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Welcome to The Aqua Life

Building a lifetime of confidence in the water, one stroke at a time.

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Our Programs

What Makes Us Different

The Aqua Life Swim Academy stands out from other swim schools due to our unique aquatic program, culture, values, and standards. Our approach ensures that our students have a safe, comfortable, and fun experience in the pool.

Individualized attention and personalized instruction

We believe in providing individualized attention and personalized instruction to help each student reach their full potential, in a safe and welcoming environment. We understand that every swimmer is unique and may learn at a different pace, so we take the time to get to know each student and tailor our lessons to their individual needs and goals.
Unique Aquatic Program

Our curriculum focuses on swim fundamentals and swim strokes, and we teach using physical manipulation of the legs and arms to activate muscle memory. This hands-on approach helps our students learn the mechanics of swimming. Our personalized instruction, also puts emphasis on proper technique, fun drills, and goal setting.
A Quiet Atmosphere

Our lessons take place in quiet pools, providing a relaxed learning environment for our swimmers. Our coaches ensure that our pools remain calm and peaceful so that students can focus on their technique without any distractions.
Lots of Feedback

We provide verbal feedback after each lesson, rather than a report card at the end of a session. This allows our students to progress at a comfortable pace.
Swim programs for all ages and abilities

From infant and toddler classes to stroke development and adult lessons. No matter your age or skill level, we have a program that is right for you.

Pricing

Select your location to find lesson pricing

New Brunswick

Ontario

Nova Scotia

Host Lessons

Swimming lessons are the perfect way to offset costs associated with managing a pool. Hosting swimming lessons provides an income stream that can help to finance repairs, maintenance, and staff salaries.

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Join Our Team

Our team of swim instructors provides unparalleled instruction in a safe and welcoming environment. We are passionate about helping our students reach their swimming goals while having fun in the process!

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Lifeguarding Services

We are proud to offer professional, reliable, and trained lifeguards to ensure the safety and enjoyment of your pool, beach, or aquatic event.

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Find Your Lessons

Finding swim lessons is easy and convenient. Explore our vast selection of swimming facilities scattered throughout Ontario and Nova Scotia, designed to accommodate your needs.

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About The Aqua Life

Our swim school was founded out of a passion for helping swimmers reach their full potential and be their best in the water. We emphasize correct technique to ensure safety and performance, while providing fun drills to keep things interesting. We also encourage goal setting and develop customized plans for each individual’s success.

We are proud to have served our community for many years, and we look forward to helping you or your loved ones learn to swim. We can't wait to see you in the pool!

Introduce the team

Our team is made up of aquatics professionals, lifeguards, and support staff who all share a commitment to safety and excellence, while inspiring our students to reach their highest potential in the water and have fun in the process!

Meet The Team

Dimitrie Comanescu

Owner & CEO

With an early passion for sports and active and healthy living, Dimitrie is a former Personal Trainer who worked with adults helping them reach their maximum fitness levels, as well as a former Physical Education teacher for daycare children. His interest for sports and fitness transcended into swimming, and he is now using his experience and dedication to make swimming accessible to as many children and adults as possible.

With a background in Marketing and Fitness, Dimitrie brings his rich and unique experience to the Aqua Life team. His entrepreneurial approach is both inspirational and innovating making sure Aqua Life is always at the forefront of Aquatics, through patronaging and welcoming innovating approaches to swimming.

Corina Oaches

Owner & Director of Operations

Having over 5 years of competitive swimming background, Corina is devoted to create programs and services that align with Aqua Life’s mission which is to enrich every child, teen, and adult’s aquatic experience by meeting their individual needs. What’s important to Corina is creating meaningful relationships with her team, clients and community. She excels at passing on her knowledge and method to the team and loves to see her staff become incredible swim teachers. Having a background in Psychology, Human Relations and Human Resources, Corina brings to the table her unique touch in building a winning team, and superior customer care practice.

Sepide

Aquatics Supervisor

Swimming since 9 years old, Sep brings an extensive and rich background in aquatics. Swimming as a competitive swimmer for the University of Tehran’s swim team and later on, being selected for Iran’s National Swim team, Sep won many medals being six times gold medalist in breaststroke, and winning four times first place in swim relay. She moved on to become a swim coach for 2 years at the Al Zahra University in Tehran. Swimming has always been a passion for Sep, and she has been teaching swimming for over 14 years. With a Bachelors in Phys Ed and Exercise Physiology followed up by a Masters in Exercise Physiology and a 2 years PhD in Cardiovascular Exercise Physiology, Sep will bridge the science and technique of swimming with your potential, by making you a better and more robust swimmer. When not teaching, you will always see Sep somewhere on the pool deck, helping and coaching our awesome instructors. Her warm and nurturing nature, make her such a joy to hop in the water with!

