Our Vision

To create a bold, empowering swim pathway for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities — where confidence, resilience, and teamwork are forged in the water. We believe that learning to swim is not only a vital life skill, but also a source of immense joy, freedom, and personal growth.

Every child deserves the chance to feel the thrill of gliding through the water, to discover the sensation of swimming independently, and to grow stronger with each stroke. Whether their goal is water safety, fitness, or pursuing competitive opportunities within Special Olympics Ontario, Swim to Shine supports every child in rising to their full potential.

Program Overview

Swim to Shine is a high-energy, 3-stage swim progression program designed for children ages 2.75 and up with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Each 55-minute weekly lesson is built around consistency, safety, and empowerment — helping swimmers grow physically, emotionally, and socially at a pace that supports their unique needs.

Whether your child is stepping into the water for the first time or striving for more advanced skills, our program builds confidence, resilience, and independence — one splash at a time.

Coaching Methodology

In Swim to Shine, our coaching approach is built on clarity, connection, and compassion. Each skill is first explained in simple, encouraging language, then demonstrated clearly so swimmers can learn by both hearing and seeing. With patience and positivity, our coaches guide swimmers as they practice, offering gentle corrections and consistent motivation every step of the way.

Most importantly, our coaches connect with each child personally — pushing them within their abilities and celebrating every win, no matter how small. Through this method, swimmers build not just skills, but confidence, resilience, and joy in the water.

Program Structure

Stage 1:

Little Ripples

Parent & Tot - Level 2 | Ages 2.75+

Every swim journey begins with a splash — and in Little Ripples, we lay the foundation for a lifetime of confidence in the water. This stage focuses on building water comfort, coordinated movement, and safety through coach-guided instruction. The Little Ripples program incorporates the 3-2-1 Swim Pack — a proprietary learn to swim system developed by Kaizen Kidz that provides buoyancy and allows swimmers to progress at their own pace. As swimmers reach specific milestones, foam layers are removed to replicate the proper swim position so the transition to an independent swim with coach supervision is methodical and safe.

Objective: To build water confidence, foundational swim skills, and safety-focused independence, while allowing each swimmer to progress at their own pace through the 3-2-1 Swim Pack milestones — ultimately leading to swimming 10 meters independently under coach supervision.

Key Skills Outcomes:

Face in, bubbles, submersion
Supported front and back float
Assisted kicking and scooping
Safe pool entry/exit and wall holds
Basic water safety awareness

Progress Indicators:

Swim independently for 20m assisted with Swim Pack milestone
Swim independently unassisted for 5-10m
Comfortable submerging under water
Listens to swim coach and follows pool rules

Stage 2:

Wave Builders

Levels 3–8

For swimmers who have built basic comfort and independence. This stage introduces stroke development, breath control, and endurance. Children learn front crawl, back crawl, elementary backstroke, and breaststroke in a supportive, structured setting.

Objective: Stroke development, breath control, coordination, and endurance

Key Skills Outcomes:

Front crawl with side breathing bilaterally
Back crawl with proper arm recovery and flutter kick
Elementary backstroke with symmetrical movement and glide
Breaststroke with correct stroke sequence (pull, breathe, kick & glide)
Standing dives with streamline entry
Treading & eggbeater using scissor, flutter and eggbeater kick techniques
Timed endurance starting at level 6

Progress Indicators:

Swims 15-25m front crawl & back crawl with rhythmic breathing
Swims 25-50m breaststroke and elementary backstroke
Standing dive into deep water with streamlined glide
Treads for minimum 30s using eggbeater or scissor kick
Can complete a 75m-300m continuous swim using at least two strokes

Stage 3:

Champion Currents

Levels 3–8

Our advanced level focuses on technique refinement, stamina, and advanced aquatic skills. Swimmers build the strength and discipline to swim longer distances and explore advanced strokes — including Dolphin Kick and Travelling Eggbeater. Perfect for swimmers aiming for lifelong confidence or competition.For swimmers who have built basic comfort and independence. This stage introduces stroke development, breath control, and endurance. Children learn front crawl, back crawl, elementary backstroke, and breaststroke in a supportive, structured setting.

Objective: Technique refinement, stamina building, advanced safety, and personal growth

Key Skills Outcomes:

Front crawl with bilateral breathing & efficient arm recovery
Back crawl with controlled rotation and consistent kick
Breaststroke with proper glide, timing & pull-breathe-kick sequence
Elementary back crawl with efficient glide and symmetrical motion
Dolphin kick with proper hip movement and body alignment
Sidestroke with strong scissor kick and streamlined body position
Travelling egg beater movement across short distances
Surface dives for deep water confidence and retrieval skills

Progress Indicators:

Swims 400-500m continuously using a combination of strokes
Demonstrate proper techniques for front crawl, back crawl and breaststroke over 100m distances
Demonstrates proper techniques for elementary backstroke and sidestroke over 100m distances
Demonstrates travelling eggbeater across 10-15m in deep water
Treads water for over 60s using eggbeater or scissor kick
Completes controlled surface dives to retrieve objects underwater
Uses dolphin kick for streamline and underwater

Swim To Shine

Adapative Swim Lessons

Our Vision

Program Overview

Coaching Methodology

Station Training:

Swim Ratios:

Program Structure

Stage 1:

Little Ripples

Parent & Tot - Level 2 | Ages 2.75+

Key Skills Outcomes:

Progress Indicators:

Stage 2:

Wave Builders

Levels 3–8

Key Skills Outcomes:

Progress Indicators:

Stage 3:

Champion Currents

Levels 3–8

Key Skills Outcomes:

Progress Indicators:

Swim to Shine Winter 2025 Schedule

January 5 - March 15

West District

East District

Program Cost

FAQ

Additional Resources

Parent & Tot Swim Level Description

Program Description

Swim Equivalency

Swim Progression

Refund Policy

3-2-1 Swim Pack

Report Card

Make Up Lessons

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