swam hamilton

Welcome to SWAM Hamilton! We’re the SWAM chapter based at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, offering affordable and inclusive 1-on-1 swimming lessons for children with disabilities. We believe every child deserves a safe and joyful experience in the water.

two young girls swimming in a pool, with one assisting the other
sign with advice to walk slowly on pool deck because it is slippery, featuring a woman and man walking on a pool deck

LESSON format

Lessons are one-on-one, for 30 minutes, once a week with the same instructor for the duration of the session. There is no specific curriculum so instructors will work with the swimmers on their specific needs and goals.

lesson CONDITIONS

We reserve the right to remove a participant from the program if they are repeatedly displaying behaviour that is a danger to themselves or others at the pool. For example, repeated running around the pool deck or pushing instructors under the water.

group of SWAM volunteers sitting on the pool deck, smiling and holding a SWAM sign

REGISTER for lessons

Registration is done on a first come, first serve basis. Please note that the demand for the program often exceeds our capacity, so a spot is not guaranteed. Ready to get your child in the water? Click on the following link to get registered:

SWAM Hamilton Registration Link (Coming Soon)

BECOME AN INSTRUCTOR

Interested in getting involved? Click on the following link to join SWAM City as an instructor:

SWAM Hamilton Instructor Link (Coming Soon)

Our Pool

Boys and Girls Club Hamilton-Halton Pool

Our lessons take place at the Boys and Girls Club Hamilton-Halton Pool, located at 45 Ellis Avenue, Hamilton, ON.

Getting here:

  • Parking: Free parking is available in the lot directly beside the facility.

  • Public transit: Several HSR bus routes stop nearby, including routes along Barton Street and Parkdale Avenue. The walk from the bus stop to the facility is about 5 minutes.

  • Entrances: Please use the main entrance on Ellis Avenue. Staff at the front desk can help direct you to the pool area.

*Please note that SWAM Hamilton is not a Boys and Girls Club program and does not have a presence at the Hamilton-Halton pool except during lessons. For any questions, please contact us at hamilton@swamcanada.ca

 

GET IN TOUCH

For any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at hamilton@swamcanada.ca

Instagram: @swamhamilton

Facebook: SWAM Hamilton