The Science of Learning Swimming As A New Skill

One of the secrets behind the Swim Fins Program, designed by our owner, is that our coaches are taught how to recognize the different learning styles of each student and how to adapt their swimming program to fit the learning style that works best for their students. By adjusting the method of teaching to each student’s needs, their chances of improving and retaining what they learn increase by leaps and bounds.

At Swim Fins, we categorize swimmers into 3 main learning styles - visual, auditory and kinesthetic. While each person inevitably uses a combination of all three in different situations, in our experience, most children learning how to swim tend to favor one of the three learning styles over the others.

Visual Learners

You know you have a visual learner when they seem to pick up new material after watching someone demonstrate what they need to do. Visual learners tend to have very good observational skills and tend to think in terms of images. 

Here are some ways our coaches can identify visual learners:

  • They tend to not want to go first.

  • They want to see a demonstration before they try the new skill for themselves.

  • They remember what they read instead of what they hear.

  • They learn well by looking at visual aids (such as illustrations, pictures, videos, notes, or charts).

  • They appear to not understand verbal instructions as well as visual instructions.

  • They do better with visual cues and reminders instead of verbal cues and reminders.


Auditory Learners

Auditory learners learn best by engaging their sense of hearing. Explaining concepts clearly to them is the best way to get them to understand and remember what they’re being taught. Auditory learners tend to have good listening skills and learn best by listening and verbally engaging with their peers and instructors. 

Here are some ways our coaches can identify auditory learners:

  • They tend to talk to themselves while learning something new.

  • They tend to ask a lot of questions.

  • They enjoy having discussions.

  • They may have trouble with written instructions.

  • They may be talkative with peers and instructors.

  • They often repeat back new instructions.


Kinesthetic learners

Kinesthetic learners “learn by doing”. They are able to understand and remember new material by trying the activity or skill themselves instead of listening or watching it be done. Kinesthetic learners tend to develop good muscle memory. Kinesthetic learners tend to appear like they aren’t paying attention to verbal or visual instructions and seem antsy to try the new skill themselves before you’re even done explaining how to do it! The saying “practice makes perfect” really applies best to this kind of learner. 

Here are some ways our coaches can identify kinesthetic learners:

  • They might “talk with their hands” a lot.

  • They appear to not be paying attention to demonstrations or verbal instructions.

  • They may be constantly fidgeting or have trouble staying still.

  • They like to touch things to learn about them.

  • They may like to take apart toys to understand them.


At Swim Fins, we’ve learned that there is no one size fits all approach to teaching children how to swim. Everyone has their own way of learning and understanding HOW your child learns best is half of the journey to setting your child up for success in their swim lessons. 

For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! We currently have lessons year round at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. Come swim with Swim Fins: https://www.swimfins.ca/register

Choosing the Right Swimwear for your Swim Lessons

At Swim Fins, safety is our number one priority when running classes and swim attire is a part of that. In preparation for their child’s first swim lesson, parents often wonder what kind of swimwear to purchase for their child that would both be helpful for their lesson as well as still be useful for recreational swimming, like at the beach. As such, we’ve compiled all our advice for choosing swimwear for your child from throughout the years below!

1. Comfort and Fit

One of the most important factors when choosing swimwear is the overall fit and comfort of the piece. One-piece swimsuits should have a snug fit in general. Suits with straps should be tight enough that they pull up no higher than your child’s earlobes. Ideally, look for suits with wide straps as opposed to string straps, and opt for a racerback or bladeback instead of tie back or u-backs. This is because the racerback or blade-back style of swim wear tends to fit smaller bodies better allowing your child to concentrate more on their swim lessons and less on the way their swimsuit feels and fits. For children who only wear swim bottoms, long and/or baggy swim shorts make swimming much more difficult. We recommend speedo or jammer style swimsuits instead of heavy swim bottoms that may hinder their ability to swim efficiently. 

Another key element, especially with younger swimmers, is how easy the swimwear is to put on and take off. As wet swimwear tends to attach to the skin and make them harder to remove, zippers and snaps make the process much simpler if you or your child needs to remove their swimsuit quickly to use the bathroom. Do not use safety pins to tighten swimwear as this is a safety issue.

2. Go for Bright Colors

Swimwear comes in all sorts or colors, patterns and designs. However, as a general rule, the brighter the color, the better. This is to help with visibility and helps you pick out your child quickly when in crowded spaces such as the beach or a public pool. In a study by Alive Solutions, after being submerged 18 inches in water, the common colors of swimsuits tend to disappear, especially if there’s any type of movement in the water. We recommend avoiding colors such as black, blue, gray and white and instead opt for colors such as neon oranges, yellows, pinks, or greens. Of course, as Alive Solutions reminds us, brightly coloured swimsuits are not a substitute for constant supervision while your child is in the water. So if you’re swimming with your child, put your phone away, designate a Water Watcher and enjoy watching your children splash in the water!

 
 

3. Swim Accessories

No outfit is complete without the right accessories and swimwear is no exception! Longer hair should always be pulled back and out of the face during lessons, we suggest a swim cap for swimmers whose hair might be prone to tangling or covering the face when surfacing for a breath. Additionally, at Swim Fins Swim School, we require swimmers in our lessons to have some form of protective eyewear such as swim goggles or masks and can be purchased through our website here. A full list of our recommendations for what to bring to your first swim lesson can be found in this blog post.

