Aquatics Programs and Lessons

Program Registration

Saugeen Shores offers a wide-range of aquatic programming at our new Pryde Aquatic and Wellness Centre. On this page you will find information about types of programming and program descriptions including swimming levels and lessons. Visit our registration page for program time and to register.

Swimming Lessons

We also offer free swim assessments to help place swimmers in the correct level for their success and safety. Contact us to book a time at 519-832-2627.

How do I know what level to register for?

Book a free swim assessment. Aquatic staff will conduct a short evaluation and recommend a swim level.

Should the levels be completed in order?

Yes. Each level builds on the skills developed from the level before. Progressing through each level builds swimmer's confidence and their ability to be successful.

If a young swimmer (under 6 years) has completed all Preschool levels, we are testing a new program called Splash Big E to keep kids in the water until they can move up to the Swimmer levels.

How can I help my child become more comfortable in the pool?

Attending public swims or swimming in the lake (weather permitting) are great ways to help your child become more comfortable around water. Check out our Drop-in Aquatics schedules for swim times.

Fun Swims, Family Swims or Parent and Tot Swims are great programs for spending time in the water.

Are private lessons available?

Private lesson availability varies by session. Lessons will be included in the session's aquatic program schedule when they're available.

Who are private lessons suited for?

Private lessons are best suited for swimmers that need extra support on 1 or 2 specific skills to move onto the next level.

Preschoolers that are struggling with fear of swimming by themselves or putting their faces in the water and being comfortable, privates are an option to work on those fears and tailor the class to overcoming those obstacles and not focusing on all the skills to complete to the next level but improving comfort in the water, so they are ready to join a group class.

We follow the Lifesaving Society's swim levels. Review the level descriptions to choose the right swim level. A personal flotation device is described as a PFD. PFDs are commonly referred to as life jackets.

Parent and Tot and Preschool Levels (4 months up to 6 years)

Parent and Tot 1 (4 to 12 months)

With a caregiver the child will explore the water through buoyancy, movement skills, PFDs and entries. Learn how to help your child play in the water with comfort and confidence.

Parent and Tot 2 (1 to 2.5 years)

With a caregiver the child will perform assisted front and back floats, learn how to travel at the surface by kicking and introduce entries with a PFD. This level teaches children how to get their face wet and blow bubbles.

Tots 3 (2.5 to 3.5 years)

With a caregiver, for up to 5 classes, the child will have fun jumping into the water with assistance. They learn to hold their breath and open their eyes under water. Kicking on front and back provides the building blocks for orientation and stroke development.

Preschool Prep (3 to up to 6 years)

Swimmers and caregivers work with the Instructor to promote and improve independence in the water, with the goal to have caregivers out of the water by the end of session. Preschool Prep is an ideal lesson for those who have aged out of Tots 3 level and are not quite ready to be alone in the pool. Children learn to float, glide and kick providing crucial building blocks for water comfort and stroke development. Swimmers will work towards a 1-meter unassisted swim.

Preschool A

Jump into chest-deep water assisted, float on their front and back, glide with assistance for 3 seconds, move in the shallow water wearing a PFD. Unassisted swim, 1 to 2 metres.

Preschool B

Jump into chest-deep water, climb in and out wearing a PFD, submerge and exhale underwater, glide on front and back 3 metres and flutter kick on back with a buoyant aid for 5 metres. Unassisted swim, 2 to 4 metres.

Preschool C

Jump and side roll into deep water wearing a PFD, recover objects from the bottom in waist-deep water, work on kicking and gliding in the water on front and back unassisted. Unassisted swim, 5 to 7 metres.

Preschool D

Jump into deep water, recover objects from the bottom in chest-deep water and are introduced to front crawl for 2 to 3 metres. Unassisted swim, 7 to 9 metres.

Preschool E

Demonstrate a forward roll entry into deep water with PFD, practice holding breath underwater for up to 10 seconds and are introduced to interval training and whip kick. Unassisted swim, 10 to 12 metres.

Splash Big E (5 up to 6 years)

This pilot program is for those advanced young swimmers that have successfully completed Preschool E multiple times while waiting to turn 6 years of age and move up. Swimmers must be 5 years of age and confident swimming a width of the pool (12 metres) where they cannot touch on their front and back, and with no assistance from buoyant aids or instructors. Swimmers will work on front and back crawl, entries into water and breath control.

