Learn to Swim Class Options

Group Lessons

These lessons offer a high quality and social learn to swim experience in small group settings. Classes are 30 - 45 minutes in duration.

Girls Only Group Lessons

These classes are for females only. All Girls Only/Female Only programs take place at Dunbarton Indoor Pool.

Semi Private Lessons

Semi Private classes guarantee a maximum of 3 participants per class, are 1/2 hour in duration. These low ratio classes are offered at both pools. Learners of all ages and all swim levels may take advantage of Semi Private instruction.

Private Lessons

Private lessons are a great alternative to group or semi-private lessons. Private classes guarantee a maximum of 1 participant per class, are 1/2 hour in duration. All Lifesaving Society programs are offered as well as Adult and Youth swim levels. 

Parent & Tot Program 4 mos - 3 yrs

The parent & tot programs provide an opportunity for parents and children to enjoy structured in-water interaction in a fun and social setting. Focusing on the importance of play and developing water positive attitudes and skills, children gain valuable exposure to being in and around the water. Parents will learn to be Water Smart to keep themselves and their child safe in any aquatic setting.

Activities and progressions in Parent & Tot are based on developmental stages. Register in the level appropriate for your child’s age.

• Parent & Tot 1 4 - 12 mos

• Parent & Tot 2 12 - 24 mos

• Parent & Tot 3 2 - 3 yrs

 View class listings

Preschool Program 3 - 5 yrs 

The preschool programs provide children with an early start in learning to swim. Children 3-5 years old will have fun while gaining foundational water skills and become comfortable in the water. Water Smart education is incorporated into all Preschool levels to support children in learning how to keep themselves safe in and around the water.

• Preschool 1

• Preschool 2

• Preschool 3

• Preschool 4

• Preschool 5

View class listings

Swimmer Program 6 - 12 yrs

This is a 6-level learn to swim program for children 6-12 years old. There is a prominent focus on in-water swimming practice as swimmers learn fundamental strokes and skills, mastering them as they progress through the program. Swimmers also learn how to be safe in, on, and around the water through Water Smart education incorporated into every level.

• Swimmer 1

• Swimmer 2

• Swimmer 3

• Swimmer 4

• Swimmer 5

• Swimmer 6

View class listings

Canadian Swim Patrol 6 - 13 yrs

The Lifesaving Society’s 3 level Canadian Swim Patrol program is for swimmers who are ready to focus on developing strength and proficiency while introducing the challenging world of lifesaving. Swimmers will have fun enhancing their capability in the water, increasing their physical conditioning, and learning lifesaving judgment. Each level will continue to develop swimmers’ strokes and provide a skill foundation that will prepare them for success in the Society’s Bronze Medal Awards.

Each level of the Canadian Swim Patrol program has three modules: Water Proficiency, First Aid, and Recognition and Rescue.

• Rookie Patrol (Swimmer 7)

• Ranger Patrol (Swimmer 8)

• Star Patrol (Swimmer 9)

View class listings

Youth Programs 14 - 17 yrs

• Bronze Star 10 - 12 yrs
• Teen Swimmer
• Youth Fitness Swimmer

View class listings

Adult Swimmer 16+

Beginners just starting out or swimmers looking to improve their strokes will find that the new Adult Swimmer program will help them achieve their swimming goals. Swimmers will work to gain confidence in the water, develop smooth recognizable strokes, and improve their water fitness. Water Smart education is incorporated into all levels to support the Lifesaving Society’s mandate of drowning prevention.

• Adult 1

• Adult 2

• Adult 3

 View class listings

Swimming Lessons - General Information Q&A's 

When registering

Please ensure that you read the course description and prerequisites before enrolling. If you are still unsure of the appropriate level, we can arrange for an assessment by one of our aquatic staff. Refunds are not issued for enrolling in the incorrect level or a level that was not recommended.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s lessons, please do not hesitate to talk to the on-deck supervisor immediately. We appreciate your feedback and can usually solve your concerns as soon as we know about them.

What to bring

Just a swimsuit and a towel. All children who are not toilet trained are required to wear a plasticized bathing suit or plastic pants over their bathing suit - no disposable diapers.

Can I make up lessons?