We hope that all these tips have made swimwear purchasing much easier and not as overwhelming as it might have been before. See you at swim lessons soon! We currently have lessons year round at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! Come swim with Swim Fins: https://www.swimfins.ca/register

Swimsuit Examples:

Skin and Hair Care Tips For Winter Swimming

Age appropriate skin and hair care should be part of a year-round routine for children of all ages. However, once the Winter rolls around, it becomes even more vital to stick to a routine that works for your skin and hair type. Apart from purchasing protective equipment like rash guards and swim caps, a proper skin and hair care routine can drastically protect and reduce the effects of the chemicals in pools. To help you build a skin and hair care routine with your child, we’ve compiled a quick list of general skin and hair care tips that’ll help maintain your child’s skin and hair and allow them to attend swim lessons year round! Please do keep in mind that our suggestions do not replace medical instruction and if you have persistent concerns regarding your child’s health, please see your family doctor as soon as possible.

Before Swimming:

1. Pre-Swim Rinse

Apart from keeping the pool cleaner for everyone, a pre-swim shower is a great way to protect your hair and skin! When dry and dehydrated skin and hair comes in contact with pool water (and all the chemicals that go in to keep the pool clean and safe), chlorinated water will be absorbed. A pre-swim rinse reduces the amount of pool water absorbed.

2. Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!

One of the key elements to fighting dry skin is constant hydration. This doesn’t just mean drinking water - your skin also absorbs hydration through moisturizing lotions and creams. Even on days where you don’t plan on swimming, your child should be using a moisturizing lotion, especially after showering. 

For your hair, the same principle applies, using child safe hair repair treatments that focus on hydrating and nourishing the hair is essential once you start to notice your child’s hair starting to become dry and brittle. If possible, avoid shampoo and conditioners that contain sulfates, parabens, phthalates and formaldehyde.

3. Take Your Vitamins and Antioxidants

It’s normal that your child’s body needs a little extra help keeping healthy. If you’re noticing dry and flaky skin, consider adding multivitamin and Omega 3 supplements to your child’s diet. These vitamins and minerals work at a cellular level to enhance the water retention capabilities of the cellular membrane. Increasing the antioxidants consumed is another great way to build healthy skin from the inside out! Foods rich in antioxidants include berries, dark chocolate, green/matcha tea, beans and spinach - some of these can be combined to make a fun and healthy post swim snack for your child after they’ve worked up an appetite after their swim lesson.

After Swimming:

1. Shower and Moisturize

After swimming, it’s very important to take a warm (not hot) shower to wash off all the chlorine and pool water before they can be absorbed into your child’s skin. Allowing the chemicals to dry on their skin may cause irritation and rashes especially for those that have sensitive skin.

If possible, try to limit your child’s shower to once a day just after their swim lesson. For example, on the days your child has a swimming lesson, make the post-swim shower your child’s shower for the day. Showering too often removes the protective oils your skin produces to keep the moisture locked in. Use gentle products in the shower and avoid scrubbing at the skin and hair and the skin can be easily irritated.

After showering, use a soft towel to dry and always remember to use a moisturizing lotion on their skin. We recommend using an oil-based moisturizer but find one that works best for your child’s skin type. If your child’s skin is still feeling dry, re-apply their lotion before they go to bed.

2. Wash The Swimsuit!

After every swim lesson, ensure that your child’s swimsuit is washed and dried appropriately. Besides helping it last longer, washing the swimsuit will help remove the dry chlorine and sweat particles that could cause more irritation to your child’s skin after repeated use without washing. Most swim suits can be washed in the washing machine in a mesh laundry bag with a mild, bleach-free detergent. We recommend adding a few towels to the load to prevent over agitation and running the wash under the delicate cycle with cold water. To dry, lay the swimsuit flat, away from direct heat and sunlight. For quicker drying, roll it gently in a towel before laying it flat.


We hope that these tips will come in handy over the Winter season and make swim classes more accessible to those that may have been worried about the effects swimming in the colder weather can have on young bodies. We currently have lessons year round at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! Come swim with Swim Fins: https://www.swimfins.ca/register

How to Become A Swim Fins Swim Instructor

Wherever there is an athlete, there is an instructor. With swimming being one of the most valuable life skills children can learn, swim instructors have a life changing impact on their students’ lives. The path to becoming a certified swim instructor can seem overwhelming so we’ve decided to break the whole process down for you in a way that’s clear and easy to understand.

Why Be A Swim Instructor:  

Apart from teaching children skills that can save their lives one day, there are a multitude of benefits to starting a career as a swim instructor. Here are some of the benefits swim instructors can enjoy about their job:

  • An amazing starting wage of $25 per hour.

  • Great first job.

  • Get to interact with children and adults from all walks of life.

  • Knowing that you’re making a meaningful difference in your community.

  • Learn and develop soft skills that transfer into everyday life and future careers such as effective communication, time management, collaboration and adaptability.

  • Certificate credits can be used as credits to graduate high school.

  • And many, many more…

Why Choose Swim Fins to Work for: 

At Swim Fins, our instructors shared some of the reasons they love working with Swim Fins Swim School: 

  • Competitive wages ($25 -$30 per hour).

  • 30+ hours of paid training.

  • Job security: Swim Fins tends to have instructors that last for upwards of 10+ years! 

  • Small, family business where you feel appreciated.

  • Ready-made lesson plans are provided by our Head Coaches that have been tried and tested.

