Swimming lessons

child swimming with pool noodle

Swimming lesson registration

For Spring & Summer opens Wednesday February 5

Learn about our programs

Upcoming program dates

Spring 2025 Dates

Registration begins on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. The virtual waiting room opens at 11:50 a.m. More information.

Saturdays

Start date: April 5, 2025

End Date: June 21, 2025

No Lesson Dates: April 19 and May 17

Number of Lessons: 10

 

Sundays

Start date: April 6, 2025

End Date: June 22, 2025

No Lesson Dates: April 20 and May 18

Number of Lessons: 10

 

Monday

Start date: April 7, 2025

End Date: June 16, 2025

No Lesson Date: May 19

Number of Lessons: 10

 

Wednesday

Start date: April 9, 2025

End Date: June 11, 2025

No Lesson Date: N/A

Number of Lessons: 10

 

Friday

Start date: April 11, 2025

End Date: June 20, 2025

No Lesson Date: April 18

Number of Lessons: 10

 

Spring 2025 Dates

Registration begins on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. The virtual waiting room opens at 11:50 a.m. More information.

Session 1 - June 30 - July 11

Start date: June 30

End Date: July 11
Note: Lessons run Monday- Friday for the above dates

No Lesson Date: July 1

Number of Lessons: 9

Session 2 - July 14 - 25

Start date: July 14 

End Date: July 25
Note: Lessons run Monday- Friday for the above dates

No Lesson Date: N/A

Number of Lessons: 10

 

Session 3 - July 28 - August 8

Start date: July 28

End Date: August 8
Note: Lessons run Monday- Friday for the above dates

No Lesson Date: August 4

Number of Lessons: 9

 

Session 4 - August 11 - 22

Start date: August 11

End Date: August 22
Note: Lessons run Monday- Friday for the above dates

No Lesson Date: N/A

Number of Lessons: 10

 

Learn to Swim programs

  • Group ICS Swimming Lessons

    Ages: 5 - 13

    Length: 45 minutes

    Leader to swimmer ratio: 1 leader to 5-6 swimmers

     

    ICS is a learn to swim program run in partnership with the Swim Academy. Participants in the ICS program register for a timeslot that works best for their families and our program (and our team!) makes sure that they are in the correct class to challenge and develop their skills. That means there are no levels to track. Instead, each of our swimmers progresses through 54 skills at their own rate, and is awarded each as they achieve them. 
     

  • Swim academy logo

Fall/ Winter/ Spring Lesson Times

DayTime Slot 1Time Slot 2Time Slot 3Time Slot 4
Mondays6:05 - 6:50 p.m.6:50 - 7:35 p.m.  
Wednesdays6:05 - 6:50 p.m.6:50 - 7:35 p.m.  
Fridays6:05 - 6:50 p.m.6:50 - 7:35 p.m.7:35 - 8:20 p.m. 
Saturdays10:35 - 11:20 a.m.11:20 - 12:05 p.m.12:05 - 12:50 p.m.12:50 - 1:35 p.m.
Sundays10:35 - 11:20 a.m.11:20 - 12:05 p.m.12:05 - 12:50 p.m.12:50 - 1:35 p.m.

Summer Lesson Times

All sessions: Monday - Friday in two week blocks

* Any participants registered in a Mini U summer camp AND a 4:30 swimming lesson will be picked up at camp by a lifeguard and brought to the pool for lessons. Families must pick up their swimmers at the pool at 5:15 p.m.

 

Session Schedule
SessionTime Slot 1Time Slot 2
Session 14:30 - 5:15 p.m.*5:15 - 6:00 p.m.
Session 24:30 - 5:15 p.m.*5:15 - 6:00 p.m.
Session 34:30 - 5:15 p.m.*5:15 - 6:00 p.m.
Session 44:30 - 5:15 p.m.*5:15 - 6:00 p.m.

