In Combermere, higher level lessons take place at the Combermere Public Boat Launch. Lower level lessons take place at Mayflower Beach & Park.
In Barry's Bay, all lessons take place at Lakeshore Park.
MV Swim Program
The Township is a facilitator of the Lifesaving Society's Swim for Life program, and runs swimming lessons seasonally in Combermere and Barry's Bay. Join us in July and August for quality swim lessons on the shores of the Madawaska River and Kamaniskeg Lake!
Swim 2026
Swim 2026 will run three sessions in two locations:
- Session 1: July 6-17 (Barry's Bay afternoon/evening classes, Combermere daytime classes)
- Session 2: July 20-31 (Barry's Bay & Combermere daytime classes)
- Session 3: August 3-14 (Barry's Bay daytime classes)
- Session 4: August 17-21 (Bronze only - Combermere) - tentative dependent on interest
Swimming lessons take place throughout the day in Barry's Bay (Lakeshore Park) or Combermere (Mayflower Park). Classes run five days a week, including holidays, for two weeks per session.
Program costs are unchanged from 2025. The below fees include tax.
Resident Fees:
- One session: $55
- Two sessions: $95
- Three sessions: $135
Non-Resident Fees:
- One session: $65
- Two sessions: $115
- Three sessions: $170
Bronze fees are cost recovery at $250 per participant. Private Lessons cost $100/session. A resident is a ratepayer of, or a child of a ratepayer of, Township of Madawaska Valley. Residents of neighbouring Townships must pay the non-resident fee.
Questions? Contact swim@madawaskavalley.ca or call 613-756-2747 x220.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do the lessons take place?
A session is two weeks of classes, with classes taking place Monday-Friday during those two weeks. One session is ten classes. We run classes on statutory holidays.
We offer full refunds prior to the start of your child's second scheduled class. Refunds are not issued after the second class.
We accept payment the following ways:
- by e-transfer to payments@madawaskavalley.ca
- cash or card at the Township Office, 85 Bay Street in Barry's Bay
Instructors do not accept payments at lessons. Payment is due ahead of your child's first lesson, or they will not be able to participate.
The Township is an affiliate with the Lifesaving Society and is pleased to offer courses through their curriculum.
I'm an adult interested in gaining swimming skills. Can I register?
We allow adults to participate in the swim program through private lessons. If you're an adult who is interested in growing their swimming skills, contact us directly at swim@madawaskavalley.ca to inquire about availability for private lessons.
Why are evening classes not offered in Combermere?
Students completing higher swim levels are required to test their skills in deep water, which is not available at Mayflower Beach. Lessons for older levels are therefore held at the Combermere Public Boat Launch during morning hours where boat traffic is low. We are unable to offer evening classes at the Combermere Public Boat Launch due to safety concerns with boat traffic.
I want my child to be a swim instructor someday - what courses do they need?
We are always seeking our next generation of swim instructors!
Swim instructors must:
- obtain a Bronze Cross certification
- be 15 years of age
- complete and pass the Lifesaving Instructor Course
The Township is unable to offer the Lifesaving Instructor course as they are completed in an indoor pool environment. Deep River and Pembroke are nearby aquatic programs that offer this course.
Contact Us
Township of Madawaska Valley
85 Bay Street, PO Box 1000
Barry’s Bay, ON, K0J 1B0
T 613-756-2747
TF 1-866-222-8699
F 613-756-0553
DEPARTMENT CONTACT
Hannah Gutoskie
Manager of Recreation & Community Services
613-756-2747 x220
recreation@madawaskavalley.ca
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