Frequently Asked Questions

Registering using the Swim Portal is super easy! Follow these steps to register:

1. Create an Account:

   • Visit the Seal Swimming iClassPro Swim Portal.

   • Click on the "Create Account" button.

   • Fill in the required information to set up your account.

2. Search for Classes:

   • Log in to your account.

   • Navigate to the 'Booking' tab at the top of the page.

   • Use the search filters to find the class you’d like to join.

3. Select the Student:

   • Click on the class you want to enroll in.

   • Select the student you are registering from the list of students associated with your account. If the student is not listed, you can add a new student at this stage.

4. Add to Cart and Make Payment:

   • Follow the prompts to add the selected class to your cart.

   • Proceed to checkout to complete your registration and make the payment.

Yes! Seal Swimming offers several discounts for families:

1. Family Discount:

   • If you have three or more students from the same household enrolled, we offer a 10% discount for the third child and any additional children.

2. Multi-Day Discount:

   • If one student registers for multiple classes per week, we offer the following discounts:

     • 5% off the second class

     • 10% off the third class

     • 15% off the fourth class

These discounts are designed to make swimming lessons more affordable for families and to encourage frequent participation.

Open Swim at Seal Swimming is a special time when families can enjoy recreational swimming together in a relaxed environment. It’s not just about fun; it’s also an excellent opportunity to reinforce the swimming skills learned during lessons. This unstructured swim time allows swimmers to build confidence in the water, practice at their own pace, and enjoy quality family time.

Please note that Open Swim availability varies by location, so be sure to check the Class Registration tab in the Swim Portal for current openings and schedules.

We recommend attending regular weekly lessons for continuous improvement. Consistent weekly attendance helps reinforce skills, build muscle memory, and boost confidence in the water.

For optimal progress, consider the following:

1. Regular Weekly Lessons:

   • Attending lessons once a week ensures steady progress and helps swimmers retain what they learn. It provides a routine that fosters gradual improvement and keeps skills sharp.

2. Additional Weekly Sessions:

   • If possible, attending more than one session per week can significantly enhance skill development. The additional practice helps solidify techniques and accelerates learning.

3. Family or Open Swim Sessions:

   • Complementing lessons with family swim or open swim sessions can be highly beneficial. These sessions allow swimmers to practice in a less structured environment, making the learning process more enjoyable and reinforcing what they have learned in classes.

Incorporating these practices can help swimmers progress more quickly and enjoy their time in the water.

Seal Swimming offers non-competitive swim squads designed for swimmers who have completed the Seal Swim Star program or who receive an assessment or recommendation from a Seal Swim Teacher or Team Captain. Our swim squads provide a structured environment where swimmers can continue to develop their skills, endurance, and technique without the pressure or commitment of a competitive swim club.

Here’s what you can expect from our swim squads:

1. Skill Development:

   • Focused training sessions that build on the skills learned in the Seal Swim Star program, helping swimmers refine their techniques and improve their overall swimming proficiency.

2. Endurance and Fitness:

   • Regular practice sessions aimed at enhancing swimmers' endurance and overall fitness levels, ensuring they stay in peak physical condition.

3. Team Environment:

   • A supportive and inclusive team atmosphere where swimmers can make friends, motivate each other, and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with being part of a squad.

4. Goal Setting:

   • Coaches work with swimmers to set personal goals and track their progress, helping them stay motivated and see their improvements over time.

5. Flexible Commitment:

   • Without the commitment required for competitive swimming, our non-competitive squads offer a balance of structured training and flexibility, making it suitable for swimmers with varying levels of commitment and availability.

For more details on our swim squads, including schedules and how to join, please visit our Swim Squads page.

Anyone aged 13+ can join Lane Swims at Seal Swimming. Lane Swims are open to swimmers who are looking to swim laps, providing a great opportunity for individual practice, fitness, and simply enjoying time swimming to improve their health.

Here’s how you can join Lane Swims:

1. Create an Account:

   • Visit the Seal Swimming iClassPro Swim Portal and create an account if you don’t already have one.

2. Check Availability:

   • Log in to your account and navigate to the 'Booking' tab.

