Swimming

The Town of Paradise has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ches Penney Family YMCA to offer swimming lessons for residents. Dedicated times are available for swim lessons on Mondays and Saturdays for Paradise residents.

Lessons for the Spring session, start on May 5 and will run until June 23, 2025 (Monday lessons) and May 3 – June 21, 2025 (Saturday lessons). Registration opens on April 30, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. Registration is available through the YMCA Online Account (be sure to set up an account before the registration date and time) or in-person at the Ches Penney Family YMCA.

The Ches Penney Family YMCA is located on 35 Ridge Road, St. John’s. This facility is fully accessible and is on Metrobus routes 1, 13, and 14.

Spring Swimming Information

Dates and Times

The Spring session runs from May 5 – June 23 (Monday Lessons) and May 3 - June 21 (Saturday Lessons).

Monday (Learn to Swim) No class on May 19

5:10 p.m. – 5:40 p.m.
5:45 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.

Saturday (Preschool)

1:05 p.m. – 1:35 p.m.
1:40 p.m. – 2:10 p.m.
2:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Saturday (Star Level)

1:05 p.m. – 1:35 p.m.
1:40 p.m. – 2:10 p.m.

Class Descriptions

Pre-School

Ages 3-5; children who are turning three within three months or have turned six years of age within the last three months. Preschool swim lesson program includes levels in beginner and advanced.

Preschool Beginner (Bobbers, Floaters and Gliders) – Ratio is 1:6
Preschool Advanced (Divers, Surfers, Jumpers) – Ratio is 1:6

Learn to Swim

Ages 6-11; children who are turning six within three months or have turned 12 years of age within the last three months.

Learn to Swim (Otter, Seal) – Ratio is 1:6
Learn to Swim (Dolphin, Swimmer) – Ratio 1:8

Star Level

Ages 6+; children who are turning six within three months. Star swim lesson program includes levels 1-6.

Stars (1 - 4) – Ratio is 1:8
Stars (5 - 6) – Ratio is 1:12

Cost

Preschool Ages 3 - 5

$67/per person (no HST), 8 weeks, 30 minutes

Learn to Swim Ages 6 - 12

$58/per person (6-11 no HST, 12+ HST), 8 weeks, 30 minutes

Star Level, Ages 1 - 6 and 6+

$58/per person (6-11 no HST, 12+ HST), 8 weeks, 30 minutes

How can I enroll in swim lessons?

Login to the YMCA Online Account page
Place cursor on Activities / Programs on the banner tab near top of screen to view list of activities
Select on "Town of Paradise Swim Lessons"
Select the appropriate lesson program
Click "Enroll Now"
Select the appropriate time slot.
Select the participant and then click on "Add to Cart"
If more than one family member will be attending that program, click the link "Register another participant"
Select "Add to cart"
Select "Check out"
Enter your payment information on the Payment Information page and agree to any required waiver(s). Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted.

The name and address must match those that are on file with your credit company. If address shown is not your credit card billing address, click on My Account tab and change your residential address to match your credit card billing address. Once payment has been approved, your receipt will appear. Please print a copy of your receipt for your records.

What do I bring for each swim lesson?

A parent or guardian (16+) must present Photo ID when accessing the facility. Please enter through the main entrance, come down the stairs / elevator to the first floor and proceed to the Welcome Desk to check / sign-in, then proceed to the change room corridor to use your choice of change rooms; female general, inclusive or male change room. Proceed to the pool deck from the back of the change room. If using the inclusive change rooms please note this is co-ed and bathing suits must be worn at all times. Change stalls are available.
Parent or guardian sign in / out the child on the pool deck with the deck lead.
Please note, there is no access to the pool deck from the lobby. There is a viewing area on deck and in the lobby for spectators.
Be sure to bring your own lock, towel and goggles. Wallet and cell phone lockers are available by the Welcome Desk.

YMCA Online Account Information

How do I create a YMCA online account?

Select on Create an Account link found on the upper right of the YMCA Online Account webpage
Enter your email address
Fill out all required fields (birth date, gender, email address, etc) and select "Submit"
You will automatically receive an email confirming your account
Please note, if intention is to register a child for an activity, use the person who is paying information when creating an online account, NOT the information of the child. Once the payer has created an account, then family members can be added to account

How many YMCA online accounts should each family have?

We recommend one account per family
Create the account in the name of the person who will be paying
You can add family members to your YMCA online account under My Account, under manage family members and select Add Family Member
You may already have a YMCA online account if you have registered for any of the following since 2020 and have given an email address to keep on file:
o Membership
o Monthly or Student Pass
o Childcare
o Afterschool Program
o Day Camp

Can I register for a YMCA membership online?

Yes. First, login to the Online Account page. Select Membership/Personal Training from the home page and proceed to register. Continuous memberships, Post-Secondary passes, and promotional passes are available. For family and financially assisted memberships, visit is in person or contact us by email at membership@nl.ymca.ca or telephone at 709-726-9622 x221

How do I register for an Activity?

First, login to the Online Account page
Move cursor to the Activities / Programs tab on the home registration page
Select the Activity category that you would like to enroll into. Clicking the activity name will show you a detailed Activity description
Click Enroll Now if you wish to register for the Activity
Select the participant and then click on Add to Cart
If more than one family member will be attending that activity, click the link Register another participant
Then Add to cart
Select “Finish”
For activities with a fee owing, select “Check out”
Enter your payment information on the Payment Information page and agree to any required waiver(s). Visa, Mastercard and American Express is accepted
The name and address must match those that are on file with your credit company. If address shown is not your credit card billing address, click on My Account tab and change your residential address to match your credit card billing address
Once payment has been approved, your receipt will appear. Please print a copy of your receipt for your records

To view your family's upcoming scheduled activities, sign into your online account, select My Account, under your family, click View Family Members Schedule.

How can I view Activities without registering?

Place cursor on Activities/Programs on the banner tab near top of screen to view list of activities available
Select on an Activity category
If you are looking for information on the activity, double click on activity name

Where can I find more information on YMCA swim lessons?

Information on the YMCA swim lessons can be found at YMCA Aquatics.