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The Aqua Life – Saint John
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.
Learn More 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!
Learn More 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.
Learn More 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.
Learn More 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.
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Confidence is key when it comes to swimming. As parents, we can have confidence that our kids will be safe near water with the right swim lessons. As swimmers, we can have confidence in our abilities to improve, tackle tough challenges, and enjoy various bodies of water. -
Swimming is an essential life skill that can help toddlers, kids, and adults alike overcome fear, discover their true potential, and stay safe. With Aqua Life Swim Academy, learning to swim can be both safe and fun! -
At The Aqua Life Swim Academy, we believe in the transformative power of swimming lessons. Our clients have consistently praised the positive impact that learning to swim with us has had on their lives, and we are proud to be a part of their extended family.
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!
Read more 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!
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 Manager
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!
Taraneh
Head Instructor
My name is Taraneh. I fell in love with aquatic life when I was a little child and actively participated in many national competitions. In more than 25 years of swimming instruction, I have walked with hundreds of kids and adults learn swimming. My teaching philosophy in swimming is striking a balance between fun and discipline. I have helped swimmers enjoy swimming with comfort and confidence. I am also a professional scuba diver trainer.
Alicia
Client Care Specialist and Sales Coordinator
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.
Ximena
Client Care Specialist and Sales Coordinator
Hi! My name is Ximena, I’m 29 years old and a proud mom to a beautiful 2-year-old girl and a loving wife. I was born in Mexico and am fluent in both English and Spanish. As an Early Childhood Educator, I’m passionate about supporting children’s growth and development in a positive, nurturing environment. I was ready for something new and exciting in my journey, and I’m thrilled to be joining the team at Aqua Life Swim Academy!
Cheryl
Head Instructor
As a passionate and experienced swim, instructor, I have dedicated myself to helping individuals of all ages and skill levels, discovered the joys and benefits of swimming. With over 10 years experience, teaching swim lessons, I have developed a patient and supportive approach that caters to each students’ unique needs and goals.
Specialty areas are fearful swimmers, adult, non-swimmers, adaptive swimmers, and competitive stroke technique for triathletes. I am a five-time, Iron Man, finisher and a 12 time half Iron Man finisher. It continues as my hobby to this day.
I take pride in creating a positive encouraging learning environment that allows my students to strive and reach their fullest potential, whether you were a beginner looking to overcome fears or an experienced swimmer wanting to refine your technique, I'm committed to helping you reach Your swimming goals.
Drew
Head Instructor
My name is Drew and I am super excited to be working at the aqua life swim academy! I am a student attending university to pursue a degree in Marine Biology. I have always had a love for swimming since I was little and have been instructing for 4 years now. I want to encourage a fun and safe swim environment during my lessons!

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.
Rachel
Head Instructor
Hey! My name is Rachel! I have been teaching for many years as well as a wide age range of students from zero to adult! I look forward to seeing you on the pool deck!
Tina
Head Instructor
Tina has 10 years of experience as a competitive swimmer, competing at a regional, provincial and university level. She also has 2 years of experiencing coaching Masters swimmers at McGill University. With a non-judgmental and inclusive approach, Tina welcomes swimmers of all backgrounds and neurodiversity needs and is eager to help them build confidence and discover new strengths in the water.

Tristan
Head Instructor
Tristan is an experienced swim instructor and lifeguard who has been swimming his entire life. He is currently pursuing an honors degree in International Relations, but his passion for swimming has led him to teach others how to swim and stay safe in the water. Tristan has worked with a variety of students of all ages, including adults, and has a deep understanding of the different approaches needed to teach swimming to people of all ages and abilities. He believes that everyone can learn how to swim, and he is committed to helping his students achieve their goals.
As a lifeguard, Tristan takes his responsibility to keep people safe in the water very seriously. He is trained in CPR, first aid, and other emergency response techniques, and he is always vigilant when he is on duty. Tristan's love for swimming extends beyond teaching and lifeguarding. He enjoys swimming in the deep ocean and is always looking for opportunities to explore new bodies of water. His passion for the skill is infectious, and his students often find themselves sharing his enthusiasm for the water.
