave pool is closed, the following amenities will remain available: competition pool, hot tub, sauna and steam room, and fitness centre.

Why are swimming lessons being prioritized?

Learning to swim is an important life skill, and swim lesson demand in our community continues to exceed available space. By using the wave pool for lessons during these peak hours, we can increase the number of swim lessons being offered while also providing a calmer, less distracting environment that supports both teaching and learning.

Will public swimming still be available?

Yes. While the wave pool will be closed, patrons can still enjoy the competition pool and other aquatic amenities.

Is this a permanent change?

We will continue to monitor participation levels, lesson demand, and facility usage. Any future changes to Cowichan Aquatic Centre’s facility schedule will be communicated to the public.

What can I do with my family who used to swim during these times?

To help support families during swimming lesson times, the Cowichan Aquatic Centre will offer a self-directed waiting area from 3:30pm to 7pm on lesson days when the wave pool is closed to public use. The area will feature a small selection of tables and chairs, colouring pages, and crayons/coloured pencils to help occupy children who are waiting for siblings participating in swimming lessons. The space will be located in an area that remains visible from the pool deck and customer service areas. This is not a supervised program. Children must remain under the care and supervision of a parent or guardian at all times. The waiting area is intended to provide an activity space to support families and improve the customer experience during swimming lesson periods.

Where can I find the facility schedule?

Current schedules, closures, and program information is always available at northcowichan.ca/recreation

Parent & Tot 1 - Jellyfish

Jellyfish is a beginner class for infants aged 4-12 months and their parents/caregivers. Through songs, games, and parent-assisted activities, babies are introduced to the water while practicing floating, splashing, kicking, and basic movement skills. The program also helps build comfort with submersion readiness and includes WaterSmart® messages to support water safety for the whole family.

Parent & Tot 2 - Goldfish

Parent & Tot 3 - Seahorse

Seahorse is for toddlers aged 2-3 years and focuses on building independence and confidence in the water. With parent assistance, tots practice jump entries, submersion, object retrieval, floating, kicking, and underwater exploration while learning safe water exits. 

Preschool 1 - Octopus

Preschool 2 - Crab

Crab is for children aged 3-5 years who are ready to build on their basic water skills. Swimmers practice PDF assisted jump entries, submersion and bubble blowing, front and back floats, rolling over in the water, glides, and flutter kicking with support. The program also helps develop confidence, comfort, and essential water safety skills.

Preschool 3 - Orca

Orca is for children aged 3-5 years who are developing greater independence in the water. Swimmers practice deep-water entries with a PFD, breath control, underwater object retrieval, floating, rolling, gliding, and kicking on both their front and back. The program builds confidence, swimming skills, and water safety awareness in a fun and supportive environment.

Preschool 4 - Sea Lion

Sea Lion is for children aged 3-5 years who are building stronger swimming skills and confidence in deeper water. Swimmers practice deep-water entries and exits, treading water, underwater object retrieval, floating, rolling, gliding, flutter kicking, and introductory front crawl. The program focuses on independence, water safety, and developing fundamental swimming techniques.

Preschool 5 - Narwhal

Swimmer 1

Swimmer 1 is for children aged 5-12 years who are developing foundational swimming and water safety skills. Swimmers practice safe entries and exits, jumping into deep water with a PFD, 30 seconds of treading water, breath control, floating, rolling, gliding, 5m flutter kicks, and 5m front crawl. WaterSmart® messages are included to build confidence and promote safe behaviour around water.

Swimmer 2

Swimmer 2 is for children aged 5-12 years who are building confidence in deeper water and strengthening swimming skills. Swimmers practice deep-water entries, object retrieval, 15-30 seconds of treading water, 10m flutter kicks on the front, back, and side, 10m front crawl and back crawl, and introductory whip kick skills. Water safety and endurance are developed through fun, progressive activities.

Swimmer 3

Swimmer 4

Swimmer 4 is for advanced swimmers aged 5-12 years who are building endurance and refining technique. Swimmers practice standing dives, 1 minute of treading water, 5m underwater swims, and complete the Swim to Survive® Standard. The program develops 25m front crawl and back crawl, 15m whip kick and breaststroke drills, sprint swimming, interval training, and strong water safety skills.

Swimmer 5

Swimmer 6

Swimmer 7 - Canadian Swim Patrol: Rookie

Rookie Patrol is recommended for ages 8-12 and focuses on improving front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke over 50m each, along with timed swims and 350m workouts. Swimmers develop lifesaving skills including 25m head-up swimming, sculling, surface dives, object carries, and clothing inflation for buoyancy. The program also introduces first aid, victim recognition, and basic rescue techniques while promoting WaterSmart® behaviours.

Swimmer 8 - Canadian Swim Patrol: Ranger

Ranger Patrol is recommended for ages 8-12 and focuses on refining front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke over 75m each, completing a 100m lifesaving medley and timed 200m swims. Swimmers develop advanced skills including somersaults, stride entries, 25m eggbeater kick, victim-support techniques, underwater swims, and conscious victim removals. The program also includes first aid training, non-contact rescues, and recognizing and responding to aquatic emergencies.

Swimmer 9 - Canadian Swim Patrol: Star

Beginner Lessons

Intermediate Adult Lessons

Intermediate Adult lessons are designed for adults who are comfortable in the water and ready to improve their swimming skills. Participants focus on refining front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke while building efficiency, endurance, and confidence. Within the Adult Swimmer curriculum, swimmers work toward their own personal goals in a supportive environment, developing stronger technique and greater comfort in the water.

Advanced Adult Lesson

Advanced Adult lessons are designed for experienced swimmers looking to refine advanced skills, improve endurance, and build confidence in deeper water. Participants practice shallow and stride entries, compact jumps, underwater object recovery, back somersaults, and legs-only surface support. Stroke development includes breaststroke (25-50m), front and back crawl (50-100m), head-up front crawl, eggbeater or scissor kick, sprint swimming, interval training, and a 300m workout.

Adult Swim Program

If you can swim 1,500m or more, are proficient in front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke, and are interested in joining an organized adult swim group, this program is for you. This program features structured, coach-led workouts designed to improve endurance, technique, and overall fitness. An NCCP-certified coach will guide swimmers through warm-ups, main sets, cool-downs, and skill development drills. This is an excellent program for swimmers seeking a challenging workout, triathletes looking to enhance their distance training, and individuals interested in taking their first steps toward adult swim competition. Swimmers who are interested in competing are encouraged to speak with the coach for more information.