Swim Programs
In normal years North Toronto Aquatic Club offers four different types of instruction. All of our courses are taught by certified instructors. Classes are held at the Glenview pool 5 days a week and at the Lawrence Park pool 2 days a week. Currently the Lawrence Park pool is closed for repairs.
This year will be quite different as we need to train our instructors for the Learn to Swim program. Therefore, we will begin with the advanced classes ONLY (Bronze Star, Bronze Cross, Bronze Medallion, Swim Instructor, Assistant Swim Instructor, First Aid and CPR, and National Lifeguard course) this fall.
We will open our Learn To Swim programs on a rolling basis, depending when children under the age of 12 are approved and able to be vaccinated. Please read our Vaccine Policy here.
Please find the program you are interested in below and use the tabs to find the information you are seeking.
Children Swim
COVID-19 Update
NTAC is taking a balanced and cautious approach to reopening in order to effectively manage costs, minimize impacts to the staff and to keep our community safe. We will begin with the advanced classes (Bronze Star, Bronze Cross, Bronze Medallion, Swim Instructor, Assistant Swim Instructor, First Aid and CPR, and National Lifeguard course). We need to rebuild our core of trained staff before we can re-open our learn to swim programs.
Our regular Children's Swim program is on hold until further notice.
At this time our club has decided that access to the North Toronto Aquatic Club programs will only be granted to members 12 years and older, (including caregivers) who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Please read our full policy here.
A distinctive 14 level program has developed over the years beginning with our Level 00 class, which is specifically designed to help children who are uncomfortable around the water and apprehensive about swimming.
NTAC lessons are skills-specific and incorporate stroke correction and water safety along with aquatic skills and diving. Swimmers are evaluated on an ongoing basis and are moved to the next level when they have met the necessary skills and when spots are available.
Children's Learn to Swim Levels
Level 00: Apprehensive of the water and will not get in on their own
Level 01: Happy to enter the water on their own and learning to float
Level 02: Can float without help on front and learning to float on back
Level 03: Can float on both front and back, Beginning to swim - front crawl and kicking on back
Level 04: Introduction to front crawl and back swim, jumping into deep water unassisted
Level 05: Introduction to front crawl breathing, back crawl, whip kick on back, intro to front dive
Level 06: Increase stamina, continue perfecting strokes, intro to head first sculling & stride jump
Level 07: Intro to elementary back stroke, whip kick on front, HELP position and deep dive
Level 08: Intro to breast stroke, shallow dive, underwater swim, 150 m front crawl
Level 09: Intro side stroke, stationary egg beater, forward roll entry
Level 10: 200m continuous swim, intro to foot first surface dive and lifesaving kick
Level 11: 250m continuous swim, intro to head first surface dive
Level 12: 300m continuous swim, lifesaving skills, 25m eggbeater, front flip turn
Level 13: Timed 300 m swim, basic waterfront rescues, head up front crawl
Intro to Competitive: Introduction to competitive strokes, starts, and turns; swim for strength and endurance; perfect for those who have started with their Lifesaving & Instructor courses and are too young for the next course, or those students who have achieved Level 10 or above and have the recommendation of our Aquatic Instructor.
What makes this opportunity irresistible?
- Swim for Fun, Endurance, Strength, and Exercise
- Great introduction to competitive strokes, starts, and turns
- Team atmosphere, friendship
- No Swim Meets
- Ideal for those who want to swim but are too young to continue with the next Lifesaving and/or Instructor course
Transfer to/from an advanced course (i.e. Bronze Medallion) in January. Contact the office by email info@ntac.ca to make arrangements. Additional fees may apply.
Instructor-to-student ratios begin at 1:3 in Levels 00 and 01, and gradually increase to a maximum of 1:8 in Levels 05 to 13, maximum 1:12 for ‘Intro to Competitive Swim’.
Length of Classes
Levels 00 to 03-25 minutes
Level 04-35 minutes
Levels 05 to 13-40 minutes
Intro to Competitive-60 minutes
2021 – 2022 Fees
Fees for Children’s Swim Classes and Adult Swim Classes are calculated per family.