  • Flexible scheduling of shifts that work around school schedules and volunteering. 

  • Small group classes make it easy to focus on safety and making sure the swimmers are having fun in their lessons.

  • Each shift is about 3+ hours with breaks in between so work days don’t feel long.

  • Opportunity to support and be supported by a team of like-minded, hard-working individuals.

  • Multiple locations to work at across the Lower Mainland: White Rock, Cloverdale, Walnut Grove, Richmond, and Abbotsford.

  • Easy, information-filled application process where you fill out the application forms, attend a video interview and a 15 min practical interview at the pool before starting training.

The Certification Process: 

As you can see from the above infographic, the process of becoming a certified swim instructor can start as young as 13 years old with only a few prerequisites and some hard work. Let’s explore that more… 

The first step (we recommend) to becoming certified is completing the Canadian Swim Patrol. After you’ve completed the Canadian Swim Patrol to their highest levels (Star Patrol) you can then do your Bronze Star which develops swimming proficiency, lifesaving skills and personal fitness. Completing that moves you through the Bronze exams, which is the next step: completing your Bronze Medallion. This course works your judgment, knowledge, skill and fitness – the four components of water rescue. Once passing that exam, you can do your Bronze Cross which begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding and prepares candidates for responsibilities as lifeguards. After this point, there are many different paths, careers, and opportunities for you! Any future jobs will see these accomplishments as a large amount of skill and responsibility. 

To teach with us at Swim Fins we also need you certified in your NL, Swim for Life Instructor, and SFA. Let’s break those down further:

  • NL - National Lifeguard is your lifeguarding certification. This means that you are able to provide effective safety supervision in swimming pool environments.

  • Swim for Life Instructor - Swim for Life Instructor is your certification so that you can effectively teach the Lifesaving Society’s Learn to Swim program properly with the tools given.  

  • SFA - Standard First Aid and CPR-C (children) is your most commonly used certification for how to properly respond to emergency situations. 

All these certifications are required to be current and recertified when expired so that you have the most up to date knowledge possible. If you have any questions about certifications, please don’t hesitate to contact us, or the Lifesaving Society

How To Apply to Work At Swim Fins: 

To be a successful applicant at Swim Fins here’s a little checklist for you:

  • Do you have your NL, Swim for Life, and SFA?

  • Have you read our job description?

  • Now complete your application form found here!

We’re Joining the Transition to the Lifesaving Society!

We have exciting news to share with you!
Beginning in January 2023, our Winter session, we will be affiliated with The Lifesaving Society to provide you with your swimming lesson curriculum. The Red Cross will officially be ceasing to offer water safety programs at the end of 2022 to focus resources on worldwide humanitarian efforts. Due to this shift, Swim Fins Swim School will be joining the vast majority of Canada to transition to the nationally-recognised Lifesaving Society’s Swim for Life program, replacing the Red Cross’s program. We wanted to thank the Canadian Red Cross for over 76 years of promoting swimming and water safety.

There is no need to worry about your lessons changing though. We will still be providing the same amazing lessons and instruction that we are currently offering. Swim Fins will continue to add in our innovative, one-of-a kind program to yield strong swimmers in less time than it would take in traditional programs therefore saving you the most precious commodity, TIME.

Learn more about Swim For Life.

How To Keep Your Child Motivated

It’s no secret that kids jump from one activity to another faster than you can purchase all the equipment for their new interests. Swim lessons, like any other activity, can appear boring and repetitive after the novelty of the first few lessons wears off. However, with drowning still being the leading cause of death for children under 14 in Canada, it’s vital that parents find a way to encourage their young swimmers to stick through classes. 

While our coaches are well equipped to adapt to your child’s learning style where some children require more structure when learning whereas others require learning to feel like a game (even though they’re still learning), parents play a vital role in keeping that motivation going. Here at Swim Fins, we often get parents asking how they can get their children excited for their swimming lessons so we’ve compiled some pieces of advice we’ve found helpful to some parents:

  1. Find out why. Ask your child why they don’t want to attend lessons anymore. Maybe they miss having their best friend in lessons with them like last session? Maybe they’re unhappy with the way their swimwear fits. Finding out why your child is losing interest is the first step in finding a way to motivate them to attend lessons.

  2. Ask positive questions after your child’s lesson. Asking questions like “Wasn’t it fun how your coach had you dive for rings?” instead of “Was your lesson fun today?” can help lead your child to look for the positive sides to their lessons. This can help them develop a positive relationship with the water and swimming.

  3. Brainstorm a goal or challenge for them to work towards in their lessons. Children often feel more motivated to complete lessons when they have a goal or outcome they can work towards. Whether it be swimming a certain distance unassisted or learning a specific swimming technique, having a tangible but achievable goal will help your child build motivation to attend their lessons.

  4. Let them have fun! Although swimming lessons are a place for learning, there’s always room for a little fun and games during the lesson.

  5. Come up with a fun post swimming activity together! After your child’s lesson, plan a quick but rewarding activity for you and your child like getting hot chocolate on the way home or making a quick stop to pick up a snack. The positive activity can reinforce the positive feelings that come from attending swim lessons.

We currently have lessons year round at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! Come swim with Swim Fins: https://www.swimfins.ca/register

Why Family Swim Days Are a Great Idea Year Round!

