NEW: The Mayer Aquatic Centre is introducing Parents Day for all Preschool & Swimmer levels offered in our regular lesson session! We are inviting parents to join their children in the water on Parents Day, which will always be on the 4th lesson day of a regular session. By joining your child in their swimming lesson, you will be able to gain a better understanding of your child’s skill level and learn from the instructor tips how to help your child practice to improve / enhance their abilities. We look forward to seeing you join your child’s lesson on their Parent’s Day!
In alignment with the Canadian Red Cross, we transitioned our Red Cross swimming lessons and water safety training in 2022 to the “Swim for Life” program offered by the Lifesaving Society!
The Swim for Life program is designed to provide participants with the swimming skills and strokes that provide a lifelong basis for safe, enjoyable and healthy participation in aquatic recreation, fitness or sport.
View the Letter to Parents and Participants
What does this mean for our swim lesson participants? Same great instructors and lessons, just some new names for swim lesson levels! These transition charts will help to understand the change from the Red Cross lesson structure to the new Swim for Life lessons:
Parent & Tot Programs
Lifesaving Society Parent & Tot Lessons are for children ages 4 months to 2 years (children move into the next level based on their age).
| Parent & Tot 1 |
For babies ages 4 months – 12 months and who are able to hold their head up on their own (equivalent to Red Cross Starfish level).Upcoming Sessions
Cost Contact |
| Parent & Tot 2 |
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For children ages 12 months – 24 months (equivalent to Red Cross Duck level). Upcoming Sessions7 Classes:
8 Classes:
Cost
Contact |
| Parent & Tot 3 |
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For children 24 months – 36 months (equivalent to Red Cross Sea Turtle level). Upcoming Sessions
Cost Contact |
Preschool Programs
Lifesaving Society Preschool Lessons are for children ages 3 to 5 years old. Once the child is three years old, the levels become evaluation-based for them to continue to advance, meaning the swimmers need to meet the standards of each skill in the level before moving onto the next Preschool level.
| Preschool 1 (3 years old) |
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This Preschool 1 is for participants that are 3 years old. A responsible individual 14 years or older MUST accompany the child you have registered to be IN the water and ACTIVELY participate. Participants who have never attended learn to swim classes, have just turned 3 years old, or have attended Red Cross Sea Otter level, whether or not they completed the level, should register into classes for the Lifesaving Society's Swim for Life Preschool 1 level. Preschoolers will be assisted when learning to enter and exit water safely, jump into chest deep water, and put their faces in the water to blow bubbles. Becoming comfortable with floats and glides and moving safely in shallow water while wearing lifejackets will help them gain confidence with their water skills. Upcoming Sessions
Cost Contact Lesley Heisler, Aquatics Supervisor |
| Preschool 1 (4/5 years old) |
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This Preschool 1 is for participants that are between the ages of 4-5 years old (6-year-old can register if required) and is the first preschool level participants are able to attend class unparented. Participants who have never attended learn to swim classes, are 4/5 years old, or have attended Red Cross Sea Otter level, whether or not they completed, should register into classes for the Lifesaving Society's Swim for Life Preschool 1 level. Preschoolers will be assisted when learning to enter and exit water safely, jump into chest deep water, and put their faces in the water to blow bubbles. Becoming comfortable with floats and glides and moving safely in shallow water while wearing lifejackets will help them gain confidence with their water skills. Upcoming Sessions7 Classes:
8 Classes:
Cost
Contact |
| Preschool 2 (3 years old) |
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This Preschool 2 is for participants that are 3 years old. A responsible individual 14 years or older MUST accompany the child you have registered to be IN the water and ACTIVELY participate. Participants who have completed their Red Cross Salamander level should register into classes for the Lifesaving Society's Swim for Life Preschool 2 level. Preschoolers will work on becoming more independent with their water skills. Some of these skills include jumping into chest deep water unassisted, submerging and exhaling underwater, and floating and gliding with various buoyant aids. They will be introduced to lateral rollovers and practice their flutter kick on their backs. Upcoming Sessions7 Classes:
