About H2O
H2O Academy is an award-winning swim school for students ages 4 months to adults, proudly pioneering aquatic education as Manitoba’s first private swim school facility. Our innovative approach is built around our proprietary AQUA-Lit™ Curriculum©, a holistic, physical literacy based program that focuses on skill, confidence, and understanding.
It is structured around 8 general learning outcomes including safety, breath control, floating, entrances & exits, kicking, strokes, eggbeater, and sculling. Each of these is broken down into specific learning outcomes with carefully designed skill progressions, creating a clear, step-by-step path for learning.
Evaluations happen weekly, and instead of a pass/fail model, we use an improvement scale so swimmers progress at their own pace, whether that’s faster or slower than a traditional session timeline.
The result? Faster progress, stronger swimmers, and a more personalized path to lifelong confidence in the water.
SWIM SCHOOL INDUSTRY BACKGROUND
DID YOU KNOW?!
Why Our Pool Was Designed Differently — On Purpose
When we set out to build our own facility, we didn’t just install a pool, we built a teaching environment from the ground up. Our pool was purpose-built specifically for learn-to-swim programs, following the model used by world leaders in swim education like Australia and the USA (also the top two countries for Olympic swimming medals).
While this approach is a newer concept in Canada, it’s been the gold standard around the world - because it works.
Our pool is shallow, warm, and intentionally designed to foster comfort, safety, and faster progress. Heated to a cozy 88–90°F, our tropical temperatures help students stay relaxed and focused (instead of shivering and distracted). The shallow depth allows teachers to stay close and hands-on, offering personalized support without compromising swimmer safety.
We’ve also invested in a cutting-edge filtration system featuring enhanced UV disinfection - one of the most advanced systems available in commercial aquatics. It’s part of our commitment to clean, safe water and a best-in-class swim experience.
MISSION
To create confident, safe, and proficient swimmers in a positive learning environment through our purposeful program.
VISION
A world where people are as comfortable, confident, and efficient in the water as they are on land.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
WELL-ROUNDED
Students practice meaningful and purposeful activities. It’s about developing the confidence to safely enjoy all water environments.
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ACCOUNTABLE
Our AQUA-Lit™ Curriculum©, is progressive and builds upon skills. We believe in continual learning and growth, which is why we assess students on a proficiency scale rather than passing and failing.
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TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY
Learning is achieved through appropriate, relevant, and sequential learning experiences. We teach good habits from the beginning and focus on correct development of the basics.
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ENJOYABLE
Our approach keeps students engaged and active the entire class. We use innovative equipment to encourage creativity and promote social acceptance while learning the FUNdamentals of swimming.
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RELEVANT
The needs of all students are addressed through high quality instruction that is relevant, current, and balanced to meet the developmental and age-appropriate needs.
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INCLUSION STATEMENT
H2O is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all clients and employees. Our organization welcomes all people diverse in race, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, age, ability, sexual orientation, and culture. As well, all staff and clients are expected to be respectful of people with different experiences, backgrounds, and communication styles. H2O holds firm to the idea of treating all people with respect and fairness.