Teen ICS

The Teen ICS program is our ICS program for older swimmers. Those who will be most successful in teen ICS are swimmers who are 13-16 years old and are completing the ICS program (or equivalent). Please reach out to our team to learn if teen ICS is right for your swimmer.

Ages: 13 - 16

Length: 45 minutes

Leader to swimmer ratio: 1 leader to 5-6 swimmers

Sessions offered: Fall, Winter, Spring

Lesson days offered: Saturdays at 12:50, Sundays at 12:50 p.m., Wednesdays 6:50 p.m. (dates above)

Price: $149

Register here

 

Beginner Youth ICS

Ages: 10 - 15

This program is designed especially for youth/teens that have little or no experience in the water.

Length: 45 minutes

Leader to swimmer ratio: 1 leader to 5-6 swimmers

Sessions offered: Fall, Winter, Spring

Lesson days offered: Saturdays at 10:35 a.m., Mondays 6:50 p.m., Fridays 6:05 p.m. & 7:35 p.m. (dates above)

Price: $149

Please Note: Registration for this program is not available online or through our customer service desk. Eligibility must be approved by a member of our Aquatics Leadership Team via email to mu.aquatics@umanitoba.ca, and share with us the age of the child who wishes to participate and a brief description of their swim ability. 

 

  • Private/semi-private swimming lessons

    Private and semi-private swimming lessons are available for individuals who require or want more personalized instruction. All selections are open to children and adults. For semi-private lessons, it is the responsibility of the participants to find the group they would like to swim with and register for the program at the same time. A semi-private lesson is for 2 people of approximately the same ability. Should you wish for the lesson to be semi-private, please register one participant online and call a member of our customer service team at (204) 474-6100 to add the second participant.

    Ages: Any

    Length: 45 minutes

    Leader to swimmer ratio: Private 1 leader to 1 swimmer, semi-private 1 leader to 2 swimmers

    Sessions offered: Fall/ Winter/ Spring/ Summer

    Price:
    Private: $391
    Semi-private: $55 to add an additional participant 


    Register here

  • Child and swim leader playing in the water during a swimming lesson

Fall / Winter/ Spring Lesson Times

DayTime Slot 1Time Slot 2Time Slot 3Time Slot 4
Mondays6:05 - 6:50 p.m.6:50 - 7:35 p.m.  
Wednesdays6:05 - 6:50 p.m.6:50 - 7:35 p.m.  
Fridays6:05 - 6:50 p.m.6:50 - 7:35 p.m.7:35 - 8:20 p.m. 
Saturdays10:35 - 11:20 a.m.11:20 - 12:05 p.m.12:05 - 12:50 p.m.12:50 - 1:35 p.m.
Sundays10:35 - 11:20 a.m.11:20 - 12:05 p.m.12:05 - 12:50 p.m.12:50 - 1:35 p.m.

Summer Lesson Times

All sessions: Monday - Friday in two week blocks

* Any participants registered in a Mini U summer camp AND a 4:30 swimming lesson will be picked up at camp by a lifeguard and brought to the pool for lessons. Families must pick up their swimmers at the pool at 5:15 p.m.

SessionTime Slot 1Time Slot 2
Session 14:30 - 5:15 p.m.*5:15 - 6:00 p.m.
Session 24:30 - 5:15 p.m.*5:15 - 6:00 p.m.
Session 34:30 - 5:15 p.m.*5:15 - 6:00 p.m.
Session 44:30 - 5:15 p.m.*5:15 - 6:00 p.m.

Tots swimming

Just getting your feet wet? This program will help the young swimmers become comfortable in the water in a fun, safe, and encouraging environment.

Parent and Tot (ages 0 - 3)

Parent and Tot is designed for children to have fun in the water with a parent or guardian while learning swimming fundamentals.