Fees
*will be updated shortly*
Make-up classes
NTAC pool time is fully booked and the club is not able to accommodate individuals who miss classes. No make-up lesson or other financial credit/refund will be available in connection with a missed lesson.
Unscheduled pool closures
Temporary pool closures may occur at any time. If this should occur, NTAC makes every effort to telephone all swimmers. Please ensure we have a correct phone number, where you can be reached at late notice on file. We will schedule an extra week at the end of term, if scheduling permits.
Our Children's Swim programs are on hold until further notice.
For Children’s Swim Classes, registration is once for the entire school year. All applications must be submitted online using Quick Enrollment. A valid email address is required. Please use an email address you check regularly and ensure there is correct information on all participants' profiles. Please also ensure we have a phone number on file, so we may notify you of any last minute pool closures. To apply for a program please click on the Register Now button below.
No guaranteed spots. First Come First Served. When you register with Quick Enrollment you are put on a waiting list. Registration is NOT confirmed until you receive a confirmation e-mail. Please choose at least one alternative date and/or time as your first choice may be full.
For our regular season: Until June 24th, only ‘Returning Families’ are accepted. ‘New Families’ will be accepted starting June 24th.
All applications are submitted on-line using Quick Enrollment. A valid email address and phone number is required.
What is the ratio of swimmers to instructor? Our Levels 00 to 01 have a 3:1 ratio. This gradually increases to 8:1 for Level 05 to 13. For our Intro to Competitive class, the ratio is 12:1.
How can I watch my child? Parents of students in Levels 00 - 13 may watch their child's class from our pool gallery.
Children’s Fitness Tax Credit Receipts? The Government no longer provides a credit for any Children's Fitness program.
Do children pass or get a badge at term end? NTAC has continuous evaluation for regular Learn to Swim lessons. This means your swimmer will pass and receive a badge when he/she is ready. This can occur any time during the swim season. Sometimes your child may be in a level for more than one entire season. At other times they may progress several times during the year. Swim levels are determined based on skills, not age. There are no badges to for Intro to Competitive. Written report cards are distributed two times per year.
Does NTAC use the ‘Ultra’, ‘Swimmer’, ‘Tadpole’, or ‘SwimKids’ Levels? NTAC has developed our own 14 level Children’s Learn to Swim program (Level 00 - Level 13). We believe learning to swim is a life skill; regardless of which ‘system’ is used. Our program has fewer items to be mastered in the lower levels, and our highest level far exceeds the highest level of the Red Cross, Lifesaving Society and City of Toronto programs. Upon request, we will let you know which level to register your child in for summer camp.
My child has been swimming every day during the summer and/or passed a level at camp. I am registering them in a level higher than when they finished in the spring. Please register your child in the level they were assigned at the end of our term. We will move them to the appropriate level during the first couple of classes.
We are new members and my child has finished Level OgoPogo 1. Can I register him in Level 02? Please refer to our Level Descriptions, found in Children’s Programs to best determine the level. Then register your child. If we accept you into the club, we will schedule a Water Test before the beginning of term. At the Water Test we will confirm the level and lesson time. This will give you an opportunity to see our pool and meet a few of our staff including our Aquatic Supervisor.
My child is almost 3. Can she start at the beginning of the term? For insurance purposes, all children must be 3 before they start lessons. We require Proof of Age for all 3 year olds. Children can start after their 3rd birthday, if space permits. Please email the club with your request.
Adult Swim
Learn to swim or improve your skills in small classes. Instruction is geared to individual needs. Tuesday nights are reserved for a Learn to Swim class at Lawrence Park Collegiate. Thursday nights, we hold an Advanced Class at Lawrence Park for which swimmers should be able to comfortably swim 4 lengths of the pool (100yd). Saturday morning at our Glenview Masters class, we welcome swimmers who are able to comfortably swim 8 lengths of the pool (200yd).
2021 – 2022 Fees
Fees for the Adult Swim Classes cover the season from mid-October until late April/May.
Fees
*updated fees coming soon*
Make-up classes
NTAC pool time is fully booked and the club is not able to accommodate individuals who miss classes. No make-up lesson or other financial credit/refund will be available in connection with a missed lesson.