Now that the colder weather has set in, it’s natural to want to pack away the swimsuits and goggles until next May when they’ll be put to good use again. At Swim Fins, we want to encourage you to not do that! We encourage our families to plan outings to the pool all year round and get in the water with them! Here’s why we think you should jump into the water with your kids every time they want to spend time at the pool:

Reason #1: Exercise and Health Benefits
Swimming is one of the few activities that uses all muscles of the body all at once so not only is it an excellent way to workout but it’s also an easy way to work multiple muscle groups all at once. The best thing about swimming as a form of exercise is that swimming games are easy and fun for the whole family! Whether it’s racing against Mom and Dad or playing tag in the pool, chances are everyone is going to be having so much fun, you won’t even think of it as exercise! Even the grandparents can join in on these fun activities as swimming is very beneficial and much easier on achy joints. 

Reason #2: Practice Makes Perfect
Like any other skill, swimming skills are developed best with consistent practice. Without practice and consistency, it’s likely that skill regression may occur. At Swim Fins, we know that practicing swimming year round also means that your child is able to build their confidence in the water. Research has shown that in young children, repetition helps strengthen neural connections in the brain that are vital for learning. These connections eventually evolve the new skills into muscle memory which is vital during emergencies. 

 Reason #3: Safety
Water Safety is something we emphasize a lot at Swim Fins, and for good reason. Drowning is still the leading cause of death in children under 14 in Canada. By joining your kids in the pool, you make sure you’re close at hand in case of an emergency. Drowning can happen in under a minute and every second counts in an emergency. Your children will also be able to relax and enjoy themselves in the water more knowing Mom and Dad are close at hand and older children will be more than happy to pass the responsibility of a younger sibling back to you while they splash around close by, enjoying the sunshine.

Swim lessons are the basis for a fun time at the pool. Therefore, in preparation for your next family Pool Day, come check out some of our year round programs at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! Come swim with Swim Fins: https://www.swimfins.ca/register

Celebrate Subs!

Consistent attendance is a key part of our swim instructors job description. However, as we all know life can get in the way, people get sick, prom, final exams, etc. Our instructors are there for your children as much as they can, but life events are also important to our instructors so they feel fulfilled and energized at work. Thankfully this is where our wonderful subs come to the rescue! 

While consistency is important in developing young minds, flexibility is a valuable life skill that can be learned here in swim class. All of our instructors undergo the same extensive training but each one brings their own personality and teaching style. Some students respond differently to a new teaching style and a fresh set of eyes can be all it takes to overcome a plateau.

Positivity from parents is crucial when it comes to celebrating subs. Allowing your children to be comfortable with subs and new teachers helps them to build healthy relationships and develop their social skills. Notice your child's coach is absent? Here are some positive phrases to set the right tone for your lesson:

1. "Oh look Zac, you get to swim with a new coach today!"

2. "What an exciting day! We get to swim with a different teacher. I wonder if she's friends with Coach Tara…"

So, the next time your little one has a sub, help us make it a positive experience for everyone! Come check out our year round programs at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! Come swim with Swim Fins: https://www.swimfins.ca/register

5 Tips for a Water-Safe Family Vacation at the Beach this Summer

Be honest with me, in the past few months, how many times has the idea of bright sunny beaches framed by tall coconut trees waving in the warm, lazy breeze crossed your mind? Beach vacations have been a staple family holiday (for a good reason). However, it’s important to remember that drowning is still the leading cause of death in children under 14 in Canada. Here are 5 tips you can easily do to keep your family safe while still enjoying the sun, sand and surf this Summer!

#1: Pay Attention to Swimming Advisories and Lifeguard Instructions

Before heading to the beach, consult your local Swim Guide for any advisories, warnings, closures, health concerns or other important safety information. Between May and September, Vancouver beaches employ lifeguards from sunrise to sunset. If a lifeguard tells you to stay out of the water for the time being, please listen to them. 

#2: Know the Signs of A Child In Distress

Drowning can happen in under a minute and rarely looks like it does in the movies. When someone is drowning, they probably don’t have the capability to wave their arms in the air and yell for help as they’ll be trying to keep themselves above water to catch their breath. It’s safe practice to always have an eye on your child and make sure you can get to them quickly whenever they’re in the water. Try to stay within an arm's reach of them if they are young or not a strong swimmer. 

#3: No Diving Until You Know How Deep The Water Is

In open water, safety hazards aren’t always visible to the naked eye. Avoid diving head first into the water at the beach as the sand is often hard packed and unforgiving. Sharp rocks, marine life and even other beachgoers may be hard to detect from above the water as well.

#4: Take Lots of Breaks

It’s important to take multiple breaks from the water while at the beach. Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, sunburns, dehydration and exhaustion are all possible side effects of pushing your limits to dangerous levels. Which in turn, increases the possibility of accidents, drowning, and longer lasting effects. Instead of spending all your time at the shore, consider having a small picnic in the shade for a chance for everyone to refuel and get a break from the constant sun. Make sure to pack sunscreen and lots of water for everyone!

#5: Entering Water Only with Approval and Supervision

Whenever possible, it's good for parents and guardians to come up with set rules before ever entering a body of water. A good one is getting the child to ask permission before going into the pool by establishing contact with the supervising adult, asking the adult if they are ready for them to enter the pool, and then counting 1-2-3 together with the supervising adult before entering the pool. That way, everyone knows where everybody is, and children aren’t sneaking into the pool without notice.