Ages: 0-3

Length: 30 minutes

Leader to swimmer ratio: 1 leader to 7 swimmers and 7 parents/guardians

Sessions offered in Fall, Winter, and Spring: 

  • Saturdays: 10:35 AM and 12:05 PM
  • Sunday: 10:35 AM and 12:05 PM
  • Monday: 6:05 PM
  • Wednesday: 6:05 PM
  • Friday: 6:05 PM

Summer Session (July - August) days offered:

  • Session 1: June 30 - July 11
    • 4:30 - 5:00 PM
  • Session 2: July 14 - July 25
    • 5:00 - 5:30 PM
  • Session 3: July 28 - August 8
    • 5:00 - 5:30 PM
  • Session 4: August 11 - August 22
    • 4:30 - 5:00 PM

Price: $113

Register here

Tots 1 (ages 3-5)

Tots 1 is recommended for young swimmers who are just becoming comfortable in the water and want to have fun while learning basic swimming skills. Swimmers should be willing to try to swim without a parent or guardian.

Ages: 3-5

Length: 30 minutes

Leader to swimmer ratio: 1 leader to 4-5 swimmers

Sessions offered in Fall, Winter, and Spring: 

  • Saturday: 11:05 AM and 12:35 PM
  • Sunday: 11:05 AM, 12:35 PM, and 1:05 PM
  • Monday: 6:05 PM and 7:05 PM
  • Wednesday: 6:35 PM
  • Friday: 6:05 PM and 7:05 PM

Summer Session (July - August) days offered:

  • Session 1: June 30 - July 11
    • 5:00 - 5:30 PM
  • Session 2: July 14 - July 25
    • 4:30 - 5:00 PM
  • Session 3: July 28 - August 8
    • 4:30 - 5:00 PM
  • Session 4: August 11 - August 22
    • 5:00 - 5:30 PM

Price: $113.

Register now

Tots 2 (ages 3-5)

Tots 2 is recommended for young swimmers who are comfortable in the water and want to explore the water further, as well as improve their swimming skills. Swimmers should be comfortable moving through the water independently with or without a flotation aid.

Ages: 3-5

Length: 30 minutes

Leader to swimmer ratio: 1 leader to 4-5 swimmers

Sessions offered in Fall, Winter, and Spring: 

  • Saturdays: 11:20 AM, 11:35 AM and 1:05 PM
  • Sunday: 11:35 AM and 1:05 PM
  • Monday: 6:35 PM 
  • Wednesday: 7:05 PM
  • Friday: 6:35 PM and 7:35 PM

Summer Session (July - August) days offered:

  • Session 1: June 30 - July 11
    • 5:30 - 6:00 PM
  • Session 2: July 14 - July 25
    • 5:30 - 6:00 PM
  • Session 3: July 28 - August 8
    • 5:30 - 6:00 PM
  • Session 4: August 11 - August 22
    • 5:30 - 6:00 PM

Price: $113

Register now

Adult swimming

The perfect swimming lessons for adults of all swimming abilities. If you’re starting to learn the basics or looking to refine your skills, look no further than our adult swim lessons. These classes are a great environment to practice your strokes, improve your fitness, and make new friends!

Adult Introduction to Swimming

It is never too late to learn how to swim. This course is for new swimmers and is designed to help participants progress at their own rate. The course will cover: basic flotation, movement and breathing skills, and an introduction to swim strokes. Course will be primarily in the shallow end. Previous experience in the water is not necessary for participation in this course.

Ages: 18+

Length: 45 minutes

Leader to swimmer ratio: 1 to 7

Sessions offered in Fall, Winter, and Spring: 

  • Sundays 10:35 AM, 12:05 PM and 12:50 PM
  • Mondays 6:05 and 6:50 PM
  • Wednesdays 6:50 PM
  • Fridays 6:05 PM and 7:35 PM
  • Women's Only Introduction Swimming Lessons: Saturdays 2:40 - 3:25

Summer Session (July - August) days offered:

  • Session 1: June 30 - July 11
    • 5:15 - 6:00 PM
  • Session 2: July 14 - July 25
    • 4:30 - 5:15 PM
  • Session 3: July 28 - August 8
    • 5:15 - 6:00 PM
  • Session 4: August 11 - August 22
    • 4:30 - 5:15 PM

Price: $149

Register here

Adult Intermediate

This class will help you learn the best technique for various strokes though a variety of drills and lots of feedback. Intermediate swimmers who are already familiar with front and back crawl are best suited for this class.

