dive in to our lessons

our swim program

SWAM provides affordable one-on-one swimming instruction to children with disabilities across Canada. Our inclusive, volunteer-run lessons are designed to be fun, accessible, and individualized, with the goal of increasing comfort, water safety, and confidence in the pool.

Whether it’s your child’s first swim lesson or they’re building on existing skills, we’re here to support them, one splash at a time.

two swimmers kicking on floaty mats with buckets and watering cans, smiling at two instructors
swimmer diving for sinky toys underwater

Program Features

  • Each swimmer is matched with a trained volunteer for individualized attention.

  • We welcome swimmers with a wide range of comfort levels, needs and abilities.

  • Our instructors are compassionate and dedicated volunteers.

  • Programs are offered at a low cost (price is chapter dependant).

  • Each program is primarily operated by students from local post-secondary institutions.

swimmer smiling and doing a back float with a noodle and her instructor
instructor helping swimmer, who is wearing a lifejacket, go off the diving board

what lessons look like

Each swimmer receives a 30 minute weekly lesson with the same instructor throughout the session. Lessons are designed to meet each child where they’re at, whether the goal is floating, kicking, or simply getting in the water.

Instructors follow a flexible lesson plan tailored to the swimmer’s needs and preferences. Lessons focus on:

  • Basic water safety

  • Skill development

  • Comfort and trust

  • Fun!

Note: Lesson structure may vary slightly by chapter depending on pool access and volunteer capacity.

two swimmers kicking with noodles side by side towards their instructors
pool full of swimmer-instructor pairs doing lessons

who can register

SWAM lessons are open to children and youth (typically ages 3–18) with a wide range of disabilities. This may include, but is not limited to:

  • ADD & ADHD

  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

  • Cerebral palsy

  • Developmental or intellectual disabilities

  • Down syndrome

  • Medical conditions that make traditional lessons inaccessible

  • Physical disabilities

  • Sensory differences

We work with families to understand each child’s needs and ensure a supportive match.

two volunteers sitting on the edge of the pool deck, the back of their shirt says "volunteer"

instructor training

SWAM instructors:

  • Are primarily post-secondary student volunteers

  • Complete orientation and safety training

  • Receive guidance on inclusive instruction and communication

  • Are supervised by lesson coordinators and trained lifeguards

ready to dive in? Find a chapter to register.

parent / guardian testimonials

  • This is a fantastic program for Special kids. The grace, determination, enthusiasm, and capability of your volunteer university students, who instruct the students each week, is astounding.

    — SWAM Parent / Guardian

  • “This program is fantastic! To have a sport and activity that children can attend without judgement and the highest level or understanding and safety is amazing! So grateful for the volunteers and everyone who help make this program possible!”

    — SWAM Parent / Guardian

  • “My wife and I have been bringing our children to this wonderful program for 4 years. The support and teaching this program offers is unparalleled-having one-on-one instruction from the trained and caring student volunteers is ideal, especially when combined with its affordability. Thank you all, and keep up the great work!”

    — SWAM Parent / Guardian

  • “This program is top notch! The students running it make you feel very welcome. They put 100% into teaching and even fundraise on their own time to make the program happen. Very impressed! My daughter has come so far just from being in the program.”

    — SWAM Parent / Guardian

  • “Our son Aidan, who has autism, loves his 30 minute swim class every Sunday. It has helped him so much, and every Sunday morning he asks, ‘Swimming?’ It is so amazing to hear him speak that word, as he is non-verbal! We want to thank you and all your volunteers on doing such an amazing thing for our kids!”

    — SWAM Parent / Guardian

  • I cannot thank you all enough for organizing this amazing program. Our little ones take 10 times more effort to progress in the water so having a program like your's makes it practical and more affordable for families with exceptional needs

    — SWAM Parent / Guardian

swimmer and instructor blowing bubbles together and holding hands
swimmer doing a back float with a noodle and the help of his instructor
swimmer wearing lifejacket and pouring water over instructors head
swimmer preparing to do a kneeling dive off the side of the pool, instructor watching and smiling
swimmer learning to kick legs while sitting on edge of pool, with help from instructor
swimmer holding flutter board, kicking towards smiling instructor
swimmer jumping off a floating mat towards smiling instructor
swimmer wearing lifejacket standing on tot-dock with instructor
instructor helping swimmer do a dive from the edge of the pool
swimmer, wearing lifejacket, and instructor float on their backs and look up at the sky
clothed swimmer and instructor plug their noses underwater
swimmer using noodle, swimming toward instructor
instructor dressed as a pirate, smiling at swimmer
swimmer-instructor pair doing peace signs underwater, looking at each other
instructor smiling at swimmer who is holding on to edge of pool
swimmer on floating mat with two noodles smiling at instructor who is in the water
swimmer-instructor pairs looking away from the camera, in pool
instructor with funny hat smiling at swimmer
swimmer with red swim cap using noodle, looking at smiling instructor
swimmer and instructor smiling at each other