8 Classes:
Cost
Contact |
| Preschool 2 (4/5 years old) |
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This Preschool 2 is for participants that are between the ages of 4-5 years old (6-year-old can register if required). Participants who have completed their Red Cross Salamander level should register into classes for the Lifesaving Society's Swim for Life Preschool 2 level. Preschoolers will work on becoming more independent with their water skills. Some of these skills include jumping into chest deep water unassisted, submerging and exhaling underwater, and floating and gliding with various buoyant aids. They will be introduced to lateral rollovers and practice their flutter kick on their backs. This level is evaluation-based, and swimmers need to meet the standards of this level before moving onto the next Preschool level (Preschool 3). Upcoming Sessions7 Classes:
8 Classes:
Cost
Contact |
| Preschool 3 |
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Preschool 3 is for participants that are between the ages of 4-5 years old (6-year-old can register if required). Participants who have completed the Red Cross Sunfish level should register into classes for the Lifesaving Society's Swim for Life Preschool 3 level. Preschoolers will kick and glide their way through the water on their fronts and backs. They will work on retrieving objects from the bottom in the water that is waist deep, and work towards mastering their floats, rollovers, glides, and kicks. In this level they work their way into deeper water for side entries and jumping in with their lifejackets on. Upcoming Sessions
Cost Contact |
| Preschool 4 |
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Preschool 4 is for participants that are between the ages of 4-5 years old (6-year-old can register if required). Participants who completed the Red Cross Crocodile level should register into the Lifesaving Society's Swim for Life Preschool 4. Preschoolers will gain some independence in deep water. They will practice jumping into deeper water (including getting out by themselves), sideways entries, and opening their eyes underwater. These swimmers in training will work on completing 5 meters of front crawl in their lifejackets and work on their ability to tread water. Upcoming Sessions7 Classes:
8 Classes:
Cost
Contact |
| Preschool 5 |
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Preschool 5 is for participants that are between the ages of 4-5 years old (6-year-old can register if required). Participants who completed the Red Cross Whale level should register into the Lifesaving Society's Swim for Life Preschool 5. Preschoolers will work towards achieving important swimming milestones. They will work on being able to support themselves treading in deep water for 10 seconds and complete 5-metre swims with front crawl and back crawl. Wearing a lifejacket, they will practice forward roll entries into deep water, learn to whip kick in a vertical position, and be introduced to interval training. Upcoming Sessions
Cost Contact |
Swim for Life
Lifesaving Society Swim for Life is for children 5 to 12 years old and goes from Swimmers 1 all the way to Swimmer 6. All Swimmer levels are evaluation-based to advance into the next level. Students will learn about skills, stroke development, Water Smart messages, and participate in fitness activities through all of the Swimmer levels.
| Swimmer 1 |
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Swimmer 1 is for participants that are between the ages of 5 - 12 years old. Participants who are new to formal learn to swim lessons, attended any of the Red Cross Preschool levels, or Red Cross Swim Kids 1 level, whether or not they completed, should register into the Lifesaving Society's Swim for Life Swimmer 1. Building the foundation of swimming skill development beginner swimmers will gain confidence in the water as they learn safe entries into various depths of water, treading water in a lifejacket, opening their eyes underwater, and breath control. Once they have learned their floats, rollovers, glides, and kicks from front to back. They will front crawl their way into the next level! Upcoming Sessions7 Classes:
8 Classes
Cost
Contact |
| Swimmer 2 |
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Swimmer 2 is for participants that are between the ages of 5-12 years old. Participants who completed Red Cross Swim Kids 2 level should register into the Lifesaving Society's Swim for Life Swimmer 2. Swimmers will gain comfort in deeper water by jumping in, learning their sideways entry and treading water without a lifejacket. Swimmers will be challenged by the introduction of various skills including, flutter kick on their front, back and side, vertical whip kick with an aid, and swimming front crawl and back crawl for 10 meters. Swimmers will get to work on their Swim to Survive skills and be introduced to interval training. Upcoming Sessions7 Classes:
8 Classes:
Cost
Contact |
| Swimmer 3 |
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Swimmer 3 is for participants that are between the ages of 6-12 years old. Participants who completed the Red Cross Swim Kids 3 or Red Cross Swim Kids 4 levels should register into the Lifesaving Society's Swim for Life Swimmer 3. Swimmers will make a splash with their kneeling dives and forward roll entries. Swimmers will be challenged with the introduction to more difficult (but fun) skills such as handstands in shallow water and in front somersaults (in water). Increased time and distance components are incorporated for skills learned such as flutter kick on front and back, whip kick on back, front and back crawl, and interval training. Upcoming Sessions7 Classes
8 Classes
Cost
Contact |
| Swimmer 4 |
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Swimmer 4 is for participants that are between the ages of 6-12 years old. Participants who completed the Red Cross Swim Kids 5 level should register into the Lifesaving Society's Swim for Life Swimmer 4. Swimmers will move from a beginner to intermediate swimming level. Swimmers will complete standing dives, tread water for 1 minute, and work towards being able to swim underwater for 5 meters. Swimmers will achieve the Swim to Survive standard by being able to roll into deep water, tread water for 1 minute, and swim 50 meters. In addition to improving their front crawl, back crawl, and whip kick, swimmers will be introduced to breaststroke. Upcoming Sessions7 Classes
8 Classes
Cost
Contact |
| Swimmer 5 |
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Swimmer 5 is for participants that are between the ages of 6-12 years old. Participants who completed the Red Cross Swim Kids 6 level should register into the Lifesaving Society's Swim for Life Swimmer 5. Swimmers will be challenged with a whole new set of skills; shallow dives, tuck jumps (cannonball entries), eggbeater kick, and backwards somersaults (in water). Technique and endurance will also receive greater focus as swimmers will need to complete longer distance swims and interval training sessions for all their strokes. Upcoming Sessions
Cost Contact |
| Swimmer 6 |
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Swimmer 6 is for participants that are between the ages of 6-12 years old. Participants who completed the Red Cross Swim Kids 7 level should register into the Lifesaving Society's Swim for Life Swimmer 6. As the final level in the Swimmer program, swimmers will build up their advanced skillset. Swimmers will work towards mastering stride entries, compact jumps, and lifesaving kicks. They will also refine their strokes to increase their swimming strength, power, and endurance - critical for success in the 300-meter workout required to complete the level. Upcoming Sessions
Cost Contact |
| Stroke Improvement |
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Stroke Improvement is for those who have incomplete Swimmer 4 up to and including those who have incomplete Swimmer 9 (Star Patrol) and need dedicated focus on just the main strokes: Front Crawl, Back Crawl, Breaststroke. Upcoming Sessions
Cost Contact |
| Adult and Teen Programs |
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The Adult program is for individuals 14 years and older. This program is for beginners who may be just starting out or swimmers who want help with their strokes. Participants will set their own goals to develop water confidence and smooth, recognizable strokes, as well as learn about Water Smart education messages. Classes are adapted to accommodate the learners and provides the flexibility to help achieve personal swimming goals. Adult 1 focuses on learning stroke fundaments such as floats, rolls, glides and kicks. Participants will work towards swimming short distances on their front and back. Adult 2 focuses on building strength and endurance while improving the participant’s front crawl, back crawl, whip kick, with an introduction to treading water and breaststroke. Adult 3 focuses on mastering front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke, alongside developing lifesaving kicks and fitness swims. Upcoming SessionsAdult 1 (8 classes)
Adult 2 (8 classes)
Cost Contact |
Canadian Swim Patrol
Lifesaving Society Canadian Swim Patrol is for children 8 years to 14 years old. This program provides enriched training for those who are ready to go beyond learn-to-swim classes. Rookie, Ranger & Star will continue to develop participants’ swim strokes and provide the skill foundation that prepares them for success in the Lifesaving Society’s Bronze Medal courses.
