- Registration is recommended to secure your space and to save time when you arrive at the facility. Some swims reach capacity and drop-in spaces may not be available. Log in to register.
- Pre-registration may be required for some early morning and late evening swims outside of regular customer service hours.
- Registration opens 72 hours in advance for Milton residents and 48 hours in advance for non-residents
- Visit our registration information web page for step-by-step registration instructions, including how to create an account.
Swimming
Aquatic Leadership course registration update
Aquatic leadership courses are now listed under the First Aid and Aquatic Leadership schedule in registered programs. They have moved from the Swimming schedule.
What's on this page
↓Drop-in swimming programs
↓Registered swimming programs
↓Advance your aquatic skills
↓Become a Certified Swim Instructor & Lifeguard
Drop-in swimming programs
Stay active with our drop-in swimming programs available at the Milton Leisure Centre, Milton Sports Centre, Sherwood Community Centre, and Rotary Park Pool. Browse the drop-in swim schedule by clicking the button below and register for the swimming activity you want to participate in. Make sure to confirm the supervision requirements in the list below.
Drop-in swimming program descriptions
All participants must check in with staff upon arrival and adhere to the supervision requirements listed below.
Length swims
- Swimmers are asked to swim in the lane that best fits their swim speed (slow, medium, fast) compared to other swimmers attending the swim.
Play pool swims
- Attendees have access to the warm water play pool for fun swimming, water exercise, water walking, and relaxing. Supervision requirements are in effect for children under 10.
Fun swims
- A recreational swim with both lap pool and play pool available for use. Supervision requirements are in effect for children under 10. Lane swimming is not available.
Adult leisure swims
- Participants have access to both the warmer play pool and the cooler lap pool and can move freely back and forth between the pools throughout the swim.
- Adult leisure swims are ideal for self-led water exercise, water walking and aqua jogging, therapeutic exercise and stretching, or just relaxing in either pool.
Female only swim
- Open to women and girls of all ages; boys are not permitted at any age.
- Participants of all ages are welcome. Supervision requirements are in effect for children under 10.
- Windows are covered during this swim and only female lifeguards are on duty.
Male only swim
- Open to men and boys of all ages.
- Supervision requirements are in effect for children under 10.
- Windows are not covered during this swim, and only male lifeguards are on duty.
Sensory-Friendly Swims
- Enjoy a sensory-friendly swim, in an adapted pool environment without music or running water features, and a reduced number of swimmers in the pool and change rooms.
- Attendees have access to the play pool for swimming, exercise, water walking, and relaxing.
- Accompanying adults or support persons swim free of charge. Please note that support workers are not provided and supervision requirements are in effect for children under 10.
Supervision requirements are enforced at all swims and pool rentals. Our requirements indicate the maximum number of children that one responsible person, who is at least 14 years old, is able to supervise.
Children 0 to 5 years of age
- If you have children who are 0 to 5 years of age, you must be in the water and within arms’ reach of the children at all times. You can supervise a maximum of two children who are under the age of 10.
Children 6 to 9 years of age
- You must be in the water and within arms’ reach of the children at all times. If all children are wearing lifejackets, you can supervise up to five children between the ages of 6 and 9. You can supervise a maximum of two children who are 6 to 9 years of age.
- If a child between the ages of 6 and 9 has successfully completed a facility swim test, direct supervision isn’t required. You are required to remain at the facility and you are encouraged to remain in sight of the children.
Children 10 years of age and older
- Children 10 years of age or older don’t require direct supervision.
On-deck viewing
- Spectators who are not registered may observe from the appropriate viewing area.
Upon arrival at the swim, you’ll complete a facility swim test. To successfully complete the test, you must demonstrate that you can swim continuously for at least 25 metres and you must be able to put your face in the water and breathe while swimming.
Please withdraw from a program you can no longer attend as early as possible to allow another community member to participate. No refunds or transfers will be issued once the program has started. To cancel a program you have registered for, please log into your account or email Recreation staff.
You can withdraw from activities online by following these steps:
- Log in to your account
- Select participant name
- Select 'Schedule' from the list on the left hand side
- Switch your view to 'List View' and select 'Action' beside the course you wish to cancel
- Select 'Withdraw' from drop-down list and choose the reason for cancellation
Notes:
- The refund method is displayed on screen
- Credit card payments will have the option to refund back to the original card
- Withdrawal fees will be charged as per Town policy
- Subsidy payments will be returned to subsidy account
- Refunds take three business days to process
Visit our registration information web page for step-by-step registration instructions, including how to create an account.
Registered swimming program descriptions
Parent and tot programs
- In our parent and tot programs, you will introduce your child to the water and help them get comfortable swimming in a fun and nurturing environment. Classes are based on the child’s age so that activities and skills are developmentally appropriate. For list of currently offered swim programs please visit the Milton recreation platform and filter by Service.
