Swimming Lessons
Our swimming lessons follow the Lifesaving Society Swim for Life® program, with lessons available from Preschool through Swimmer 6 for children ages 3–12. Lessons take place right here in Pigeon Lake, giving swimmers the opportunity to build confidence and develop their skills in a fun and unique outdoor environment.
Lessons are typically 30–45 minutes long and take place throughout the day between 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM. Whether your child is just getting comfortable in the water or working toward more advanced swimming skills, our program offers a supportive place to learn and grow.
Learning to Swim in Pigeon Lake
Swimming lessons in the lake have additional benefits! Alongside developing their swimming skills through the Lifesaving Society program, swimmers learn to feel more comfortable in natural water conditions, including colder temperatures, darker water, and changing waves or wind. These experiences help build confidence, strengthen water-safety awareness, and prepare swimmers to respond calmly in and around the lake!
We offer instruction from Preschool levels through Swimmer 6, allowing children to progress through the program as their skills develop.
Our lessons take place over two five-day sessions, typically during the first two full weeks of July. Families can register for one or both sessions; however, swimmers must attend both sessions to be considered for completion of a level, as the Lifesaving Society requires a minimum amount of instructional and in-water time.
How Are Lesson Times Assigned?
Lessons take place between 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM, with more advanced groups generally scheduled earlier in the day, while our Preschool groups are generally scheduled closer to the end of the day.
Exact lesson times are assigned after registration closes in June. This allows us to organize swimmers into the most appropriate groups to ensure all participants have the safest and best experience possible!
We appreciate families' flexibility while we finalize the lesson schedule each year!
Swimming Lessons Team
Our swimming program is supported by a team of certified swimming instructors, lifeguard, and swimming assistants. Our staff work together to create a safe and supportive environment where swimmers can learn at their own pace and feel comfortable building new skills.
Parents and guardians are welcome to watch lessons from the shore and cheer their swimmers on! To help our instructors keep swimmers focused and maintain a safe learning environment, parents are asked not to enter the water during lessons.
Our Swim Platform
One of the unique features of our swimming program is our swimming platform.
As swimmers progress through the levels, the platform provides a designated space where they can safely practice skills such as distance swims and diving techniques under the supervision of our staff.
For generations, jumping off the platform has been a favourite part of summer at Pigeon Lake. It is a tradition shared by campers, families, and returning swimmers alike—and one that brings plenty of excitement, laughter, and memorable moments to the lake.
The platform also gives swimmers a chance to become more confident navigating the lake environment while putting the skills they are learning into practice.
Swimming Lessons at Ma-Me-O Beach
In 2026, in response to the demand for our swimming lessons, we decided to expand our program to offer lessons at Ma-Me-O Beach to allow us to teach water safety and swimming skills to participants in a new area!
Ma-Me-O swimming lessons take place between 12:30-4PM (to not conflict with the Ma-Me-O Parks Program).
Ma-Me-O swimming lessons are contingent instructor availability and sufficient registration. If there is not enough demand to run the program safely and effectively, the Ma-Me-O swimming lessons may be cancelled.
Please check our registration page for the most up-to-date details about whether Ma-Me-O Beach lessons are being offered for the upcoming season.
Join Us in Swimming Lessons
From first swimming lessons to solidifying their advanced swimming skills in Swimmer 6, we would love to have your child join us in swimming lessons!
Registration is completed through ACTIVE Network. Please check the current registration page for session dates, locations, lesson availability, and registration details.