| Rookie Patrol (Swimmer 7) |
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Rookie Patrol (Swimmer 7) is for participants that are between the ages of 8-14 years old. Participants who completed the Red Cross Swim Kids 8 level or Swimmer 6 should register into the Rookie Patrol of the Lifesaving Society's Canadian Swim Patrol program. Rookie Patrol lays the foundation of the Swim Patrol program. It includes 4 main components: stroke refinement, fitness, first aid, and lifesaving. Stroke refinement is focused on front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke. Fitness components include a 350-meter workout and 100-meter timed swim. Swimmers will learn about assessing conscious victims, contacting EMS, and treatment for bleeding. Rookie Patrol is rounded off with an introduction to lifesaving skills, including self-rescue techniques, victim recognition, and using throwing assists. Upcoming Sessions7 Classes:
Cost
Contact |
| Ranger Patrol (Swimmer 8) |
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Ranger Patrol (Swimmer 8) is for participants that are between the ages of 8-14 years old. Participants who completed the Red Cross Swim Kids 9 level or Rookie Patrol should register into the Ranger Patrol of the Lifesaving Society's Canadian Swim Patrol program. Stroke refinement and underwater proficiency continues to be a focus in Ranger Patrol as it is critical for supporting swimmer fitness. Swimmers can expect their fitness levels to increase as they work towards a 200-meter timed swim. First aid at the Ranger Patrol level includes assessment of unconscious victims, treating for shock, and procedure for obstructed airways. Lifesaving skills are expanded to include object support and non-contact rescues with a buoyant aid. Upcoming Sessions8 Classes:
Cost
Contact |
| Star Patrol (Swimmer 9) |
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Star Patrol (Swimmer 9) is for participants that are between the ages of 8-14 years old. Participants who completed the Red Cross Swim Kids 10 level or Ranger Patrol should register into the Star Patrol of the Lifesaving Society's Canadian Swim Patrol program. Star Patrol will prepare swimmers for the Bronze Star Award. Strokes will continue to be refined through completion of 100-meter swims. It demands good physical conditioning as swimmers will be challenged with a 600-meter workout, 300-meter timed swim, and a 25-meter object carry. First aid at this level focuses on treatment of bone and joint injuries, and respiratory emergencies like asthma and allergic reactions. Lifesaving skills include in water defense methods, rolling over and supporting victims in shallow water, and removing victims from shallow water. Swimmers that complete Star Patrol will be well on their way to becoming bona fide Lifesavers. Upcoming Sessions8 Classes:
Cost
Contact |
Lifesaving Sport (Junior Lifeguard Club)
| Puddle Jumpers 1 (Beginners) |
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This program is suited for the beginner swimmer. It is suited for younger and inexperienced swimmers with a desire to expand their swimming skills and being introduced to the skills used in Lifesaving Sport. Prerequisites: Swimmers must be able to swim 25m on their front unassisted. Recommended ages 5-8 and it is suggested that they have completed Swimmer 1 or equivalent. Upcoming Sessions
Cost
Contact Lesley Heisler, Aquatics Supervisor |
| Puddle Jumpers 2 |
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This program is a continuation of the Puddle Jumpers program. Athletes will now participate in hour long sessions and will have more exposure to equipment, while continuing to practice swimming fundamentals. Prerequisites: Must be able to swim 50m continuously in the lap pool. Must be able to tread water in the deep end of the lap pool. It is suggested to have completed Lifesaving Swimmer Level 2. Recommended ages 6-10 years old. Upcoming Sessions
Cost
Contact |
| Recreational |
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This program is for all youth interested in being active and enhancing their skills in a fun, high-paced environment. JLC members are encouraged to develop skills based on personal bests in swimming, lifesaving, fitness, knowledge, leadership and teamwork. Our Recreation non-competitive group provides high activity challenges in an energetic club environment, both on deck and in the pool. Prerequisites: Must be able to do a swim test (25m swim on front and 30 seconds tread) and be at least 8 years old. Upcoming Sessions
Cost Contact |
| Mayer Aquatic Centre Introductory Lifeguard Club |
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This program is for youth interested in pursuing a position at the Mayer Aquatic Centre as a Slide Attendant, Lifeguard and Swimming Instructor. Candidates will receive additional help to prepare for the ‘Must See’ skills found in the advanced courses by working on improving their strength, endurance and judgement. Prerequisites: Must be able to do Swim to Survive skills (front roll, 50m swim on front and 1 minute tread) and be at least 13 years old. Upcoming Sessions
Cost Contact |
| Competitive 3-Day |
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This is the main group for our Lifesaving Sport Club and will practice a total of 3 hours a week. Participants in this group work on their swimming and lifesaving skills with the intent to compete at regional and provincial championships at the minimum. Practices include dryland, swimming, and lifesaving skills, taught through a balance of hard work and fun times. Prerequisites: Must be able to complete the Lifesaving Swim to Survive requirements (forward roll, 50m front crawl and tread for 1 minute). Recommended ages 8-20 years old. Upcoming Sessions
Cost
Contact |
| Competitive 4-Day |