If a beach vacation isn’t in your near future, check out our Fall session as well as our year round programs at our pools in Richmond, Maple Ridge, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! Come swim with Swim Fins: www.swimfins.ca/register

How to Become A Swim Fins Swim Instructor

Wherever there is an athlete, there is an instructor. With swimming being one of the most valuable life skills children can learn, swim instructors have a life changing impact on their students’ lives. The path to becoming a certified swim instructor can seem overwhelming so we’ve decided to break the whole process down for you in a way that’s clear and easy to understand.

Why Be A Swim Instructor:  

Apart from teaching children skills that can save their lives one day, there are a multitude of benefits to starting a career as a swim instructor. Here are some of the benefits swim instructors can enjoy about their job:

  • An amazing starting wage of $25 per hour.

  • Great first job.

  • Get to interact with children and adults from all walks of life.

  • Knowing that you’re making a meaningful difference in your community.

  • Learn and develop soft skills that transfer into everyday life and future careers such as effective communication, time management, collaboration and adaptability.

  • Certificate credits can be used as credits to graduate high school.

  • And many, many more…

Why Choose Swim Fins to Work for: 

At Swim Fins, our instructors shared some of the reasons they love working with Swim Fins Swim School: 

  • Competitive wages ($25 -$30 per hour).

  • 30+ hours of paid training.

  • Job security: Swim Fins tends to have instructors that last for upwards of 10+ years! 

  • Small, family business where you feel appreciated.

  • Ready-made lesson plans are provided by our Head Coaches that have been tried and tested.

  • Flexible scheduling of shifts that work around school schedules and volunteering. 

  • Small group classes make it easy to focus on safety and making sure the swimmers are having fun in their lessons.

  • Each shift is about 3+ hours with breaks in between so work days don’t feel long.

  • Opportunity to support and be supported by a team of like-minded, hard-working individuals.

  • Multiple locations to work at across the Lower Mainland: White Rock, Cloverdale, Walnut Grove, Richmond, and Abbotsford.

  • Easy, information-filled application process where you fill out the application forms, attend a video interview and a 15 min practical interview at the pool before starting training.

The Certification Process: 

As you can see from the above infographic, the process of becoming a certified swim instructor can start as young as 13 years old with only a few prerequisites and some hard work. Let’s explore that more… 

The first step (we recommend) to becoming certified is completing the Canadian Swim Patrol. After you’ve completed the Canadian Swim Patrol to their highest levels (Star Patrol) you can then do your Bronze Star which develops swimming proficiency, lifesaving skills and personal fitness. Completing that moves you through the Bronze exams, which is the next step: completing your Bronze Medallion. This course works your judgment, knowledge, skill and fitness – the four components of water rescue. Once passing that exam, you can do your Bronze Cross which begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding and prepares candidates for responsibilities as lifeguards. After this point, there are many different paths, careers, and opportunities for you! Any future jobs will see these accomplishments as a large amount of skill and responsibility. 

To teach with us at Swim Fins we also need you certified in your NL, Swim for Life Instructor, and SFA. Let’s break those down further:

  • NL - National Lifeguard is your lifeguarding certification. This means that you are able to provide effective safety supervision in swimming pool environments.

  • Swim for Life Instructor - Swim for Life Instructor is your certification so that you can effectively teach the Lifesaving Society’s Learn to Swim program properly with the tools given.  

  • SFA - Standard First Aid and CPR-C (children) is your most commonly used certification for how to properly respond to emergency situations. 

All these certifications are required to be current and recertified when expired so that you have the most up to date knowledge possible. If you have any questions about certifications, please don’t hesitate to contact us, or the Lifesaving Society

How To Apply to Work At Swim Fins: 

To be a successful applicant at Swim Fins here’s a little checklist for you:

  • Do you have your NL, Swim for Life, and SFA?

  • Have you read our job description?

  • Now complete your application form found here!

Can Babies Learn To Swim?

The short answer is YES, babies can learn to swim! In fact, at Swim Fins, we highly encourage starting your child's swim lessons from the age of 6 months old. Over the years, we often get parents asking if it’s worth signing their infant up for swim lessons while they’re so young so here is why we think swim lessons are a smart choice for your baby.

The main objective of swim lessons for infants is drowning prevention and learning basic water safety. In Canada, drowning is still the second leading cause of death in children under 14. Formal swimming lessons reduce that risk by 88% according to America’s National Institute of Health. At Swim Fins, we teach the Swim Fins program in conjunction with the Red Cross Swim program. Our program is designed by the owner to meet the needs of young swimmers. As a result, Swim Fins students learn to Swim in ¼ of the time. 

Some of the other benefits of infant swim lessons we’ve found are:

  • Building confidence at an early stage of the child’s life by being challenged in a safe environment while being supported by their parents. We find starting swimming lessons young also helps get ahead of the possibility of the child developing a fear of water as they get older.

  • Providing an opportunity for creating emotional bonds between the infant and the adult in the water with them.

  • Developing muscle coordination and improving balance.

  • Developing muscles and exercising the infant’s heart, lungs and brain safely.

  • Improvements in sleep patterns and appetite after swim lessons.

So in essence, our answer to the question “Should I register my baby for swim lessons?” is an enthusiastic, resounding YES ABSOLUTELY! We have many different classes to choose from, don’t delay! Our program runs year round at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! Come swim with Swim Fins: https://www.swimfins.ca/register

How to Encourage Your Nervous Swimmer

Swimming is one of those few undeniably vital skills that could one day end up saving your child’s life or the lives of others some day. That being said, kids aren’t always excited to get into the pool those first few times. To help you set your child up for success in their swimming lessons, here’s our top 5 tips to encourage your child to take that first step to becoming a super confident swimmer.

