Swimming Lessons and Leadership Courses
Upcoming Lesson Registration Dates
Swimming Lessons will proceed once the Aquatics Centre reopens following renovations. Stay tuned for updates!
Lesson descriptions and registration links are available in the list below.
Group lessons: We offer a variety of swimming lessons for children of all ages and abilities. Learn more and sign up on ActiveNet.
Private lessons: Want one-on-one attention? Our certified instructor can help kids and adults alike learn everything from the basics to advanced techniques. View private lesson times on ActiveNet.
Semi-private lessons: Register online for a private lesson and follow the prompts to specify that you'd like semi-private.
Leadership aquatic volunteer program: This new opportunity includes supporting a swim lesson class under the direction of an instructor. Aquatic volunteers must be a minimum of 14 years of age, with current Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid.
Benefits of volunteering:
- Gain valuable work experience and skills to become a swim instructor and lifeguard
- Earn discounts towards aquatic leadership courses
- A chance to give back to your community and earn high school volunteer hours
- Take advantage of future aquatic job opportunities with the Town of St. Marys
- Opportunity to join the lifeguard team while they train
How to become a volunteer:
- Visit www.townofstmarys.com/careers
- Fill out the volunteer registration form
- Staff will advise on process going forward after receiving the registration form
How to earn discounts towards aquatic courses:
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- Volunteer 30 hours and you will receive 40% off Bronze Cross.
- Volunteer 30 hours and you will receive 40% off Swim Instructors Course.
- Volunteer time is flexible, you can volunteer before, after or during the Bronze Cross courses to extend this discount to you.
Aquatics programs
Get active at the Pyramid Recreation Centre with a variety of aquatics programs including open swims, lane swims and aquafit!
Upcoming Program Registration Dates
Please note that current aquatics programs are currently not running while the Aquatics Centre is temporarily closed for renovations. The project is expected to last until fall 2025.
Program descriptions and registration links are available in the list below.
Aquafit: Get energized, burn calories, and improve your overall fitness with this moderate to high intensity cardio water workout. Exercising in the water lowers the impact of high intensity movements while creating a natural resistance that will build your muscle strength. View Aquafit times on ActiveNet.
Lanes: Lanes are set out for lap swimming, providing an excellent opportunity to get fit. View Lane Swim times on ActiveNet.
Open swim: Bring the family for an open swim in our indoor pool. Enjoy deep and shallow ends as well as an attached leisure pool. A ramp and wide steps into the pool make it accessible for all. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission Policy in effect. View Open Swim times on ActiveNet.
Pool rentals: Rent the pool for your next event! To book, check availability and see the current fees visit ActiveNet.
Lifejacket lending program
We are pleased to announce that, thanks to a generous donation from the Cook-Rees Memorial Fund for Water Search and Safety we are offering a free lifejacket lending program.
This lifejacket lending program is a public service to provide lifejackets for people to stay safe while they are participating in water activities but may not have access to lifejackets.
Lifejackets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The lending period is for one week. An adult (18+) must sign out the lifejackets and complete a waiver of responsibility. Lifejackets are inspected and sanitized between loans. If you are interested in borrowing a lifejacket, simply email us at aquatics@town.stmarys.on.ca. Pick up and drop off is at the Pyramid Recreation Centre.
Lifejackets will be accompanied by Water Smart© educational material from the Lifesaving Society.
Lifejacket inventory
| Lifejacket |
Weight/size |
Quantity |
| Infant |
20-30 lbs. |
6 |
| Child |
30-60 lbs. |
6 |
| Junior |
60-90 lbs. |
6 |
| Adult |
(XXS/XS) |
4 |
| Adult |
(S/M) |
4 |
| Adult |
(L/XL) |
4 |
| Adult |
(XXL/XXXL) |
4 |
Stay a float, wear a lifejacket!
Admission rates
Pay per visit:
- Child/Youth (3-18): $4.10
- Adult (19-64): $5.75
- Older Adult (65+): $5.55
- Family (2 adults and 3 children): $17.30
Passes:
| Number of passes |
Child/youth (3 - 18 yrs) |
Adult (19 - 64 yrs) |
Older adult (65+ yrs) |
| 15 passes |
$55.37 |
$77.64 |
$74.90 |
| 30 passes |
$108.29 |
$151.85 |
$146.47 |
| 60 passes |
$211.66 |
$296.78 |
$286.30 |
Admission Policy
- 7 years and under: Regardless of swimming ability, children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is at least 12 years of age and responsible for their direct supervision, with a maximum of 2 children per parent/guardian and must remain in the shallow end. Parent/guardian must be in bathing attire and within arm’s reach of the child(ren) at all times in and out of the water. Lifejackets are available for those 7 and under but not required.
-
8 - 10 years: Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is at least 12 years of age and responsible for their direct supervision, with a maximum of 2 children for per parent/guardian and must remain in the shallow end. Maximum number of children increases to 8 bathers to one parent/guardian (8:1) if approved life-jackets are worn by all non-swimmers in their charge. They must remain in the shallow end. Parent/guardian must be in bathing attire and within arm's reach of the child(ren) at all times in and out of the water. Child can complete swim test: Admitted unaccompanied.
- 11+ years: Admitted unaccompanied. Recommended to always swim with a buddy.
Definitions:
-
Swim Test: Tread water for 30 seconds and swim 2 widths continuously.
-
Direct Supervision - Able to render immediate assistance, 'within arm's reach'.
-
Guardian - A person of at least 12 years of age who is responsible for the children.
-
Swim attire - Bathing attire is used for the purpose of swimming only. T-shirts are permitted. Undergarments, cut-offs and street clothes are not permitted.
Be "water smart"
Water safety basics are key to preventing an emergency in or around the water. Check the following resources to learn more:
Frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
