Age
Regions
Seasons
Registration
The swim program teaches basic swimming and water safety skills, under the Lifesaving Society program.
Each lesson consists of a small group of participants with a high ratio of support provided by a certified swim instructor, trained support workers, and dedicated volunteers.
- Led by certified Water Safety Instructors
- Participants with all levels of support needs are encouraged to register
Please Note:
- Facility-specific COVID safety protocols will be provided and must be adhered to by all participants.
Learn to swim
Program Structure: Early Years, Ages 3-5
Swim lessons focus on water safety, swim skills and fitness, while incorporating games and songs and fostering a fun environment! For more details, please view the Lifesaving Society Preschool Swim Program information page.
- Each session consists of 30 minute lessons, once per week, for eight weeks.
- Sessions take place three times a year: In the fall (October to late November), winter (January to early March), and spring (April to early June).
- Each lesson consists of up to 5 participants who may be split into smaller groups.
- Participants are provided with a high ratio of support (1:1 or higher, if needed).
*Please note that program structure is constantly evolving as we navigate the physical distancing requirements during COVID-19.
Program Structure: Children, Ages 6-12
Swim lessons focus on water safety, swim skills, and fitness. Skills have been adapted from the Lifesaving Society Swimmer 1, 2 and 3 programs.
- Each session consists of 30 minute lessons, once per week, for eight weeks.
- Sessions take place three times a year: In the fall (October to late November), winter (January to early March), and spring (April to early June).
- Each lesson consists of up to 5 participants who may be split into smaller groups.
- Participants are provided with a high ratio of support.
Participants who have completed the either Lifesaving Society’s Swimmer 3 or Red Cross Swim Kids level 3 program, and would like to further develop their swim skills, are encouraged to access the Lifesaving Society’s swim program offered in their community.
*Please note that program structure is constantly evolving as we navigate the physical distancing requirements during COVID-19.
Program Structure: Youth & Adults, Ages 13+
The Youth & Adult Swim program focuses on water safety, swim skills, and fitness. Skills have been adapted from the Lifesaving Society’s Adult Swimmer program.
Prerequisite: For participants who are still developing water entries and exits, floats, glides, and front swim of 10 metres.
- Each session consists of 45 minute lessons, once per week, for eight weeks.
- Sessions take place three times a year: In the fall (October to late November), winter (January to early March), and spring (April to early June).
- Each lesson consists of up to 6 participants who may be split into smaller groups.
- Participants are provided with a high ratio of support.
Participants who have completed the Lifesaving Society’s Swimmer program (Red Cross Basic 1), or who are comfortable with the swim skills listed above, are encouraged to access Lifesaving Society teens and young adult programs in their community.
*Please note that program structure is constantly evolving as we navigate the physical distancing requirements during COVID-19.
Supports Provided
At Canucks Autism Network, we strive to meet the needs of each participant through parent collaboration.
Please do not hesitate to speak with coaches and on-site staff about support strategies that work for your child (e.g., visual schedules, first-then boards, token systems, social stories, etc.).
You can also access our Swim Activity Storybook to help prepare your child for the program. Activity Storybooks describe activities or situations as well as the expected behaviours in a given context using words and often pictures. Participants can read Activity Storybooks prior to engaging in an activity to help prepare them and build predictability.
Please email [email protected] with any questions or concerns.
Program Criteria
- Participants must be correct age when starting the program
- Have an autism diagnosis and an active CAN Membership
- Individuals across the autism spectrum are welcome (ratio of support can be adjusted if necessary; 1:1 or even 2:1 support)
- Commit to pay highly subsidized program fee of $40 (See Program Fee Payment Options.)
- Commit to attend session on a weekly basis (See Attendance Policy)
This program is specifically designed and adapted for individuals on the autism spectrum. We kindly ask that parents and siblings remain on the side.
Registration opens seasonally
Registration opens 6-8 weeks before the start of each season:
- Fall (Sep-Dec): Reg opens mid-Aug
- Winter (Jan-Mar): Reg opens mid-Nov
- Spring (Apr-Jun): Reg opens mid-Feb
Full program & reg details for the current/upcoming season can be found at canucksautism.ca/guide.
Don’t miss a registration date!
All important dates are communicated in the monthly member newsletter.
Missed a registration period?
Programs that still have space remaining will open for late registration.