Why should I choose to register with Swim Fins instead of other swim programs?

At Swim Fins we teach people to “Learn to Swim in 1/4 of the time”.* What other programs do in 3-4 years we do in 1 year therefore saving you the most precious commodity ‘TIME’. This is thanks to our:

• Unique Learn-to-Swim techniques that Claudine (the owner) developed over the last 30 years based on her Human Kinetics and Education Degree.
• Professional Coaches who offer the highest quality instruction and safety supervision.
• Maximum Participation ensuring there is no waiting for your turn as it is always your turn.
• Private Learning Environment free of distractions and overstimulation.
• Private and Small Group Lessons with group lessons being made up of a maximum of 4-5 swimmers.
• Customized Lesson Plans adapted for each swimmer’s learning style strengths and weaknesses, focusing primarily on Front and Back Crawl, BackStroke and SideStroke.
• Games with Aims teaching fun skills that could one day save your child’s life.
• Constant Communication with parents ensuring both child and parent are always happy and “in the know”.
• Longer Lesson Duration (40 minute classes) allowing swimmer’s enough time in the water to develop the muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance, comfort and feel of the water necessary to become an efficient swimmer.

How does the registration process work?

Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer Prep Sessions: Our registration process allows you to view the lesson times & openings we have available. Follow these easy steps to get registered:

• Go to our registration page and select a class time you want that has openings.
• Fill out your family & student information.
• Pay for your session using your credit card (Visa or Mastercard).
• You will immediately receive a confirmation email with important information for your first lesson. Check your spam or junk folders!
• Once we have processed your registration, we will charge your credit card within 1-3 business days.

Summer Camps: During Summer Camps, students swim at the same time daily, Monday - Friday for two weeks. You can register for as many of the Summer Camps as you like (check the session dates on our ‘Register Now’ page). Follow these easy steps to get registered:

• Go to our Registration page and select a class time you want that has openings.
• Fill out your family & student information.
• Pay for your session using your credit card (Visa or Mastercard).
• You will immediately receive a confirmation email with important information for your first lesson. Check your spam or junk folders!
• Once we have processed your registration, we will charge your credit card within 1-3 business days.

How much do lessons cost?

The finanical investment for lessons vary depending on the lesson duration (25 mins or 40 mins) and depending on the day of the week you select. Some of the days of the week have an additional class based on how the schedule falls. Click here to visit our Prices page to get an overview of the cost on the day you're interested in. To find out exact prices of a class, please visit our Registration page. Please note the financial investment up front with Swim Fins may be more than other programs however we do what other programs do in 3-4 years in 1 year so in the end you will have spent the same amount with them in 4 years that you would have spent with us in 1 year and have wasted a lot of time. Summary is, we will save you time (the most precious commodity) and of course money!

* We require an upfront payment for your lessons. If you are registering after the session has begun, we will prorate you before charging your credit card.

How can I reduce the financial investment of my lessons?

1. You are able to see the full session fee for each class on our registration page. Therefore, you will be able to choose your preferred class according to your budget.
   
   
2. Referral Program: GIVE $50, GET $50
   Help us Spread the Word about the Swim Fins Swim School experience and both of you will benefit! For each new swimmer you refer, they'll get $50 off their first session and you'll earn a $50 credit towards your next session. It's a win-win for everyone. Learn more.
   
   
3. If you cannot see a class time that works for you, please email us at info@swimfins.ca and we will try our best to accommodate.

What times do you run Swimming Lessons?

Most of our schools run Monday through Sunday from 8am to 8pm. Please see our Registration page for the schedule including class times and rates. If you cannot see a lesson time that suits you, feel free to email us your availability at info@swimfins.ca and we will try our best to accommodate.

Can I register after the session has already started?

Yes! Once you have registered in a class, we will prorate you and only charge your credit card for the lessons you will be attending.

How often should swimmers swim weekly?

Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer Prep Session: We highly recommend that swimmers swim 1-2 times a week as it takes time in the water to develop cardiovascular and muscular endurance to swim. However, that being said we do understand budget and time constraints. If you can only do one class a week that is no problem you will still be blown away by the progress.

