Swim Lessons
According to the “Canadian Drowning Report” in 2017, almost two-thirds of all fatal unintentional drownings occurred during a recreational activity and another quarter during daily living activities such as swimming and wading. The long-term progress that has been made in reducing death by drowning in Canada is encouraging, but there is still an average of 464 preventable, unintentional water-related fatalities occurring each year.
Adult supervision of all children in and around the water is vital, and enrolling your child in water safety classes is an important part of their safety.
At the Kenn Borek Aquatic Centre, we maintain our high quality of instruction in a number of ways. Our Instructors make written lesson plans every day for each class. They incorporate daily goals for each child and are trained to adapt drills and activities to improve each individual’s strokes.
*Children 7 and under are not permitted in the Pool without a parent (or responsible person 16 years of age or older) in the water with them before, during and after swim lessons
Red Cross Swim Preschool (3 – 5 years old)
Minimum 4, Maximum 6 per class
Instructors use creativity, imagination and enthusiasm to help your child learn to love swimming and to begin to build a solid foundation of how to stay safe in, on and around water. When these swimmers turn 6, they join the Swim Kids level that best suits their ability. All Preschool classes are 30 minutes. In order of level, the classes are:
1. Sea Otter 2. Salamander 3. Sunfish 4. Crocodile 5. Whale
View and/or register for courses: www.dawsoncreek.ca/register
Red Cross Swim Kids (6+ years)
Children are taught to swim in logical, progressive steps. Initially, they work on breath control and body positioning. Next, a propulsive kick is introduced and then a strong effective arm stroke. Front crawl and back crawl are the focus of the first 5 levels. Elementary backstroke and breaststroke are introduced and perfected in the later levels, while students continue to build their front crawl and back crawl endurance. Upon completion of Level 10, students are able to swim 20 lengths with ease.
Level 1-6=30 minutes
Level 7-10=45 minutes
View and/or register for courses: www.dawsoncreek.ca/register
Private Lessons (ages 3+ yrs)
Not sure of your swimming level? Need to work on specific skills? Would you benefit from one on one instruction? Please contact our front desk for dates and times available. (Maximum of 2 swimmers of similar level per lesson). Payment is due at time of booking.
Youth: $30.00/30 minutes (non-taxable)
Adult or Senior: $30.00/30 minutes (taxable)
View and/or register for courses: www.dawsoncreek.ca/register
Adult Beginner Lessons (16+ yrs)
Prerequisite: The courage and determination to try
Have you always wanted to learn how to swim. Sign up for our adult beginner class – our instructor will teach you the basics in swimming techniques.
Call to put your name on an interest list.
Parent & Tot (6 – 35 months)
Relax and socialize with other parents while learning swimming skills relevant to you and your child. All tots not 100% toilet trained must wear little swimmers. As long as we have a minimum number of 6 people registered, we will be able to offer drop in.
View and/or register for courses: www.dawsoncreek.ca/register
Mermaid 101 (6 – 14yrs)
Prerequisite: proof of completion of Swim Kids Level 3
Looking for something a little different? Try Mermaid 101 and experience swimming like a mermaid or merman! Learn how to make mermaid tails and monofins safe and fun in this brand new class!
Mermaid swimming provides amazing exercise benefits, promotes core muscle strength, builds confidence and endurance and is lots of FUN! Limited space available so register now!
Call the pool for more info or to register at 250-782-SWIM (7946). You can also view course dates and times by clicking here
Fitness Classes
The Kenn Borek Aquatic Centre offers a wide variety of Fitness Classes at varying intensity levels. Choose from the standard Drop in Water Fit classes (no registration required) or one of our Specialty Fitness Classes.
Drop-In Waterfit (Ages 16+)
A great workout that is convenient for you! No registration is required – you can show up and use your punch card or pass, or pay drop in admission. After your workout, relax in the hot tub, sauna or steam room (or swim some lengths if you wish). Yes, that’s right, you can stay as long as you like until we close.
Classes run Monday – Friday 9:00 – 9:50 am.
– Shallow Water – M/W/F
– Deep Water – T/Th
Water Walking – Gentle Intensity
*Full Registration, Flex Registration or Drop-In Option available for this class.
