Aquatics

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

There are many options for you to join us - borrow a Splash Pass from the Essex County Library and swim for free! Be sure to check out our Aquatic Admission Policy prior to arriving for any swim. Up to 5 immediate family members permitted entry with the Splash Pass.

September 8 to December 21: Fall Aquatic Drop-In. Check out all of our aquatic fitness and recreation swimming!

Join us for a swim on the upcoming PA Days - Sept 20/Oct 11/Nov 15, 2024.

Check out our Recreation Guide page which lists information and schedules for all aquatic programs like swimming lessons and leadership courses.

You can also visit essexconnect.ca to search through our course listings as well as register for all of our programs!

How to register

During open hours, register in person at the Essex Recreation Complex or by phone - 519-776-7336 x 1052.

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 519-776-7336 x 1052 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 following request form is required to withdraw from a program.

Program Refund/Credit Request Form

Please review our refund/credit request policies below:

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.

Leadership

Lifesaving Society Canadian Lifesaving Program

The Canadian Lifesaving program includes the Canadian Swim Patrol Program, Bronze Medal awards, National Lifeguard, 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. Follow this 6 step chart to get qualified!

National Lifeguards 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 the Lifesaving 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 First Aid Instructors, NL Instructors, Examiner Standards, 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.

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 get to enjoy small ratio classes (4:1) for all Learn to Swim levels. You also have the option of booking private swim lessons for any level.