Summer Camps: Only during Summer Camps, students swim at the same time daily, Monday - Friday for two weeks. You can register for as many of the four Summer Camps as you like. Please note, there is no flexibility with what days you swim during Summer Camps.

What if I can’t do the full session due to other commitments?

If you want to register however cannot commit to the full session, please register for the classes you want and write in the 'comments' box the dates you will be away and we will look at your proration request on a case by case basis. You will be prorated before your credit card is charged. Please note, there is no proration for Summer Camp Sessions.

Can my children swim in the same class even though they are in different levels?

Yes they can as our coach’s customize lesson plans for each child with specific learning goals. Therefore the stronger swimmer will not be held back. Imagine our class structure; everyone is swimming on their front at the same time however everyone is doing different progressions of Front Crawl. For example: your eldest might be doing Front Crawl and your youngest is working on Front swim. Eldest is focusing on breathing on the side and youngest is working on getting their face in the water and proper body position.

What lesson duration is right for us?

We offer 25min or 40min lessons. We highly recommend longer lesson duration whenever possible as it takes time in the water to develop the “feel” of the water as well as to develop the muscular endurance and cardiovascular endurance necessary to swim efficiently.

What if I don’t know my child’s swim level?

Don’t worry, the coach will assess you or your child and will come up with a customized lesson plan from there and an appropriate starting level.

What if my kid doesn’t like the class?

Don’t panic, 99% of our students love our programs and our coaches as the class involves lots of games with aims and the coaches are super fun. Even though the curriculum is intense it is customized so each student is trying to achieve his or her own goals that in turn raises self esteem and develops a love of water and of swimming classes.

How do I register if I have more than one child?

You have the choice to register your children in the same or different classes. Once you have selected a class that you would like to register student 1 in, you will fill out your family information and then you will have the choice to register student 2. When you are selecting the class for students 2,3, or 4 you need to either select the same class, or a different lesson time as student 1. Please note, if you don't select a class for student 2, 3 or 4 and you leave the box empty, your child will not be registered in a class.

How do my friend and I register if we want our kids to be in the same class?

Both parents need to register separately. You cannot register your friend’s child, they must do it themselves. On our registration page you can see the number of openings in each class time. Remember, try and get your friends to register at the same time as spaces are limited and our classes fill up quickly. If you cannot see any classes with enough openings, please contact us and we will try our best to accommodate.

What are the session dates coming up for 2025?

Click here to read information about the session that is currently open for registration.

Click here to read information about our upcoming sessions.

How can I request to swim with a friend or a sibling?

If you are wanting both of your own children to swim together, all you need to do is choose the class time you want, fill out your family and student 1 information, then when adding in a student 2, 3 or 4 your just need to select the same class time as student 1. If you want your kids swimming with friends, please note both parents need to register separately. You cannot register your friend’s child they must do it themselves. On the registration page you can see the number of openings in each class. Remember try and get your friends to register at the same time as spaces are limited and our classes fill up quickly.

Can I come view a lesson before I register?

As we keep a private learning environment, we encourage you view the videos on our website to see our awesome coaches and unique Learn-to-Swim Program in action! We also have an Open House each session, so please feel free to email us (info@swimfins.ca) that you would like to come watch the next Open House coming up.

Does Swim Fins run Swimming Lessons on statutory holidays?

Yes, lessons do run on all statutory holidays except:

• Christmas Day
• New Years day
• That Sat/Sun of BC Day weekend (lessons still run on Monday)
• The Sat/Sun of Labour Day weekend (lessons still run on Monday)

What do I need to buy for the lessons?

Unlike activities like hockey, swimming is very inexpensive, all your child will need is a pair of quality eyewear. Please do not purchase any eyewear until your coach has assessed your child's needs at the first lesson. Please note that we sell eyewear and more as a convenience to parents. Your children will be armed with the best equipment in order to make the most out of the learning experience and not be inconvenienced by equipment that doesn't fit or work well. If you want to purchase merchandise please submit an equipment form. Goggles are $25, Flippers are $40, and Learning Belts are $60.

