Swimming - Aquatics
Adapted Aquatics
Adapted aquatics is for children and youth with a physical and/or developmental disability who need low ratios or 1:1 support to feel comfortable in the water and to progress in their swimming skills. Participants will be taught by an experienced aquatics instructor with support from volunteers as needed at most locations.
Adapted Aquatics programs have not been offered consistently during the COVID-19 pandemic. Please call the pool for the most up to date information about current and upcoming programs. Please note that in most cases where programs are running, a parent or caregiver may be required to be in the water with the swimmer to provide support as teaching staff are not permitted to come into close contact with the participants. Some programs may be offering adapted aquatics pricing for a private or semi-private swimming lesson.
- Fergus
- Age: All ages
- Contact: Call 519-846-9691, Ext. 321
- Guelph
- Age: All ages
- Contact: Call 519-837-5699
Kitchener
- Age: All ages
- Contact: Call 519-741-2493
Waterloo
- Age: 5 - 12 years
- Contact: Call 519-886-3844
Woolwich
- Ages: All ages
- Contact: Call 519-669-1647, Ext. 7000
Fergus Phantoms Special Olympics Swim Team
The Fergus Phantoms support a group of about thirty athletes with Special Needs, all varying in age and ability. The Phantoms strive to provide each and every athlete with a positive, safe, and enriching environment.
- Age: All ages
- Contact: Email
Firefly Swimming Lessons
Firefly swimming program provides an opportunity for children to learn basic swimming skills in a safe and supportive environment. Our accessible pool is a welcoming place to practice and grow confident in new abilities. The instructors are patient, knowledgeable, and have experience working with a wide range of needs. This program was designed as an alternative to swimming lessons in a traditional setting. It is intended to be sensory-friendly and individualized. We use a wide range of strategies to develop skills in a positive, fun setting.
Age: 3 - 21 years
Contact: Call 519-886-8886
Status: As of Fall 2021, this program is currently on hold.
This program is open to anyone who has a physical, visual or hearing impairment. Swimmers will be assessed to determine their swimming skill level and focus will be on progressive skill development, building confidence and endurance.
- Age: 3 years and older
- Contact: Email or call 519-546-9724
KW Synchro - Kitchener, Waterloo
Synchronized swimming is a great way to develop your swimming skills, build confidence and have fun in the water! Swimmers with physical and developmental disabilities are welcome.
- Age: All ages
- Contact: Email
KidsAbility Open Swims
KidsAbility’s unsupervised therapeutic pool is available to clients and their families, as well as individuals with special needs in our community. The pool is 0.75m in depth so it is very much appropriate for young children or those who would benefit from a warm, relaxing, shallow swimming pool. Our pool and change rooms are accessible and there is a ramp leading down into the water (pool chairs available) as well as options for adapted floatation available on deck. A responsible adult who has completed a pool orientation may supervise up to four individuals (no more than three of whom can be under the age of 13 in each session) during Open Swim. To book an orientation session, contact KidsAbility.
- Contact: 519-886-8886, Ext. 0
- Status: As of Fall 2021, this program is currently on hold.
ROW Swim Club - Kitchener, Waterloo
Improve your swimming for fitness and competition. Program is inclusive
Swimming with a Mission (S.W.A.M.) - Kitchener, Waterloo
Swimming with a Mission Kitchener-Waterloo is a non-profit student initiative founded as a registered chapter of S.W.A.M. Canada. This program provides accessible and affordable one-on-one swimming instruction to children with special needs.
- Age: All ages
- Contact: Email or call 888-530-5618, Ext. 13
- Status: As of Fall 2021, this program is currently on hold.
Sunbeam Therapy Pool - Kitchener
Sunbeam’s therapy pool is available to members of the community with special needs for weekly or drop in swims. The 20’ x 40’ accessible pool is kept at therapeutically warm temperature (90° - 93°F) to promote muscle relaxation. Interested participants must call ahead to book a weekly swim time, or to confirm space availability for a drop in swim. A “Snoezelen Spa” is also available.
- Contact: Email or call 519-893-6200, Ext. 239
- Status: As of Fall 2021, this program is currently on hold.
Wilmot Aquatic Aces - Baden
The Wilmot Aquatic Aces Swim Club (WAAC) programs are designed to accommodate all levels of swimmers. Recreational and competitive programs are available. Swimmers who have intellectual or physical disabilities are fully integrated into ACES programs, and the ACES take pride in demonstrating diversity in the water and on the deck.
Sensory Swims - Guelph
An environment for children, youth and adults of all abilities with dimmed lighting, no music, smaller groups, no buzzers or whistles (emergencies only) and quiet changing rooms. Accompanying supports swim free of charge. Register by phone 519-837-5699/TTY 519-826-9771, in person at a recreation facility, or at recenroll.ca