Karen

Sales and Client Experience Team Lead

Karen is dedicated to create the best customer experience possible. From the first inquiry, to every lesson you attend, she is focused on making your experience at The Aqua Life second to none. She lives outside of Almonte with her husband and two school-age children. The family enjoys a variety of recreational activities, including camping and swimming. Karen is also an avid runner, and has trained for and participated in half marathons, 5k runs and 10k runs. In the summer she enjoys water skiing and swimming, while in the winter she plays broomball with her friends.

Eduardo

Head Swim Instructor

With aquatics as a cornerstone of Eduardo’s life, he will be contributing expertise in all facets of water towards your swimming education and abilities with the Aqualife program. Having a waterpolo career that includes medals in the Jr. Pan Am games with team Canada, CAMEX games with team El Salvador, and OUA championships with Carleton University to name a few, proficiency, and familiarity with the nuanced dynamics of swimming are well understood, well developed, and well-refined to suit your needs. A then pursuit of further expertise and knowledge within the profession of lifeguarding and swimming, Eduardo has been in roles as a volunteer for drowning prevention and provincial public education, a Lifeguard/Swim Instructor Trainer and Examiner, Swim Club Program Coordinator, and Swim Camp Program Director, accumulating a robust array of skills, drills, techniques, and tricks of the trade, to set you up for success. Additionally, a Carleton University Degree in Psychology; a Minor in Sociology, allows Eduardo a tool kit to help clients overcome any personal mental obstacles that can arise when learning to swim. Getting you to flourish, whether you want to be swimming in the pool, at the cottage by the lake, competing with yourself and others, or being out at sea with the waves, Eduardo is excited and eager to help you reach any, and all, of your goals for the water.

Paige

Head Swim Instructor

Paige started competitively swimming at the age of 6 and is still competing following the end of her university swimming career at Dalhousie University. She has coached competitively as well as non-competitively for more than 6 years and hopes to spread her love of swimming for her entire life. Paige recently graduated with a Bachelors in International Development and minor in Gender and Women’s Studies. She hopes to eventually work with women and children fleeing unsafe living conditions and continue teaching the sport she loves most. She is very excited to meet you all!

Becca

Head Swim Instructor

Hi! I'm Becca.

Tracy

Client Care Specialist and Sales Coordinator

Tracy is an office administrator who enjoys providing warm and friendly service. She is excited to develop relationships with staff and customers alike. She is an avid walker and cyclist who also enjoys adventures and nature hikes. She is the mother of an adorable little boy, and, as a result, is responsible for organizing an ever-growing collection of dinosaurs. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics and Religious Studies, and a diploma in Office Administration. Baking, meditating, and jigsaw puzzles are a few of her hobbies.

Rykaa

Head Swim Instructor

Hi, I'm Rykaa! I'm happy to welcome you to the pool.

Jon

Deck Supervisor & Swim Instructor

Having over 5 years of pool management and 4 years of competitive swimming time Jon is motivated to create an experience for swimmers that inspires confidence, resilience and of course a life-long passion for swimming! What's important to Jon is creating an organized safe space for youth and adults to discover how swimming can enrich their lives. Jon is great at coordinating the best team of swim instructors to ensure your best experience with Aqua life! Having professional experience in philanthropy and a background in Sociology, Jon guarantees an inclusive, diverse and safe experience for all swimmers. In their free time Jon can be found cuddling with his cats Marcus and Yzma or playing with his pet bearded dragon.

Tori

Client Care Specialist and Sales Coordinator

Tori is a bright and courteous office administrator with a focus on creating an uplifting experience for everyone. She lives in Hamilton with her wife and their three cats. Tori spends her time practicing all kinds of arts, including music, writing, watercolour painting, crochet, and embroidery - and she's always excited to try new things! She has a diploma in Music & Digital Media from St. Lawrence College.

Angela

Client Care Specialist and Sales Coordinator

Angela is our Philippines-based client care and sales coordinator. Having spent almost 15 years in the BPO industry, she's used to dealing with international clients and has practiced professional skills. She's a mom of three beautiful kids and her family enjoys swimming in the clubhouse every now and then.

Rosanna V.

Revenue & Scheduling Strategist

Rosanna is helping in the office with administration and customer inquiries. With a wealth of experience in hospitality, Rosanna also brings a genuine love for helping people into Aqua Life with her. She’s also the proud mother to two young daughters. At home, they enjoy playing dress-up and dancing. Friendly and easy-going, she loves to build real relationships when she works with clients. Rosanna looks forward to speaking with you!