What if a scheduling conflict comes up after I register? Can I cancel the session?

You may transfer to a more suitable class time that works for your new schedule for $25. Otherwise, you may cancel the remainder of a session for a credit to your Swim Fins account for future lessons with us (minus the non-refundable admin/insurance fee). Credits can be used by anyone in your family and do not expire. Please note that a credit will not be provided for any lessons that have already been attended, and a credit will only be applied for the remaining lessons in the session that you have cancelled. To avoid the need to cancel your session, please check your calendar carefully and plan to attend the lessons you sign up for, or have someone bring your child to class on your behalf if you are unable to bring them. Make-up classes are not available as they overload our other lessons and the addition of a new child into a current class setting is disrupting and distracting to the other children in the class.

Are lessons ever cancelled due to snow?

Swim Fins runs lessons regardless of the weather conditions. Despite snow and ice, swimming lessons will continue. however, if you find it unsafe to travel to your swimming lessons, please make the decision to stay home. We do not want anyone to risk accident or injury if you feel it is not safe to drive to the swim school from where you live. Take your time and be safe!

In the event that a stop-travel advisory is issued by the B.C. Government due to snowy road conditions in the lower mainland, classes in the affected regions may be cancelled to accommodate the advisory.

Where can I find the forms I need for my first lesson?

Right Here! Please click on one of the forms below:

1. CHILDREN'S INFORMATION PAGE

2. ADULT MEDICAL FORM

What if I have a credit on file with Swim Fins?

Swim Fins policy is that credits are not refundable regardless of the reason for the credit (inlcuding but not limited to lesson cancellations, changes of class with different fees, medical absences etc.). However, credits stay on file and never expire, the credit can be used in the future for any family member. Credits will automatically be taken off your next session fees before you are charged.

Where are your Swim Schools Located?

We have multiple locations in: Richmond, Abbotsford, White Rock, Walnut Grove, Cloverdale West, Cloverdale East. We will be expanding to Coquitlam and the North Shore soon.

How warm are the pools?

All pools are warm and are run between 84-86 degrees Fahrenheit, which is comfortable for all students from babies to adults.

Can I watch my child’s lesson?

One parent from each class will be invited to sit on the pool deck during lessons at the discretion of each Swim Fins coach. If you would like to be the one parent, please make yourself available during your child’s class time. Swim Fins coaches reserve the right to refuse parent entry on a case-by-case basis. Please be patient. Unfortunately, our Cloverdale East(CE) location doesn't allow for parents to be on the pool deck. If this is important to you please change your registration to our Cloverdale West location (which is 12 mins from our CE location).

You will also have an opportunity to watch the lesson during our awesome Open House that happens once per session where you can come and see:

• Your child's amazing progress with us!
• The "Swim Fins" program in action: the coach will put on a 30 minute condensed class so you can see what a typical class looks like as well as witness your child's best skills to date.
• The professionals in action and learn about Swim Fins developmental goals for your child for the next session.

Some other options you have:

• Head over to your local pool, hotel, or beach and get your kids to show off what they've learned, you'll be amazed at their progress!
• Ask your coach what skills your child can do. Be specific with your questions. For example: how long can my child tread water for? Can they breathe on their side in Front Crawl? Can they do a back float etc… Your coach is always your most knowledgeable resource!

What age should I start my child swimming?

The younger the better! We highly advise to start at 4 months, as children can develop a fear of the water as they cognitively mature.

How do I know where to go and what to bring to our first lesson?

One week before program starts, you will receive an email which will contain all of the information you need for your first lesson, directions to the pool, forms to complete for your first lesson etc. Please check your spam and junk folders around that time as the emails will sometimes end up there. You can also check out our Blog post for what to bring to your first lesson.

Are there bathrooms, showers and changing rooms?

As the pools are all located within hotels, there are excellent bathroom and changing room facilities, including showers, at most of our locations. Please note that our Cloverdale East location does not have accessible changing rooms and carry a Wrap & Go policy.

Do we need to pay for parking?

No, the parking at our locations is free and abundant! You will receive information about parking for your specific location and more in your in your Parent Handbook, sent to you via email one week prior to your lesson.