Unscheduled pool closures
Temporary pool closures may occur at any time. If this should occur, NTAC makes every effort to telephone all swimmers. All classes that are cancelled by NTAC are made up at the end of the session. Please note, this means the end date of your class may change throughout the year. Please check our Club Calendar on a regular basis for up-to-date end of session information.
NTAC welcomes back returning families for the 2021-2022 season and looks forward to meeting new swimmers! Registration opening soon!
This year the Adult Swim Classes registration is separate for the Fall term, Winter term, and Spring term.
All applications must be submitted online using Quick Enrollment. A valid email address and phone number are required. Please use an email address you check regularly and ensure there is correct information on all participants' profiles. To apply for a program please click on the Register button below.
No guaranteed spots. First Come First Served. When you register with Quick Enrollment you are put on a waiting list. Registration is NOT confirmed until you receive a confirmation e-mail. Please choose at least one alternative date and/or time as your first choice may be full.
What is the difference between learn to swim, masters and open classes? The Beginner class focuses on skill development and confidence in the water. The Advanced class is a workout for confident swimmers. The Masters class is for students who are comfortable swimming 200 yards (8 lengths).
I am a beginning level swimmer. Can I be accommodated? Adults are taught at their own level. Our instructor gears the lessons to your needs.
Do you do triathlon training? We do not offer specific triathlon training during the regular swim season. We can help with stroke techniques, endurance and speed. We may offer a 4 week, twice per week Masters Tri-Training class in the Spring, dependent upon demand.
How many in a group? The beginner class has a 12:1 ratio. The Advanced class has a 14:1 ratio and the Masters class has a 16:1 ratio.
Spring Swim
Spring 2022 Program
This is an intensive session for children in lower levels. Classes are twice a week for four weeks. It’s a great chance to improve and consolidate skills before summer vacation, camp, or cottaging. The classes are taught by instructors with extensive experience teaching beginner levels at NTAC.
We also offer an Adult Masters Tri-Training program.
Information regarding our Spring 2022 Program will be added in early April 2022.
Length of Classes:
Levels 00 to 03-25 minutes
Level 04-35 minutes
Levels 05 to 06-40 minutes
Children's Learn to Swim Levels
Level 00: Apprehensive of the water and will not get in on their own
Level 01: Happy to enter the water on their own and learning to float
Level 02: Can float without help on front and learning to float on back
Level 03: Can float on both front and back, Beginning to swim - front crawl and kicking on back
Level 04: Introduction to front crawl and back swim, jumping into deep water unassisted
Level 05: Introduction to front crawl breathing, back crawl, whip kick on back, intro to front dive
Level 06: Increase stamina, continue perfecting strokes, intro to head first sculling & stride jump
Adult Masters Tri-Training
This is an intensive session for adults who are interested in working on their swimming for triathlons. Classes are twice a week for four weeks.
Length of Classes: 60 minutes
Schedule: 8:15 pm - 9:15 pm
Location: Glenview School
This intensive program provides lessons twice a week for four weeks.
Fees
Updated Fees coming in winter 2022
Make-up classes
NTAC pool time is fully booked and the club is not able to accommodate individuals who miss classes. No make-up classes or other financial credit/refund will be available in connection with a missed lesson.
Unscheduled pool closures
Temporary pool closures may occur at any time. If this should occur, NTAC makes every effort to telephone all swimmers. We will schedule an extra class at the end of term, if scheduling permits.
Refunds
- All refunds will be issued by credit card.
- Full Refund: If we cannot accept you, we will process a full refund.
- Prior to the start of classes: Refund; less a $25 non-refundable charge.
- After the start of classes: Before the third class; refund less a $25 non-refundable charge. After the third class – no refunds.
- Cancellations: must be made via e-mail (info@ntac.ca)
Spring Registration will begin in April 2022
All applications must be submitted online using Quick Enrollment. A valid email address is required. Please use an email address you check regularly and ensure there is correct information on all participants' profiles. To apply for a program please click on the Register Now button below.
No guaranteed spots. First Come First Served. When you register with Quick Enrollment you are put on a waiting list. Registration is NOT confirmed until you receive a confirmation e-mail.
