Swimming Programs

Please Note: The aquatics industry is experiencing a national shortage of qualified lifeguards and swim instructors. We are working hard to open new programs as we recruit. Please continue to monitor Active RH for any new programs and place your name on a waitlist to improve your chances of securing a spot in the event one becomes available.

Know someone who is a lifeguard or swim instructor? Let them know were hiring for aquatics employment and other great opportunities with the City. More information at Jobs.RichmondHill.ca.

Richmond Hill has a wide variety of swimming programs for people of all ages, including Aquatic Leadership Programs. Aquatic instructors will be teaching from in the water, parents/guardians are not required to assist children in water (excluding Parent and Tot levels). Class capacities have increased to pre-pandemic numbers.

Fall Program Registration

Registration for fall recreation programs is now open. You can view programs by visiting our Registered Recreation Programs page.

Swimming Programs

Parent and Tot Lessons (3 months to 24 months old)
Preschool Lessons (3 to 5 years old)
Children Lessons (5 to 12 years old)
Teen Lessons (12 to 15 years old)
Adult Lessons (16+ years old)
Private Lessons
Aquatic Leadership
Richmond Hill Lifesaving Club (RHLC)

Please reference our placement chart to determine which swimming lesson level your child should be registered in.

Swim Level Placement Chart

How to register

Registering for programs has never been easier with our recreation registration system ActiveRH.

Step 1

Create your personalized ActiveRH account.

Step 2

Find your programs and create a wish list of your top choices.

Step 3

Withdrawal Policy

Program Withdrawal

Can't participate in a registered program anymore? Transfers and Withdrawals can be completed online at RichmondHill.ca/ActiveRH or through written form.

Visit RichmondHill.ca/ActiveRH and Log in with your email address and password.
View Account History and use the Transfer or Withdraw buttons to manage your current enrollments.
If you are eligible for a refund, select refund to credit card. Or, select refund to account for future enrollments. Note: Refunds to account are final.

Or fill out the Withdrawal Request Form and email the completed form to our Recreation Department.

If applicable, please allow 2 to 4 weeks for refund processing. Submission of a form does not guarantee that a refund will be issued, and non-attendance at a program does not constitute a notice of withdrawal. Withdrawal requests will only be accepted through ActiveRH or by Withdrawal Request Form. Requests to “Refund to Account” are final.

Program Transfer Policy

Transfer requests will only be accepted through ActiveRH or by Transfer Request Form. Transfers will be processed according to the criteria outlined below, provided that there is space available in the requested activity.

Situation	Action
If you withdraw less than 5 business days prior to the course start date for Summer Camps, Winter Break Camps, March Break Camps, School Holiday Programs, Aquatic Leadership Courses or one-day workshops...	No credit or refund will be issued.
If you withdraw from the courses not listed above using ActiveRH 2 or more business days prior to the course start date…	You will receive a full credit or refund as requested.*
If we receive your Withdrawal Request Form 2 or more business days prior to the course start date…	You will receive a full credit or refund as requested.*
If we receive your Withdrawal Request Form less than 2 business days prior to the course start date…	You will receive a full credit on your account for future use. If you request a refund, you will receive a full refund less a $11.30 administration fee.*
If we receive your Withdrawal Request Form on or after the first day and up to one business day prior to the third day of the course…	You will receive a pro-rated credit or refund for any classes remaining as of the date the Refund Request Form is received, less a $11.30 administration fee.*
If we receive your Withdrawal Request Form on or after the third day of the course or after the program has ended…	No credit or refund will be issued.
If we receive your Withdrawal Request Form accompanied by a doctor’s note indicating that the participant can no longer attend due to medical reasons…	You will receive a pro-rated credit for any classes remaining as of the date the Withdrawal Request Form and doctor’s note are received.
If we cancel your program …	You will receive a full credit or refund as requested.
If the participant is withdrawn by our staff due to program incompatibility...	You will receive a prorated credit for any classes remaining as of the date of withdrawal.
If we receive your Transfer Request Form less than 5 business days prior to the course start date for Winter Break Camps, March Break Camps, School Holiday Programs, Summer Camps, Aquatic Leadership Courses, or one-day workshops...	No credit or refund will be issued.
If we receive your Transfer Request Form prior to the course start date...	You will receive a full credit for the course transferred out of.
If we receive your Transfer Request Form up to and including the second day of the course (third class for swimming lessons)...	You will receive a prorated credit for the course transferred out of. You will not receive a credit for the class that takes place on the day we receive your Transfer Request Form.

Richmond Hill Lifesaving Club

The Richmond Hill Lifesaving Club (RHLC) introduces young athletes to lifesaving as a sport. This sport promotes healthy living and physical fitness. Specially trained Lifesaving Coaches help swimmers improve their strength, power and endurance. Athletes also focus on teamwork, sportsmanship and achieving personal best while having fun at the same time.

About Lifesaving Sport

The Lifesaving Society (LSS) is the Canadian governing body of lifesaving sport which is recognized by The International Olympic Committee and the Commonwealth Games Federation. The LSS promotes competition as a way for athletes in training to showcase their abilities as lifeguards and lifesavers.

RHLC Placement Chart RHLC Practice Schedule Register for RHLC Programs

Adapted Aquatics

Adapted aquatic programs are not currently offered. Contact the Program Coordinator Inclusion Services before registering for a swimming program if you have a disability or special need. We will speak with you about your individual needs and the type of support we can offer.

Swimmers with special needs who would feel more comfortable in a one-on-one setting can register for private swimming lessons, when they are available. Private lessons are not currently offered.

Additional swimming programs:

Richmond Hill offers additional specialized swimming programs, including:

Fitness Swimmer
Swimmer Teen (12 to18 years old)
Swimmer Teen - Girls Only (12 to 18 years old)
Adult Swimming Lessons Co-Ed (16 years of age and older)
Adult Development
Aquatic Leadership

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Complete a Program Evaluation Form to let us know what you think about our swimming programs, facilities and services.

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Swimming Programs

Fall Program Registration

Swimming Programs

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Program Withdrawal

Program Transfer Policy

Richmond Hill Lifesaving Club

About Lifesaving Sport

Adapted Aquatics

Additional swimming programs:

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