Plan your schedule carefully. There are no make-up lessons or credits for missed classes. If we need to cancel a class due to inclement weather, pool fouling, etc., we will do our best to reschedule it at the end. If we cannot reschedule the class, you will be credited for the missed lesson.

Can I watch my child during lessons?

Experience has shown us that your child is better able to concentrate on lessons without additional on deck distractions. Viewing is available in the area upstairs at the Recreation Complex or the foyer at Dunbarton Pool.

We suggest not to leave the premises as lessons run for 30 or 45 minutes. 

Open House takes place on the last day of lessons. During this time, you are welcome to remove your street shoes and stay on the pool deck.

Please help us to prevent cancellations by feeding your child after lessons or at least one hour before.

Due to the large number of program participants, we are unable to accept requests for specific instructors.

Wait Lists

Your name will be added to the wait list for your first choice only. You may add your name to a wait list using Active Net without making a payment.

Swim Evaluations

If your child is returning to swim lessons but you are not sure what level to register them for you can stop by during public swim times to get an evaluation. Evaluations are free and are approximately 15 minutes in length. All pool admission policies apply. See the Aquatics Page for public swim times and information.

Aquatic Leadership Programs

The path to an exciting and rewarding career in Aquatics starts here! The following courses are offered...

• Bronze Medallion & Emergency First Aid 13+

• Bronze Cross 14+

• Lifesaving Society Assistant Instructor 14+

• Lifesaving Society Swim For Life Instructor 15+

• Lifesaving and Emergency First Aid Instructor 16+

• National Lifeguard Certification (NL) 15+

View class listings

 Aquafit Programs

Participants must be 15+

Take advantage of the unique benefits of water exercise to create a low impact program that appeals to a wide variety of abilities. Classes are offered at both CHD Rec Complex and Dunbarton Indoor pool.

View class listings

Aquatic / Swim Clubs & Links

Pickering Master Splashers Swim Club

See website for information and membership
pickeringmsc.ca

Pickering Swim Club

See club website for information

Membership

CHD Recreation Complex offers both Seasonal and Annual Memberships. Complete Membership options and information can be found on our webpage.

View CHDRC Memberships

Health Club

Available use through membership or pay-as-you go.

• Cardio and Weight room with running track
• state of the art equipment
• CEPSM certified fitness trainers

See the Recreation Complex webpage for complete details.

Group Fitness Classes

7 days a week • 3 dedicated fitness studios • Fit For Everyone

Classes are available through membership, as a registered program, or pay-as-you-go basis.

• Participants must be 13+, or as otherwise listed for some classes.
• Registered program listings are online at pickering.ca/active
• See current Fitness Class Schedules, class descriptions, studio details, pricing and membership information at pickering.ca/fitness

Personalized Training Services

All of our trainers are CSEP Certified Personal Trainers who work with individuals to meet their healthy lifestyle goals using an evidence informed approach acquired through post secondary education.

• Personal and Buddy Training
• Pilates Reformer Sessions (Private or Semi-Private) 
• Fascial Stretch Therapy
• Private Yoga Therapy

View Personal Training options 

For more information contact the Fitness Office, 905.683.6582 ext 3247.

Swimming Pool

Public Swim is offered at both CHD Recreation Complex and Dunbarton Indoor Pools. 

See the Aquatics web page for details and schedules.

Courts: Handball, Racquetball, Squash, Tennis

Available use through membership or pay-as-you go.

Members can book a court online at prc.gametime.net or by phone at 905.831.1730.

• 2 Racquetball courts (also available for handball/wallyball)
• 6 singles squash courts
• 2 doubles squash courts
• 4 Tennis courts
• Racquetball and Squash bookings are 40 minutes
• Tennis bookings are 60 minutes

Visit Racquet Sports at pickering.ca/fit for complete details

4 Wall Handball Lessons

Free Handball Clinics for Youth
8 -18 yrs

This dynamic activity offers excellent cardiovascular benefits, combining speed while enhancing agility, hand-eye coordination, endurance, and strength. 4 Wall handball is the ultimate cross training sport that's fun too!

Volunteers from the Ontario Handball Association are offering complimentary lessons and coaching sessions:

• Sundays, October 8 to December 10
• 1 hour sessions are available at 12:00 pm or from 1:00 pm.
• Equipment will be provided (ball, protective eye wear and gloves if needed)
• Space is limited, and advance registration is required.