Who can register? These classes are for children age 3 and up who are just beginning to swim.
How many weeks is the session? The session is 4 weeks long beginning on a Thursday. The children have 2 lessons per week for a total of 7 lessons.
How and when can I apply? For the spring session, our on-line application system is usually available in early April. It starts as soon as the new session is announced on our website, and continues until the classes are full.
What is the ratio of swimmers to instructors? Our Levels 00 and 01 have a 3:1 ratio. Our Level 02 has a 4:1 and Level 03 and 04 have a 6:1 ratio and Levels 05 and 06 have a 8:1 ratio. These are maximums, quite often the classes have less students than the ratios permit.
Advanced Classes
We offer Lifesaving and Instructor Certificate Courses twice a year, starting in the Fall and Winter. Our courses run one night per week over a full term.
There are no exceptions to the prerequisites.
Bronze Star: Prepares students for success in Bronze Medallion.Topics covered include CPR, self rescue, rescue of others and a timed 400m swim.
Prerequisite–minimum age 11, and recommended completed Level 10.
* Please note this year, participants must be 12 years old and/or fully vaccinated for NTAC programs - the minimum age 11, is the Lifesaving requirement. We unfortunately will only be able to take those participants who have been fully vaccinated at this time. Please read our Vaccine Policy here.
Bronze Medallion: Training prepares the candidate to respond effectively to a variety of aquatic emergencies and develop the necessary skills, fitness and judgement to effect rescues of greater risk. It includes a timed 500yd swim.
Prerequisites–age 13, OR Bronze Star
Bronze Cross and Emergency First Aid & CPR B: Builds on the skills taught in Bronze Medallion and introduces the safe supervision of aquatic facilities. Emphasis is placed on the difference between lifesaving and life guarding. The first aid course provides a general knowledge of first aid principles and the emergency treatment of injuries.
Prerequisite–Bronze Medallion.
LSS Standard First Aid & CPR C: Provides comprehensive training covering all aspects of first aid and CPR. This course is a prerequisite for the NLS. It is more advanced than Emergency First Aid & CPR B.
Prerequisite–none.
Distinction: Develop advanced water rescue skills and strive for excellence and maturity of response to the emergency situation. The candidate must achieve a high degree of physical conditioning and rescue knowledge.
Prerequisite–Bronze Cross or NLS.
National Lifeguard Service(NLS): Presents a challenging program requiring a high degree of physical skill and theoretical knowledge; this certificate is required to legally work as a lifeguard in Canada.
Prerequisite–age 15, and Bronze Cross or Distinction, AND Standard First Aid & CPR C from the Lifesaving Society or Red Cross or St John Ambulance or Canadian Ski Patrol.
Instructor: Combined Lifesaving Society Lifesaving Instructor (LSS LI), Emergency First Aid Instructor and Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor (LSS SI) course certifies successful candidates to instruct Lifesaving and First Aid training courses. Candidates must complete the weekly classes, homework, and a number of hours of practice teaching.
Prerequisites: age 16 (must turn 16 before end of course), and Bronze Cross.
Assistant Instructor: Through classroom learning and in-water practice, the Lifesaving Society Assistant Instructor course prepares candidates to help certified instructors with swimming and lifesaving classes. Candidates are introduced to key principles of learning and teaching, and they master basic progressions. The roles and responsibilities of instructors and their assistants are emphasized.
Prerequisites: age 14 (must turn 14 before end of course), and Bronze Cross
Lifesaving and Instructors courses do not qualify for the multiple swimmer fee reductions. *Updated fees coming soon!*
Fees
Bronze Star-
Bronze Medallion-*
Bronze Cross and Emergency First Aid & CPR B-$*
Distinction-
LSS Standard First Aid & CPR C-**
National Lifeguard Service (NLS)-**
Assistant Instructor - Lifesaving Society - **
Instructor - (LSS Lifesaving Instructor, Emergency First Aid Instructor and Lifesaving Swim Instructor)-$**
* Price does not include the cost of Canadian Lifesaving Manual. The manual is recommended, but not required, and can be purchased from NTAC ($45). The Lifesaving Manual can be used for Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross and Assistant Instructor.