Do we share the pool with hotel guests?

Yes we do share with hotel guests however, it is rare to see people in the pool during lessons. If we do see hotel guests, coaches continue on with the lesson as usual.

What happens if we can’t make a lesson?

ILLNESS: Please note, if a swimmer cannot attend their lesson because they are sick we will credit your account for ONE missed lesson per session (10-17 lessons). Please do not come to the pool if you have had a fever or been sick within the last 24-48 hours.

All requests for Medical Cancellations must be:
A. Supported by a Doctor's note.
B. Made at least 24 hours before the class.
C. Made in writing and include swim school location and day and time of class.
D. There will be no cancellations accepted for the last class of each session.

The Credited Amount:
A. Will be credited to your account.
B. Can be used towards Swim Fins programs or merchandise.
C. Cannot be redeemed for cash.

OTHER: If your swimmer or swimmers cannot make their lesson for any reason and are in a private or semi-private lesson, whereby all swimmers will be absent for the entire class, email us at info@swimfins.ca and let us know of your absence prior to your lesson to recoup 20% of your total lesson cost for that day as a credit to your Swim Fins account.

The Credited Amount:
A. Will be credited to your account.
B. Can be used towards Swim Fins programs or merchandise.
C. Cannot be redeemed for cash.

What happens if we need to cancel for non-medical reasons?

Unfortunately, we have a zero cancellation policy: there will be no refunds or make-up classes for missed sessions - we do apologize for any inconvenience as we have to pay our coaches and pool rental regardless of if you are there. Please book all other activities around your commitment to your swimming program.

How many lessons are required to learn to swim?

This depends on comfort in the water, age, experience, fitness etc. Normally within 2 – 3 lessons a coach can determine how long it will take.

Should we eat before our swimming lesson?

In order to avoid any unexpected regurgitation: do not eat right before swimming. Try to eat a minimum of two hours before.

What happens when/if additional students are added to my childs class or my childs class doesn't meet the minimum size to run?

Swim Fins reserves the right to add in additional students, without consent (up to a maximum class size of 5 swimmers) as this is how we can maximize our program excellence. If you prefer Swim Fins not add in additional students to your class, please contact us to discuss this option further. Please note Swim Fins operates its programs through customized lesson plans for each student. This means that if there are additional students added to a class, Swim Fins ensures that each student is working on his or her own plan and his/her lesson quality or safety will never be compromised because of additional student, regardless of their swim level or age. If your class does not meet the minimum number of students for the lesson to run, we will contact you to discuss options of paying an additional fee or moving to another lesson time.

Does Swim Fins teach Adults?

Yes we do! We have taught many adults to swim. No matter if you have a strong fear of the water, or have never had the opportunity to learn how to swim, or just want to refine your strokes we can help you. Adults normally swim in small group lessons or with friends or family. Sometimes adults choose to swim with their kids in what we call a “Family Lesson”. However we don’t usually group children and adults together unless they are family or friends.

Does Swim Fins teach babies or infants?

Yes we do! We teach babies as young as 4 month old. You can choose to have a private lesson or to be in a group with other parents and tots. If you're wanting a group, we highly recommend you put together your own group if possible.

Do I need to be in the pool with my child who is under age 4?

Yes, all lessons for children between 4months - 4years old are Parent & Tot lessons, meaning we need one parent to come into the pool with them for the lesson.

Why do you have multiple levels in a class?

We hold classes with multiple levels because our coaches are awesome and can customize lesson plans for each child. This creates the convenience for families to have their children/friends of different swim levels and ages in the same class. Even though you may have a beginner in your group don’t worry as coaches spend equal amount of time on each child.

Does Swim Fins Offer private lessons?

Swim Fins does not offer private lessons normally. If you'd like a private lesson, please email info@swimfins.ca to discuss renting the pool for a private lesson.

Will my child receive a report card?

Yes, we follow the Lifesaving Society Curriculum, so your child will receive a report card at the end of the session.

How many students per coach?

Safety is our number one priority. Maximum class size is 5 students for all schools.