Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

How are new swimmers placed in the right group?

Accepted Answer

New swimmers to Olympian Swimming are always evaluated on their first class to ensure we have them in the correct group.

Question 2

When are swimmers tested during a session?

Accepted Answer

Swimmers are always tested on their 9th class, and then again on the 10th class should they be unsuccessful on their first attempt. Our goal is to give your swimmer every opportunity to succeed.

Question 3

What does a PASS result mean?

Accepted Answer

If your swimmer has been assessed as PASS, congratulations on this accomplishment! Passing a level represents a milestone in our progression program. It takes time to perfect — practice makes perfect — and they have succeeded.

Question 4

What happens if my swimmer receives a REPEAT on their 9th class?

Accepted Answer

If your swimmer is assessed as REPEAT on their 9th class test, we will automatically re-test on their 10th class to ensure they have every opportunity to succeed. We would suggest reviewing the skill set areas that need improvement and the coach's comments.

Question 5

What if my swimmer is still a REPEAT after the 10th class?

Accepted Answer

If at your session's completion (10th class) your swimmer is confirmed as REPEAT, do not worry — this is entirely normal and part of the progression process. Practice makes perfect, and repeating a level gives your swimmer the time they need to truly master the skills before moving on.

Question 6

How do report cards work, and why are some skills marked Mandatory and others not?

Accepted Answer

We believe that exposing swimmers to upcoming level skills — regardless of their current level — maximizes their learning curve. In other words, we will teach your swimmer whatever they are capable of learning, regardless of level, as long as they reach the crucial progressions for where they are. Mandatory skills are the core progressions that must be achieved to pass a level. Non-mandatory skills are introduced early to accelerate development and get a head start on what is coming next.

Question 7

Can my child skip a level?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. In each 10-week session, we teach your child the progressions designated for their level in our OLYMSWIM program. Once the swimmer performs these skills correctly and consistently, we will automatically proceed to the next progression. At the end of 10 weeks we test to see how far the swimmer has progressed and evaluate accordingly — so a swimmer who is ready can absolutely move ahead.

Question 8

Is it normal to repeat levels?

Accepted Answer

Yes — swimming skills take time to perfect, and practice makes perfect. Your swimmer's age, level of motor coordination, and water feel all contribute to the learning curve. Sometimes it takes constant repetition to engrain fundamental skills. Remember, we are building a strong foundation that will carry your swimmer throughout their life. On average, swimmers repeat all levels twice. Common sticking points include the transition from Level 3 to 4 for younger swimmers, learning 3-cycle breathing in Level 5, and whip kick in Level 7.

Question 9

Why doesn't the coach just focus on the skills that are weak?

Accepted Answer

Most weaknesses are the result of a foundation that needs further development. The goal is to strengthen that base — usually a set of fundamental skills such as kicking and body position — which then enables progression. For example, if a swimmer is having difficulty executing a FLIP turn, the solution is not to keep repeating it over and over. Instead, the coach will go back and strengthen the front and back kick separately, then return to the FLIP once that foundation is solid. Fixing the root cause is always more effective than drilling the symptom.

Question 10

What age can my child start swimming lessons?

Accepted Answer

We welcome children as young as 3 years old into our Blue Learn to Swim program. Our youngest swimmers start in Level 1, where the focus is on water comfort, safety, and building confidence in the water.

Question 11

How do I know which program is right for my child?

Accepted Answer

We offer five colour-coded programs to match every swimmer's stage. The Blue program is our foundational learn-to-swim program for children. Orange is our pre-competitive program for swimmers who have completed Blue. Red (TORCH) is our competitive program. Green covers Lifesaving and instructor qualifications. Yellow is exclusively for adults. If you're unsure where your child fits, contact us and we'll be happy to assess their level.

Question 12

Do you offer a placement assessment for new swimmers?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we can assess your child's current swimming ability to ensure they are placed in the correct level. Please reach out to us via WhatsApp, email, or phone and we'll arrange a quick in-water assessment.

Question 13

What should my child bring to their first lesson?

Accepted Answer

Your child will need a properly fitting swimsuit, goggles, a towel, and a change of clothes. We recommend arriving 10 minutes early for the first lesson so your child has time to get comfortable with the pool environment.

Question 14

Are outdoor shoes permitted on the pool deck / change rooms?

Accepted Answer

No outdoor shoes!! For everyone's health and safety, outdoor shoes are not permitted on the pool deck or change rooms. Please bring indoor shoes (flip flops) to wear instead.

Question 15

Do swimmers need to wear a swim cap?

Accepted Answer

Yes — swimmers must wear a swim cap at all times. Our goal is to keep our pools clean and free from hair, and to keep hair out of swimmers' eyes, which also promotes better technique. Wearing a cap creates a great team environment where every swimmer feels part of something special. Did you know this same cap has been worn by our high performance competitive athletes at many international swim competitions? Wear it with pride — you are part of something great!

Question 16

How many levels are in the Blue Learn to Swim program?

