Frequently Asked Questions

Our lessons are designed for all ages, from little ones to adults. Starting at 6 months old, children can begin getting comfortable in the water in a gentle way. From age 3, most children have the motor skills needed to learn how to swim. Our instructors always adapt to each swimmer’s pace and level.

Absolutely! Although we mainly offer lessons to children, À l’eau also offers lessons for beginner or intermediate adults. Whether you want to improve your technique or simply regain confidence in the water, our swimming instructors fully adapt to your goals.

We do not offer the Lifesaving Society’s Swim for Life program, as each lesson is entirely built around your needs and goals. However, we do follow a logical progression in swimming styles that may resemble the Lifesaving Society program. At the end of the session, you will receive a certificate indicating the equivalent Lifesaving Society level so that you can register at your municipal pool in the fall.

A swimming lesson is planned for 30 minutes, but it can be extended upon request. For children under 2 years old, lessons always last 30 minutes. Lessons for older children can last 45 or 60 minutes. You simply need to mention it when registering.

It’s simple and flexible:

• Do you have more than 24 hours ahead of you? You can reschedule your lesson at no extra cost.
• Less than 24 hours before the lesson? We understand unexpected situations — a serious reason (illness, technical issue, etc.) is accepted once per session.
• A lesson cancelled or moved without a valid reason less than 24 hours in advance is counted and non-refundable.
• Would you like to add a lesson? Make the request at least 48 hours in advance — it is possible depending on the instructor’s availability.

In case of an unforeseen issue on our side (illness, dangerous weather conditions, etc.), the instructor may reschedule a lesson. Rest assured: any lesson rescheduled at our initiative will be made up at no extra cost and without any loss of time for you.

To fully benefit from the lesson, your swimmer should be there wearing their swimsuit at the agreed time. Less than 15 minutes late? Those minutes may be made up at the end of the lesson if the schedule allows.

Yes, absolutely! Nothing prevents you from adding lessons along the way. You simply need to request it at least 48 hours in advance, and we will organize it based on the instructor’s availability.

Yes! Light rain, cold weather, or a cloudy sky are not reasons for cancellation. If conditions become truly dangerous (thunderstorms, heavy rain, and intense cold), the lesson will be cancelled and rescheduled at no extra cost.

The same cancellation rules apply, even for weather. The instructor evaluates whether the conditions are safe for swimming — and if they are not, the lesson will be cancelled and rescheduled at no extra cost.

Payment is made in two equal installments by Interac e-transfer or cash: the first installment is due at the first lesson, and the second at mid-session. Do you have a different preference regarding payment arrangements? We can work something out! You just need to discuss it with us before the lessons begin, by phone or email.

If your lessons take place at a municipal pool, admission fees for the instructor during public swim times are your responsibility. This is the only situation where additional fees may apply.

Yes, you may end the contract at any time. Lessons already given remain billable, and any amounts paid for lessons not yet delivered will be refunded. A legal penalty applies: the lesser amount between $50 and 10% of the cost of the remaining lessons.

Yes, absolutely. À l’Eau Natation is committed to sending you qualified instructors with the required certifications to supervise swimming lessons safely and professionally.

To ensure that each lesson takes place in the best possible conditions, we ask you to:

• Provide a safe environment for the lessons.
• Be present (or have a responsible person aged 15 or older on site) for any swimmer aged 12 and under.
• Make sure your pool is clean and that the water quality is adequate (chlorine level, pH, cleanliness).
• Maintain a respectful attitude at all times — no form of harassment or intimidation will be tolerated.

Your bookings with À l’eau can range from 3 hours to 5 hours or more depending on your needs. The same certified lifeguard stays with you from start to finish, ensuring a continuous and professional presence throughout your event.

It all depends on the size of your pool and the age of the participants. As a general rule, one lifeguard can supervise up to 15 to 20 swimmers at the same time. For larger events, feel free to contact us so we can determine together how many lifeguards are required.

Our lifeguards arrive with all the equipment needed for supervision and first aid. On your side, you simply need to provide a shaded area, preferably with a chair for the lifeguard, as well as floatation devices for young swimmers who may need them.

Whether it’s for a pool party, a barbecue with friends, a family or neighborhood gathering, or simply to enjoy your pool with peace of mind while your children are swimming, our lifeguards adapt to all your occasions.