Ages: 18+

Length: 45 minutes

Leader to swimmer ratio: 1 to 7

Sessions offered in Fall, Winter, and Spring: 

  • Sundays 11:20 AM
  • Wednesdays 6:05 PM
  • Fridays 6:50 PM
  • Women's Only Intermediate Swimming Lessons: Saturdays 2:40 - 3:25

Summer Session (July - August) days offered:

  • Session 1: June 30 - July 11
    • 4:30 - 5:15 PM
  • Session 2: July 14 - July 25
    • 5:15 - 6:00 PM
  • Session 3: July 28 - August 8
    • 4:30 - 5:15 PM
  • Session 4: August 11 - August 22
    • 5:15 - 6:00 PM

Price: $149

Register here

Mid-Can Bison Masters (Previously Adult Advanced)

Mid-Can Bison Masters Swim Club is an inclusive masters swim program geared towards adults who want to make lap swimming part of their regular exercise program.

The club swims out of the Joyce Fromson pool located in the Frank Kennedy building at the University of Manitoba’s Fort Garry Campus on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 8:00-9:30 PM and Sunday mornings at 8:00-9:30 AM. The Mid-Can Bison Masters Swim Club offers flexible options to swim three times a week, twice a week or once a week.

No previous competitive background is necessary, however you must have basis swim stroke skills, as this program is not swimming lessons. Club members will have opportunities to enter swim meets during the course of the year, but competing is not required.

Register Here

 

Steps to becoming a Lifeguard

Step 1: Bronze Star

Ages: 10 -13

This course is the first step to becoming a lifeguard if you are under the age of 13.

Bronze Star is a preview to the world of lifeguarding. This course will introduce basic lifesaving skills and water safety procedures. Participants develop problem-solving and decision-making skills as individuals and as members of a team. An endurance swim of 400 meters is required for the successful completion of this level.

Prerequisites: Swim ability is the only prerequisite, participants must feel comfortable in deep water without a floatation device. 

Sessions Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring

Days offered :

  • Sundays 12:05 PM - 1:05 PM
  • Monday 6:35 - 7:35 PM

Materials: Canadian Lifesaving Manual (recommended) $49

Price: $155

Register here

Step 2: Bronze Medallion

Ages: 13+

Bronze Medallion focuses on the four components of a water rescue – judgement, knowledge, skill and fitness. Rescuers learn tows, carries, and release methods in preparation for challenging rescues of increased risk. This is the first step to becoming a lifeguard if you are 13 years of age or older. Endurance swim of 400 meters in 12 minutes is required for successful completion of this level. 

Prerequisites: 13 years of age or older (or have successfully completed Bronze Star)

Sessions offered in Fall, Winter, and Spring: 

  • Saturdays 11:50 AM - 1:35 PM
  • Sundays 10:20 - 12:05 PM
  • Wednesday 5:50 - 7:35 PM
  • Friday 6:35 - 8:20 PM

Summer Session (July - August) days offered:

  • Session 1: June 30 - July 11
    • 4:30 - 6:15 PM
  • Session 3: July 28 - August 8
    • 4:30 - 6:15 PM

Materials: Canadian Lifesaving Manual (required) $49

Price: $170

Register here

Step 3: Bronze Cross

Ages: 13+

Bronze Cross teaches the difference between lifesaving and lifeguarding, the principles of emergency procedures, and teamwork. Bronze Cross is a prerequisite for National Lifeguard. Lifesavers learn the skills involved in the rescue of a victim with a spinal injury, the rescue of an unconscious victim, and the rescue of a victim with deteriorating circumstances. Endurance swim of 400 meters in 11 minutes is required for successful completion of this level.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Bronze Medallion.
Participants must bring their Bronze Medallion card with them to the first class.

