The City of London is offering learn-to-swim lessons at select aquatics locations beginning July 6.
Swim lessons will be modified to follow guidelines and health precautions set out by the Province of Ontario and the Middlesex-London Health Unit, including physical distancing and group size restrictions.
“This is exciting news for anyone who’s looking to pick up a fun summer activity in light of COVID-19,” says Mayor Ed Holder. “The health measures we’ve introduced at aquatic centres will help keep swimmers and staff safe while lessons take place.”
Modifications to the learn-to-swim program include:
- Swim programs will run for five consecutive days each with 30-minute lessons each day
- All lessons will be taught at a distance by qualified instructors.
- Class ratios and the number of lessons taking place at the same time will be reduced to allow for physical distancing.
- There will be restrictions on the number of family or caregiver participants for certain lessons.
“We know how important swim lessons are to the community,” says Lynn Loubert, Division Manager, Parks and Recreation. “This essential life skill, of learning to swim, helps keep children safe in and around water, and we are excited to be able to provide lessons once again.
Swim programs will include lessons with reduced swimmer-to-instructor ratios. Details of lessons and swimming levels may be found at london.ca/swim2020.
All swim programs that were previously scheduled for the summer months will be cancelled and a refund will be provided to participants.
Registration for the modified learn-to-swim lessons will be available beginning Thursday, July 2 at 8:30 a.m. online at or by calling 519-661-5575. In-person registration will be available at the City of London offices, second floor of 355 Wellington Street (Citi Plaza), Suite 248 on Thursday, July 2 between 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
With a limited number of spots available due to the reduction in lessons being offered, families are encouraged to register early.
While select pools reopen for swim lessons, the City continues work to reopen outdoor pools for recreation and leisure swimming. More information around these facilities will be shared early next week. For now, these spaces will remain closed until further notice.
For more information and swim lesson 2020 details, please visit: london.ca/swim2020.