Testimonials

Christine Kelly

July 06, 2022

My children are just finishing their first intensive week with Aqua Life Swim Academy. I can’t say enough good things about this program. The learning and improvement they have both had (ages 4 and 6) is incredible. These lesson are so worth it. Amazing!

Lisa Le Nguyen

April 01, 2021

If you\'re thinking of taking swimming lessons in Ottawa, Aqua Life Swim Academy is an absolute no brainer. Corina, the owner, goes above and beyond to deliver the best possible customer service. She makes sure that all her customers have the most positive experience with her and her staff. I had André as my instructor and he was also incredibly kind and patient. I can\'t recommend Aqua Life enough, definitely 5 stars.

Craig Dunbar

September 18, 2020

My 4 year old daughter has been having a blast while learning with the great instructors at The Aqua Life. The low student: teacher ratio really helps her focus and get the most out of her lesson times, and she is making constant improvements. Their instructor scheduling also helps with her development, as the same instructors work with the same students continuously, barring vacation or illness of course. That consistency helps build her confidence in her instructor and herself. I find it very helpful to me as a parent that there is time set aside each class to discuss successes and growth opportunities, which help me to work with her when we\'re swimming together. It\'s also great to see the safety measures that the company and its hotel partners are taking right now to ensure everyone\'s safety. Kids need to get out of the house and exercise, and a pool with safety precautions in place is one of the best places they can go I definitely recommend The Aqua Life to anyone who wants to learn or develop their swimming abilities at any level.

Natasha Villeneuve

December 20, 2019

Aqualife is fantastic! I love that the lessons are held in hotel pools which are much more private than community pools. Vanessa is an incredible instructor. So dedicated, clear, patient and encouraging. I definitely rate them 5 stars!

Julia Slanina

December 19, 2019

We recently joined Aqua Life and have been blown away with the care and attention instruction staff has provided for our 4 year old hesitant swimmer. After only a few weeks, our son loves to swim, feels confident with water in his eyes and is eager for his weekly sessions. I don\'t know why we didn\'t join sooner! Thank you, Aqua Life! :)

Leanne Vo-Forman

December 18, 2019

Our son loves going to his lessons with Mackenzie. She is an amazing teacher.

Frances Osborne

December 18, 2019

We have had a great experience with The Aqua Life! Our 5 year old improves her skills every week. I love that we get feedback from the instructor after each lesson. Our daughter looks forward to swimming every single week!

Leanne Chevrier

December 18, 2019

Aqua life and the instructors have taught my son to swim. We have been so happy with the instruction and encouragement they have provided to my son! Initially my son was afraid to go under the water and was unable to swim without a floating device. He is now able to swim, front crawl, back crawl and swim underwater. We have loved both Mackenzie and Luca (Instructors).

Adeena Wisenthal

December 18, 2019

I have been taking swimming lessons at Aqua Life for the past 4 years. I started as an adult non-swimmer terrified of the water and now I can swim and thoroughly love the water. I have had numerous teachers over the years - each offering their talents, skills, and unique teaching style while always working within the principles set out by Aqua Life. My current teacher, Vanessa, is fun to work with. She is patient, kind, and has great attention to detail. She is helping me perfect my strokes and improve my cardio through endurance drills. I have come a long way thanks to Aqua Life and look forward to continued progress!

Victoria Zablocki Little

December 18, 2019

Great individual attention and small class size! Our son thrived this Fall with his weekly lesson! We are so happy!

Julie Ouellette

December 01, 2018

Our kids improved so much faster than with other swim lessons! 5 stars or more for sure!

Naomi Legault

November 22, 2018

I give them a 5/5!!! Check out my blog post about our experience. https://naomibianca613.com/2018/08/31/the-aqualife-academy-at-brookstreet-hotel/

Leah Mulligan

August 09, 2018

We have loved our week long intensive Swim 101 class with Erin & Samantha. My son is in the water right now having a great time. The small class size is amazing for my son; and he warmed up to the instructors better than I could have imagined. He has so much more confidence in the water just after 4 classes.

Rae-Anne St Pierre

August 02, 2018

My 5 year old and 2 year old just completed their first intensive week of lessons. My daughter had an amazing time and saw a huge improvement in not only her swimming skills but her confidence as well. The day after her first lesson the first words out of her mouth when she woke up were “i have swimming lessons today”. My son had never taken swimming lessons before and was previously nervous of getting in the water. Joanie, our instructor, was amazing. She was able to get him into the water with no issues and he had a huge smile as he practiced his kicking. We had a wonderful experience and will be returning! Thanks Joanie and Stephanie!

