Frequently Asked Questions

A man and a young girl standing by a swimming pool, preparing for a swimming lesson. The girl is wearing a pink and white floral swimsuit with a life jacket, and the man, dressed in a red Lifeguard shirt and pink shorts, is holding a red rescue backboard.
A man and a young girl standing by a swimming pool, preparing for a swimming lesson. The girl is wearing a pink and white floral swimsuit with a life jacket, and the man, dressed in a red Lifeguard shirt and pink shorts, is holding a red rescue backboard.

  • Private lessons are one-on-one and are a great fit for swimmers who benefit from full individual attention, are feeling nervous, or have very specific goals.

    Semi-private lessons are for 2 swimmers at a similar level, such as siblings or friends. They still receive personalized instruction, while offering a lower per-child cost than private lessons.

    All lessons are 30 minutes and follow the Lifesaving Society Swim for Life program.

  • For 2026, AquaGuard offers lesson packages only.

    Each package is booked into one recurring weekly time slot for the full package length. This helps children build confidence and progress through consistent weekly practice.

    Packages run in consecutive weeks and are not prorated.

  • We offer two lesson options:

    Mobile Swimming Lessons
    We come to your pool in Peterborough and area, Kawartha Lakes, and Durham Region. Extra travel fees may apply in some areas.

    AquaGuard Pool Lessons
    Lessons take place at the AquaGuard pool in the Peterborough area.

    This gives families the flexibility to choose what works best for them — either the convenience of home or the ease of attending lessons at our pool.

  • You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email at athoward@lakeheadu.ca. We aim to respond quickly—usually within 12 - 24 hours.

  • Private lessons are often the best fit for swimmers who are brand new, feeling unsure in the water, or who need extra encouragement and support.

    Our approach is calm, positive, and child-focused. We meet each swimmer where they’re at and work at a pace that helps them feel safe, successful, and proud of their progress.

    If your child would be comfortable learning alongside a sibling or friend at a similar level, semi-private can also be a great option.

  • The first lesson is all about getting to know your child and helping them feel comfortable in the water.

    We’ll assess their current comfort level, previous experience, and readiness for different skills. For some swimmers, that means jumping right into skill-building. For others, especially those who are newer or more hesitant, the first lesson may focus more on water comfort, trust-building, and confidence.

    That’s completely normal. Our goal is for your swimmer to leave feeling positive, supported, and excited to come back.

  • To help lessons run smoothly, swimmers should arrive:

    • with their swimsuit already on

    • with sunscreen applied

    • after using the bathroom

    • with a water bottle ready

    For AquaGuard pool lessons, swimsuits must be rinsed of lake, river, or pond water before attending.

    A parent or guardian must remain on-site during lessons.

  • Lesson packages run in consecutive weeks for the booked package length. Missed lessons are forfeited, and packages are not prorated, so we encourage families to choose a time slot they can attend consistently.

    When it comes to weather, safety always comes first. Lessons may be paused, postponed, or cancelled due to lightning, thunderstorms, heavy rain, high winds, or other unsafe conditions. If unsafe weather is forecast ahead of time, we’ll reschedule at no extra cost. If it develops during the session, we’ll stop right away and discuss rescheduling or partial credit based on time completed.

  • Bookings are first-come, first-served, and preferred dates and times are not guaranteed, so early booking is always recommended.

    To book a lesson package, please send:

    • whether you’d like private or semi-private

    • your preferred dates and times

    • your preferred location (mobile or AquaGuard pool)

    Payment is due at booking to secure your spot. E-transfer is preferred, and receipts are available on request. Your booking is confirmed once payment is received.

  • Yes. AquaGuard offers mobile lifeguarding for backyard pools and waterfront events on Saturdays and Sundays in June, July, and August.

    Our lifeguards are trained in emergency response, CPR, and First Aid, and provide active supervision of the swimming area to help create a safer, more relaxed event for everyone.

    Rate: $40/hour with a 2-hour minimum

    To book lifeguarding, please send:

    • the date

    • approximate start and end time

    • the location

  • Your AquaGuard lifeguard will provide a professional, safety-focused presence throughout your event. They are also pretty fun humans with lots of backyard vibes so they might even play a little bit with the children at the event!

    They will actively supervise the swimming area, watch for unsafe behaviour, and respond quickly if needed. They also help reinforce water safety rules so families can enjoy the event with greater peace of mind.

    A few important things to know:

    • Hosts remain responsible for overall guest supervision

    • The swimming area must be clean, accessible, and safe

    • Swimming while intoxicated is strictly prohibited

    • If alcohol is being served, clear adult supervision of children is especially important

    • Music is welcome at a reasonable volume, as long as instructions and whistles can still be heard

    • Unsafe weather may require the event to be paused, postponed, or cancelled