Program
Swim School Groups
Overview
Parent-Baby Lessons (9-18 months)
A first positive water experience for your baby — and for you, dear parent!
Thank you for choosing Natation Gatineau!
Structured, lively lessons to discover the aquatic world: exploring movements in the water, learning to get wet and becoming more and more comfortable.
Parents learn to support their child in the water and guide them through their movements — a special quality moment with baby.
No prerequisites are required for the child, but the accompanying parent in the water must be able to swim.
Session fee – 8 lessons
Fall, winter, spring and summer
185$
Session fee – 6 lessons
Summer
130$
*** Our programs are designed over 8 weeks of lessons. Our offering and pricing are therefore based on 8 lessons per session.
See our pricing policy for more details.
Skills and expected outcomes
The child accepts getting their face wet and feels increasingly confident in the aquatic environment.
The child explores their movements in the water with the parent's support: splashing, assisted movement and first water games.
The parent masters the holds and positions to support their child safely in the water, and the pair shares a fun moment each week.
Program details
- 9 to 18 months
- 1 time / week
- Durée par session : 30 minutes
- Pool: Le Carrefour High School
Schedule
Fall Session 2026
| Polyvalente Le Carrefour | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sessions from 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM · 8 weeks | ||
| Session | Saturday | Sunday |
| 1 | 2 October | 3 October |
| 2 | 9 October | 10 October |
| 3 | 16 October | 17 October |
| 4 | 23 October | 24 October |
| 5 | 30 October | 31 October |
| 6 | 6 November | 7 November |
| 7 | 13 November | 14 November |
| 8 | 20 November | 21 November |
FAQ
We've thought of your questions
My child has never taken swimming lessons. What level should I register them in?
We ask all new swimmers to complete an in-water evaluation so our team can determine their level. You can book a time slot here: book your evaluation.
At what age can my child take swimming lessons on their own?
Our first swim-school level without parents starts at age 3.
What does my child need to bring for their swimming lesson?
Your child must wear a bathing suit. For the lowest levels (Parent-baby 1 and 2, Purple and Red), your child will need a flotation device (we can lend one at the pool). For the middle levels (Yellow and Bronze), we suggest a simple pair of swim goggles (not a diving mask). For the more advanced levels (Silver and Gold), we ask the child to have a pair of swim goggles, a swim cap and a pair of swim fins.
Where can I get swim fins?
Fins must be made of silicone for training, not the plastic type used for diving. You can get them from our supplier Team Aquatic Supplies. There is a store in Ottawa at 2730 Iris Street to try sizes. You can also come to our annual equipment sale in September to purchase them.
Does my child need to bring their own flotation device?
You may bring your own flotation device if you are in a Parent-baby 1 or 2, Purple or Red group. Otherwise, we have back floats that we can lend at the pool.
Can I watch my child’s lesson from the poolside?
We ask parents to drop off their child at the poolside a maximum of 5 minutes before the start of the lesson. You will then need to go up to the stands (available at the Le Carrefour, De l’Île, Mont-Bleu and Gatineau Sports Centre pools) to watch your child’s lesson. You may pick up your child at the poolside at the end of their lesson.
Is there a family changing room at each pool?
The Gatineau Sports Centre pool has a family changing room. For all the other high-school pools, there is no family changing room. Children aged 8 and under, accompanied by a chaperone (aged 16 and over) of the opposite sex, may use the changing room matching the chaperone’s sex. Children aged 9 and over must use the changing room matching their own sex. The chaperone must remain nearby in the building in case of need. It is forbidden to bring food, drinks, chewing gum or glass containers into the changing rooms and the pool area. The use of cell phones and cameras is strictly forbidden in the changing rooms. Due to the presence of children and a diverse clientele, discretion is required in the changing rooms. Accordingly, wearing a bathrobe, underwear, a bathing suit or a towel is mandatory when moving around. Cabins are also available to change in. Staff reserve the right to refuse access to, or to remove, anyone who breaks the rules or proper conduct, or whose behaviour compromises the safety and well-being of users. For the rules in effect in the City of Gatineau facilities, please see the following link.
How can I know if my child is progressing in their swimming lessons?
At the end of each session, our instructors fill out a report booklet that will automatically be sent to you by email. You will then have the details of their progress.