1. Use Motivating Words

Use positive and inspiring words to encourage the progress your child is making at the start and end of lessons. Help them focus on the fun things they’ve experienced in the pool. Learning new skills can be frustrating for kids, remember to keep it positive and focus on how far they’ve come already!

2. Make Swim Lessons Fun

Get social! Share the fun of swimming lessons with their friends and family. Take photos and videos of where they started and where they are now and send them to grandma and grandpa. Hearing the positive words of other loved ones can help your child see the difference they’ve made. Do they have cousins or siblings that could join Swim Fins for a session? See if they can attend the same class and make it more fun. If they don’t know anyone in their classes, encourage your child to make friends with the other kids in their class.

3. Take A Break, Remember to Breathe

Getting a reluctant swimmer into the water can be stressful. Remember to take a deep breath (both you and your child) and release the stress that comes from dealing with a child that’s learning a new skill. One benefit of not being on the pool deck means that you can try to take some time for yourself as you wait for them to finish. Go grab a coffee, read a book in the car, take a walk, anything to ease your mind for that stretch of time.

4. Reinforce Learning Outside Lessons

Take your child to a community pool or local beach and let them safely show off what they’ve learned so far. Try getting in the water with them and make practicing their skills a game. Reinforcing the skills they've learned in other locations will help your child feel more confident in their next lesson!

5. Ask For Some Assistance

Your number 1 resource at swim lessons is your coach. They may be able to recommend other equipment or have tips based on their experiences teaching that will help your child enjoy swim lessons more. Our coaches and staff are always here for you if you need help. 

Our program runs year round at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! Come swim with Swim Fins: https://www.swimfins.ca/register

Swim Class Checklist

The first few years of a child’s life is filled with new experiences and learning opportunities. As parents, we want to make sure they’re equipped with all the skills and items they might need to succeed later in life. Every day, it seems like there’s something new for your child to learn.

As a parent, your child’s first swimming lesson can be both exciting and intimidating. What do you bring with you? What if you forget to bring something essential? With all these questions, we understand that it can be difficult to organize yourself and pack for your kid’s first swim class. To make things easier for you, we’ve put together a checklist with suggestions (not all are necessary) that will leave you and your kiddo prepared for their first lesson:

  1. Eyewear - your child will need a pair of goggles or a swim mask for their lessons. Goggles and masks (and more!) are available for purchase via our website here. Please wait to order your eyewear until your coach has seen and assessed your child’s needs for at least one lesson.

  2. Your child’s swimsuit - we suggest wearing a comfortable one piece or swim shorts and shirt that is easy to slip on and off for easy changing. Please come dressed and ready to go!

  3. A backpack or tote bag - a bag specifically to hold all your swim lesson essentials that is okay to potentially get damp or wet.

  4. A waterproof bag for wet clothes - something like a reusable waterproof bag or a plastic bag to hold your child’s wet clothes and towels. 

  5. Your child’s towel (or a robe) - we suggest a big, soft and absorbent towel (or robe) that will dry off your child after their lesson and keep them nice and warm. A large fluffy towel can help your child after being in the water and adjusting to the air temperature until they are changed.

  6. Wipes - gentle cleansing wipes are the best way to get the residual pool water off your child’s skin until you can go home and have them hop into the shower.

  7. Lotion - pool chemicals used to keep the water clean and safe can sometimes dry your child’s skin out and lead to some irritation over time. To keep them comfortable, we recommend a moisturizing, child friendly lotion.

  8. Healthy snacks and water - swim lessons are a workout! We suggest packing a light snack and a bottle of water to fuel your child and rehydrate them after their class.

  9. Masks - while Covid is still prevalent we ask that you and your child wear their masks in and around the pool deck areas. The coach will let them know when and where to take their mask off once it’s time to head into the pool. 

  10. Swim diapers - for toddlers aged 4 and under, swim diapers are a requirement to avoid any accidents. Please see your Parent Handbook for more information. 

For parents joining their child in their lesson, such as in our Parent and Tot classes, it’s important to remember to come dressed and pack your own towel and other essentials. 

Parents will receive our Parent Handbook before your first lesson that will provide you with additional information about what to expect for your first lesson as well as information about our pools including parking and where to meet your coach before and after lessons. 

Our program runs year round at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! Come swim with Swim Fins: https://www.swimfins.ca/register

How Swim Lessons Benefit a Child's Personality Development

As a parent, when you think about ways to enrich your child’s mental development, swimming lessons may not necessarily be the first thing that comes to mind. However, at Swim Fins, we are a firm believer that swim lessons are useful tools to develop your child’s personality!

Going swimming is not only a fantastic workout, but also helps one feel accomplished. Children are able to work out some of their stress and frustration by swimming laps and burning off their excess energy. The enjoyment they may get by taking part in other pool-related activities such as playing games or other pool-related activities may also help take their minds off their worries.

Swim lessons are an amazing opportunity for your little one to build social skills. Swim lessons provide children with the opportunity to interact with their peers in a fun but safe environment. At Swim Fins, part of your child’s lessons include playing games with aims as a way to develop their swimming skills without realizing it! Your child may even meet their new best friend at a Swim Fins swim lesson!

