Swim Next Door FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions

Every Question,
Answered.

Everything you need to know about swim lessons and lifeguarding at Swim Next Door. If something is not covered here, reach out and we will get back to you within 24-48 hours.

Swim Lessons

Swim Lessons FAQ

Everything parents ask before booking a swim lesson with Swim Next Door.

All instruction at Swim Next Door is backed by current National Lifeguard (NLS), Standard First Aid, CPR-C, and Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor certifications. These are professional-grade credentials, not entry-level weekend courses. They are current, legitimate, and non-negotiable. You can drop your child off and actually relax.
All of them. We work with complete beginners who have never been in a pool, swimmers who are stuck at a particular level, and advanced swimmers preparing for lifeguard certification courses. We assess every new swimmer before their first lesson and build the program around exactly where they are. No awkward beginner classes for kids who just need one small correction.
We welcome swimmers of all ages in our private and semi-private lessons, including toddlers and adults. For the Aquatic Leadership Prep program, the minimum age is 11, as the program prepares swimmers for certification courses that have their own age requirements.
Private lessons are one swimmer with one or two instructors depending on availability: the entire hour is focused completely on your child, their technique, their pace, their goals. When two instructors are in a private session, it is 2-on-1 coaching for the price of one. Semi-private lessons have a maximum of two swimmers per instructor. The group is small enough that the instructor still knows every swimmer's strengths and weaknesses and corrects them individually throughout each lesson, and when two instructors are present, every swimmer gets more direct attention. The social element of swimming alongside a sibling or friend also keeps motivation high. Private is the fastest path to improvement. Semi-private is the best value without sacrificing quality.
After you book, you choose any available time slot that works for your family: any day of the week, morning, afternoon, or evening depending on availability. No phone calls. No waiting for us to respond with options. If your week changes, you can reschedule with reasonable notice.
Light rain generally is not an issue; swimming in the rain is perfectly safe, and many kids love it. In the event of lightning or severe weather, lessons will be rescheduled and we will make sure you do not lose any time from your session. We communicate directly and sort it out without hassle.
Lessons are held at a private pool in Aurora. The address is provided upon booking. You bring your swimmer to us.
Reach out to us directly to book and we will confirm your session and sort out payment from there. Everything will be confirmed before your first lesson so there is no awkwardness on the day.
We understand that life happens. We ask for reasonable notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a lesson, generally 24 hours where possible. Sessions cancelled due to weather on our end will always be made up. Reach out directly if something comes up and we will work with you. We are neighbours, not a corporation.
This program is designed for swimmers aged 11 and up who want to pursue their Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, or National Lifeguard (NLS) certification. It is four lessons of one hour each that build the foundational skills, endurance, and rescue awareness those certification courses demand. For teens, it is the first real step toward a lifeguard certification and a well-paying summer job. For parents, it is structured, expert-led preparation that gives their kid a genuine advantage before those courses begin.
Absolutely, and this is actually where one-on-one instruction makes the biggest difference. Water anxiety is extremely common, especially in younger children, and it requires patience, a consistent presence, and an instructor who knows how to build trust gradually without pushing too fast. Our instructors get in the water with nervous swimmers, move at their pace, and celebrate every small win. We have helped many children go from refusing to put their face in the water to swimming confidently. It takes time, but it works.
Yes, and this is one of the most common reasons families come to us. When a child is stuck at a skill level after multiple sessions at a large school, it is usually because they are not getting enough individual attention for the instructor to identify what specifically is not clicking. With a tight coaching ratio and a focused instructor, we can pinpoint exactly where the breakdown is happening and work on it directly. Most swimmers who were stuck elsewhere see movement within a session or two.
Yes. Private lessons are open to all ages, including adults. Learning to swim as an adult is more common than most people think, and it is never too late. Adults often learn quickly with proper one-on-one instruction because they understand the feedback and can apply corrections intentionally. There is no judgment, no kids watching: just you, your instructor, and a genuinely supportive environment.
Lifeguarding

Lifeguarding FAQ

Everything you need to know before booking a lifeguard for your event.

Every lifeguard from Swim Next Door holds a current National Lifeguard (NLS) certification, Standard First Aid, and CPR-C. These are the same credentials required by public aquatic facilities across Canada. They are not entry-level courses. If you would like to see copies of certifications before booking, just ask.
We cover any private event where children will be in or near the water: pool parties, birthday celebrations, family gatherings, neighbourhood swim events, backyard parties, and more. If you are hosting an event at a private pool and want a professional watching the water, we are the right call.
We serve all of Aurora and York Region, including Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Markham, King City, Maple, Thornhill, Stouffville, and Unionville. If you are unsure whether your location is covered, reach out and we will confirm quickly.
Our lifeguarding rate is $45 per hour for 1 to 3 hours, and $55 per hour for bookings over 3 hours, with a minimum booking of 1 hour. We will confirm the total at the time of booking. There are no hidden fees.
Reach out directly by email, phone, or text. Provide your event date, location, approximate hours needed, and any details about the event. We will confirm availability and get back to you promptly. Early booking is strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends.
The more notice the better. Summer weekends book up quickly. We recommend reaching out at least two weeks in advance to secure your date. That said, if you have a more immediate need, reach out anyway and we will do our best to accommodate.
Our lifeguards are trained to assess conditions and make professional judgements about water safety. If conditions are unsafe due to weather, such as lightning or a severe storm, the lifeguard will advise clearing the pool until it is safe. If an event needs to be rescheduled for safety reasons, we will work with you to find a resolution. The safety of the swimmers in the water is always the first priority.
Designated adult supervision and trained lifeguard coverage are not the same thing. When you are hosting, your attention is divided between guests, food, conversations, and the pool. A professional lifeguard has one job for the entire duration of their shift: watch the water. That undivided, trained attention is what makes the difference. You can be present at your own event instead of assigned to it.
Still Have Questions?

We are happy to help.

Still have questions? Reach out directly. We respond within 24-48 hours and we are happy to answer questions before you decide to book.

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