Frequently Asked Questions

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Getting Started

How do I enroll in swim lessons?

Enrollment is always open there are no registration deadlines. You can join at any time, subject to availability. You can register through our website, the Aqua Life app, or by contacting our Client Care team at support@theaqualife.ca. Once enrolled, your spot is held on a recurring monthly basis for as long as you remain registered. 

Download The Aqua Life app to manage your account on the go:

What level should I register my child in? What equipment will he/she need?

LEVELAGEPREREQUISITEREQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Parent & Tot4 months-3 yrsNone.
  • Reusable or disposable swim diaper
  • Parented class.
Swim 1013+ yrsNone. Must be 3 years old.
  • Googles recommended.
Swim 2014+ yrsSwim 10m on front and back without the aid of a floatation device with face in the water, breathing as needed.
  • Googles recommended.
Swim 3014+ yrsSwim 20m of backstroke and 20m freestyle with side breathing.
  • Googles recommended.

Is there a registration fee?

Yes. A registration fee of $15 + HST per swimmer applies at each new enrolment, with a maximum of $30 + HST per family per enrolment. This fee is non-refundable and applies each time a swimmer re-enrolls following a gap in registration.

Can I try a class before committing?

Yes! We offer a complimentary trial class with no obligation to enroll. Trial classes are available for weekly lesson programming only and do not apply to intensives, camps, backyard classes, or specialty programming.

A signed waiver is required before participating in a trial class. All standard policies apply, with the exception of withdrawal, makeup, and payment policies, those take effect only upon enrollment and first tuition payment.

What programs do you offer?

We offer a full range of aquatic programs:

  • Kids Lessons: weekly low ratio group, semi-private, private, for children
  • Adult Lessons: beginner to advanced, including specialized programs
  • Intensive Lessons: accelerated progress in a short period
  • Swim Camps: structured camp programming in Orleans
  • Backyard Services: private swim lessons and lifeguarding at your home pool
  • Leadership Courses: aquatic leadership training in Orleans
  • Lane Swim: open lane swim access in Orleans

What is the class size and instructor ratio?

Class ratios vary by location and class type:

CLASS TYPERATIO                         LOCATIONS
Group lessons4 : 1Ron Kolbus Clubhouse, Orléans, London
Group lessons3 : 1All other locations where group lessons are offered.
Semi-private2 : 1All locations
Private1 : 1All locations
Sibling class (semi-private)2 : 1All locations: accommodates 2 siblings of different ages and levels

Do you offer adult swim lessons?

Yes! We offer adult swim programs for all levels from beginners, those refining their technique, and swimmers training for a specific goal. We also offer specialized adult lessons for those with unique needs. Contact us at support@theaqualife.ca for more information.

Where do you offer lessons?

We offer swim lessons year-round across multiple locations in Ontario and Nova Scotia. Visit our locations page to find classes near you and view schedules by location.

Lessons and Progress

How long are swim lessons?

Each lesson is 30 minutes long, with 28 minutes of in-water instruction. During the last 2 minutes, your instructor will provide feedback on your child’s progress. This ensures focused learning while keeping you directly connected to how your swimmer is developing.

What age can my child start lessons?

Children can begin as early as 4 months old through our Parent & Tot program. Starting young builds water comfort, confidence, and early safety skills. A parent or guardian must be in the water for all Parent & Tot classes.

How long does it take to learn to swim?

Every child learns at their own pace. Age, confidence, previous water experience, and consistency all play a role. Some children develop foundational skills within a few months; others take longer, and that’s completely normal. Consistent attendance and practice outside of lessons are the biggest factors in accelerating progress.

When will my child move up a level?

We focus on skill mastery, not rushing through levels. Our three foundational levels Swim 101, Swim 201, and Swim 301 each have beginner, intermediate, and advanced stages. Children progress within their level and officially move up only when they are ready. You can track your child’s progress anytime through the Jackrabbit
Parent Portal or the Aqua Life app.

Will my child have the same instructor every lesson?

We strive for consistency, but substitutions may occur due to scheduling, illness, or other circumstances. All of our instructors are trained to the same standard, so your child’s progress continues regardless of who leads the class. Specific instructor requests cannot be guaranteed.

What should we bring to lessons?

Please bring the following:
• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Goggles (recommended for Swim 201 and 301)
• For Power Swim Lessons specialized equipment is required: Power Swim 1 & 2 fins and hand-paddles, for
Power Swim 3 snorkel.
Children in diapers require TWO swim diapers: a disposable swim diaper worn first, covered by a snug-fitting reusable swim diaper (such as a Happy Nappy). Both are required; one alone is not sufficient. This is a pool hygiene requirement and non-negotiable.
All other equipment is provided by The Aqua Life.

What if my child is afraid of the water?