If a child experiences anxieties relating to swimming or being around water, swim lessons are an excellent way to confront that fear. It’s important that kids who are fearful of water are given the support they need so that parents and the swim instructors can help them build their confidence. 

For children with special needs, swim lessons are a fun way to develop motor skills, increase their strength and improve their coordination. Children with special needs don’t always have access to swimming the same way other children do. Swim lessons help provide that chance as well as act as a means of developing social skills and building a healthy self-confidence. 

Our program runs year round at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! Come swim with Swim Fins: https://www.swimfins.ca/register

Why we think Winter swim lessons are SMART!

Do you think swim lessons are reserved only for the warm weather?  Think again!

It’s a common misconception that you should stop swimming in the colder months. But swimming isn’t just reserved for Summer! All of our lessons take place in indoor heated swimming pools (around 84-86 Farenheit) so there’s no reason for the weather to be warm outside. Take a break from the cold and come improve your skills! Here are a few benefits of continuing swim lessons year-round:

1. YOUR CHILD CAN REMAIN ACTIVE AND HEALTHY BY SWIMMING.

It can be hard to keep kids active when it’s cold and wet outside. Swimming makes sure they have an indoor activity that can keep them energetic and healthy even when the weather isn’t so great outdoors.

2. SWIMMING HELPS MAINTAIN A HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM.

Staying active helps build a stronger immune system which helps protect your kids from illnesses, infections, and other not-so-nice stuff. Some parents think that when the weather gets colder, putting their children in the water will get them sick. But it’s always Summer at Swim FIns! We monitor the water and air to make sure they’re never too cold for you and your children.

3. SWIMMING THROUGHOUT THE YEAR KEEPS YOUR CHILD CONFIDENT ABOUT THEIR SWIMMING SKILLS

Taking a break from swimming lessons for a season results in declining swimming performance. Without practice and consistency, it is hard to avoid skill regression. Why not keep your kids feeling confident about their swimming by taking another session?

4. YOU WILL BE READY FOR THE BEACH AND POOL NEXT SUMMER

It’s smarter to be prepared! Taking swimming lessons throughout the Winter ensures that by the time Summer comes around, your kiddo will be swimming well and you’ll have less worries about their safety around the water during your next trip to the ocean, lake, or pool!

5. WE’LL SAY IT AGAIN: YOU WILL NOT CATCH A COLD FROM SWIMMING!

It’s worth saying again! This is a common misconception and far from the truth.

Learning how to swim not only ensures your child’s basic safety in the water, but also helps them stay healthy and feel more confident about their swimming skills. Our Winter swimming lessons schedule is online for you to start planning. We welcome all ages to our classes!

Our program runs year round at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! www.swimfins.ca. Come swim with Swim Fins: https://www.swimfins.ca/register

When Are Kids “Water Safe”?

When it comes to swimming lessons, parents often have a variety of goals. Some parents have heard of the advantages of infant swimming and want to reap the benefits as soon as possible, others want to develop strong techniques for future swimming goals. Either way, every parent wants their child to be as safe as possible around water. Here at Swim Fins, we often get asked:  “At what age is my child water safe?”

Our answer is not simple; there’s no such thing as “drown-proof”.

We believe that no one is truly “water safe”. Accidents can always happen and the unfortunate reality of the situation is that drowning is still the leading cause of death in children under 14 in Canada.

Maybe the goal then shouldn’t be to keep our children drown-proof but to give them all the tools to reduce the risk of drowning instead? Outside of lessons, we recommend parents and caregivers get in the water with their little ones when swimming recreationally at all times. Always be at an arm's reach from your child, no matter their swimming ability. ALWAYS stay alert and vigilant when your child is around any body of water. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye and the best way to prevent drownings is to keep your eyes on your children at all times and be ready to respond in the event of an emergency. We’ve found the key lies in getting them in the pool on a regular basis at a young age to help build their, and your, confidence.

In order to help get your children to be water safe, they need to discover their abilities in a safe space. Check out our swim program that runs year round at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! Register here: www.swimfins.ca/register

NEW Location Alert: RICHMOND!

We are super excited to announce that we have a new swim school located in Richmond near the Vancouver airport which will be opening October 1st. Thanks to continued business from loyal clients like you, the demand was so great that we were able to acquire a new lesson venue! 🎉

Click here to see all of our locations: www.swimfins.ca/our-locations

Our Richmond swim school is currently taking registrations for our Fall session (Oct 1-Dec 23: 12 weeks). The rest of our locations will still run their Fall session Aug 30-Dec 23 (17 weeks). Sign up soon as we know these classes will fill quickly!

Should Young Kids Learn to Swim?… Yes!

Swimming is the perfect base for almost every physical activity. Swim lessons develop character, improve unique motor skills, and can prepare your child for numerous other activities such as kayaking, canoeing, scuba diving, surfing and triathlon training that they may want to attempt when they get older. 

Swimming also provides a great outlet for your child! Being one of the more intensive forms of physical activity, swimming offers a healthy and safe opportunity for your child to burn off all that extra energy in your child!

Swimming isn’t just all fun, it also offers a lot of health benefits that will help keep your children safe and happy at the same time. Swimming offers a total-body workout that improves your child’s cardiovascular endurance and encourages muscle building. Your child’s arms, core and legs will all be working together to stabilize and drive them forward. Swimming is one of the few activities that engages so many muscle groups all at once to get your child’s heart pumping and their blood flowing! Swimming is also a low-impact activity, this helps preserve your child’s joints while still getting the benefits of a full workout.

