Adult Swimming Lessons in Ottawa: Learn to Swim at Any Age

Yes. Adults of any age and ability can learn to swim, and many do. At our Aquatic Centre in Nepean, adults learn in warm salt-water pools, either in a small low-ratio group class or in a one-on-one coached lesson. Beginners start with floating, breathing and getting comfortable in the water, and build from there.

Many adult beginners feel nervous about being a beginner. That is common, and the lessons are set up with it in mind: a quiet pool, a small ratio and a coach who goes at your pace.

Both are offered for swimmers 15 and older. The right one depends on what you want.

• Choose an adult group class if you like learning alongside others and want a steady progression. Our beginner and intermediate adult classes run with a 3:1 or 4:1 swimmer to instructor ratio, and the class has the whole 40-foot pool to itself.
• Choose a coached (private) lesson if you are very nervous, want a quiet space, or have a specific goal such as one stroke or a particular skill. Coaches customize these lessons to your goals. Senior coached lessons take place in a separate private pool area, with only one lesson scheduled at a time.
• Not sure? Ask about a complimentary swim evaluation, so a coach can see you in the water and suggest a starting point.

Our adult group classes are split into two levels:

• Beginner Swim 101 is best for swimmers who do not have much swimming experience. You learn floats, breathing, treading water, underwater skills and front swim.
• Intermediate Swim 201 is for adults who want to learn skills such as front and back crawl, whip kick on the front and back, and eggbeater.

Check the booking page for the sessions currently offered.

Being cold makes it harder to relax and learn. Our adult classes run in a 40-foot salt-water pool kept between 87 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and all of our pools are just under four feet deep. The foam-lined walls and wide stairs make getting in and out easy. On-deck showers are available for a quick rinse before and after class.

Parents with young children can use the seating areas at the Aquatic Centre, and the coached-lesson pool area has a toy area for children.

• Tell the instructor about any fears, past experiences and goals before you start.
• Arrive early so you have time to change without rushing.
• Bring a towel, a swimsuit that stays put, a change of clothes and goggles if you like them.
• Shower before and after on the pool deck.
• Take it at your own pace. Skills are added when you can show them correctly, so there is no pressure to keep up.
• If you have a health question about swimming, ask your doctor.

The Lifesaving Society and the Red Cross both point out that being able to swim is one part of staying safe around water, along with wearing a lifejacket when boating, knowing your limits and never swimming alone. Learning to float and tread water as an adult is a practical first step.

Looking for adult swimming lessons in Ottawa? Request a complimentary swim evaluation or look at our group classes and coached lessons to choose.