   • Search for lane swim sessions available at your preferred location. Availability may vary based on location and time.

3. Book a Session:

   • Select the lane swim session that suits your schedule and follow the prompts to book your spot.

   • Ensure you complete the booking process to secure your place.

Lane Swims are a flexible and convenient option for those looking to swim at their own pace, whether for exercise, training, or leisure. It’s a great way to make use of our facilities and enjoy the benefits of swimming.

Children can start swimming lessons as early as two months old, after their second round of vaccines. Early exposure to water can be highly beneficial, helping children develop water confidence and foundational skills from a young age.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect from starting your child in swimming lessons at different ages:

1. Babies (0-24 months):

   • Our Baby Seal Program is designed for infants and toddlers, focusing on water acclimation, safety skills, and basic movements. These classes are a great way for parents and babies to bond while getting comfortable in the water.

2. Toddlers (2-4 years):

   • Our Seal Pups classes cater to toddlers, emphasizing basic swimming skills, water safety, and fun activities to build confidence and enjoyment in the water.

3. Children (3-12 years):

   • We offer a range of classes for children at different skill levels, from beginners to advanced swimmers. Our structured programs help children progress at their own pace, ensuring they develop strong swimming skills and water safety knowledge.

4. Older Children and Adults:

   • For older children, teens, and adults, we provide tailored lessons to meet their specific needs and goals, whether they are beginners or looking to improve their technique.

Starting swimming lessons early provides numerous benefits, including enhanced motor skills, improved coordination, and increased confidence in and around water. It also lays the foundation for a lifelong enjoyment of swimming and water activities.

For more information on our programs and to find the right class for your child, please visit our Baby Seal Program page.

At Seal Swimming, the duration of our classes varies based on the level and type of lesson:

1. Beginner Levels:

   • Duration: 30 minutes

   • These shorter sessions are designed to keep young children engaged and focused while they learn essential water skills and build confidence in the water. The structured, yet fun approach ensures that beginners develop a strong foundation.

2. Intermediate Stages

   • Duration: 45 minutes

   • These longer sessions provide additional time for stroke development, and water safety activities. The extended duration allows for comprehensive instruction and practice, catering to the needs of older children and adults looking to improve their swimming capabilities.

3.  Squad and Adult Classes:

   • Duration: 60 minutes

   • These longer sessions provide ample time for more advanced skill development, endurance training, and technique refinement. The extended duration allows for comprehensive instruction and practice, catering to the needs of older children and adults looking to improve their swimming capabilities.

4. Private and Semi-Private Lessons:

   • Duration: 30-minute blocks

   • These personalized lessons offer focused, one-on-one or small group instruction. The 30-minute blocks can be customized to fit the individual needs and goals of the swimmer, making them an effective option for rapid progress.

For a detailed schedule of our classes, including specific times and availability, please refer to our Class Schedule. Our variety of class durations ensures that we can meet the diverse needs of our swimmers, providing effective and enjoyable learning experiences for all ages and skill levels.

Yes, Seal Swimming offers both Private (1:1) and Semi-Private (1:2) lessons tailored to meet the specific needs of each swimmer.

Private lessons provide personalized, one-on-one instruction, perfect for those seeking focused attention, whether you're just starting out or refining advanced techniques.

Semi-private lessons offer a more social learning experience, ideal for siblings or friends, and must be booked with a second swimmer of your choice.

These lessons allow for a customized pace, ensuring each swimmer reaches their goals. Book your Private Swim Lessons with Seal Swimming today and take the first step towards achieving your swimming objectives!

You can easily sign up for Seal Swimming lessons through our iClassPro Swim Portal, accessible via both desktop and mobile. Simply visit the Swim Portal or download the iClassPro App, available on iOS and Android. Once downloaded, enter "sealswimming" as the organization to access our programs.

The portal allows you to browse available classes, manage your schedule, and track your progress—all in one convenient place. Sign up today and dive into our range of swimming lessons!

The time your child will need to attend swimming lessons depends on several factors, including their age, comfort level in the water, and frequency of lessons. Swimming is a skill that develops over time, and consistent practice is key to making progress. At Seal Swimming, our programs are designed to cater to different stages of development, from beginners learning basic water safety to advanced swimmers mastering competitive strokes.