Sheila McCormick

July 30, 2018

We loved our swimming lessons! My daughter had a wonderful instructor and I loved how she was able to be the only student. Great experience!

Lindsay Hamilton

May 10, 2018

The personalized touch that they offer is so special! Really helped our boy to have safe confidence when it comes to swimming! Highly recommended!!

Shelley Schroeder

March 06, 2018

Michelle Karow

February 09, 2018

My son loves taking swim lessons with Aqua Life Swim Academy. He enjoys himself and is now a confident, strong swimmer. The Aqua Life Swim Academy provides confident, patient and skilled instructors.

Mackenzie Jones

January 31, 2018

The Aqua Life Swim Academy is an amazing place to work. Stephanie cares so much about her team and always prioritizes their satisfaction. Definitely a 5 star experience for team members.

Angela Elliott

August 02, 2017

My kids have already shown progress in 3 short lessons. I\'m very happy with their experience so far and they\'re enjoying it too.

Scott Corbett

July 30, 2017

Sam did a week of intense summer sessions with Mackenzie. She was really fantastic with him. Mackenzie is super patience and attentive. I noticed a significant improvement in Sam\'s swim technique, and he\'s super proud to be a better swimmer. We\'re really looking forward to our August sessions given great experience we had in July.

Natalie Dawn

July 29, 2017

In just a few months, my child has gone from being uncomfortable in the water and needing a life jacket to now working on his front crawl. I cannot say enough good things about these lessons!! And the personalized customer service really can\'t be beat.

Candace Labelle

July 28, 2017

My daughter is not great with crowds or strangers and refused traditional classes as they were too overwhelming for her. She was able to make a connection with the 1:1 or 1:2 attention at the Best Western pool that allowed her to find her comfort zone. I have been blown away by her progress through the immersive summer lessons. She went from not even putting her face in the water to yesterday jumping 3 feet into the pool and swimming to the edge (9 lessons). I would (and have) recommend to anyone.

Shannon Whiteside

July 20, 2017

I could not be happier with the progress my child has made since enrolling in lessons with Aqua Life. My 5 yr old daughter had previously failed the entry level Red Cross program 4 times - she refused to put her face in the water. Fast forward 2 months, in semi-private lessons with swim academy, and she is swimming (face in!) and jumping in the deep end on her own. She is currently registered in the summer intensive classes and her instructor Mackenzie is FABULOUS. So patient, calm and encouraging. As swimming is a life long skill, this is a fantastic investment!

Karen Frances Rintoul

April 13, 2017

In 12 wks my daughter went from being clingy & barely putting her face in the water to now dunking, floating & swimming last night with no power swimmer!!! Aqua Life Swim Academy is the best & the instructors are awesome!!! �

Alana Fenwick

February 13, 2017

We started private lessons for our daughters in January after becoming frustrated with no progress in city lessons. Our daughters have gained a lot of confidence and ability since then and will be swimming like fish in the summer!

Dan Liu-Nguyen

February 11, 2017

Sandra Swift

February 09, 2017

Aqua life has changed my daughter\'s out look on swimming. Sophie had taught my daughter to relax in the water. In 30 min with aqua life we accomplished more that we did all summer with the city. So worth it especially for those with anxious children.

Rebecca Visscher Lemieux

February 09, 2017

We simply love this program. My 3 year old is thriving. Excellent instructors!

Jenny Tsen

February 03, 2017

Stephanie and her instructors are very knowledgeable and engage her students in a such a way that gets them swimming in no time. She has a wonderful program and if you have struggled with swimming or want to improve your skills, her team will fast track you forward in a short amount of time. The private lessons are worth it!!

Valentina Mestrovic

August 27, 2016

My daughter has been part of Aqua Life Swim Academy since she was 4. She is now 11 and a very strong, confident swimmer ready for new challenges. Thank you Aqua Life for all the great swim years. You are the best!

Sally Ball

August 18, 2016

Stephanie\'s expertise and personality are a great combination for helping kids. Her precise and detailed feedback were highly beneficial. Stephanie\'s genuine interest in my children\'s development kept them engaged and they enjoyed going to her class.. I highly recommend Aqua Life Swim Academy in Orleans!

Sibylle Aalders

April 27, 2016

When dealing with Stephanie, who is as passionate and caring as she is, success is guaranteed.

Hongbo Ji

March 30, 2016

I sent my daughter to summer camps and group lessons and she did not really learn how to swim until I found Aqua life. Private lessons made a big difference, she learned in a few weeks and fell in love with her instructor. Way to go!