Swim Lessons Transitioning to a New Program

After 75 years of offering swimming instruction and leadership development programs in Canada, the Red Cross is retiring its swimming programs at the end of 2022.

Swim lesson programming at the Hope & Area Recreation Centre will transition to the Lifesaving Society Swim for Life program in the fall. Swim for Life is a well-recognized national program with a proven track record and leads seamlessly into the Lifesaving Society’s lifesaving and lifeguard training programs.

Moving away from Canadian Red Cross swim programs is a big change. Staff will work with families to help them understand how Lifesaving Society programs compare to Canadian Red Cross programs. The levels in the new program may require different skills and be structured differently than families are used to.

“We are excited about this change and will work with the community to ensure a smooth transition,” said Jason Lum, FVRD Board Chair. “The Lifesaving Society is a well-respected organization that has served the lifeguard community for many years and shares the same passion to reduce drowning and aquatic-related injuries as the Canadian Red Cross. Having both swimming and water safety programs along with lifesaving and lifeguard training under the Lifesaving Society umbrella will be an asset to the community in terms of training future lifeguards and instructors.”

The chart below gives registration guidelines on how Red Cross Swim levels transition to the Lifesaving Society Swim for Life levels.

Swim Lesson Program Transition Chart [PDF - 35 KB]

While the chart gives a general idea of what level to register children in, parents and guardians are encouraged to book a free swim assessment to see what level would be best suited for their child. Book a swim assessment by calling the recreation centre at 604-869-2304.