Vanessa
Hi, I’m Vanessa. I grew up around water and have been a swimmer my whole life. I was a competitive swimmer and swam on my high school team, which helped build a strong foundation in technique, discipline, and teamwork. My first teaching experience was in gymnastics, where I discovered my passion for coaching and working with students of all ages. I have worked as a lifeguard at several locations over the past five years, gaining a wide range of experience in water safety and emergency response. I have also spent several years teaching lifeguarding, which has strengthened my leadership and communication skills. I enjoy helping swimmers build confidence and skills step by step, and celebrating every bit of progress along the way. I am currently finishing nursing school, and I bring that same care, responsibility, and attention to detail into my teaching.
Zahra
Head Instructor
Hi my name is Zahra! I am super happy to be a part of the Aqua Life Swim Academy. Passionate about swimming since childhood🏊♂️, I've turned my lifelong love for the water into a fulfilling career as a swimming instructor.🌊 Sharing my expertise and fostering a love for swimming in others is my greatest joy. Let's dive in and make a splash together!💦
Michelle
HR & Staffing Coordinator
HR Coordinator with 10 years experience supporting recruitment, on-boarding, compliance, and employee relations in high-volume, safety-focused environments. Skilled in coordinating seasonal and year-round staff while fostering a positive workplace culture that supports operational excellence and aquatic safety.
Rosanna
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!
Sabina
Marketing and Social Media Coordinator
Sabina started her journey with The Aqua Life as a passionate swim instructor, helping students of all ages gain confidence and reach their goals in the water. Her dedication to creating positive experiences naturally led her to client care, where she built strong relationships and supported families throughout their swim journey.
Today, Sabina brings her creativity and eye for detail to her role as a Marketing and Social Media Coordinator, managing content across multiple media platforms and sharing the stories that make Aqua Life special.
She’s in her final year of a dual degree in Psychology and French Language Studies, where she enjoys learning about motivation, communication, and human development. Outside of work and school, Sabina is actively involved in her community through her church and is passionate about personal growth and making a positive impact wherever she can.
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.
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!
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Benefits of Swimming for Children
Swimming offers numerous benefits for children, from physical fitness to emotional well-being. Engaging in swimming lessons helps improve cardiovascular health, builds strength, and enhances flexibility, contributing to a healthier lifestyle.
Additionally, swimming can boost a child's confidence and self-esteem as they achieve new skills and overcome challenges in the water. The social aspect of group lessons also fosters teamwork and communication skills, making swimming not just a physical activity but a holistic development opportunity.
Safety Measures and Swimming Skills
At The Aqua Life Swim Academy, safety is our top priority. We implement stringent safety measures during lessons, including maintaining a low student-to-instructor ratio and ensuring all instructors are certified in CPR and first aid. This creates a secure environment where students can focus on learning.
Our curriculum is designed to gradually introduce essential swimming skills, such as floating, treading water, and stroke techniques. By emphasizing safety alongside skill development, we empower students to enjoy the water confidently and responsibly.
Choosing the Right Swimming Program
With various swimming programs available, selecting the right one can be overwhelming. The Aqua Life Swim Academy offers tailored options for different age groups and skill levels, ensuring that every student finds a program that suits their needs and goals.
Whether you are looking for private lessons for personalized attention or group classes for social interaction, our knowledgeable staff can guide you through the decision-making process. We assess each student's abilities and preferences to recommend the most suitable program, paving the way for a rewarding swimming journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that prospective students and parents may have questions before enrolling. Our Frequently Asked Questions section addresses common inquiries about lesson structure, pricing, and instructor qualifications, providing clarity and confidence in your decision to join.
Additionally, we encourage open communication; feel free to reach out with any specific concerns or unique circumstances. Our goal is to ensure that every student feels comfortable and informed as they embark on their swimming journey with us.