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This is the main group for our Lifesaving Sport Club and will practice a total of 6 hours a week. Participants in this group work on their swimming and lifesaving skills with the intent to compete at regional and provincial championships at the minimum. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the group will be divided by skill into either an Intermediate group (5:00pm – 6:30pm) or Advanced group (6:00pm – 7:30pm). This allows practices to be more focused on specific skills. The groups will be determined the first week of practice. Practices include dryland, swimming, and lifesaving skills, taught through a balance of hard work and fun times. Prerequisites: Must be able to complete the Lifesaving Swim to Survive requirements (forward roll, 50m front crawl and tread for 1 minute). Recommended ages 8-20 years old. Upcoming Sessions
Cost
Contact |
| Senior Development |
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This program is designed for our older youth and young adult swimmers whose goal is to attend competitions and who may be interested in participating in the pathway to elite and try for selection to the National team. You do not need to be an elite level swimmer to be a part of this group, just dedicated and willing to work. Practices include dryland (Tuesdays 5:15 – 6:30 pm in the Aquatic Fitness Centre), swimming, and lifesaving skills. Prerequisites: Must have competed or be taking their Bronze Medallion prior to the Provincial competition. Bronze Cross is suggested. Ages 14 – 20 years (can be turning 14 years old during the season). Upcoming Sessions
Cost
Contact |
| Masters |
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Whether you are looking to learn more about lane swimming, wanting to get into the routine of swimming, hoping to build community or you are practicing for your next triathlon, the Masters group is perfect to help you achieve your goal. It is like-minded people looking for a positive experience with some coaching along the way. If you decide to, you are welcome to swim at Lifesaving competitions. For Masters who are competing and who are considering attending Nationals in June, there will be a third session made available. Nationals will be held in BC this year. The date is still TBD. Upcoming SessionsMasters Group A
Masters Group B
Contact |
Advanced Courses
| Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor |
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Lifesaving Society Swim Instructors are responsible for teaching and evaluating candidates participating in the Swim for Life and Canadian Swim Patrol programs. Swim for Life is a comprehensive swim instruction program that focuses on the acquisition and development of fundamental swim strokes and skills for learners of all ages and abilities. The Society provides instructors with a variety of tools to make drowning and injury prevention education last a lifetime. The following prerequisites must be complete prior to registering for this course:
Upcoming Sessions
Cost Contact |
| Lifesaving Society Bronze Medallion & CPR-C |
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Bronze Medallion challenges the candidate both mentally and physically. Judgment, knowledge, skill and fitness - the four components of water rescue - form the basis of Bronze Medallion training. Candidates acquire the assessment and problem-solving skills needed to make good decisions in, on, and around the water. Bronze Medallion is a prerequisite for assistant lifeguard training Bronze Cross. The following prerequisites must be complete prior to registering for this course:
Upcoming Sessions
Cost
Contact |
| Lifesaving Society Intermediate First Aid and Oxygen Administration |
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Lifesaving Society Intermediate First Aid and Oxygen Administration provides comprehensive training which covers all aspects of First Aid and CPR. Participants must be a minimum of 8 years of age. Upcoming Sessions
Cost Contact |
| Lifesaving Society Bronze Cross |
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Bronze Cross begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding and prepares candidates for responsibilities as assistant lifeguards. Candidates strengthen and expand their lifesaving skills and begin to apply the principles and techniques of active surveillance in aquatic facilities. Bronze Cross emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication in preventing and responding to aquatic emergencies. Bronze Cross is a prerequisite for advanced training in the Society's National Lifeguard and leadership certification programs. The following prerequisites must be complete prior to registering for this course:
Upcoming Sessions
Cost
Contact |
| Lifesaving Society National Lifeguard |
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National Lifeguard (NL) builds on the fundamental skills, knowledge and values taught in the lifesaving awards of the Lifesaving Society to develop the practical skills and knowledge required by lifeguards. Designed to prepare lifeguards to fulfill this role as professional facilitators of safe, enjoyable aquatics. Please note, there is a timed swim that is required to meet in order to complete this award. The following prerequisites must be complete prior to registering for this course:
Upcoming Sessions
Cost Contact |
Private Lessons
Private lessons are available for swimmers needing one-on-one instruction and assistance to either complete a Swim for Life Swimmer level, to help boost confidence, or improve their swimming endurance. These classes can be modified to a semi-private (max 2 participants) lesson for swimmers working on the same skills. These lessons are available for youth ages 8 and up.
| Upcoming Private Lessons |
Cost 3 Classes
4 Classes
Contact |
Contact Us
Lesley Heisler
Aquatics Supervisor
Aquatic Centre
5600 - 44 Avenue
Camrose, AB T4V 5K5
P. 780.672.9909
F. 780.672.4915
Email Lesley Heisler
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