Adult Swimmer 1
The Adult Swimmer Program is for beginners or swimmers who want to improve their skills. Within the Adult Swimmer curriculum, participants set their own goals to develop water confidence and recognizable strokes. Adult swimmers will work towards being able to complete short distance swims (10-15m) on their front and back. They will work through swimming stroke fundamentals such as floats, rolls, glides, and kicks. Swimmers will develop their underwater skills as they continue to build their confidence in the water.
Adult Swimmer 2
Within the Adult Swimmer curriculum, participants set their own goals to develop water confidence and recognizable strokes. Adult swimmers will practice different entries into deep water including dives, rolls, and tuck jumps (cannonballs). As they work on building strength and endurance, they will aim to be able to tread water for 1-2 minutes, New underwater skills are introduced such as handstands in shallow water and front sommersaults (in water). Swimmers will achieve the Swim to Survive standard by being able to roll into deep water, tread water for 1 minute, and swim 50m. In addition to improving their front crawl, back crawl, and whip kick, swimmers will be introduced to breaststroke.
Adult Swimmer 3
Within the Adult Swimmer curriculum, participants set their own goals to develop water confidence and recognizable strokes. Adult swimmers will work towards mastering front crawl, back crawl, and breast stroke. Challenging skills such as shallow dives, stride entries and compact jumps will be completed as well as focus on developing lifesaving kicks. Swimmers can expect to improve their fitness levels as they work on completing 300m workouts and 25-20m sprints.
Bronze Medallion
Coming Soon
Custom Group Bookings
If you are interested in big group bookings within our Outdoor Centre and Active Living Department we accomodate you! Interested in Outdoor activities? We offer Canoeing/Kayaking in the pool on lakes and rivers. Rafting float trips, whitewater rafting trips sea kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing, XC skiing, ski/snowboard tuning clinics telemark skiing apline touring, ice climbing, caving, navigation, mountain biking, road biking, bike repair courses, wind sports, avalanche safety courses, backcountry cooking, indoor climbing, first aid training and different multi day trips. We can also provide fitness classes, racquet classes and pool facility activities.
Dinos Athletics Club Team Programs
Registration for Dinos Athletics Club Team members only!
Fitness Swimmer
This program is for swimmers 13 years and older who want to improve their overall physical fitness in the water. Fitness Swimmer provides a structured approach based on training principles and practices including interval training. Participants set their own goals. There are no levels in Fitness Swimmer. Certified instructors will work with swimmers to help them improve their strokes and achieve their fitness goals.
Lifesaving Swim Instructor
Coming Soon
National Lifeguard
Coming Soon
Preschool 1
Preschoolers will be assisted by their instructor when learning to enter and exit water safely, jump into chest deep water, and put their faces in the water to blow bubbles. Becoming comfortable with floats and glides and moving safely in shallow water while wearing lifejackets will help them gain confidence with their water skills. This program is for children 3-5 years.
Preschool 2
Preschoolers will work on becoming more independent with their water skills. Some of these skills include jumping into chest-deep water, exhaling under water, and floating/gliding with various buoyant aids. They will be introduced to lateral rollovers and practice their flutter kick on their backs. This program is for children 3-5 years who have completed Preschool 1.
Preschool 3
Preschoolers will kick and glide their way through the water on their fronts and backs. They will work on retrieving objects from the bottom in water that is waist deep, and work towards mastering their floats, rollovers, glides and kicks. In this level they work their way into deeper water for side entries and jumping in with their lifejackets on. This program is for children 3-5 years who have completed Preschool 2.
Preschool 4
Preschoolers will gain some independence in deep water. They will practice jumping into deeper water (including getting out by themselves), sideways entries, and opening their eyes underwater. These swimmers in training will work on completing 5m of front crawl in their lifejackets and work on their ability to tread water. This program is for children 3-5 years who have completed Preschool 3.
Preschool 5
Preschoolers will work towards achieving important swimming milestones. They will work on being able to support themselves treading in deep water for 10 seconds and complete 5m swims with front and back crawl. Wearing a lifejacket, they will practice forward roll entries into deep water, learn to whip kick in a vertical position, and be introduced to interval training. This program is for children 3-5 years who have completed Preschool 4.
Private Swimming Lessons - Adult
Working with a certified swim instructor, adult swimmers can work on skills in the Lifesaving Society Swim For Life program. Whether you are looking for advancements in your workout or a little extra help, this one-on-one experience can provide it.
Private Swimming Lessons - Child
Working with a certified swim instructor, swimmers can work on skills in the Lifesaving Society Swim For Life program. This one-on-one experience can be adapted to a child’s individual skills and abilities.
Ranger Patrol
Enhances capability in the water, including stride entry, underwater forward and backward somersaults, lifesaving eggbeater kick and increased fitness levels to meet a 200m timed swim. Rescue skills involve an increased skill level in first aid basics, victim recognition and non-contact rescues.
Rookie Patrol
Develops individual fitness levels to meet a timed 100m swim and 350m workout. Water proficiency skills include: swims with clothes, ready position, foot-first and head-first surface dives. Demonstrating an ability to conduct a primary assessment and initiating EMS are included as first aid skills. Victim recognition and throwing assists are other key elements of the program.
Star Patrol
An excellent preparation for the Bronze Star award, Star Patrol demands good physical conditioning and lifesaving judgment. Participants develop lifesaving and first aid skills; further refine front crawl, back crawl and breaststroke (100m each); and complete 600m workouts and for 300m timed swims.
Student Discovery Series
Did you ever want to get active but weren't sure where to start? In the Student Discovery Series, we have something for all tastes! In this series, students can try a new activity, learn new skills, meet new people, and of course, HAVE FUN! With a different activity each class, there's something for everyone. Each person in attendance wins a small prize, and at the end of the event there is a draw for one winner to take home a higher value giveaway.
Your journey to a more adventurous, active, and outgoing you starts here.
Swim Instructor
Coming Soon
Swim Instructor and Lifesaving Instructor
Swim Instructors are responsible for teaching and evaluating candidates participating in the Swim for Life® and Canadian Swim Patrol programs. Lifesaving Instructors are responsible for teaching and evaluating candidates participating in the Canadian Swim Patrol, Bronze Medals, Distinction, Boat Rescue and Lifesaving Society CPR programs. This combined Swim Instructor and Lifesaving Instructor course prepares Instructors to apply the Lifesaving Societies level 1 leadership competencies and strategies while teaching and evaluating.
Swim Instructor Recert
Swim Instructors are responsible for teaching and evaluating candidates participating in the Swim for Life® and Canadian Swim Patrol programs. This course recertifies your Swim Instructor certificate for another 2 years.
Swimmer 1
Building the foundation of swimming skill development beginner swimmers will gain confidence in the water as they learn safe entries into various depths of water, treading water in a lifejacket, opening their eyes underwater, and breath control. Once they have learned their floats, rollovers, glides, and kicks from front to back, they will front crawl their way into the next level. This program is for children 6-12 years.
Swimmer 2
Swimmers will gain comfort in deeper water by jumping in, learning their sideways entry, and treading water without a lifejacket. Swimmers will be challenged by the introduction of various skills including, flutter kick on their front, back and side, vertical whip kick with an aid, and swimming front crawl and back crawl for 10m. Swimmers will get to work on their Swim to Survive skills and be introduced to interval training. This program is for children 6-12 years who have completed Swimmer 1.
Swimmer 3
Swimmers will make a splash with their kneeling dives and forward roll entries. Swimmers will be challenged with the introduction to more difficult (but fun) skills such as handstands in shallow water and in front somersaults (in water). Increased time and distance components are incorporated for skills learned such as flutter kick on front and back, whip kick on back, front and back crawl, and interval training. This program is for children 6-12 years who have completed Swimmer 2.
Swimmer 4
Swimmers will move from a beginner to intermediate swimming level. Swimmers will complete standing dives, tread water for 1 minute, and work towards being able to swim underwater for 5m. Swimmers will achieve the Swim to Survive standard by being able to roll into deep water, tread for 1 minute, and swim 50m. In addition to improving their front crawl, back crawl, and whip kick, swimmers will be introduced to breaststroke. This program is for children 6-12 years who have completed Swimmer 3.
Swimmer 5
Swimmers will be challenged with a whole new set of skills; shallow dives, tuck jumps (cannonball entries), eggbeater kick, and backwards somersaults (in water). Technique and endurance will also receive greater focus as swimmers will need to complete longer distance swims and interval training sessions for all their strokes. This program is for children 6-12 years who have completed Swimmer 4.
Swimmer 6
As the final level in the Swimmer program, swimmers will build up their advaced skill set. Swimmers will work towards mastering stride entries, compact jumps, and lifesaving kicks. They will also refine their strokes to increase their swimming strength, power, and endurance - critical for success in the 300m workout required to complete the level. This program is for children 6-12 years who have completed Swimmer 5.
Triathlon Swim
Triathlon Swim
In partnership with BÍOS Triathlon, Active Living is happy to announce the return of the student triathlon swim training program.
Novice to experts are welcome. Triathlon is one of the most challenging sports to be involved in. Challenge yourself.
All swim sessions at the University of Calgary Aquatic Centre
Time vary, see description event sections.
In order to participate in the triathlon swim program, there are pre requisites, see the description for more details. All participants will have a swim test on the first day. Please expect up to 6 swimmers per lane.
UCalgary Lifeguard Games - Comptetitors
UCalgary Lifeguard Games - Sponsorship
UCalgary Lifeguard Games - Volunteer
Youth Triathlon
Spring 2024 registration opens
March 15. 48 spots
"Attention: Starting May 1, the men’s and women’s change rooms in KNA will be temporarily closed for an exciting upgrade! Shiny new lockers are coming soon.