Sessions offered in Fall, Winter, and Spring: 

  • Sundays
    • 1:30 PM - 4:00 PM; 
    • 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Summer Session (July - August) days offered:

  • Session 2: July 14 - July 25
    • 4:30 - 6:45 PM
  • Session 4: August 11 - August 22
    • 4:30 - 6:45 PM

 

Materials: Canadian Lifesaving Manual (required) $49

Price: $185

Register here

Step 4: National Lifeguarding (NL) Award

Ages: 15+

NL is the nationally recognized lifeguard certification and is the final step to becoming a lifeguard. The program includes classroom and water activities. 100% attendance and participation are required. The final exam will be held on the final day of the course, accommodations for an alternate exam time/date will not be accommodated.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid with CPR C certification or Aquatic Emergency Care & CPR - C. Proof of each must be presented on the first day of the program.

Participants MUST be 15 years by the final day of the program.

Length: Approx 44 hours total

Sessions Offered: Fall, Winter, Spring

Required materials: Alert textbook ($43), National Lifeguard Award Guide ($24). Participants are also required to bring a whistle. May be purchased at the ALC Customer Service Desk ($7.25)

Price: $350


Register here

What to expect at lessons

Report card update

Swimmers in Tots, ICS, and Private lessons will receive a digital progress report at the end of their swim session. Participants in our tots programs will continue to receive a paper report card with written feedback. 

At the end of each session ICS, and Private lesson swimmers will receive an email update on their skill progress. The email will list the skills they have earned since the last update. Any questions, or to request a resend of the progress email can be sent to mu.aquatics@umanitoba.ca. 

Swim skills

To reference what skills you child is still working towards, please see our breakdown of swimming skills!

Mini U Swim Skills

Parking 

  • In most cases, parking on campus is free on weekends, and weekdays after 4:30. Please be sure not to park in a 24 hour reserved spot. Additional parking is available in any adjacent lot. See this interactive parking map for more details:

Campus Parking Locations

Building access

  • Use the west or east entrance to the ALC. Once in the Agora, program participants are asked to enter through the second floor of the Active Living Centre. Participants will be asked to confirm program time and name at the entrance.
  • All visitors are asked to remove their outdoor footwear once admission to the facility is granted. Please feel free to bring indoor footwear with you for wearing while in the facility.
  • Outdoor footwear will not be permitted on the pool deck. 

Photos

  • If you would like to take a photo of your child at lessons, please ask a member of our team to help so we can ensure that only your swimmer is in the photo. 

Pool temperature 

  • Our pool is used as a training centre for our Manitoba Bison athletes and is required to be held between 27-28 degrees Celsius. Users may find the temperature to be cool.
  • We recommend planning your swim attire accordingly. Your child may be more comfortable in a swim shirt or wetsuit. 

Parent/Guardian accompaniment

  • Participants age 11 years of age and younger who are actively participating in our programs must: 
    • arrive and leave their program with their parent / guardian.
    • be supervised by a parent / guardian for the duration of their program.
  • Participants age 12 years of age and older who are actively participating in our programs:
    • May be granted permission for independent arrival and departure for their program. Parents / guardians who wish to grant this can do so, with written permission. 

Change room, toileting and locker use

  • Swimmers and their guardian will be permitted to use the male / female and community change room spaces. 
  • The community change room space is limited. Please use the larger male /  female change rooms when appropriate. 
  • Saving / reserving private changing room space in the Community Change Room is not permitted. When not actively using a space, please place belongings in a locker so that others may use the space.
  • Day use lockers are available in all changing rooms. You may wish to bring your own lock to secure your belongings.
    • Locks can be rented or purchased from the front desk at the Active Living Center. 

 

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Cancellation policy

Contact us

Mini U Programs
146 Frank Kennedy Centre
420 University Crescent
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada

mu.aquatics@umanitoba.ca
Aquatics Team: 204-474-6508
Customer Service: 204-474-6100

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