Swimming

Swimming is a life-saving skill. The City of Vaughan offers learn to swim lessons based on the Lifesaving Society's Swim for Life program. Refer to our additional resources below for more details. Click here for pool locations and amenities.
 

Registration for Winter swim lessons is now open at vaughan.perfectmind.com. Programs start on Saturday, January 4.

We recommend using Google Chrome for best results. Watch our tutorial videos on the recvaughan YouTube channel to find out more about our online registration system.

For more information, view our Pool Guidelines & Safety Standards or refer to our Swimming Lessons: Frequently Asked Questions.
 

Email swim@vaughan.ca with any questions about swim lessons. If you require assistance registering, email rec@vaughan.ca.

Semi-private (1-on-2) lessons

A semi-private swim lesson requires two swimmers that are no more than 1 level apart. If you meet that requirement, then you must first register and pay for a scheduled private 1-on-1 swim on our registration system, then contact your local pool to convert it to a semi-private swim lesson. Different fees will apply once the second participant has been registered.

Inclusion swim lessons

Parents/guardians are required to complete a Participant with a Disability Information Form and provide proof of their child’s disability or a doctor’s certificate that their child has a disability and one-on-one swimming is recommended. Participants are required to provide their own support worker or guardian if a volunteer is not available. For more information email inclusion@vaughan.ca.

Shared pool space

City of Vaughan swimming pools operate in accordance with Ontario Health Act for Public Pool Regulations, which allow for different aquatic activities to run in the pool at the same time. Therefore, recreational/length swimming, aquafitness, swim lessons and/or aquatic leadership courses may, at times, run simultaneously.

Not sure which level to register for?

Parents/guardians who are unsure what level to register their child in can get a free assessment from a City of Vaughan lifeguard during any recreational swim. Regular admission policies apply. View schedules and fees below.

Become a Swim Instructor & Lifeguard. Teaching a life-saving skill or saving a life: it doesn’t get more rewarding than that!
Swim instructors and lifeguards are prestigious part-time jobs, and we’re always hiring! Receive training and certification in our aquatic leadership courses – delivered by City of Vaughan aquatic leadership staff.

Refer to our Leadership Progression Chart below or our Aquatic Leadership Brochure for more details. Click here for pool locations and amenities.

Shared pool space

City of Vaughan swimming pools operate in accordance with Ontario Health Act for Public Pool Regulations, which allow for different aquatic activities to run in the pool at the same time. Therefore, recreational/length swimming, aquafitness, swim lessons and/or aquatic leadership courses may, at times, run simultaneously.

Registration for Winter aquatic leadership is now open at vaughan.perfectmind.com. Programs start on Saturday, January 4.

We recommend using Google Chrome for best results. Watch our tutorial videos on the recvaughan YouTube channel to find out more about our online registration system.

For more information, view our Pool Guidelines & Safety Standards or refer to our Swimming Lessons: Frequently Asked Questions.
 

Please reach out to swim@vaughan.ca with any questions about leadership programs. If you require assistance registering, email rec@vaughan.ca.

Click here to view the Leadership Progression Chart

Going into grade 10? Earn your ‘Aquatic Leadership Program - Part 2: Recreation and Healthy Active Living Leadership’ (PLF4M) credit while working towards your lifeguard and swim instructor certifications at the same time in the Aquatic Leadership Program - offered by the York Region District School Board in partnership with the City of Vaughan. 

The program uses a blended learning format consisting of pool instruction, face-to-face instruction and on-line learning to deliver Ministry of Education credits and Swim, Lifeguarding and Instructor Certifications. 

The Aquatic Leadership Program starts Feb. 2025 at Dufferin Clark Community Centre. 

Click to enroll and complete the ‘Aquatic Leadership Program’ York Region District School Board Student Registration Form.

Vaughan community centre pools are open to the public for recreational and length swimming, as well as aquafitness. Pools operate based on the guidance of public health authorities. Regular recreational swim and aquafitness rates apply; children under 4 years of age are FREE. Click here for pool locations and amenities.

• View schedules at vaughan.perfectmind.com. We recommend using Google Chrome for best results.
• Pre-registration and pre-payment is available for your convenience. Limited spots will be available for walk-ins one hour prior to the start of a recreational activity. Vaughan community centres are cashless; debit, credit or cheque are the only acceptable forms of payment.
• To cancel your swim reservation online, view the Schedules section of your client profile. Simply switch from ‘Calendar View’ to ‘List View’ and then select ‘Actions’ to begin. A full credit/refund will be issued without penalty.
   

Is your preferred session full? Add yourself to the waitlist. If a spot becomes available you will receive an email notification with the option to accept and register or decline the spot, directly from your online account. If your spot has not been accepted within 24 hours of receiving the email, it will be made available to the next person on the waitlist. Please ensure a current email address is associated to all participant profiles.

Can’t find your preferred recreational/length swim or aquafitness class? A current shortage of lifeguards and swim instructors is causing reduced pool hours at certain locations. We apologize for any inconvenience and are working hard to add more time blocks to our pool schedules. Pease check back often.

For safety guidelines and more information, refer to the Pool Guidelines & Safety Standards or view our Frequently Asked Questions.

Watch this video demonstration on how to register for a drop-in program.

If you require assistance registering, call Access Vaughan at 905.832.2281 or email rec@vaughan.ca.

Program Descriptions
 

Aquafitness

This program uses the water as resistance to increase muscle tone, strength, and endurance. Classes are generally conducted in chest deep water. Knowing how to swim is not a prerequisite to programs offered in chest deep water. Classes allow participants to work at their own pace and intensity.

Length Swim

A time for endurance and fitness swimming for patrons requiring structured length swimming or fitness. Participants must be 7 years of age and able to pass the Facility Swim Test.

Active Swim

Dedicated swim time for individuals looking to focus on their personal health or performance goals. Whether it’s resistance or strength training, therapeutic or rehabilitation exercises, or skill or stroke improvement, this swim session provides a flexible environment to support individual in-water fitness activities.

Parent & Tot Swim

A time for parents and a maximum of 2 children under 7 years of age per adult; each participant must be registered.

Recreational Swim

Open to everyone.

Therapy Swim

Relieve your aches and pains with light water exercise or stretching in warm water.

*Female Only/Male Only swims: Open only for gender exclusive environment. Blinds will be drawn where possible to create exclusive environment. Male and female instructors & lifeguards on duty.
 

Shared pool space
 

City of Vaughan swimming pools operate in accordance with Ontario Health Act for Public Pool Regulations, which allow for different aquatic activities to run in the pool at the same time. Therefore, recreational/length swimming, aquafitness, swim lessons and/or aquatic leadership courses may, at times, run simultaneously.