** Includes required course materials
Make-up classes
NTAC pool time is fully booked and the club is not able to accommodate individuals who miss classes. All Lifesaving courses are designed for 100% attendance; missing classes may jeopardize passing the course. All Instructor courses require 100% attendance. It may be possible to make an arrangement with the instructor trainer if a class is missed.
Unscheduled pool closures
Temporary pool closures may occur at any time. If this should occur, NTAC makes every effort to telephone all swimmers. We will schedule an extra week at the end of term, if required.
Refunds
- All refunds will be issued by credit card.
- Full Refund: If we cannot accept you, we will process a full refund.
- Prior to the start of classes: Refund; less a $25 non-refundable charge.
- After the start of the first class – no refunds.
- Cancellations: must be made via e-mail (info@ntac.ca)
NTAC welcomes back returning families for the 2021-2022 season and looks forward to meeting new swimmers! Registration opening soon!
Lifesaving and Instructor Courses are half year courses.
Prerequisites
Please be sure to check the prerequisites. The prerequisites are required by the Lifesaving Society and the Canadian Red Cross, not by NTAC.
Please be aware that Emergency First Aid with CPR-B (EFA) is a prerequisite for Bronze Cross. However, NTAC combines EFA with our Bronze Cross course which meets the Lifesaving Society prerequisite requirements. However, if your child registers for Bronze Cross through another organization after completing Bronze Medallion with NTAC, they will NOT have the required Emergency First Aid requirement.
Lifesaving Society prerequisites: Quick Enrollment allows for the input of the candidate’s Lifesaving Society 6 digit alphanumeric code. This code can be found on a permanent certificate issued by the Lifesaving Society (i.e. Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion etc.). Please provide this information at the time of registration.
Proof of age and first aid certificates which cannot be input into Quick Enrollment must be scanned and emailed, or photocopied and mailed to the General Manager. Permanent certificates which arrive after registration should be handled in this way as well.
Courses completed without the proper prerequisites are considered null and void by the governing society (i.e. Lifesaving Society or the Canadian Red Cross).
Please always check required prerequisites carefully before registering for any Advanced course either through NTAC or another organization. NTAC is happy to provide clarification regarding the prerequisites.
All applications must be submitted online using Quick Enrollment. A valid email address is required. Please use an email address and phone number you check regularly and ensure there is correct information on all participants' profiles. To apply for a program please click on the Register button below.
No guaranteed spots. First Come First Served. When you register with Quick Enrollment you are put on a waiting list. Registration is NOT confirmed until you receive a confirmation e-mail. If the course your child is interested in is full, please e-mail the Club and asked to be added to the wait list. We often have students withdraw before the course begins.
Do you offer ‘crash’ Lifesaving and Instructor courses? NTAC believes that the required skills and endurance are best taught over the course of a term. As such, we do not offer ‘crash’ courses. Our courses start in the Fall and Winter and they are one term long.
How many candidates are in a class? Bronze Star – 8:1 ratio, All other courses – 12:1 ratio.
Do you offer recertifications? We do not offer regularly scheduled recertification classes. We sometimes offer a recertification for our staff and can accommodate extra candidates. Contact us for further information.
I am confused about the prerequisites. You may email or call the Club for clarification. NTAC does not determine the prerequisites. They are set by the Lifesaving Society (416 490-8844) and the Red Cross (905 890-1997). If you are unsure whether your child has the required prerequisites you must contact the individual organization directly. We cannot contact them on your behalf.
Why does NTAC need proof of prerequisites? The prerequisites are set by the Lifesaving Society and the Canadian Red Cross. When a candidate successfully completes a course, we are required to include the prerequisite(s) when submitting the test sheet. To register for Bronze Medallion (if under 13), Bronze Cross, NLS, and Instructors we require a legible photocopy or the 6 digit alphanumeric code found on a permanent Lifesaving Society certificate. Standard First Aid for NLS: we require the 6 digit alphanumeric Lifesaving Society code or we require a legible photocopy if the certificate comes from the Canadian Red Cross, St John Ambulance, or Canadian Ski Patrol.