Para Swimming
The Intro to Para Swimming program provides individuals with disabilities the opportunity to learn and develop competitive swimming skills in a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment—regardless of their starting skill level. Whether you’re new to swimming or looking to refine your technique, our program meets swimmers where they are and helps them build confidence, strength, and ability in the water.
Para Swimming
- Our goal is to help swimmers grow in skill and confidence so they may choose to transition into training groups within local competitive swim clubs.
- Each water session follows the structure of a traditional competitive swimming practice, including:
- Warm-up
- Technique development
- Aerobic conditioning
- Cool down
- All elements are scaled to fit the unique needs and abilities of each swimmer.
To join the program, swimmers should
- Feel comfortable in the water
- Be able to float independently on their front or back
- Have an interest in improving their swimming skills
In-water support is available to help participants gain comfort and confidence in the water.
We offer one free trial session
For new participants before committing to registration
Fall Registration Opens August 7th @9am
Age Groups
The program is divided into two age-based groups to better serve individual needs:
| Groups | Age Range |
|---|---|
| Group #1 | 9 – 16 years old |
| Group #2 | 14+ years old |
The age overlap allows flexibility based on comfort and skill level. Coaches may move participants between groups after consulting with parents or guardians.
Dates & Times
Fall 2025
Each session is 45 mins
Each group has 8 sessions in total
| Group | Day | Dates | Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group #1 | Saturday(s) | Sept 20 – Dec 6th | 11:50am – 12:35pm |
| Group #2 | Saturday(s) | Sept 20 – Dec 6th | 12:45pm – 1:30pm |
No Session
On October 11, October 18, November 1 & November 22
Cost
- $100
Location
- Pool – Carleton Athletics
Important Notes
- Parking is included.
- Parking codes will be provided in your confirmation email.
Program Support
This program was developed with the support of Swim Ontario’s Darda Sales, a three-time Paralympic swimmer, wheelchair basketball player, and dual sport World Champion. Darda is the co-founder of the Intro to Para Swimming program with the London Aquatic Club and currently serves as Ontario’s Provincial Para Swimming Development Consultant.
For inquiries related to para swimming development, Darda can be reached at:
paradevelopment@swimontario.com
The Para Swimming program is run in partnership with Swim Ontario and with ParaSport® Ontario supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
We are thankful to Canadian Tire Jumpstart Charities for selecting Carleton University to receive a grant from their Sport Relief Fund. With Jumpstart’s support, we are able to provide equipment, quality coaching and subsidized registration fees for all participants who attend our Adaptive Sport programs.
Fall Registration Opens August 7th @9am
We offer one free trial session
For new participants before committing to registration
Questions?
For questions about the program or registration: