Pools and Swimming

Parent and Tot 1 introduces babies and their parent/caregiver to buoyancy and movement in the water through play and songs. Participants in this level must be able to hold their head up and be 4 months to 12 months of age. Parents/caregivers will learn age-specific water safety and first aid skills.

Progression into the next level is based on age.

Parent and Tot 2 introduces toddlers and their parent/caregiver to movement and active play in the water through games and songs. Participants in this level must be 13 months to 24 months of age. Parents/caregivers will learn age-specific water safety and first aid skills.

Progression to the next level is based on age.

Parent and Tot 3 introduces toddlers and their parent/caregiver to basic swimming movements including floats, glides, and kicks in a safe water environment using fun and games. Participants in this level must be 25 months to 36 months of age. Parents/caregivers will learn age-specific water safety and first aid skills. Progression to the next level is based on age.

Mitchell Minnow participants will gain confidence in the water by learning how to safely enter, move through, and exit shallow water, and develop basic swimming movements including floats and glides. Participants will learn to put their face in the water and blow bubbles.

Progression to the next level is based on meeting specific performance criteria.

Sturgeon Spottail participants will continue to build on their confidence in the water by learning how to safely swim with a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or buoyant aid. Participants will learn how to fully submerge underwater and will work towards kicking on their back for 5 metres. Progression to the next level is based on meeting specific performance criteria.

Pigeon Perch participants will begin demonstrating their swimming skills, including 3 metres front and back glides, without the assistance of an instructor of buoyant aid. Participants will learn how to pick up an object from the bottom of the pool in waist-deep water and how to safely jump into deep water wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD).

Progression to the next level is based on meeting specific performance criteria.

Balsam Bass participants will build on their independence in the water and will be introduced to side glide as well as treading water. Participants will increase the length of their front and back floats to 7 seconds and will begin learn side glide.

Progression to the next level is based on meeting specific performance criteria.

Canal Catfish swimmers will compile the foundational skills they have learned in the previous levels to attempt front crawl and back crawl for 5 metres while wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or being supported by a buoyant aid. Participants will continue to work on their side glide and will demonstrate side glide with kicking for 5 metres.

Progression to the next level is based on meeting specific performance criteria.

Cameron Carp swimmers will begin working on advanced skills, such as whip kick, while continuing to develop their front crawl and back crawl for 5 metres. Participants will learn how to roll into deep water, tread for 20 seconds, and swim for 10 metres wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) to demonstrate their readiness for a fall into water.

Progression to the next level is based on meeting specific performance criteria.

Swimmer 1 participants will begin working on the foundational skills of swimming including front and back floats, glides (3 metres), and kicking (5 metres), with the assistance of a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or buoyant aid. Participants will be introduced to treading water and will gain confidence to jump into chest-deep water.

This class is for participants aged 5 and older.

Swimmer 2 participants will learn how to safely enter and exit deep water, recover an object for the bottom in chest-deep water, and will be introduced to side glide. Participants will begin to work towards 5 metres of front crawl and 5 metres of back crawl with a buoyant aid.

This class is for participants aged 5 and older who have attempted Balsam Bass or Canal Catfish as well as participants who have successfully completed Swimmer 1, Pigeon Perch, or Balsam Bass. 

Swimmer 3 participants will continue to increase the distances of their front crawl and back crawl to 10 metres, treading water for 15 seconds, and will learn how to demonstrate their side glide with kicking for 10 metres. Participants will be challenged to put their skills together to demonstrate a jump into deep water, tread for 30 second, and swim 15 metres wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD).

This class is for participants aged 5 and older who have attempted Cameron Carp as well as those who have successfully completed Swimmer 2 or Canal Catfish.

Swimmer 4 participants will be introduced to seated dives and forward roll entries. Participants will attempt to tread for 30 seconds and will learn how to whip kick on their back. Participants will be challenged to increase their front crawl and back crawl distance for 15 metres.

This class is for participants aged 5 and older who have successfully completed Swimmer 3 or Cameron Carp.

Swimmer 5 participants will begin to work on more advanced skills including whip kick on their front for 5 metres as well as the arm movements for breaststroke. Participants will learn how to do a kneeling dive and will increase their treading water for 45 seconds. Swimmers will increase their front crawl distance to 25 metres and will attempt a front crawl sprint.

This class is for participants aged 5 and older who have successfully completed Swimmer 4.

Swimmer 6 participants will learn how to complete a standing dive into deep water. Swimmers will increase the distance of their whip kick to 15 metres and their back crawl to 25 metres. Participants will be challenged to put their skills together to demonstrate a roll into deep water, tread for 60 seconds, and a 50 metre swim.

This class is for participants aged 5 and older who have successfully completed Swimmer 5.

