Frequently asked

We believe early exposure to water is good for children — the sensation of being in water lessens apprehension about the new experience. It is always a good idea to play and have fun with your kids in the pool after 6 months of age, as long as you stay within arm’s reach.

While every child develops differently, age 3–4 is generally a good starting age for formal swimming lessons. At this age they should have foundational language skills and control of body coordination.

Our Pre School program takes swimmers from 2 years old, mainly to increase their comfort level in the water — getting their faces wet, blowing bubbles underwater, floating on their front and back, and mastering a short 3–5m swim or kick. These are the fundamentals that prepare children for full strokes at higher levels.

Parent & Tot starts at 6 months, Pre School from 2 years, and Learn to Swim from 3 years. Other programs have their own requirements — see the Programs page for details.

We will ask about the swimmer’s previous swim experience (level, ability, other classes) when you register. If you are unsure, an in-water assessment can also be arranged. Placement is based on ability, not age alone.

Swim Apex’s Learn to Swim program contains more technical swim skill components, allowing swimmers greater practice with each stroke and technique. Instructors can focus on individual problems with tailored corrections and drills.

The Red Cross / Lifesaving swim program combines swimming fitness with water safety and basic lifesaving knowledge, dividing class focus between stroke technique and safe swimming practices.

It varies by pool — see the Locations page for each one. Some pools are set to a lower temperature range because they are mainly used for swim training.

Most Learn to Swim lessons run at our Markham headquarters, where the pool is set to 86–88°F and the indoor air temperature to 82–84°F for the most comfortable learning environment.

A salt water system is much gentler on eyes and skin. People with sensitive skin or eczema generally find a salt water pool less irritating than a chlorine system pool.

Yes. Each class is taught by the same instructor for the whole session, unless the instructor is sick — in which case another qualified instructor will cover that lesson.

All registration requests go through our Parent Portal. Create a Family Account, add a Student Account for each swimmer, then add your preferred class times to the cart and submit. Full step-by-step instructions are on the Register page.

Our programs run year round across four sessions — Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer. Each session has a registration start date, and you can enroll any time after that as long as there is space. If you register after the session begins, you are charged for the remaining lessons.

You can add your name to the waiting list for that time slot — classes listed as “Waitlist” still accept requests at checkout. We cannot guarantee a spot will open; space becomes available only if a registered swimmer cancels or switches.

Yes. We offer sibling discounts to families with three or more siblings registered concurrently. Discounts do not apply to Aquatic Leadership or Swim Team programs.

Classes are assigned according to staff scheduling and availability, so we can’t guarantee a specific instructor. All Swim Apex instructors attend staff training and share the same core teaching skills and philosophy. If you have concerns, please get in touch.

If you need to move permanently for the rest of the session and the requested time is available at the same level, we are happy to make the switch. If it’s a one-off, please follow our make-up procedure instead.

Report the absence at least one hour before the lesson starts and we’ll issue a make-up token. Pay-per-session registrations receive 2 make-up tokens per session; Swim Pass Package holders can credit their first 4 absences.

There is no refund once registered. We offer credit minus a $35 administration fee when you cancel at least 10 days before the first lesson.

Rarely. If we do need to cancel for weather, a power failure or another unforeseen situation, parents are notified as soon as the cancellation is known and make-up arrangements are made. Follow our social accounts for news updates.

Arrive 5–10 minutes before the class start time, and allow extra time for changing during winter months.

A proper bathing suit, goggles, a towel and indoor slippers. Long hair should be pulled back or tied up. Swim caps are recommended.

Yes — it is mandatory for all swimmers aged 4 and under to wear an approved swim diaper with a good fit around the legs and an elasticized waist. This applies even if your child is already potty-trained.

Not at every facility — check the Locations page for your specific pool. Only swimmers under the age of 6 may enter the opposite-gender change room with a parent.

Our Markham headquarters, Thornlea, Markham Pan Am and Toronto Pan Am pools have viewing galleries away from the deck, so parents watch from there.

At other locations parents are welcome on the pool deck benches. Please follow all pool safety rules, wear indoor slippers, and avoid distracting swimmers or instructors while classes are running — hold your questions until class finishes.

No. Outdoor shoes are not permitted in our change rooms or pool deck areas at any location — it is a health and safety rule we implement strictly. Please bring indoor slippers for you and your child.

Please respect the safety and privacy of all families. No photography or video recording is allowed in the change room or pool area. Ask a Swim Apex staff member first, and we’ll find a moment when no other swimmers are captured.

This is completely normal, especially for first-time swimmers. Don’t be discouraged — for some children it takes a few lessons to settle. We always make sure they are comfortable before getting them into the water and moving around.

Your child is placed in a level at the start of the session based on the information you provide and/or an in-water assessment. Evaluation days are scheduled for the second-last class of every session, and results are discussed with parents during the last class.

We will evaluate during the last class of the session. If you cannot attend the last two classes, we will try to arrange another day but cannot guarantee it before the session ends.

There are three scheduled parent consultation days: the first day of class, one mid-session, and a final meeting on the last day. Outside those days, feel free to approach the instructor before or after class — they may have another parent or class waiting, so a short conversation is best. You can also call the office and leave your concerns with our administration team.