Pools aren’t just for the summer

Dec. 7, 2021 8:30 a.m.
​Registration is now open for winter swim lessons and aquatic leadership programs

Get your kids ready for summers in the pool by enrolling them in the City of Vaughan’s winter swim lessons and aquatic leadership programs! Registration is now available at vaughan.perfectmind.com.

Swim lessons
Learn-to-swim lessons will be offered at community centre pools starting on Saturday, Jan. 15. Swim instructors will remain on deck while teaching. A parent’s or guardian’s participation in the water is required for Preschool 1 to 5 and Swimmer 1 to 3 swim levels, which includes group and private/semi-private lessons and special needs swim lessons.

Parents and guardians must be comfortable in shallow water and actively assist their child with what the instructor demonstrates on deck; the ability to swim is not a requirement. One parent or guardian aged 14 years or older can attend with a maximum of two children aged seven to nine years old registered in the same class. One parent or guardian aged 16 years or older can attend with a maximum of two children aged six years and younger registered in the same class.

Lessons include all levels of the Lifesaving Society’s Swim for Life program for toddlers aged four months old and up to adults. Read a complete list of classes online (PDF) and schedules at vaughan.perfectmind.com. 

Pre-registration is required. The online registration system features enhanced search filters, allowing you to sort by level, location, day and time. Parents and guardians who are unsure what level to register their child in can get a free assessment from a City lifeguard during any recreational swim. Regular admission policies apply. Visit vaughan.ca/swim for recreational swim times and fees.  

Aquatic leadership programs
Swim instructors and lifeguards are important part-time jobs, and the City is always hiring. Training and certification in aquatic leadership courses – delivered by City aquatic leadership staff – will be available at select community centre pools starting on Saturday, Jan. 8. Pre-registration is required and is now available at vaughan.perfectmind.com. For more information, view the Aquatic Leadership brochure (PDF).

Looking for some winter fun out of the water? The City has you covered with both in-person and virtual programming.

In-person programs
In-person recreation programs will begin on Saturday, Jan. 15 at all community centres except Garnet A. Williams, which remains closed due to renovations. Registration begins on Thursday, Dec. 9 at 8:30 a.m. at vaughan.perfectmind.com.

There is a wide variety of programming to choose from:
  • Family – yoga, arts and crafts, sports, Valentine’s Day-themed workshops and snowshoeing
  • Preschool – arts and crafts, dance, martial arts, STEM and Vaughan Playschool kindergarten readiness series
  • Children ­– 3D printing, money management, drawing, martial arts, dance, robotics and sports
  • Youth – public speaking, sports and volunteer leadership (which can lead to recreation volunteer positions at community centres)
  • Adult – drawing, painting, photography, public speaking, ballroom dancing and sports
  • Older adult – drawing, painting, fitness, line dancing, pickleball, mobile phone and tablet 101
  • Special needs – social and life skills, sports and cooking
  • Learn-to-skate lessons for all ages (indoor arenas and outdoor rinks)
  • City Playhouse Academy musical theatre classes for all ages
  • P.A. Day programs

Virtual programs
The City will offer virtual programs live streamed via Zoom beginning on Saturday, Jan. 15. Registration begins on Thursday, Dec. 9 at 8:30 a.m. at vaughan.perfectmind.com.

Programs include:
  • web development, Roblox, coding, programming and STEM programs
  • cooking
  • filmmaking and organizing digital photo collections
  • education and music series for individuals with special needs, featuring one-on-one support 

Internet access and a computer with audio and video capabilities is required. A Zoom link to the program will be provided in the email confirmation upon registering. Parent or guardian assistance may be required. Prepared supply kits are included in the cost of select programs and will be made available for curbside pick-up at a Vaughan community centre.

COVID-19 safety protocols
Masks are mandatory when entering, exiting and travelling throughout community centres and while watching and/or waiting for program participants. Masks must be worn while participating in programs, except during physical activity.

As of Sept. 22, 2021, Ontarians are required to be fully vaccinated (PDF) with proof of vaccination along with ID to access certain public settings and facilities – including community and fitness centres. The enhanced vaccine certificate with an official QR code is available for download, making it easier, more secure and convenient for individuals to provide proof of vaccination where required to do so.

The following proof of identification is acceptable for those aged 18 years and older (note: photo ID is not required):
  • Birth certificate
  • Citizenship card
  • Driver’s licence
  • Government (Ontario or other) issued identification card, including health card
  • Indian Status Card/Indigenous Membership Card
  • Passport
  • Permanent Resident card

In accordance with York Region Public Health and a Letter of Instruction, effective Oct. 1, all individuals aged 12 years and older who are entering an indoor municipal recreation facility, where organized sports are played and/or practiced, must provide identification and proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or a valid medical exemption. In-person campers aged 12 years old must comply with this directive.

Effective Saturday, Jan. 1, an amendment to the Letter of Instruction provides children who turn 12 years old in 2022 a grace period of 12 weeks (three months) from their birthday, during which they will not need to show proof of vaccination at indoor sports and recreation facilities. Once an individual reaches 12 weeks after their birthday, they must provide proof of vaccination.

The following proof of identification is acceptable for youth aged 12 to 17 years old:
  • Documentation issued by an institution or public body provided it includes their name and date of birth
  • Examples include:
    • Health card
    • Library card
    • Student ID

Individuals with a medical exemption are required to present identification and appropriate written documentation from a medical doctor or registered nurse stating the individual is exempt for a medical reason and the time period for the medical reason.

Registration for in-person and virtual programs is required at vaughan.perfectmind.com. Details and direct links to registration can be found at vaughan.ca/recreation.

If you require assistance registering, call Access Vaughan at 905-832-2281 or email RecCSD@vaughan.ca.

Those who feel unwell and believe they have symptoms related to COVID-19 should contact York Region Public Health at 1-800-361-5653 or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000. For additional information and resources on the virus, visit York Region's website at york.ca/COVID19.

For updates and news as they happen, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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