General
1) How does 905 Swimming work?
905 Swimming offers private, at-home swim lessons and lifeguarding services. Simply fill out our booking request form, and we'll match you with our local, certified instructors to teach your lessons. You get to choose the perfect service to meet your needs, and the lesson times that suit your schedule, and we'll send a certified swim instructor to your address. It's really that easy. Save time driving to and from lessons + money on gas, and get 1-to-1, personalized coaching in just a few taps of your keyboard.
2) Where do you offer your services?
We offer our services within Durham Region, Ontario, specifically Brooklin, Whitby, Oshawa, Uxbridge, Ajax, and Pickering. We may still be able to offer our services to those living outside of Durham, call or email us and we can let you know if we're able to service you. Alternatively, you can book lessons in a friend's pool who lives in Durham with their permission. For more on how to do that, check out Question 7 of the "Booking" Section on this page.
3) What certifications do 905 Swimming Instructors have?
All of our instructors have the 3 following certifications: Red Cross “National Lifeguard”, Red Cross “Standard First Aid with CPR/AED Level C”, and Lifesaving Society “Swim Instructor”.
4) Why don’t you teach Red Cross Swimming Lessons?
The Red Cross “Swim Kids” swimming program has been discontinued by the Red Cross. We teach the same program that Ontario municipal pools have adopted in place of Red Cross Swim Kids : Lifesaving Society’s “Swim for Life” Program. For more on this topic, check out this article by CBC about why Red Cross has discontinued their swim lessons.
5) Can I meet my swim instructor ahead of time?
Yes! If our instructor's schedules will permit, we can arrange a phone call or video chat with your instructor prior to the start of your lessons. If you want to do this, let us know by emailing us at 905swimming@gmail.com
6) Will my child receive a report card?
Yes! Swimmers will receive an official report card issued by the Lifesaving Society.
Unanswered Question?
Booking
1) How do I book lessons?
Visit our Services page to book lessons, and for a step-by-step guide to our booking process.
2) Who do you offer swimming lessons to?
Everyone! All ages... infants, toddlers, children, teens, and adults, and all skill levels! We believe everyone should have swimming & water safety skills.
3) Can you teach multiple swimmers at the same time?
We do not offer group lessons because we believe they take away from swimmer's learning experience - for 2 reasons; because swimmers almost always distract each other during lessons; and because lessons are more effective when the instructor’s attention is not divided between multiple swimmers. Private lessons allow instructors to structure lessons according to each swimmer's unique strengths and weaknesses.
4) How many lessons should I book?
We recommend booking 10 x 30 minute lessons, as this how long it generally takes to complete one “level". Here's a detailed guide to choosing the right swim lesson package for you!
5) How often should I schedule lessons?
Up to you! Booking week(s) at a time (Monday through Friday) can help swimmers build new skills faster, but booking lessons on a weekly basis (ex: every Monday) can help swimmers maintain their skills throughout the summer.
6) Should I book 30 minute, or hour long lessons?
60 minute lessons are great for swimmers who really want more practice time. However, they also require a long-lasting attention span and are more physically demanding, therefore they are not offered to children 6 years or younger. Here's a guide to choosing the right swim lesson package for you!
7) I don’t have my own pool, can I still book lessons?
Yes! You can use a friend or family member's pool for lessons with their permission. To do this, simply fill out our booking request form like normal. There will be questions in the form asking if you plan to use your own, or another person's pool - just answer those questions accordingly.
8) I have an above ground pool, can I still book lessons?
Depends on the pool! To properly learn skills, pools must be at least 10 metres long, and at least 1 metre deep. If your pool does not meet these criteria, we will unfortunately not be able to provide lessons in that pool, however, you can book lessons in a friend's pool who lives in Durham with their permission. For more on how to do that, check out the question directly above this one.
9) How far in advance should I book my swimming lessons?
Book your swim lessons as soon as possible as times tend to fill up quickly once our swim instructors post their availability.
10) Can I book a trial swimming lesson?
When you buy any of our lesson packages, the first lesson is free, and is intended to be a trial lesson! Payment is not due until after this first free lesson. If after this first lesson you are not satisfied and would like to cancel the rest of your lessons, you may do so free of charge.
11) What payment methods do you accept?
We currently only accept e-transfers.
Cancellations & Refunds
1) What if I book lessons, then decide later I want to cancel my remaining lessons?
To ensure your satisfaction, your first lesson is always free when you book any of our 4 packages! Payment for lessons is not due until after this first/trial lesson. However, if at any point you decide we are not the right fit for you and that you’d like to cancel your remaining lessons, you can! Simply email us at 905swimming@gmail.com and let us know, and we will issue you a refund for the lessons being canceled.
2) What if I book 60 minute lessons and they end up being too much?
60 minute lessons are a little too long? No problem! We can change the 60 minute lessons you have left to 30 minute ones, and issue you a refund equal to the amount of lesson time you will be giving up.
3) What’s 905 Swimming’s cancellation policy?
To respect our instructors' busy schedules, we ask that cancellations be made 36 hours prior to the start of your lesson. Lessons cancelled in accordance with our cancellation policy can be rescheduled, or refunded.
4) What if there’s inclement weather before a lesson?
If it’s only raining, the lesson will continue as planned. If it begins to thunderstorm before the lesson, for safety the lesson will be cancelled, and can be either refunded, or rescheduled.
5) What if inclement weather begins during a lesson?
If it’s only raining, the lesson will continue as planned. If it begins to thunderstorm, for safety the lesson will end immediately.
Got Questions?
Let's Chat.
General Inquiries
Hours of Operation
Mon - Fri: 8:00AM - 10:00PM
Service Area
Durham Region, ON:
Brooklin, Whitby, Oshawa, Ajax, Pickering & Uxbridge
Connect with us on Socials
@905swimming