Swimmer 7 participants will increase their front crawl and back crawl distances for 50 metres and combine their whip kick and arm movement skills to demonstrate breaststroke for 15 metres. Participants will be introduced to elementary back stroke and a stationary eggbeater kick. Participants will be challenged with treading water for 2 minutes as well as a 25 metre back crawl sprint.

This class is for participants aged 5 and older who have successfully completed Swimmer 6.

Swimmer 8 participants will be introduced to advanced swimming skills such as vertical and horizontal dolphin kick and head up front crawl. Participants will continue to increase the distances of their front and back crawl to 75 metres, and will learn how to complete a shallow dive into deep water.

This class is for participants aged 5 and older who have successfully completed Swimmer 7.

Swimmer 9 participants will be introduced to new skills that will be used in the lifesaving courses, including scissor kick, stride entries, and compact jumps. Swimmers will increase the distances of their front and back crawl to 100 metres, and will work towards a 50 metre breaststroke swim.

This class is for participants aged 5 and older who have successfully completed Swimmer 8.

Swimmer 10 participants will continue to develop their strokes with 50 metre swims of front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke. Participants will be introduced to lifesaving sport skills including a 25 metre obstacle swim and 15 metre object carry. Participants will have a first aid component which will focus on assessment of conscious victims, contacting EMS, and how to treat for bleeding.

This class is for participants aged 5 and older who have successfully completed Swimmer 9.

Swimmer 11 participants will continue to learn more lifesaving skills including searching for a recovering an object, supporting an object for 1 minute, and removing a conscious victim from the water. Participants will expand their first aid knowledge by learning a primary assessment, how to care for a victim in shock, and how to assist a conscious person with an obstructed airway.

This class is for participants aged 5 and older who have successfully completed Swimmer 10.

Swimmer 12 participants will be challenged to complete a 300 metre swim in under 9 minutes. Participants will continue to develop their lifesaving skills as they learn the ready position, the defense methods, and how to remove an unconscious victim from the water. Participants will learn how to care for a bone or joint injury, and respiratory emergencies.

This class is for participants aged 5 and older who have successfully completed Swimmer 11.

In Adult One, you will work towards a 10 to 15 metre swim on your front and back. You will do jump entries from the side and recover an object from the bottom in chest-deep water. Improve your fitness and your flutter kick with four by nine to twelve metre interval training. This class is for participants aged 15 years and older.

In Adult Two, you will increase your swimming ability with two interval training workouts, work on dive entries, and demonstrate breaststroke arms and breathing over 10 to 15 metres. You will be supporting yourself at surface for one or two minutes, and showing off your handstands in shallow water. This class is for participants aged 15 and older.

In Adult Three, you will learn eggbeater, stride entries, and compact jumps. You will be doing a 300 metre workout and sprinting 25 to 50 metres. In this level, you will master your front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke. This class is for participants aged 15 years and older.

Aquafitness classes provided an active workout incorporating a variety of exercises which will build cardiovascular, muscle strength and endurance without the impact.

A low impact exercise program designed to re-educate weak muscles and to build strength and range of motion. Classes take place in the small pool at the Forbert Memorial Pool and Workout Centre in Bobcaygeon.

This gentle exercise class focuses on strengthening and maintaining muscles and joints required for normal daily activities including muscle endurance, balance, flexibility and range of motion to help minimize chronic pain.

A low impact exercise program designed to re-educate weak muscles and to build strength and range of motion. Classes take place in the small pool at the Lindsay Recreation Complex.

Water Yoga

After completing your Red Cross Swim Levels you will move into Bronze Star. The suggested age for this course is 11 to 14 years of age and the suggested pre-requisite is Swimmer 12.

Candidates in this level support a 10 pound object at the surface for 3 minutes, swim a 400 metre fitness swim, learn CPR, rescues and the immobilization of the spinal victim on land.

100% attendance is required.

After completing your Bronze Star you will move into Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid. The pre-requisite for this course is 13 years of age and older or completion of Bronze Star. 

This award teaches an understanding of the lifesaving principles; judgement, knowledge, skills and fitness. Rescuers learn tows, carries, defences and releases. Participants must also swim 400 metres in 12 minutes or better.

100% attendance is required.

After completing your Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid you will move into Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid with CPR-C. The pre-requisite for this course is the completion of Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid.

This award develops more advanced training including the introduction to safe supervision in Aquatic Facilities, as well as immobilization of a spinal victim in deep water and underwater searches. Participants must swim 400 metres in 11 minutes or better.

100% attendance is required.

Standard First Aid provides comprehensive training covering all aspects of First Aid and CPR. Standard First Aid incorporates all of Emergency First Aid and is designed for those who require a more in-depth understanding of first aid including; legal implications of first aid treatment, spinal injuries, heat or cold injuries, bone and joint injuries, chest injuries, and medical emergencies. Includes CPR-C certification.

The First Aid program is designed for anyone who is interested in First Aid or who requires it for their workplace as it is WSIB recognized.

100% attendance is required.

Current Standard First Aid (SFA) holders may re-certify their Lifesaving Society SFA certification just once on a Lifesaving Society SFA Re-certification Course not more than 3 years from the Standard First Aid date of issue. To renew SFA certifications subsequently, award holders must repeat the full SFA Course. Thereafter, individuals may renew by alternating re-certifications and original courses.

Holders of Standard First Aid certificates from other agencies may not re-certify their certificate on a Lifesaving Society Re-certification Course. They may only re-certify only with the original certifying agency.

100% attendance is required.

After completing your Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid you can move into National Lifeguard to become a Lifeguard. The pre-requisite for this course is the completion of Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid with a minimum age of 15 years of age.

This program consists of both online learning and in-person practical skills. 100% attendance is required.

This Certification is designed to develop the judgement, knowledge, skills and fitness required by lifeguards. Some of the fitness items required include: swimming 400 metres in 10 minutes or better, swimming 15 metres underwater, swimming 50 metres of head-up front crawl or head-up breaststroke in 1 minutes or less. This course emphasizes lifeguarding skills, principles and practices and the decision making process to develop effective safety supervision in pool environments.

Prerequisites: Must bring proof of prior National Lifeguard (NL) Certification.

Re-Certification is required every 2 years to remain current.

After completing your Assistant Instructor you will move into the LSS Swim Instructor course. The pre-requisite for this course is the completion of Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid with CPR-C and a minimum of 15 years of age.

The Lifesaving Society Instructor course prepares the instructor to teach and evaluate swimming strokes and related skills found in the Lifesaving Society Swim for Life program. Candidates acquire proven teaching methods, planning skills, and a variety of stroke development drills and corrective techniques.

Completion of the Lifesaving Society Assistant Instructor program is strongly recommended as a pre-requisite for this course. 100% attendance is required.

The pre-requisite for this course is the completion of Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid with CPR-C, LSS Swim Instructor or Red Cross Water Safety Instructor and 15 years of age by the end of the course.

The Lifesaving Instructor Course prepares instructors to teach the Lifesaving Society's:

• Canadian Swim Patrol Program
• Bronze Star
• Bronze Medallion
• Bronze Cross
• Lifesaving Fitness, Distinction
• Basic and Emergency First Aid
• CPR-A, CPR-B and CPR-C

100% attendance is required.

This course will provide specific training in examination methodology through the Lifesaving Society program standards. Examiner candidates must must have taught or co-taught at least one course in the stream(s) in which they are seeking Certification as an Examiner. Certification as an Examiner is a three-step process:

1. Successfully complete an Examiner course with a current Trainer.

2. Successfully apprentice with an Examiner Mentor on one exam in the stream(s) in which you seek to be certified as an Examiner.

3. Submission of the completed Examiner Training Record and the Certification.

Prerequisites: National Lifeguard or Lifesaving Society Instructor (Swim or Lifesaving) Certification (need not be current), and 100 hours of experience as a Lifeguard and/or an Instructor.

For deck level supervisory staff, this course provides the knowledge and skills beyond National Lifeguard Certification, to manage a safe aquatic environment.

100% attendance is required.

Registration for the Summer 2024 session will begin on Tuesday June 11, 2024 at 9am through our Online Program Registration website.

Summer programs being offered are available for viewing through our Online Program Registration website and in the Summer edition of the Kawartha Lakes Community Guide beginning on Thursday May 30 at 9am.

To get started visit our Online Program Registration website at: https://kawarthalakes.perfectmind.com

For the best registration experience, please use Google Chrome or Firefox.  Using other browsers may produce unexpected results.

Steps on how to create an account:

1. Click on the 'Signup' button at the top of the Login to your account box.

2. Once all fields have been completed, click the 'Become Member' button at the bottom. You will receive a new temporary password by e-mail.

3. After clicking the 'Become Member' button, a new screen will open. On this screen you can edit your account information and add family members to your account. Family members must be listed under your account in order for you to register them for a program.

Add all family member information so that your account is up to date.

Once the family is updated, click on your name in the top right corner to log out and exit the web browser.

4. Check your e-mail and look for an e-mail from us.  Click on the link in the e-mail and use the username and password provided in that e-mail to log in.

5. When you log in using the username and password that was e-mailed to you, users will then be asked to reset their password. 

Choose a password that is familiar to you so that you will remember it the next time you log in.

Once you click the 'Save' button, a notification will appear that your password has been successfully changed.  Then log in using your username and updated password.

If you have any questions or require assistance setting up an account e-mail the Parks and Recreation Division or call 705-324-9112 during business hours.

Once an account has been created and registration for the session is open, you will now be able to register for all Aquatic Programs online through our Online Program Registration website.

