We all know water safety is important. Swimming isn’t just about getting active and having fun – it’s a life skill. Luckily, many kids love to spend time in the water. Through the city you can find Vancouver swimming lessons for babies as young as four months old. Those lessons continue right on up through the toddler and preschool years and beyond.
Each level is geared towards the abilities of the age group. Babies start by getting comfortable in the water and having fun with caregivers. Toddlers become a little more independent and learn more while having fun with parents in the water. And preschoolers start to take lessons independently and learn swimming skills.
Some mamas wonder if it’s really a good idea to take little ones into the water. The good news is that swimming lessons are safe for babies and toddlers. You just need to keep your little one warm and keep an eye on them to make sure they’re healthy and having fun. Your instructor will be able to help and answer your questions. Want tips on preparing your kids for swimming lessons? Check out the Red Cross Swim News for preschoolers online.
City of Vancouver Swimming Lessons
The City of Vancouver swimming lessons use the Red Cross curriculum. Here’s how the levels break down:
- Starfish – For babies 4-12 months old and their caregivers.
- Duck – For toddlers 12-24 months old and their caregivers.
- Sea Turtle – For toddlers 24-36 months old and their caregivers.
- Sea Otter – Level one for preschoolers aged 3, 4 and 5 years old.
- Salamander – Level two for preschoolers aged 3, 4 and 5 years old.
- Sunfish – Level three for preschoolers aged 3, 4 and 5 years old.
- Crocodile – Level three for preschoolers aged 3, 4 and 5 years old.
- Whale – Level three for preschoolers aged 3, 4 and 5 years old.
Registering for City of Vancouver Swimming Lessons
Getting the swimming lessons you want in Vancouver can be difficult, as any mama who has tried to register their little one can tell you. Some pools, like Hillcrest, are particularly competitive. To increase your odds of landing the perfect City of Vancouver swimming lessons for your child, here are some tips to follow:
- Make sure your username and password are set up and you can login successfully a couple of days before registration opens.
- Scout out your preferred swimming lessons ahead of time. In case you can’t get your first choice note your second and third choices in advance as well.
- Follow @ParkBoard on Twitter during registration, where they’ll be tweeting live updates to keep you in the loop.
Find more tips online here.
To learn more about Vancouver swimming lessons, swimming pools and all kinds of water-based fun, visit vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/swimming-and-water-activities.aspx. Happy swimming!