Search Handball at pickering.ca/active to register for your preferred date and time.

Squash Lessons & Services 

Squash Pro: Nicole Pirko
905.831.1711 ext. 3235

Lessons

• Private & Semi Private lessons are available
• Beginner to intermediate lessons for both singles and doubles play are available. Both Adult and Junior classes are available starting at 7 years of age.

Squash Lesson details are in the guide and online at pickering.ca/fit - Squash page

Services

• Pro Shop & Racquet re-stringing service is available. Contact Squash office for details.

Tennis Lessons

Tennis Pro: Dave Ochotta
905.831.1711 ext 3235

Lessons

• Private, semi-private and small group lessons are offered by our Head Tennis Pro and his Assistants.
• Tennis Lesson details are in the guide online at pickering.ca/fit - Tennis page

Services

• Pro Shop & Racquet re-stringing service is available. Contact Tennis office for details.

City of Pickering Mayor and Council

Mayor and Members of Council are responsible for the management and administration of the City's resources.  As well as attending Council and Committee meetings, some members are also active on a number of board and committee meetings.

Our door is always open. Please share any comments, questions or concerns.

View Pickering Council page

Accessibility

We are committed to meeting the needs of our growing community and providing accessible programs, services and resources to all of our residents.

pickering.ca/accessibility

Customer Care

The Customer Care Centre provides an important link between members of the public, the Mayor, Members of Council, and City of Pickering municipal departments. Our main priority is to ensure that you, "the customer" receive prompt attention and service regarding any municipal concerns you may have.

Visit us online to see how you can Connect with Your City

pickering.ca/customercare

The City is currently in the process of building its first Community Safety & Well-Being Plan. We are striving to create a Pickering-specific action plan to support healthier communities, both physically and mentally.

letstalkpickering.ca/cswb

211

When you don't know where to turn, 211 Helps people find the right community and social services. It's free and confidential.
Call 211 or visit 211ontario.ca

Facility Rentals & Children's Parties

Pre-teen Social Events (exclusively for grades 5 - 8)

Safe, Supervised, Fun

Winter Festive Formal | Friday, December 15

Glow in the dark Dance Party | Friday, February 23

Maple Leafs Party | Friday, April 26

Tickets are $14.00 and must be purchased online at pickering.ca/active.

Complete details are available on our website.

pickering.ca/preteensocial

Free Teen Stuff for Pickering Teens 13 - 19 yrs

The City offers a wide range of free recreational opportunities, activities, events, and more for local youth 13 -19 yrs of age.  

Membership is required (it’s free) and you can get it at any Free Teen Program. Parent verification will be required on your first visit.

See website for complete details and schedule.

PS... Have you heard? We are in Claremont now too! Check out Free Teen Stuff programming at Dr. Nelson F. Tomlinson CC this winter!

pickering.ca/teen

905.420.6588 | freeteenstuff@pickering.ca |   free teen stuff

Aging Well Adults 55+

The City offers a variety of free or low cost recreational opportunities for our older adult community.

Seniors’ Centre Without Walls (free phone in programs)

Connect with others and enjoy some social fun from the comfort and safety of home. These weekly sessions are phone in programs, so a computer and/or internet are not required.

Spotlight Series Seminars (free presentations by local guest speakers)

Join us for interactive seminars on various topics of interest to older adults.

Visit our website or give us a call to find out more! 

Exclusive Events

• Poinsettia Tea | December 3 - Tickets on sale now

pickering.ca/adults55plus

905.420.6588  | email: communityservices@pickering.ca

Pickering Events

• Winter Nights, City Lights
• Santa Claus Parade
• Teen Art Show Gala
• A Storybook Christmas at Pickering Museum Village (tickets available now)
• Poinsettia Tea (55+ event)

Visit the City's event calendar to see a full list of upcoming events with details.

pickering.ca/events

905.420.4620 |    @pickeringevents

Pickering Culture

Heritage & History | Public Art & Placemaking | Tourism

Creating a vibrant community; Discover Pickering's vision for arts, culture and heritage.

pickering.ca/culture