It's important to remember that swimming is not just about reaching a particular level but about developing a lifelong skill that promotes safety, fitness, and enjoyment in the water. Regular lessons, combined with practice outside of class, will help your child become a proficient swimmer.

At Seal Swimming, we offer a range of programs tailored to different ages and skill levels, ensuring that your child has the opportunity to continue learning and improving as they grow. Whether your goal is basic water safety or preparing for competitive swimming, we are committed to supporting your child's progress at every stage.

For more details on our programs and to find the best fit for your child, visit our Programs page, take a Swim Assessment or contact a member of our team, at info@sealswimming.ca

At Seal Swimming, our class sizes are carefully structured to ensure personalized attention and a safe learning environment for all swimmers. The student to teacher ratio varies by the level and type of class:

• Non-Accompanied Classes: These classes have a maximum of 4 students per teacher. This small group size allows for individualized instruction, helping young swimmers build confidence and master foundational skills.

• Accompanied Classes: In these sessions, where a caregiver is in the water with their child, we accommodate up to 6 students per teacher. This setup fosters a supportive environment where both child and parent learn together.

• Swim Stars 6 to 9 As swimmers advance, class sizes have a maximum of 6 students per teacher. This ratio ensures that each swimmer receives the guidance needed to refine their techniques and build endurance.

By maintaining small class sizes across all levels, Seal Swimming is committed to providing each student with the attention they need to succeed in their swimming journey. For more information about our class structures and to find the right fit for your child, visit our Programs page.

At Seal Swimming, while we encourage parents to be involved in their child's swimming journey, we ask parents to remain in the spectating area or lobby, depending on the facility requirements.

Parents with swimmers who are particularly apprehensive on their first day can remain on the pool deck, however we encourage parents to prepare swimmers, so that we can keep the deck free from distractions.

It’s important to note that for the safety of all participants, parents must remain on-site during the entirety of the lesson. For additional guidelines and tips, please refer to our Water Safety resource centre.

This involvement not only helps parents stay informed about their child's progress but also provides reassurance and encouragement to young swimmers as they develop their skills in the water.

To withdraw from lessons at Seal Swimming, simply email your request to info@sealswimming.ca. If you are enrolled in subscription-based lessons, a 30-day notice is required.

Refund Policy:

• For requests made before the first class, you may receive a monetary refund, minus a $50 or 25% processing fee, whichever is less.

• No monetary refunds are available if the request is made on or after the first class.

• In the case of a medical emergency, with a doctor’s note, a credit may be issued for future use within six months.

Missed Classes:

• No make-up classes or financial credits/refunds are provided for missed classes unless Seal Swimming initiates the cancellation.

Cancellation by Seal Swimming:

• If Seal Swimming cancels a class before the first class date, a replacement class will be provided.

• If a class is canceled after the start date, Seal Swimming may reschedule or apply a credit to your account. Refunds will not be provided.

Yes, your baby can start swimming as soon as you're comfortable introducing them to the water. Many experts suggest that babies can safely start swimming at any age, even before they’ve had their vaccinations.

Our Baby Seal Program is designed to gently introduce infants to the water, focusing on water safety and building confidence. If you have any concerns, we recommend discussing them with your paediatrician.

For more information and to understand the benefits of early swimming, visit our Baby Seal Program page.

Each Baby Seal class accommodates up to 6 babies or toddlers, each accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

At Seal Swimming, we believe that a smaller class size fosters a sense of community and trust, allowing for personalized attention and the development of strong relationships between the instructor, parents, and children. Our goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where every participant feels valued and confident as they embark on their swimming journey.

If your baby has a mild cold, they can still attend swimming classes, as gentle activity might even help them feel better. However, if your baby is experiencing more serious symptoms such as a fever, ear infection, or any contagious condition like chickenpox, it’s best to keep them at home until they fully recover.

For any signs of vomiting or diarrhea, please refrain from swimming for at least 48 hours after the last symptom. If you have any concerns about your baby’s health, please don't hesitate to contact us before the class.