Swimmer Levels (6 years and older)

Swimmer 1

Beginners become comfortable jumping into water with and without a PFD, open their eyes, exhale and hold their breath underwater and work on floats, glides and kicking. Length of swim, 5 to 7 metres.

Swimmer 2

Jump into deeper water and become comfortable falling sideways wearing a PFD, support themselves at the surface without an aid and recover an object in chest-deep water. Length of swim, 10 to 15 metres.

Swimmer 3

Develop front and back crawl strokes and explore whip kick in a vertical position, tread water for up to 30 seconds, and learn to transition from front to back flutter kick. Length of swim, 20 to 25 metres.

Swimmer 4

Work on stride and standing dives into deep water, improve front crawl, back crawl and whip kick and are introduced to a 3 metre underwater swim. Length of swim, 50 metres.

Swimmer 5

Shallow dive into deep water and perform in-water back somersaults, roll into deep water, tread for 1 minute and swim 50 metres. Improve front and back crawl and learn breaststroke skills. Length of swim, 100 metres.

Swimmer 6

Increase efficiency of front and back crawl including sprints for endurance, work on breaststroke skills and learn stride entries, scissor kick and vertical dolphin kick. Length of swim, 150 metres.

Swimmer 7

Master dolphin kick, diving off blocks and the eggbeater. Introduced to sculling and maximize efficiency in front crawl, back crawl and breaststroke. Length of swim, 300 metres.

Swimmer 8 (8 years and older)

Head and foot first surface dives, length swims and 25 metre obstacle swim, and first aid including assessment of conscious victims, contacting emergency services (EMS) and treatment for bleeding. Length of swim, 350 metres.

Swimmer 9 (8 years and older)

Continue stroke development with 75m swims, learn lifesaving skills and first aid including assessment of unconscious victims, treatment for shock and obstructed airway procedures. Length of swim, 500 metres.

Swimmer 10 (8 years and older)

Develop each stroke over 100 metres, build on lifesaving skills and first aid including treatment of bone and joint injuries and respiratory emergencies. Develops a strong lifesaving foundation. Length of swim, 600 metres.

Contact Us

Registration questions: Call 519-832-2008 ext 131 or email
Swimming lessons or aquatic programs: Call 519-832-2627 or email

Programs

Adult Aquatic Programs and Lessons

Aqua Fitness Programs

The Pryde AWC is home to two pools! One warm water Leisure Pool with various jets, bubblers and water features. The second pool is an 8-lane Lap Pool which includes a rock-climbing wall, "Tarzan Rope" and state-of-the-art competitive swimming training system.

Both pools feature deck level ramps and a hydraulic lift in addition to aquatic wheelchairs.

Check out the pool schedule for times.

Adult Swimming Lessons

Adult swimming lessons will resume in January 2026 at the Pryde Aquatic and Wellness Centre. We offer four levels of adult swimming lessons.

Intro to Swimming: Adult Level 1
Learn to Swim: Adult Level 2
Stroke Improvement: Adult Level 3
Power Swim: Adult Level 4

Intro to Swimming: Adult Level 1

Are you new to swimming? Never taken lessons, or a beginner swimmer, this is the program for you. We start from the beginning and learn the basics of swimming. We will work on floats, glides and proper breathing when in the water. Our goal is to complete a 10m swim with comfort and ease.

Learn to Swim: Adult Level 2

Level 2 is for our swimmers who have already mastered the basics of floats and glides and are looking to further develop their swimming skills. In this program we will introduce and develop basic strokes such as front crawl and back crawl. We will aim for 25 to 50m swims of the core strokes by the end of the session.

Stroke Improvement: Adult Level 3

This program is for our swimmer’s who are comfortable in the water looking to improve endurance and stroke technique with fitness and technical drills. Swimmers should be confident swimming multiple lengths in one or more of the three core strokes: front crawl, back crawl and/or breaststroke.

Power Swim: Adult Level 4

This swim program is great for swimmers interested in building their endurance and technique through drills and pace/time swims. Swimmers will learn how to read a swim set and will monitor their own progress throughout each set. This is an excellent program for swimmers training for their first triathlon, looking to improve their endurance or swimmers getting back into a fitness routine.

Drop-in Pool Schedule

Visit our Drop-in Programs and Schedules for the Pryde AWC's offering of a variety of water-based activities for fitness, recreation and fun.