Accepted Answer

The Blue program has 12 levels, progressing from water comfort and safety (Levels 1–3), through stroke development and foundation (Levels 4–6), and finally stroke enhancement and efficiency (Levels 7–12). The program is 100% technique-based.

Question 17

What is the difference between the Blue and Orange programs?

Accepted Answer

The Blue program is 100% technique-focused, building a strong foundation from water safety through to advanced stroke development. The Orange pre-competitive program is for swimmers who have completed Blue and are ready to add a major focus on endurance alongside continued technique refinement.

Question 18

My child has completed Level 12 in Blue — what comes next?

Accepted Answer

After completing Level 12 in the Blue program, swimmers are ready to move into our Orange pre-competitive program, where the focus shifts to endurance training alongside technique. Strong Level 12 swimmers may also be considered for our Red competitive program (TORCH Swimming).

Question 19

Do you offer adult swimming lessons?

Accepted Answer

Yes — our Yellow program is exclusively for adults. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your technique, the Yellow program covers water comfort and safety through to stroke enhancement and efficiency, all at an adult pace.

Question 20

What is the Green Lifesaving program?

Accepted Answer

The Green program prepares swimmers for careers in aquatics. We offer Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, CPR, and National Lifesaving courses — everything needed to become a certified swimming instructor or lifeguard.

Question 21

Where are your pool locations?

Accepted Answer

We operate at three locations in Scarborough: Warden, Midland, and Bullock. Each location offers heated, salt water pools. Specific program availability varies by location — check the individual program pages for details.

Question 22

Are your pools heated?

Accepted Answer

Yes — all of our pools are heated and use salt water, making for a comfortable and enjoyable swimming environment for children and adults alike.

Question 23

Which programs are available at which locations?

Accepted Answer

The Blue program runs at all three locations (Warden, Midland, and Bullock). The Orange program runs at Midland and Bullock. For the most up-to-date schedule and availability at each location, please visit the individual program pages or contact us directly.

Question 24

How long is each swimming lesson?

Accepted Answer

Lessons are 45 minutes long. This gives coaches enough time to work through progressions, provide individual corrections, and keep swimmers engaged and challenged throughout the session.

Question 25

How often should my child attend lessons?

Accepted Answer

We recommend at least once per week to maintain consistency and progress. More frequent lessons will accelerate development, especially for swimmers working through the technique-intensive levels.

Question 26

What is your class size?

Accepted Answer

We keep class sizes small to ensure every swimmer receives individual attention and corrections from their coach. Small groups allow our coaches to maximize the number of corrections per lesson.

Question 27

Where can I find holiday and closure dates?

Accepted Answer

Holiday and closure dates can always be found in your customer account. Simply click the HOLIDAYS icon and it will list all the days we will be closed. Please note that if a pool is closed due to poor weather, pool fouling, mechanical breakdowns, or similar circumstances, your class will automatically be credited back to your account.

Question 28

How do I navigate my customer account?

Accepted Answer

When you first log in to your customer account, you will see a VIDEO TUTORIAL icon — simply click on it and it will walk you through how to navigate the software. The tutorial covers everything you need, including how to schedule classes, use credits, place classes on hold, and reschedule.

Question 29

How do I purchase new classes or sessions?

Accepted Answer

Purchasing new classes or sessions can be completed at any time — you do not need to wait for your current session to end. In fact, booking well in advance secures your space and avoids gaps in your schedule. You can register online through your customer account or in person at any of our locations. Our desk staff team is more than happy to assist with registration and to answer any questions you may have.

Question 30

What is your absence and makeup lesson policy?

Accepted Answer

Our makeup policy is unlimited — missed classes can always be made up. However, absences must be reported by the following deadlines: Monday to Friday classes (4:00–9:00 pm) must be reported before 3:00 pm the same day. Saturday and Sunday classes between 8:00 am and 11:45 am must be reported before 7:00 am. Saturday and Sunday classes between 12:00 pm and 9:00 pm must be reported at least 5 hours in advance. Absences and schedule changes can be reported through your online customer account.

Question 31

How long has Olympian Swimming been operating?

Accepted Answer

Olympian Swimming has been serving Scarborough and Markham families for over 31 years. We are proud to be a trusted part of the community, with many families who learned to swim with us now bringing their own children to our programs.

Question 32

Do you have any notable alumni?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we are proud to have produced Olympic-level swimmers, including Joshua Liendo, who represented Canada at the Olympics. Our competitive Red program (TORCH Swimming) currently has many swimmers ranked in the top 5 in Canada.

Question 33

How do I contact Olympian Swimming?

Accepted Answer

You have multiple ways to reach us — all locations work together as a team! Telephone: Warden & Midland 416-492-0622, Bullock 905-471-8301. Email: warden@myolympianswimming.com, midland@myolympianswimming.com, bullock@myolympianswimming.com. WhatsApp: available through your customer account and our website. Reporting absences and schedule changes can be completed using your online customer account. Should you need additional assistance, send us an email with the best call back time and contact number and we will be in touch as soon as possible.

Testing & Evaluations

Getting Started

Programs & Levels

Locations & Pools

Lessons & Scheduling

About Olympian Swimming

Still have questions?