Our instructors are trained to help children build water confidence through patience, encouragement, and a
positive, pressure-free environment. Fear of water is common and completely manageable we meet every
swimmer where they are.

What if I'm not comfortable in a swimsuit?

A one-piece swimsuit is recommended for comfort and support. For additional coverage, a burkini is a great
option and allows for full mobility in the water. We welcome all swimmers and want everyone to feel
comfortable.

Billing and Payments

How does billing work?

Tuition is billed monthly on a recurring basis. Your credit card is automatically charged on the 15th of each month for the following month’s lessons. For example, October tuition is processed on September 15th. If you register mid-month, your first payment will be prorated to reflect the remaining lessons in that month.

Why does my bill change month to month?

Tuition is based on the number of lessons in a given month. Some months have 4 lessons, others have 5, depending on which day your class falls on. For example, if your child swims on Mondays and there are 5 Mondays in a month, that month’s tuition will be slightly higher.

What is your refund policy?

All tuition fees are non-refundable. By enrolling, you agree to pay for your reserved spot regardless of attendance. We do not offer credits or refunds for missed classes. In exceptional circumstances, a refund may be issued at the sole discretion of The Aqua Life. Where a refund is issued, an administrative processing fee of $25 + HST will be deducted from the refund amount. This does not set a precedent for future requests.

Is there financial assistance available?

External funding programs may be available to eligible families, including KidSport Canada and Jumpstart. Please note that our team is unable to assist with the application process, we encourage you to apply directly through these organizations.

Absences, Makeups and Cancellations

What if my child misses a lesson?

Makeups are offered as a courtesy and are not guaranteed. To become eligible for a makeup class, you must record your absence through the parent portal at least 24 hours before the scheduled class. No exceptions.
Once the absence is recorded, a makeup will be applied to your account automatically. It is your responsibility to book a makeup class through the portal at your convenience.

By recording your absence early, you open your spot for another family, the earlier the notice, the better for the entire Aqua Life community.

Important makeup rules:
• Makeups can be booked up to one month from the date of the absence
• There is no limit on the number of makeups, subject to availability
• Makeups expire at the end of your current enrollment term and do not carry over
• If you miss a booked makeup class, it is forfeited, no further makeup will be offered
• Makeups have no cash value and are non-transferable
• You must be actively enrolled to use a makeup
• Time, date, location, and instructor cannot be guaranteed

Will lessons ever be cancelled?

We make every effort to keep cancellations to a minimum. In the event of a cancellation due to inclement weather, facility closure, or maintenance, we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and a makeup will be applied to your account. In certain cases, we may coordinate a makeup class on your behalf. If the proposed time does not work for you, it remains your responsibility to book an available class through the client portal.

How do I withdraw from lessons?

To cancel enrollment, you must provide a minimum of 30 days written notice prior to your last month of lessons via email to support@theaqualife.ca. Cancellations by phone, text, or verbal communication of any kind are not accepted. The 30-day notice period begins on the date your email is received by The Aqua Life. Tuition continues to be billed through the full notice period regardless of attendance.
Example: if we receive your cancellation email on August 10th, your final billing month runs through the end of September, not the end of August.
Ceasing to attend lessons does not constitute cancellation. Tuition will continue to be charged until a valid written notice has been received and the 30-day period has been fulfilled.

Facilities and Pool Access

Can I use the pool or facility amenities outside of lesson time?

No. Pool access is permitted during your scheduled lesson only. Use of any other facility amenities including but not limited to the gym, hot tub, sauna, and common areas is not permitted at any time. Access is limited to the pool area solely for the purpose of your scheduled lesson.

Who should I contact if I have questions about the venue?

Please direct all questions to our care team do not contact venues directly. Our hotel host facilities provide the
pool space only and are not responsible for scheduling, policies, or lesson-related questions.
• Email: support@theaqualife.ca
• Phone: 1-833-744-2782

Parent Portal and App

How do I access the parent portal?

Your parent portal is through Jackrabbit, our class management platform. You can access it via browser at any time, or download the Aqua Life app for on-the-go access. Search “Aqualife Swim” on the App Store or Google Play. Through the portal you can manage enrollments, record absences, book makeup classes, track your child’s progress, and update your account and billing information.

How do I record an absence or book a makeup?

Log into your parent portal or app, navigate to your scheduled class, and record your absence at least 24 hours in advance. Once the absence is logged, a makeup will be automatically applied to your account. From there, go to the Makeups section to browse available classes and book your spot, all based on availability.

How do I track my child's progress?

Progress is tracked and updated by your instructor through the Jackrabbit platform. You can view your child’s skill assessments anytime through the parent portal or the Aqua Life app. You’re also welcome to speak with your instructor directly after class for real-time feedback.

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