At Swim Fins, we classify swimming as an essential life skill. Drowning is still the leading cause of death in children under 14. Formal swimming lessons were found to reduce the risk of drowning by 88%. Formal swimming lessons at a young age also help overcome a fear of water in children. Our classes focus on instilling comfort and confidence in swimmers that allow fearful swimmers to thrive and overcome their fears in time.


After learning more about why children should learn to swim at a young age, it's time to find a place near you and sign up for your children to start seeing these extraordinary results. Our program runs year-round at our pools in Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale and Abbotsford. Head over to our website to learn more about our programs, how to register, and so much more: www.swimfins.ca/register

From Swim Clo to Swim Fins: This Is Our Story

We have been brimming with excitement for the past year about Swim Clo Aquatics and Fitness’ next chapter and we are so pleased to announce that the Swim Clo you’ve all known and loved has grown into something bigger and better! Swim Clo has been rebranded to Swim Fins Swim School!

For 30 years, Swim Clo Aquatics and Fitness has delivered the highest quality swimming lessons to the Lower Mainland - a dream that the owner, Claudine (“Clo”), has nurtured since she started the business as a one-woman show in backyard swimming pools. Her passion for water safety and determination to teach children how to swim in ¼ of the time is what has driven Swim Clo, now Swim Fins, to become the amazing program that it is today. Swim Fins is the result of 30 years of refinement - an evolution from aquatics and fitness to a specialized swim school targeting children between the ages of four to nine years old (our largest swimmer base), but accessible to all ages! Swim Fins is a true masterclass providing the best swimming lessons parents and their children can experience.

2020 was a hard year for all of us, between not being able to visit with our families and friends to our favourite small businesses having to temporarily shut down in solidarity with our community’s efforts to stymie the spread of COVID-19. While we missed our swim families so much during the shut down, we took this rare opportunity to explore the many ideas we’ve been storing in our innovation vault. With more time to focus on improving the business, we wanted to represent what our swimming lessons have become today; Swim Clo was a representation of “swimming with Clo” - a throwback to our origins. However, we have become so much more than that! Now our swim families have the opportunity to swim with our team of professional coaches who are personally mentored by Clo to become the amazing instructors you swim with every day.

Our new logo incorporates several aspects of our swimming lessons:

  • FINS: As many of our swim families know, we use flippers, or “FINS”, in our lessons. Fins help students swim with straight legs so that they kick from their hips instead of their knees. They are a fantastic tool and are used frequently throughout a portion of your children's lessons.

  • GOGGLES AND MASKS: All students start with goggles or masks in our swimming lessons. They allow for more confidence while in the water and help swimmers be more kinesthetically aware of their body. Children will be assessed on their abilities without eyewear.

  • BRADLEY THE SUPERHERO: The little boy represents Clo’s seven year old son. Bradley has been the face of Swim Clo for many years and it only made sense for him to continue as our mascot! He’s featured as an adorable young swimmer who dreams of growing up to be a superhero in all aspects of life.

  • AQUA THE MERMAID: Aqua is a little mermaid who has had trouble keeping up with all of her mermaid friends as they swim through the ocean. She joined Swim Fins to learn how to swim even better than she already can and now she has joined the team to encourage other little mermaids who want to swim better.

  • MORE TO COME! Expect more Swim Fins characters to join the team in the future as Bradley and Aqua grow and make new friends!

We want children to be able to feel like our logo represents them and their dreams - a visual representation of other children succeeding in their swimming goals. Swim Fins will be a place that children are excited to go; a place where they can see their friends, mentors, and coaches while learning amazing life skills.

The Swim Fins dream is for everyone to learn to swim, be safe, and have fun! Join us for our year round lessons at our pools in White Rock, Walnut Grove, Cloverdale East, Cloverdale West, and Abbotsford! Follow us on all our social media platforms to stay in touch and see your kids in action. We want to thank everyone who has allowed us to rent their pools, all of our coaches, all of our staff, and all of you, our valuable swim families, for following us on our journey and supporting our small business for the past 30 years!

Celebrate Subs!

Consistent attendance is a key part of our swim instructors job description. However, as we all know life can get in the way, people get sick, prom, final exams, etc. Our instructors are there for your children as much as they can, but life events are also important to our instructors so they feel fulfilled and energized at work. Thankfully this is where our wonderful subs come to the rescue! 

While consistency is important in developing young minds, flexibility is a valuable life skill that can be learned here in swim class. All of our instructors undergo the same extensive training but each one brings their own personality and teaching style. Some students respond differently to a new teaching style and a fresh set of eyes can be all it takes to overcome a plateau.

Positivity from parents is crucial when it comes to celebrating subs. Allowing your children to be comfortable with subs and new teachers helps them to build healthy relationships and develop their social skills. Notice your child's coach is absent? Here are some positive phrases to set the right tone for your lesson:

1. "Oh look Zac, you get to swim with a new coach today!"

2. "What an exciting day! We get to swim with a different teacher. I wonder if she's friends with Coach Tara…"

So, the next time your little one has a sub, help us make it a positive experience for everyone! Our program runs year round at our pools in Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! www.swimclo.com


Register here: https://www.swimclo.com/register-summer