Lifesaving Sport (Fundamentals) - Saugeen Shores Lifesaving Club

Check out the aquatic program schedule or online registration portal for program dates, times and fees. If you're new to Lifesaving Sport or unsure what level to register for, contact us before registering by email.

What to expect from Lifesaving Sport?

Training in a team setting and developing life-long skills (in and out of the water).
Building on endurance and stroke techniques in a non-swimming lesson environment.
Incorporating lifesaving carries, tows and throw rescues through a sports lens.
Making new friends and building relationships.
Opportunity to aim for personal bests and race at competitive Lifesaving meets.

Interested in learning more? Contact our Aquatics team at 519-832-2627.

Program Descriptions

Sea Horses (8 to 12 years)

Athletes must have passed Swimmer 4 or higher. They will be working with coaches improving their endurance in running and swimming as well as improving their boarding technique. Athletes must be comfortable swimming 50m nonstop and treading water for 30 seconds. No previous Lifesaving Sport training needed.

Surfers (9 to 13 years)

Athletes must be able to swim 100 metres (4 lengths of the Centennial Pool) with proper front crawl nonstop and tread water for 2 minutes. To enter this level, athletes that are 9 and 10 years of age and parents should have a conversation with the Coaches prior to registration.

Junior Squad (12 years and older)

Athletes must be able to swim 300m with proper front crawl nonstop and tread water for 5 minutes. Athletes will be challenged to improve their training and improve their race results. Coaches, parents, and athletes should have a conversation prior to registration.

Competitive Squad (14 years and older)

This program is for young athletes ready to commit to training on a regular basis. Athletes will be swimming 8 to 10 km per week and focusing on getting stronger and faster in both their swimming, running and transitions. Athletes must be 14 years of age with a Bronze Medallion. Please talk to the chat Head Coach before registering to confirm level.

Advanced Aquatics and Training

Saugeen Shores provides courses and training to pool professionals and the public. Advanced aquatic training courses take place throughout the year, including standard first aid and CPR courses. Whether you want to feel more comfortable with your kids or grandkids around water or you're a teen looking for a career in aquatics, we have the training for you.

Upcoming Courses

View courses online

Program Descriptions

Standard First Aid and CPR-C (12+)

This Lifesaving Society first aid program is recognized by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and includes CPR C and Automated External Defibrillation (AED). This first aid program will train you in the following areas. Learn to deal with injuries and medical emergencies at home, work or play.

Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross

Bronze Star

As the say goes, you are not finished swimming lessons until you're ‘bronzed.’ This pre-bronze course will get participants ready to complete their bronze medal awards. Learning includes victim simulation, minor rescues, and CPR techniques.

Participants must be 11 years of age or older.

Bronze Medallion

This course is the second step towards the lifeguarding certification in Canada. The award is part of the Lifesaving Society's Bronze series of awards and includes water safety, rescues, resuscitation, and an introduction to spinal injury management. To participate in this program you must have the Bronze Medallion Manual and if not you can purchase one when registering.

Participants must be 13 years of age or older. Participants may be under 13 years if they hold a Bronze Star award.

Bronze Cross

Designed for lifesavers who want the challenge of more advanced training including an introduction to safe supervision in aquatic facilities. Bronze Cross is a prerequisite for all advanced training programs including National Lifeguard and Instructor certification. Includes a timed 400 m swim.

Participants must be 14 years of age or older and have Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid.

Lifesaving Assistant Instructor

Through classroom learning and in-water practice, this course will prepare you to assist instructors with swim lessons. This course provides an introduction to swimming instruction and will focus on key learning such as safety, swimming skills and stroke mechanics, as well as, communication and learning strategies. This course includes up to 20hrs of apprentice teaching which at this time will be dependent on Covid-19 restrictions.

Participants must have a Bronze Cross certification or higher to take this course.

Lifesaving Swim Instructor

This course prepares the instructor to teach and evaluate the swimming strokes and related skills found in the Lifesaving Society Swim for Life program. Candidates acquire proven teaching methods, planning skills, and a variety of stroke development drills and correction techniques.

Participants must be 15 years of age or older and have a valid Assistant Instructor certification. 100% attendance is required to complete this course.

NL - Pool (National Lifeguard)

This intensive 40 hour course will train participants in advance water rescue, emergency care and aquatic supervision. Emphasis will be on accident prevention, leadership, teamwork and communication. NL is the standard lifeguarding certification across Canada. 100% attendance is mandatory to complete this course.

Participants must be 15 years of age or older and have a valid Standard First Aid and Bronze Cross certification.

