Swimming isn’t just a sport—it’s a life skill.
Whether you're heading on vacation, getting back into fitness, or just want to feel more comfortable in the water, these five fundamental skills can help you stay safe and build a strong foundation.

1. Float or Tread Water for 1 Minute

This is the most basic survival skill. It gives you time to breathe, rest, and think in an emergency. Whether on your back or using a vertical tread, the key is staying calm and conserving energy.

2. Jump into Deep Water and Resurface

Being comfortable in deep water starts with overcoming that first mental hurdle: the entry. Practising how to jump in, submerge, and come back up builds water confidence and trust in your body.

3. Spin Around and Find an Exit

Water safety includes spatial awareness. Can you orient yourself in water if you get disoriented? Being able to spin and locate the edge of the pool, shore, or safety device is a must.

4. Get Out Without a Ladder

If you're in a pool with no ladder or you're fatigued, can you pull yourself out? This skill comes down to upper body strength, smart technique, and body control.

5. Swim One Pool Length Without Stopping

Endurance matters. Whether it’s 25 metres or more, swimming one length without stopping proves you can move, breathe, and manage your energy in the water.

At Swim Lessons Toronto, we teach all five—and more.

We specialize in building these skills with adult swimmers at every level, from non-swimmers to competitive athletes.