This is an active, high activity and noisy swim time for all ages. The diving board will be open during Fun Swims. Public equipment is available. Personal equipment is permitted in the shallow end of the large pool and in the small pool. No equipment is allowed in the deep end of the large pool at any time. Snorkels are permitted. No length swimming.

Pool Admission Standards must be maintained at all times.

This swim provides the opportunity for those 15 years and older to chat, relax and complete their personal fitness programs. This is a quiet swim. Lanes are available for swimming lengths, there will be public equipment available. Exercise/length swimming equipment will be available. Snorkels are permitted.

This swim is for all ages wishing to swim lengths in the large pool and complete exercise goals in the small pool. Exercise/length swimming equipment will be available for use, no toys permitted. Snorkels are permitted. Pool Admission Standards must be maintained at all times.

This is an active swim time for all ages where swimmers can choose to swim lengths or relax. The diving board will be open. Lanes will be adjusted based on demand. Public equipment will be available. Personal equipment is permitted in the shallow end of the large pool and in the small pool. No equipment is allowed in the deep end of the large pool at any time. Snorkels will be permitted.

Pool Admission Standards must be maintained at all times.

Participants are encouraged to pre-register to reserve a swim space in advance using our Online Program Registration website. Walk in reservations and payment will be accepted on site when space allows.

View the Lindsay Recreation Complex Public Swim Schedule and register online

Schedules are subject to change. Contact the Lindsay Recreation Complex at 705-324-9112 or e-mail the aquatics team to confirm schedule.

Participants are encouraged to pre-register to reserve a swim space in advance using our Online Program Registration website. Walk in reservations and payment will be accepted on site when space allows.

View the Forbert Memorial Pool Public Swim Schedule and register online

Schedules are subject to change. Contact the Lindsay Recreation Complex at 705-324-9112, Forbert Memorial Pool at 705-738-5858 or e-mail the aquatics team to confirm schedule.

In order to register online for any of our aquatic programs or Public Swim new clients will be required to create an account for our Online Program Registration website.

How to create an account:

To get started visit our Online Program Registration website at: https://kawarthalakes.perfectmind.com

For the best registration experience, please use Google Chrome or Firefox.  Using other browsers may produce unexpected results.

Steps on how to create an account:

1. Click on the 'Create an Account' button at the bottom of the login box.

2. Once all fields have been completed, click the 'Become Member' button at the bottom. You will receive a new temporary password by e-mail.

3. After clicking the 'Become Member' button, a new screen will open; on this screen you can edit your account information and add family members. Family members must be listed under your account in order for you to register them for a program.

Add all family member information so your account is up to date.

Once the family is updated, click on your name in the top right corner to log out and exit the web browser.

4. Check your e-mail and look for an e-mail from us.  Click on the link in the e-mail and use the username and password provided in that e-mail to log in.

5. When you log in using the username and password that was e-mailed to you, users will be asked to reset their password. 

Choose a password that is familiar to you so that you will remember it the next time you log in.

Once you click the 'Save' button, a notification will appear that you password has been successfully changed. Then log in using your username and updated password.

If you have any questions or require assistance setting up an account e-mail the Parks and Recreation Division or call 705-324-9112 during business hours.

Once an account has been created for our Online Program Registration website, participants will then be able to register themselves or their family members for Public Swimming and Aquatic Programs.

How to register online for a Public Swim:

1. Log in to our Online Program Registration website at: https://kawarthalakes.perfectmind.com using your User Name (e-mail) and Password

2. Under 'Drop in programs' tab select 'Public Swimming'.

3. Use the calendar to view the schedule and select the swim type, date and time you wish to attend.

4. Once you have found your desired swim time, click the 'Book' button.

5. A new page will open, you will then review the swim information, once you have ensured it is the correct swim that you wish to register for, click the 'Book' button.

6. On the next screen you will be asked who you would like to book for the swim? Select the individual you wish to register/book for the swim and then click 'Next' button.

7.  Review the Fee to pay and click the 'Next' button.

8. Review the information on the Cart Summary page to ensure that the all of information is correct and that you are registering for the correct desired swim time.

If the information is not correct, click on the 'Modify Booking' button to make the appropriate changes.

If you wish to add additional swims or register for any other programs click on the 'Book another event' button.

If all of the information is correct, click on the 'Checkout' button to proceed to the checkout.

9. You will now be directed to the Checkout screen. From here you will enter your payment information (credit card required), you will also be required to enter the billing information associated with the card.

Once the information is added, review your order summary and click on the 'Place My Order' button.

10. You will wait for a confirmation screen to appear confirming you have been successfully registered for the swim. You will now receive a confirmation e-mail to confirm your registration as well as a copy of your receipt.

For questions regarding registering online for a Public Swim please call 705-324-9112 during business hours or e-mail the Parks and Recreation Division.