Preschool programs
- Our preschool programs are for children ages 3 to 5. For list of currently offered swim programs please visit the Milton recreation platform and filter by Service.
Swimmer level descriptions
- Our swimmer programs are for children between the ages of 5 and 12. If your child is five, you can choose between enrolling them in the preschool programs or swimmer programs. If your child completed Preschool D or E, they should register in Swimmer 2 when moving to the Swimmer program. For list of currently offered swim programs please visit the Milton recreation platform and filter by Service.
Adult and youth program level descriptions
- These programs are for adults and youth ages 12+ who want to learn to swim or improve their swim strokes and technique. Swimmers who have completed Swimmer 9 should advance to the Aquatic Leadership programs. For list of currently offered swim programs please visit the Milton recreation platform and filter by Age or Service.
Private lessons
- Enjoy swim lessons with personalized one-on-one instruction for your specific needs. To register for currently offered swim programs please visit the Milton recreation platform and filter by Service.
ICAN swim programs
- Our inclusive ICAN swim programs offer extra support to children and youth with exceptionalities. Please browse program availability before registering.
- Find program descriptions on the Fitness registration page
- Arrive on time
- Wear appropriate attire for your program
- Outdoor shoes are not permitted to be worn on the pool deck
- Photography and Videography is not permitted on the pool deck
- Spectators must be in the designated location
- Parents are required to be in the water for all Parent & Tot levels
- Children’s Programs:
- A parent/guardian/caregiver must accompany children under ten (10) years of age to the program area for drop-off and pick-up, at the designated program start and end times.
- Parents/guardians/caregivers of children under ten (10) years of age participating in a Town program/service will remain responsible for supervising the child outside of the direct program area. Inclusion programs, care programs (e.g. camps), and those programs in excess of two (2) consecutive hours are excluded from this requirement unless otherwise stated).
- Every participant, together with staff, volunteers, and parents/guardians, contributes to the success of the programs and services offered by the Town. In order to provide quality programs and services, the Participant Code of Behaviour has been established.
For information on withdrawals and refunds, check out our terms and conditions for registered and drop-in programming.
Programs follow Lifesaving Society standards and include:
- Bronze Star
- Bronze Medallion
- Bronze Cross
- Swim Instructor
- National Lifeguard
Courses combine in-water practice with classroom learning to build confidence, leadership, and technical expertise.
The following pathway outlines the certifications, prerequisites, and progression opportunities available through the Town's aquatic leadership programs.
|
Step |
Course |
Prerequisites |
Overview |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Bronze Star |
Swimmer 9 recommended, age 12 recommended |
Builds problem-solving, decision-making, basic CPR, and self-rescue. Includes a 400 m swim. |
|
2 |
Bronze Medallion + Basic First Aid |
Age 13 or Bronze Star |
Teaches core lifesaving principles, judgment, knowledge, skill, fitness, and prepares for challenging rescue techniques. |
|
3 |
Bronze Cross + Intermediate First Aid |
Bronze Medallion + Basic First Aid or Emergency First Aid |
Advanced rescue scenarios, deeper lifesaving training, and Intermediate First Aid + CPR‑C.
|
|
4 |
Lifesaving & Swim Instructor |
Age 15, Bronze Cross, Intermediate or Standard First Aid |
Prepares you to teach and evaluate swimming and lifesaving skills, with classroom and in-water practice. |
|
5 |
National Lifeguard |
Age 15, Bronze Cross, Intermediate or Standard First Aid |
Official standard of lifeguard performance in Canada. Develops judgment, professional aquatic supervision and rescue skills. |
|
6 |
National Lifeguard Recertification |
Existing National Lifeguard certification |
Stay current via recertification courses to maintain eligibility for employment. |
|
7 |
Intermediate First Aid (previously known as Standard First Aid) |
None |
Certification provides participants with comprehensive training that covers all aspects of first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Gain a deeper understanding of first aid principles and practices, including legal considerations, heat- and cold-related injuries, chest injuries, bone and joint injuries, and various medical emergencies. The Lifesaving Society’s Intermediate First Aid program is recognized as an approved first aid training provider by the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). |
|
8 |
Intermediate First Aid Recertification (previously known as Standard First Aid Recertification) |
Only Standard or Intermediate First Aid certificates from the Lifesaving Society with original certification dated not more than 3 years prior to recertification date may recertify their certification. |
Stay current via recertification courses to maintain eligibility for employment (courses found under First Aid and Aquatic Leadership). |
How to register for aquatic leadership courses
- Visit the Milton recreation platform
- Filter activities by Service → select designated course
- Choose your level and complete registration
Tip: Complete Swimmer 9 if you plan to move into Bronze Star and beyond. Register for an Assessment of Swim Level to find your ideal starting point.