It’s best to feed your baby about one hour before the swimming lesson to allow for proper digestion and avoid any discomfort in the water. Feeding too close to class time can lead to bloating, which might make your baby feel unwell or increase the risk of pool fouling.

If your baby needs a little extra nourishment, giving them milk within the hour is fine, but try to avoid solid food during this time. This timing helps ensure that your baby is comfortable and ready to enjoy their time in the water.

Your baby will need to wear a two-layer diaper system for their swim lessons. This includes a disposable swim diaper as the base layer, topped with a snug-fitting reusable neoprene swim diaper.

This combination is essential to prevent any leaks and maintain a clean, safe swimming environment for everyone. Be sure to check that both diapers fit securely around your baby’s legs and waist to avoid any accidents in the pool.

For your Baby Seal lessons, you’ll need to bring the following essentials:

• Swimwear: For both the baby and the caregiver.

• Swim Diapers: A non-disposable swim diaper (required) and a disposable swim diaper for added protection.

• Towels: Two towels—one for your baby and one for you.

• Footwear: Indoor flip flops or sandals for the caregiver to wear in the changing room and on the deck.

• Bag: A bag for wet towels and clothes.

• Changing Mat: A soft changing mat for your baby.

For a complete checklist and more details, visit our Baby Seal Checklist.

Strollers are allowed in the main entrance and hallway, but due to Ontario Health Regulations, they cannot be brought into the changing rooms or onto the pool deck.

If you need to keep your baby close by while on the deck, consider using a baby carrier instead of a stroller. This allows you to move more easily around the facility while ensuring your baby stays safe and comfortable.

Swimming offers numerous benefits for babies, both physically and mentally. It enhances their muscle strength, coordination, and balance while promoting cardiovascular health.

The gentle resistance of water supports their motor skill development and can improve sleep patterns due to the physical exertion.

Additionally, swimming builds water confidence early on, which is crucial for safety. It also provides a calming, sensory-rich experience that can boost cognitive function and social skills as they interact with others in the class.

Read more about the benefits of swimming for babies on our Blog page.

You can easily track your baby’s progress through your Swim Portal account. The portal provides regular updates on the skills your baby is developing, as noted by their instructor during SplashCheck weeks.

This allows you to stay informed about your baby’s achievements and areas where they may need additional practice. To access your child's progress report and see their ongoing development, simply log in to your Swim Portal.

The Seal Pups program is designed for toddlers aged 2 to 4 years. It serves as a natural progression from our Baby Seal classes, helping young swimmers transition smoothly as they build on their water confidence and basic swimming skills.

After completing Seal Pups, children are typically ready to advance to the Seal Swim Stars program, where they will continue to develop their abilities with more structured swim techniques and independent swimming. This pathway ensures continuous growth and enjoyment in the water.

In the Seal Pups program, your child will learn foundational swimming skills in a fun and engaging way. These include water safety basics, such as how to enter and exit the pool safely, breath control, and how to float on their front and back.

They will also begin to develop essential swimming movements like kicking and arm strokes, which are introduced through playful activities designed to build confidence and coordination in the water. These skills prepare them for more advanced techniques in the Seal Swim Stars program.

Your child is ready for the Seal Pups program if they are between 2 and 4 years old and show an interest in swimming and water activities. If they have completed the Baby Seal program, they likely have the foundational skills needed to progress.

For children who may still be apprehensive about the water, our Pups 3 class offers a gentle introduction to the water with additional support.

If you're uncertain, we recommend scheduling a Swim Assessment to evaluate your child’s readiness and ensure they are placed in the most suitable class for their confidence level and abilities. This assessment will help determine if they’re ready to advance or if they would benefit from more time in a foundational program.

Seal Pups classes are limited to a maximum of 4 students per class. This small group size ensures that each child receives ample attention and personalized instruction from the teacher.

The lower student-to-teacher ratio is especially important for toddlers as they learn foundational swimming skills and build confidence in the water. With fewer students per class, the instructor can focus on each child’s individual needs, helping them progress at their own pace in a supportive and safe environment.

No, we provide all necessary equipment. Floaties and life-jackets are not used in our classes.