AquaSquirts
AquaSquirts is a play based, water orientation program that helps develop swimming skills with instructors in the water. Typically, participants are 5-8 years old and the coach will be in the water with the swimmers.
We follow a modified version of Canada Artistic Swimming’s AquaGO! program as athletes work through 4 important pillars to aid not only in their development as an artistic swimmer but an athlete in other sports as well. The four main pillars we focus on are:
- Swimming Fundamentals
- Artistic Swimming Skills
- Athletic Abilities
- Flexibility
Our approach to AquaGO! is modified as we have allowed time for routine development within our classes and have adjusted other aspects (like length of the program) to support our coaching staff better and fit into the the culture of our club.
AquaSquirts has been declared suitable for children with special needs and/or children with disabilities. The lesson plans are flexible and allow for modification based on the individual skill level. The use of flotation devices (such as pool noodles, kick boards and PFDs) can be incorporated into the lessons in order to provide swimmers with a certain comfort level in the water. Water acts as a natural cushion for our bodies providing less strain on limbs and joints. It is well documented that children who participate in water activities can expect to see improved flexibility, coordination, cardiovascular and circulation benefits and more!
Session #1: 12 Weeks
Saturday, September 16th – Saturday, December 9th, 2023
*Athletes will showcase what they have learned this season at a watershow- Dates TBD
Session #2: 18 Weeks
Saturday, January 13th – Friday, May 24th, 2024
Note: No classes during Spring Break.
All athletes participate in a year–end water show scheduled for Thursday, May 23rd, 2024 at Pan Am pool.
Note: Aquatica Synchro reserves the right to withdraw programming if there is insufficient registration. Exact location, days and times of all programs are subject to pool confirmation in August.
Children should be 5 years of age by December 31st, 2023 and comfortable in chest deep water, be able to swim 2 meters or more and be able to float on their front and back (note: less experienced swimmers can use flotation devices for assistance if needed). Athletes do NOT need to be able to swim in the deep end for this class.
Preschoolers who have successfully completed the Sunfish program by Red Cross would also benefit from AquaSquirts. These classes are capped at 4 swimmers so register early!
AquaSquirts has been declared suitable for children with special needs and/or children with disabilities. The lesson plans are flexible and allow for modification based on the individual skill level. The use of flotation devices (such as pool noodles, kick boards and PFDs) can be incorporated into the lessons in order to provide swimmers with a certain comfort level in the water. Water acts as a natural cushion for our bodies providing less strain on limbs and joints. It is well documented that children who participate in water activities can expect to see improved flexibility, coordination, cardiovascular and circulation benefits and more!
Athletes will participate in one watershow per session:
Session 1, Winter watershow, Date TBC by pool
Session 2, Year-End Watershow: Thursday May 23rd, 2023 @ Pan Am Pool
Recreational Athletes Wardrobe:
-1 or 2 piece bathings suit to be worn at practice
-Bathing cap*
-Nose Clip*
*All athletes who register receive a latex swim cap and a nose clip (one per year regardless of the number of sessions).
Additional latex caps ($5), silicone caps ($10), nose clips ($6) or a shirt ($15) can be purchased from the club.
IMPORTANT DATES | FORMAL BREAKS AND STATUTORY HOLIDAYS – NO SWIMMING |
Rec Program Session 1 start Rec Program Session 2 start Last Day & Watershow *Due to large aquatic events, some Saturdays we will not be able to train at Pan Am. We will do everything in our ability to not cancel these practices, but it MAY mean relocating to a different pool for that day, time of practice or changing the way practice looks. We will communicate the plans for these days as soon as possible | National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Thanksgiving Remembrance Day Winter Break Louis Riel Day Spring Break Easter Monday Victoria Day |
Class times & program fees
CLASS TIMES
All classes are ½ hour land followed by ½ hour water
| Day | Time | Location | Notes |
| Saturday | 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. | Pan Am Pool | Saturdays are a busy day at Pan Am and we loose our pool space a few times a year. In this case, we will have class at a different location |
| Fridays | 5:00 p.m to 6:00 p.m | H2O Academy | Open for Session 2! |
* More classes will be added as pools allow
Training fees by the session
Training Fee Session 1 (12 weeks) – $ 250
Training Fee Session 2 @ Pan Am Pool (18 weeks) – $ 375
Training Fee Session 2 @ H2O Academy (18 weeks) – $ 500
Fees for the year
Register for both sessions at Pan Am Pool at once (15% off): 30 weeks, $531.25
Please note registration fees are now included in training fees (previously they were separate).