Aquatics

Join in! Community Services offers high quality aquatics programming for people of all ages - preschoolers, youth, teens and adults.

To view our programs, check out our Recreation Guide or visit essexconnect.ca.

Aquatics schedule

For a current list of aquatics programs, view our latest schedule below:

Rec Swim, Skate, and Adult Program Drop In Schedule

How to register

During open hours, register in person at the Essex Recreation Complex or by phone - 519-776-8992.

If you have registered for courses or memberships or booked a facility with Community Services in the past, then you may already have a customer account. Forgot your login or PIN? Call 519-776-8992 for more information.

Register early!

Courses will be cancelled 5 business days before the program start date if registration numbers do not meet the minimums required to run the course. Register early to avoid disappointment.

Program refunds

Written notification using the appropriate refund request form is required to withdraw from a program.

Written notice must be received by the Refund Clerk at least 5 business days prior to the program start date.

For more information on refunds, go to the Registration Information page in the Recreation Guide.

Propose a program

Do you have the qualifications and enthusiasm needed to offer a new program. If so, we'd love to hear from you.

Program Proposal Form

Aquatic Programs by Category

Adult

Adult Fitness

From length swims and aquafit to swim coaching and triathlon training, we offer something to satisfy everyone's recreation and fitness goals.

Adult Learn-To-Swim

Never too young to start, never too old to learn! Gain confidence in the water as you learn the basics of breathing and floating, or set your own goals while you work with a highly qualified swim instructor to improve your swimming abilities. Town of Essex - Community Services offers beginner and advanced adult lessons for all aged 16 and up.

Adult Stroke Development

For those who are comfortable in the water, but looking to improve technique or build up endurance, an adult stroke development program is offered at the Essex Recreation Complex.

Leadership

Lifesaving Society Canadian Lifesaving Program

The Canadian Lifesaving program includes the Canadian Swim Patrol Program, Bronze Medal awards, National Lifeguard Service® (NLS) awards, and other awards and programs.

Interested in Becoming a Lifeguard?

Lifeguarding is an exciting and rewarding job that carries great personal responsibility. Lifeguards take courses and train hard for events they hope will never happen and which they work hard to prevent.

NLS guards are always in training to keep their skills, knowledge and fitness sharp. Fitness is a cornerstone of lifeguards' job responsibilities, enabling them to remain vigilant, attentive and alert to signs of potential trouble, and to respond safely and confidently in an emergency. They also require a high degree of motivation, dedication and leadership in order to be water rescue professionals trained in emergency care.

For more information about the revisions to Canada's ONLY nationally recognized lifeguard certification program, visit theLifesaving Society's website.

Lifesaving Society Advanced Leadership Programs

The Advanced Leadership Programs are intended for current instructors and award examiners. The Town of Essex offers a variety of courses under the Advanced Leadership Program including Advanced and NLS Instructors courses, Examination Standards Clinic as well as Aquatic Supervisor Training.

Preschool

Learn to Swim

The Town of Essex offers the Lifesaving Society's Swim for Life® program at the Essex Recreation Complex. Parent and Tot programs are offered for children up to 3 years of age who participate along with a caregiver and Preschool programs are offered for children 3 to 5 years of age.

Preschool aquatic programs are tailored to emphasize a water positive attitude for younger children and the development of fundamental swimming skills for older preschoolers while incorporating Water Smart® education that will last a lifetime.

Tot Time Swim

Did you know that every week day the Essex Recreation Complex offers a drop-in swim time exclusively for children aged 7 and under with a caregiver? View our Public Swimming page for more information.

Youth

Learn to Swim

The Lifesaving Society Swim for Life® program is designed for youth aged 5 to 16. Drowning is the second leading cause of preventable death for children under 10 years in Canada, highlighting the importance of learning to swim. The program for youth progresses from Learn to Swim® Swimmer programs to the Lifesaving Society's Canadian Swim Patrol program, where lots of in-water practice is stressed to develop solid swimming strokes and skills while incorporating valuable Water Smart® education throughout all classes.

At the Essex Recreation Complex, participants have options of participating in our regular group lessons, our small ratio classes (H4O), or our private swim lessons, depending on the level of individual instruction needed.

Essex Swim and Lifesaving Club

The Essex Swim and Lifesaving Club helps 8- to 12-year-olds to improve their overall fitness in the water while learning the fundamentals of physical literacy. The program incorporates the Lifesaving Society's Sport Fundamentals program, and will involve interval training, endurance, and lifesaving sport skills. A fantastic option for kids who love to swim and are looking for a new way to stay active in the water!

Teen Length Swims

Anyone between 12 and 16 years of age is welcome to join us for 30-minute teen length swims. These swim times are perfect for those who wish to practice skills and strokes, build up endurance, lead an active lifestyle or improve their lifesaving kick in preparation for leadership courses.