Aquaventures

Aquaventures has the only purpose-built pool in Vancouver that is dedicated to swimming instruction for babies and preschoolers. The facility on West 5th Avenue, a block East from the 5th Avenue Cinemas, opened in 1997, but ‘head fishstress' Sharron Crowley started her career in recreation at the Canada Games Pool in New Westminster in the 1970's - talk about experience! Aquaventures started in 1984 at the Canadian Memorial Pool at 16th and Burrard.

Aquaventures employs over 20 certified swimming instructors, and the number of classes they offer is truly astonishing - over 400 a week ranging from baby classes to various toddler / preschool levels. (Babies have to be over 6 months old when starting). The curricula are skill driven, but the focus is always on enjoyment and being comfortable in the water.

The programs are offered under a continuum of levels, and the experience of swimming is made lively and fun with the aid of many props and custom built features such as toys, mirrors, and mobile little platforms in the pool. The classes also provide highly effective training to children with special needs - this truly is an ‘Aquatic Child Development Centre'!

The Aquaventures pool is kept at a lovely tropical temperature of 32°C (90°F) this is warm water! (Most pools are kept at a competition swimming temperature of 84-86°F, which makes the body cool down very rapidly.) Babies can go into a hypothermic state in very cold water.

The water is cleaned with an Ultraviolet filtration system which means minimal chlorine. Aquaventures requires snug, washable swim diapers for all babies in the pool - several models are for sale (for about $15.00) at the retail counter - you can go for a visit and buy some ahead of time.

The change rooms are practical with several fold down change tables, a few cubicles and even a small crib for safe hands-off time for the little swimmer. Transit on both Broadway and 4th Avenue is convenient, but so is the spacious free customer parking lot right in front of the door!

The group size is maximum 4-6 students / teacher and classes are sold in season packages of 10-12 weeks. It has to be said that these classes are not cheap - a year  adds up to about $800 - $ 1,200 depending on level. Aquaventures has a comprehensive website that explains their classes, philosophy, rates and registration procedures. Please note that Aquaventures does not offer public swims or rentals.

Aquaventures' facility has received numerous international awards. Good testimony to quality is also the fact that the classes fill quickly year after year - make sure to register on time!