This class is an excellent introduction to the water for those with arthritis, joint issues or for anyone with mobility concerns. This class takes place in the warmer Leisure Pool and is a great starting point for aquatic exercise. One of the goals of this class is to develop range of motion on multiple joints. If you need assistance in the water, due to medical reasons, please bring someone to help you (an aide). The aide does not pay to attend.
Call the pool for more info or to register at 250-782-SWIM (7946). You can also view course dates and times by clicking here
Hydrofit – Moderate to High Intensity
*Full Registration, Flex Registration or Drop-In Option available for this class.
Wearing a floatation belt gives you the opportunity to work your core and all your other muscles! Get the benefits of cardio as well as increased flexibility. This program focuses on coordination and range of motion as well as cardio and flexibility.
Call the pool for more info or to register at 250-782-SWIM (7946). You can also view course dates and times by clicking here
Mommy & Baby Aquafit
Join us and get back in shape with a challenging aquatic workout while you encourage your baby’s love of the water. Play and interact with your new little one in the pool while you get your sweat on! A swim diaper for your baby is required. Baby MUST be able to hold their head up independently. You should also have verbal confirmation from your family physician to return to fitness. Check it out: Mom & Baby Aquafit
Recommended age is 4 – 12 months.
View and/or register for courses: www.dawsoncreek.ca/register
Attention High School Students: To graduate, students have to show proof of physical activity; engaging in and recording at least 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous physical activity in each of Grades 10-12. Enrol in our leadership or fitness programs today and begin contributing to your health and education!
Climbing Wall Classes
We offer a variety of programs for everyone, age 4 years and older including Learn to Climb classes, Climbing Clubs (child, teen, ladies), Drop In Climb, Movement Classes and tryout sessions good for the family! See below for Climbing Wall information.
Belay Class – Ages 12+
This 1.75hr course will teach you basic climbing skills in a safe and controlled environment. You will learn to properly and safely put on your harness, tie the “double figure 8 knot” learn “checks and calls”, and learn to belay someone, which allows you to come to Drop In (belay checks are FREE!). Everyone under the age of 19 must have their parent or legal guardian sign a waiver before they can climb.
Note: We need a minimum of 2 registrants or we may have to cancel the class, so register early!
Call the pool for more info or to register at 250-782-SWIM (7946). You can also view course dates and times by clicking here
Orientation to Climbing Sessions – Ages 4+
Have you been wanting to try the wall? Let our friendly staff help you with your first climbing experience-we’ll take care of all the technical stuff while you climb! Feel a sense of adventure and accomplishment as you move and explore the wall. If you can make it to the top, try and grab the chicken! Everyone under the age of 19 must have their parent or legal guardian sign a waiver before they can climb.
Note: We need a minimum of 2 registrants or we may have to cancel the class, so register early!
Call the pool for more info or to register at 250-782-SWIM (7946). You can also view course dates and times by clicking here
Rock Warriors – Ages 8-16
For new and experienced climbers who want to climb routes and improve on their skills. Learn how to belay, move on the wall, and develop your physical fitness training. We also practice bouldering and have fun with awesome climbing related games and activities! Currently, this course can take ten registered participants.
Note: You can register for the course, or you can drop in if space is available.
Call to put your name on an interest list.
Advanced Courses
You could work for us…if you have a current NL, Standard First Aid, CPR C, WSI, CGI 1.
How to become a lifeguard/instructor:
Step 1 – Bronze Medallion (must be Age 13+ or have Bronze Star)
Step 2 – Bronze Cross
Step 3 – NL/SFA/CPR C
Step 4 – Water Safety Instructor (WSI)
Please keep in mind that all of the following courses are offered when there is sufficient interest to fill the classes. If you are interested, please call the pool and your name will be placed on a interest list if it is not being currently offered. All courses require a minimum number of participants to run.
All courses listed below are 100% mandatory attendance. There may be pre-course assignments, so register a minimum of 1 week in advance.
For a current class schedule, click here. To view and/or register online, click here.
