Being confident in the water starts with strong swim skills and smart safety habits.
Our programs focus on helping swimmers of all ages build essential techniques, like floating, treading water and stroke development, while also teaching important water safety tips. From understanding pool rules to learning how to recognize and respond to emergencies, we make sure every swimmer is equipped with the knowledge they need to stay safe and have fun. Just starting out? Looking to improve your skills? Our welcoming environment and supportive team of swim instructors make learning to swim easy and enjoyable.
On this page
Register for swim lessons!
Take a moment to review our general pool guidelines and swim lesson FAQs. These sections outline important information about safety and program expectations. Not sure which level to register for? Get a free assessment from a City of Vaughan lifeguard during any recreational swim. Regular admission fees and policies apply.
Parent & Tot (up to 3 years)
Take a moment to review our general pool guidelines and swim lesson FAQs. These sections outline important information about safety and program expectations. Not sure which level to register for? Get a free assessment from a City of Vaughan lifeguard during any recreational swim. Regular admission fees and policies apply.
Preschool (ages 3-5)
Take a moment to review our general pool guidelines and swim lesson FAQs. These sections outline important information about safety and program expectations. Not sure which level to register for? Get a free assessment from a City of Vaughan lifeguard during any recreational swim. Regular admission fees and policies apply.
Swimmer 1-10 (ages 6-14)
Take a moment to review our general pool guidelines and swim lesson FAQs. These sections outline important information about safety and program expectations. Not sure which level to register for? Get a free assessment from a City of Vaughan lifeguard during any recreational swim. Regular admission fees and policies apply.
Teens (ages 12-17)
Take a moment to review our general pool guidelines and swim lesson FAQs. These sections outline important information about safety and program expectations. Not sure which level to register for? Get a free assessment from a City of Vaughan lifeguard during any recreational swim. Regular admission fees and policies apply.
Adults (ages 13-99)
Take a moment to review our general pool guidelines and swim lesson FAQs. These sections outline important information about safety and program expectations. Not sure which level to register for? Get a free assessment from a City of Vaughan lifeguard during any recreational swim. Regular admission fees and policies apply.
Older Adults (ages 65+)
Take a moment to review our general pool guidelines and swim lesson FAQs. These sections outline important information about safety and program expectations. Not sure which level to register for? Get a free assessment from a City of Vaughan lifeguard during any recreational swim. Regular admission fees and policies apply.
Inclusion 1-on-1 (ages 3+)
Private and Semi-Private (ages 3+)
Daytime Group Swim Lessons
The City of Vaughan now offers daytime swim lessons at all community centre locations for educational groups and community organizations. Learn-to-swim lessons are based on the Lifesaving Society's Swim for Life program. Daytime group swim lessons with the City of Vaughan make it uniquely flexible and affordable for organizations to offer aquatics as part of their programming.
Why this program is right for your organization
This program is specifically designed to meet the scheduling needs of specific groups with daytime availability, including:
- Schools and education providers
- Community-organized groups or programs
- Small businesses
Program details
Participants will receive high-quality instruction that builds essential, life-saving aquatic skills and confidence in the water. Plus, the group lesson model makes this program more affordable than regular peak-hour lessons.
When | Monday – Friday (subject to pool availability) |
Where | All City of Vaughan pools
|
Group size | Up to 30 participants per time slot |
Lesson format | Group lessons with multiple levels taught together |
Pricing | $7.50 per lesson, per child, per hour |
How to register
To get started, please complete the online form. Your submission will be reviewed and a staff member will be in touch with next steps.
National Drowning Prevention Week: July 19–25
The City of Vaughan is recognizing National Drowning Prevention Week (NDPW) from Sunday, July 19 to Saturday, July 25 to raise awareness about water safety and prevent drowning incidents. Led by the Lifesaving Society, the campaign highlights that more than 400 Canadians lose their lives each year in preventable water‑related incidents. Prepare! is this year’s theme, encouraging everyone to plan ahead, build water safety skills, and make informed choices around water. Learn more at lifesavingsociety.com.
Water Safety Tips
Keep these practices in mind all year:
- Supervise children and stay within arm’s reach
- Wear a lifejacket in open water or when boating
- Stay sober around water
- Learn CPR and first aid
- Build swimming skills
- Even one drowning is one too many.
FREE Family Swim Lessons
(limited capacity; registration required)
| Community CENTRE | DATE | TIME | REGISTRATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Father E. Bulfon Community Centre | Wednesday, July 22 | 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. | Register Now! |
| Dufferin Clark Community Centre | Wednesday, July 22 | 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Register Now! |
| Al Palladini Community Centre | Wednesday, July 22 | 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Register Now! |
| Carrville Community Centre | Wednesday, July 22 | 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Register Now! |
Recreational Swim: PFD Skill Challenge
| Community CENTRE | DATE | TIME | REGISTRATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garnet A. Williams Community Centre | Sunday, July 19 | 1:30-3:30 p.m. | Register starting July 12 |
| Carrville Community Centre | Sunday, July 19 | 3:15-4:30 p.m. | Register starting July 12 |
| Maple Community Centre | Monday, July 20 | 3:15-4:15 p.m. | Register starting July 13 |
| Chancellor Community Centre | Monday, July 20 | 3:15-4:15 p.m. | Register starting July 13 |
| Vellore Village Community Centre | Tuesday, July 21 | 2:45-3:45 p.m. | Register starting July 14 |
| North Thornhill Community Centre | Tuesday, July 21 | 3:15-4:30 p.m. | Register starting July 14 |
| Dufferin Clark Community Centre | Friday, July 24 | 3:00-4:00 p.m. | Register starting July 17 |
| Woodbridge Pool & Memorial Arena | Friday, July 24 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Register starting July 17 |
World Drowning Prevention Day: Recreational Swim and PFD Clinic
| Community CENTRE | DATE | TIME | REGISTRATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carrville Community Centre | Saturday, July 25 | 3:15 - 4:45 pm | Register starting July 18 |
| Thornhill Outdoor Pool | Saturday, July 25 | 1:00 - 3:00 pm | Register starting July 18 |
| Al Palladini Community Centre | Saturday, July 25 | 2:00 - 3:30 pm | Register starting July 18 |
Discover more!
Water Smart Safety Tips
Water safety starts with awareness. Whether you're visiting the pool, lake or beach, a few simple habits can make all the difference. Drowning can happen quickly and silently, even in shallow water, so staying informed and prepared is key. Guidance on this page is informed by the Lifesaving Society, a national leader in drowning prevention, water rescue training and public education. For more information about water safety, visit the Lifesaving Society online.
Swim with a buddy.
Never swim alone. Having someone nearby can make all the difference in an emergency.
Stay within arm’s reach.
Even in shallow water, keep close supervision of young children at all times. Drowning can happen quickly and silently.
Learn to swim early.
Enroll children in swim lessons starting at four (4) months old to build comfort and safety skills right from the start.
Wear a lifejacket.
Wearing lifejackets when boating or near open water save lives, especially for non-swimmers and young children.
Know your limits.
Don’t push yourself beyond your skill level. Stay in designated swim areas and take breaks when needed.
Check water conditions.
Be aware of currents, weather changes and posted advisories at lakes, rivers or beaches.
CONTACT US
Recreation Services - Aquatics
City Hall, Level 300
2141 Major Mackenzie Drive
Vaughan, ON L6A 1T1