Change room closure from May 1st - TBD (middle-end of June)
During this time, there will be no access to the locker rooms from the main entrance.
User groups will be asked to enter the pool deck from the north pool deck doors. See on
map.
Please remove your outdoor shoes and place them on the shoe racks right inside the door, or carry them with you and put them in your backpack. Outdoor shoes are not permitted on the pool deck.
Groups are asked to come ready to swim with their bathing suits under their clothing. Participants may use the bleachers to put their belongings. Please ensure this area is kept tidy.
Prior to getting into the pool, participants may access the shower area to have a quick shower. Toilets may also be accessed if required.
There will be two gender specific areas on the pool deck that will have pipe and drape to allow participants to change. Ladies area will be outside the Female change room, male area will be along the south windows on the pool deck. See on
map.
Once swimming has completed, participants may use either the pipe and draped area to get dressed, or they may use the shower area to get dressed. Note, your belongings may get wet if you use the shower area.
https://active-living.ucalgary.ca/sites/default/files/teams/1/Pool%20deck%20map%202024.pdfThanks for going with the flow as we work to make your experience better.”
Join the longest-serving Triathlon program in Canada! Learn proper swimming, biking and running technique from highly trained coaches. We have spin bikes for those who do not have a road bike and trainer. Training develops your aerobic and anaerobic systems to give you a good base for all sports. You will work with other youth at your level, with progression from start up, all the way to national team level training. The goal will be to have you ready to compete in The Kids of Steel Triathlon Series if you’re interested. This program welcomes athletes of all level.
Requirements: Successful completion of skills in Level 6.
Swimmers develop front crawl (25m), learn back crawl (25m) and whip kick on back, learn stride dive and treading water, perform head-first sculling on back, and swim 75 meters continuously.
Participants must not attend class if they are sick, or a member of their household is sick, even if symptoms resemble a mild cold. Symptoms to look for include: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, and a general feeling of being unwell.
A. Whitewater Kayaking Basics (Pool Session)
Get a taste of whitewater kayaking in the U of C pool to prepare you for the river! In this course, you will learn how to wet exit and paddle a kayak with fun games and expert instruction. This is a great course to take with your whole family and sample the world of whitewater kayaking! Prerequisite: No Experience Necessary and 14+. Includes: instructor, all river kayak gear.
POOL CHANGING ROOM CLOSURE from May 1st - TBD (middle-end of June)
During this time, there will be no access to the locker rooms from the main entrance.
User groups will be asked to enter the pool deck from the north pool deck doors.
Whitewater Kayak Roll Introduction (Pool Session)
A kayak roll is an essential skill to learn once you have learnt the basics and it will increase your confidence on the river. In this course, receive step-by-step instruction to help you complete your first roll in the safety and warmth of the University pool. Prerequisite: Whitewater Kayaking A (Basics) or equivalent. Participants 16+ may join with parents. Includes: instructor, all river kayaking gear.
POOL CHANGING ROOM CLOSURE from May 1st - TBD (middle-end of June)
During this time, there will be no access to the locker rooms from the main entrance.
User groups will be asked to enter the pool deck from the north pool deck doors.
Custom Paddle Program
Hire a guide to take you on the trip of your choosing or to give you expert instruction to improve your paddling skills! We also instruct school groups and other non-profits at Bowness Lagoon at an affordable rate. Customize a group booking through the Outdoor Centre today! All gear can be provided by the Outdoor Centre.
Fill out the Outdoor Centre
Custom Group Activities Booking Form to book now.
The programs listed in this section are for custom groups to register only and not open to the public. If you are interested in booking a custom program yourself, please fill out the form or contact ocprograms@ucalgary.ca
Sea Kayak Rescue (Pool Session)
Thinking of giving sea kayaking a try? In this 2-hour clinic, you'll learn flatwater kayak rescues, bracing techniques (to prevent capsizing), paddle float and assisted/sling rescues—all in the comfort of the University of Calgary pool. Prerequisite: none. A wetsuit is recommended. Includes: instructor, all sea kayaking gear.
NL (National Lifeguard) Recertification
The NL Recertification clinic is highly recommended for all lifeguards. Recertification of your National Lifeguard (NL) certification is based on the ability to meet ALL performance criteria (Must Sees) laid out by the Lifesaving Society. Candidates are encouraged to practice skills and review knowledge to prepare for the recertification course. Ongoing training and maintaining an appropriate level of fitness is important to being able to lifeguard effectively.
National Lifeguard Instructor
The National Lifeguard Instructor/Examiner clinic prepares candidates to teach and evaluate National Lifeguard courses. Candidates learn specific strategies designed to train lifeguards in advanced rescue techniques, public relations issues, and first aid, as well as how to present material that will prepare lifeguards for any major aspect of supervising the public in an aquatic setting. Candidates are required to complete an apprenticeship after the clinic.
Aquatic Staff Training
*Not Currently Offered*
Current University of Calgary Aquatic Centre staff training.