Bronze Medallion & Bronze Cross Combo Course
Bronze Medallion Pre-requisites: 13 years or completion of Bronze Star
This is the first step in becoming a lifeguard! In Bronze Medallion, candidates will learn the four components to water rescues – judgment, knowledge, skill and fitness. Candidates learn self-rescue techniques, defense and release methods and tows and carries in preparation for challenging rescues involving conscious and unconscious victims. In Bronze Cross, participants will continue to challenge themselves with further advanced training including an introduction to safety supervision in an aquatic facility. Candidates develop proficiency at performing patient assessments, managing aquatic spinals and preventing the loss of life in a variety of aquatic emergencies. Development of stroke endurance and fitness training skills is an important part and will help candidates perform a timed swim.
National Lifeguard Certification (NL) – Pool Option Course.
Pre-requisites: 16 years and completion of Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid and Level C CPR (current within 6 months).
National Lifeguard Training develops the basic lifeguarding skills to adapt to different pool facilities and situations. You will be trained in injury prevention, public relations, safety, supervision, teamwork, rescues and first aids. Candidates should expect 6-10 hours of homework in addition to class time. 100% attendance is required. Pick up candidate workbook and manual prior to course as workbook is due on first day of class.
NL (Pool Option) Precert/Recert
Pre-requisites: NL Certification – must show at start of class (issued within 7 years) and CPR-C (current within 1 year).
NL award-holders are recertified by completing an NL Precert/Recert clinic. The Precert acts as an opportunity for review and allows the candidates to become familiar with the evaluation standards. The Recert acts as the actual evaluation segment.
Lifesaving Instructor (LSI)
Pre-requisites: 16 years and Bronze Cross (not current).
Lifesaving Instructors are trained to teach and evaluate Canadian Swim Patrol, Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross and Distinction. Candidates are introduced to basic learning approaches and teaching strategies and apply them to teaching water rescue, first aid, and other lifesaving skills. Instructor candidates also learn about long-range and short-term planning, class management, safety supervision and the principles of evaluation. This introductory instructor level is the base for most Lifesaving Society instructor certifications.
Lifesaving First Aid Instructor
Pre-requisites: 18 years by the end of course, Standard First Aid/CPR-C and Lifesaving Society AED Responder course recommended.
At the end of the course, candidates will be able to teach and evaluate CPR Level A,B,C, CPR-HCP, Emergency and SFA, AED Responder, AED Provider, Oxygen Therapy and AEC (must hold a current LSI or NL certification). Must complete a pre-course assignment and required apprenticeship within 3 years of the completion of the FAI course.
Standard First Aid with CPR-C
Pre-requisites: 12 years of age
Comprehensive training covering all aspects of first aid and CPR. Whether you need training for employment or simply want to be prepared to respond to a life threatening emergency, this course will give you the skills and knowledge to act with confidence. Taught by a certified Lifesaving or Red Cross first aid instructor using practical hands-on training, you will learn to recognize and treat injuries including head and spinal, soft tissue, facial, abdominal and chest, burns, bones and joints, and other common medical emergencies.
Automatic External Defribrilator
Pre-requisites: Current CPR or first aid certification in order to take the AED-R course.
The Lifesaving AED Responder course builds on the skills and knowledge learned in CPR and first aid courses. It provides knowledge of how the heart works, what goes wrong when defribrillation is required and teaches when and how to safely operate an AED.
Water Safety Instructor (WSI)
Pre-requisites:15 years of age, Ability to perform Red Cross Swim Kids Level 10 strokes, and hold one of the following certifications: Red Cross Assistant Lifeguard, Emergency First Aid, Standard First Aid or equivalent, Bronze Cross (does not have to be current).
This course develops instructional ability by focusing on how to effectively plan and teach the Red Cross Swim continuum: Red Cross Swim Preschool, Red Cross Swim Kids and Aqua Adult Programs. The course focuses on how to effectively apply the information learned in the online portion of the course, to the Red Cross Swim programs. Other topics include instructional emergency response skills, stroke development, drills, and corrective strategies. Candidates apply their teaching skills and knowledge during several hours of practical teaching. This course is divided into three steps:
Step 1: Skills evaluation and information session (receive WSI binder, online access code, and assigned teaching experience dates and times).
Step 2: Complete online portion, complete teaching experience, and complete skills evaluation.
Step 3: WSI pool and in class sessions.
Pool Operator 1
Registration is through RFABC. For course dates and times (click on Courses) .
Pool Operator 2
Registration is through RFABC. For course dates and times (click on Courses).
