Swimming

• In addition to our existing admission standards, it is recommended that participants between the ages of 10-15 years be accompanied by a parent/guardian who is a minimum of 16 years of age. The parent/guardian for those aged 10-15 years would pay admission and remain in the pool enclosure to supervise, be available for any first aid incidents, and to ensure the physical distancing of 2 meters/6 feet is maintained throughout the swim (with the exception of those who are within your group). There is no maximum number of children per guardian for this age group. This recommendation is meant to decrease contact between staff and the public while promoting safe distancing in the event of an emergency.
  
• Facility Swim Test: To ensure the safety of all participants, children (6 to 9 years) who wish to swim unaccompanied in the pool must complete the facility swim test: Proficiently swim 2 widths un-aided (i.e. no lifejacket, water wings, etc.) of the pool followed immediately by 1 minute of treading water (head and ears remaining above the surface at all times). Upon completing the facility swim test, the child will receive a green wristband.
  Facility swim tests are conducted during public swim times and results are recorded on your registration account.
  
• Click here to view the admission guidelines page for more information 

• Aqua Fitness Drop-in Classes will continue to be available for pre-registration.
• Reservations are not required for participation to Aqua fitness classes, however, it is strongly recommended that participants register online in Xplor in advance as all classes are first-come, first-served. Walk-in's are available where space permits.
  
• Visit newmarket.ca/schedule for up to date Aqua Fitness Schedules
  

• The Town of Newmarket is proud to offer quality swimming lessons through the Lifesaving Society Learn to Swim program that will help participants develop water safety skills that will last a lifetime.
  
• Unsure which level to register for? You are welcome to have your child attend any public swim and ask the Deck Supervisor if there are staff available to conduct a swim assessment. Most of the time we are able to accommodate this, but due to staffing constraints and program demands we may not be able to accommodate and you may be asked to attend another swim. Swim assessments are no longer able to be scheduled and are not level replacements nor can they act as proof of level completion – you will receive a verbal suggestion of which level to register for. Alternatively, reach out to us at swimming@newmarket.ca with information regarding your child's age, if they have done lessons before, and general swimming ability and we can advise over email.
  
• If you would like to request a specific instructor for swimming lessons, please email swimming@newmarket.ca. We cannot guarantee that the request will be granted.
• We are unable to provide makeup lessons for any missed classes.
• Interested in our inclusion swimming lessons for individuals with identified special needs? Please complete an All About Me Package and contact swimming@newmarket.ca.

I'm close to the age requirement, can I come anyway?

• No. The age requirement on all aquatic leadership programs is set by the Lifesaving Society and must be followed. Candidates will be asked to provide documentation demonstrating their date of birth at the beginning of their course.

Do I have to take the courses in order?

• Yes. All of the aquatic leadership courses build on knowledge learned and fall within a progression-based model. Required courses have the prerequisites listed in the course descriptions.

Some courses say required and some say recommended. What is the difference?

• The courses that are required are prerequisites for certifications that are needed to become a swim instructor or lifeguard. We strongly recommend the other courses to assist in the development of the candidate, to assist with their ability to perform on the job and to increase their knowledge.

Is attendance 100% mandatory?

• Yes. The Lifesaving Society sets the hours required to learn the course material. Courses move quickly and some content is only covered once by instructors.

What do I need to bring?

• On the first day please bring the following: Lunch, snacks, water bottle, bathing suit and towel, deck shoes, whistle, note books and pen, proof of age (birth certificate, driver's licence, etc.), and certification cards from previous courses.

I haven't received my certification card. What do I do?

• Temporary cards are good for 90 days. If you haven't received your certification card 90 days after taking the course, you should contact the Lifesaving Society at 416-490-8844.

I have a copy of the course materials; can I use them and waive the extra fees?

• Extra fees for leadership courses cover the exam fee and material costs set by the Lifesaving Society. If you have a current copy of the books you can use them and we will remove the cost from the course.

My Standard First Aid (SFA) with CPR-C is expiring do I have to take a full course?

• You must alternate the full course and a recert every three years. If you are unsure you can look up your qualifications at lifesaving.com with your member ID. For the National Lifeguard course, the SFA and CPR-C prerequisite must be from one of the following organizations (Lifesaving Society, St. John's Ambulance, Canadian Red Cross, or Canadian Ski Patrol).