FAQ
When are the pool times with S.W.A.M. volunteers?
One-on-one time in the pool with our volunteers takes place every Sunday at the Wilfrid Laurier University pool. Pool times are staged in two seasons (Fall and Winter). Please visit our Schedule page for more information.
How is one-on-one pool time structured?
At the beginning of each season, we partner children up with a volunteer according to their particular needs. The volunteer assesses the swimming level of the child at the first session and identifies skills they will work towards during the season. Each child works with their own, private volunteer for the entirety of the season.
How many sessions are offered each season?
Typically 8 - 9 sessions.
How long are the sessions?
We offer weekly lessons for 30 minutes and can provide 45 or 60 minute lessons upon request.
How much does it cost?
We charge a fee of $35 for 30 minute lessons, $45 for 45 minute lessons and $60 for 60 minute lessons.
My child is afraid of the water/has never been swimming before. Is this a problem?
This is not a problem! We accept children regardless of their swimming skill level.
Why are S.W.A.M. private sessions this cheap?
Our mission is to provide accessible and affordable water safety education to children with special needs. In order to make water safety instruction more financially accessible, we set our registration fees low enough that cost should not represent a significant barrier to entry. We are able to charge fees this low because our organization is completely volunteer-run and coordinated. We lower our costs by using innovative techniques to de-localize administrative tasks, avoiding the need for dedicated offices, staff or communications equipment. In addition to minimizing operating expenses, we also actively fundraise around campus and solicit donations from the public and private sectors.
Where/when do I pay registration fees?
Fees can be paid at the pool on the first day at the pool.
Who are the volunteers?
They are all volunteer University students who have been put through a three-step screening and training process.
Is there a lifeguard on duty?
A fully qualified, paid lifeguard, employed directly from the pool is always on duty during pool time.
My child is feeling sick and cannot come to the pool, should I let you know?
Yes! It is very important that parents alert us in a timely manner if their child is not coming to the pool or if their child will be arriving late. This allows us to give due notification to their volunteer, preventing the volunteer from arriving to the pool without a child to teach. We need the collaboration of all parents involved to help us retain all of our wonderful volunteers.
Do you offer sessions during the summer?
At this time, we are unable to offer sessions during the summer. Because all of our volunteers are University students, most are away or unavailable during the summer months.
What should my child bring with them to the pool?
Your child should arrive with their bathing suit and a towel, nothing else is necessary. Optional items include a bathing cap, nose plug and goggles.
Do parents get in the water with the children?
No, each child is paired up with a volunteer, so there is no need for the parents to enter the water. There is, however, an observation area located close to the poolside where parents can sit and watch their child in the pool.
When are sessions held?
Sessions are held every Sunday from 2:00-3:00 PM.
Do you offer other times?
Unfortunately not. One of the ways in which we are able to reduce our costs is by running many private sessions simultaneously.
Who is eligible? Does my child require a diagnosis to participate in S.W.A.M.?
Our clientele includes children with Down's Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Global Developmental Delay, Epilepsy, Attention Deficit Disorder, Blind/Low-Vision, Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing, as well as many other conditions. No official diagnosis is required.
I cannot afford to pay the $35 registration fee all at once, can my child still participate?
Please contact us and we can work out a flexible payment plan.
How many children are in the pool at once?
Depending on enrollment, there may be up to 30 children in the pool, each with their own volunteer.
Can I make a donation?
Yes! Please make donations payable to S.W.A.M. Canada and we will issue a non-tax deductible receipt. At the moment we are only able to accept donations in person, although we are hard at work on an online donation system.
How do I register?
Please visit our registration page.
Can I register in person?
Unfortunately not. However if you cannot register online, you can leave a message at 1-888-530-5618 and we will call you back to have a volunteer sign you up.
Do you accept VISA, Interact?
Because of the high processing fees associated with other payment methods, we are only able to accept payment by cash or cheque at this time.
Can I pay online?
Unfortunately not at this time.
Is parking available at the pool?
Yes, there is public parking available in front of the location, as well as on adjacent streets.
Do you have a list of volunteers looking for employment as babysitters/private instructors over the summer?
Yes! Please send us an e-mail with a description of what you are looking for along with the subject line "Summer List"