Training Path to Become a Lifeguard/ Instructor

Follow these steps to become a Lifeguard/Instructor. Students can continue to develop their skills through additional coaching, teaching and waterfront certifications.

Step 1: Bronze Star (11 and older)

We recommend starting here; laying the foundation of valuable lifesaving and first aid skills.

Step 2: Bronze Medallion (13 and older)

Combined with emergency first aid training, this courses builds on the Bronze Star program and is a pre-requisite for Bronze Cross.

Step 3: Bronze Cross + Assistant Lifesaving Instructor (14 and older)

These courses are required to complete the National Lifeguard and instructor certifications. Bronze Cross is a pre-requisite to the Assistant Lifesaving Instructor course.

Step 4: Standard First Aid and CPR-C (12 and older)

A pre-requisite for National Lifeguard.

Step 5: National Lifeguard (NL) + Lifesaving Swim Instructor (15 and older)

These courses certify you to work as a lifeguard and swim instructor. Certification can be completed at 15 years and lifeguard instructors can start working as a Lifeguard Instructor when they're 15 years old.

Working at the Pool

Do you have your Bronze Cross, Standard First Aid and Assistant Lifesaving Instructor certifications? We are always interested in hearing from certified Lifeguards and Instructors. Contact the Aquatic Supervisor.

Mini-Breakers and Master's Swim Team

We have partnered up with the Breakers Swim Team on two great programs for youth and adults with an interest in competitive swimming. View the registration information and descriptions below.

Registration

Register by contacting the Breakers Swim Team at breakersswimming@gmail.com or visiting their website at www.breakerswimteam.com

Mini-Breakers: Learn to Swim like a Breaker

This session-based, twice per week program is an introduction to competitive swimming. The focus is on fun, learning new strokes and team building. Targeted for swimmers 6 to 10 years old and coached by certified Breakers Swim Team coaches. Swimmers must be able to complete 25 metres non-stop of Freestyle or Backstroke.

Master's Swim Team

The Breakers Masters program is designed for adult swimmers with a wide range of skills. Masters swimmers join the program to stay fit, improve their skills, train for triathlons, and compete in sanctioned masters swim competitions. All workouts are coached by NCCP certified Breakers coaches. Masters swimming is both social and supportive. Some masters swimmers have gone on to become coaches, officials, and helpers working with our youth.

Session 1 runs September 25 to January 26. Session 2 runs February 5 to June 1.

Aquatic Policies

Pool Admission Policy

Requirements for Children

Children 6 years of age and younger must be accompanied by a parent, or guardian who is at least 16 years of age and is responsible for their direct supervision.
Children 7 to 9 years of age must pass a facility swim test or be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is at least 16 years of age and is responsible for their direct supervision.
Children must be 7 years or older and meet pool admission policy requirements in order to use the pool inflatable.
We encourage all our swimmers to swim with a buddy.

Direct Supervision

Direct supervision is defined by being within arms reach at all times. When directly supervising children there is a maximum of two children under the age of 9 years old per guardian.

Swim Test

The swim test is 2 widths of a recognizable stroke without stopping and 1 minute of treading water.

Medical Conditions and Special Needs

Those with serious medical conditions should be accompanied by an individual who knows their condition and is responsible for their direct supervision. Adult, children and seniors are welcome. Any caregiver volunteering their time to help a person with special needs is admitted free (1 caregiver). Special needs swimmers are welcome at any of our swims.

Pool Capacity

Lap Pool: Maximum 269 people
Leisure Pool: 86 people
Drop-in Programs participation caps vary by program

Winter Weather Cancellation Policy

The AWC Pool will be closed when:

Roads are closed due to weather conditions
Ministry of Transportation and OPP are recommending that if you do not need to travel to stay home
When schools are closed due to weather conditions

If programs are cancelled, participants will be notified by:

Social media on Facebook
Local radio stations
Email to all registrants that have provided an email address

Weather Conditions and Cancellations

Conditions will be monitored and re-evaluated every 6 hours. For example, if schools are closed in the morning but roads become clear and safe as the day progresses, evening programs will run as scheduled.

Lesson Cancellation and Closures

Our goal is to make the decision on whether lessons will run by 1pm. If lessons are cancelled for the evening, all drop-in programs and rentals will also be cancelled.

Recreation
600 Tomlinson Drive, P.O. Box 820
Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C0
Phone 519-832-2008 Ext. 131
Email