The UTM Coached Swim is a program for individuals seeking a gym alternative for fitness, focusing on training for triathlons and competitive swimming. The Program is designed to enhance competitive swimming abilities, stroke techniques and personal fitness. Some participants choose to compete in meets organized by Masters Swimming of Ontario, while some choose to complement their fitness routine with swimming.
Swim Ability
To get the most out of this program, participants should already have swimming skills. While this program is not designed for beginners, we are excited to offer adult swim lessons led by experienced instructors who are here to help you build confidence and improve your technique.
Entry level members looking to advance or start a competitive program are encouraged to participate in our Intro to Coached Swim program which is complimentary with your RAWC membership.
New members are required to be able to complete the following:
- Swim 200m continuously without stopping at any walls, either by completeing flip turns or touch turns, without extra rest
Schedule
There are 3 practices per week – two on weekday evenings (late evenings in Fall/Winter, early evenings in Spring/Summer) and a third one on Sunday morning. Please see the current schedule here.
| Tuesday | Thursday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|
| 8:15PM - 9:45PM | 8:15PM - 9:45PM | 10:00AM - 11:30AM |
Space in practices is limited. All swimmers are strongly encouraged to preregister for practices to ensure their spot. A number of spots are reserved for students each practice.
How to join
| Option 1: Student Discount | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Season Rate | $200.00* | |
| Per Term Rate | Fall | $100.00* |
| Winter | $100.00* | |
| Spring | $50.00* |
| Option 2: | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Season Rate | $650.00* | |
| Per Term Rate | Fall | $250.00* |
| Winter | $260.00* | |
| Spring | $220.00* |
Please note there are NO REFUNDS on program fees.
*Rates subject to HST
A RAWC membership is not required. This membership will give you access to the coached swim practices only.
Program Structure
Participants are welcome to come to as many or as few scheduled swims as they chose. Swims include structured workouts and feedback from coaches.
Workouts will range from high-intensity interval training to endurance training. Coaches create workouts that will help meet swimmers’ individual and collective needs. A certain level of swimming ability and knowledge of how to do a swim workout, including pace times, are expected.
If you happen to arrive after practice has begun, we kindly ask that you check in with the coach during a natural break in the session. This helps keep the flow of practice smooth and enjoyable for everyone.
Rowan's Law
Effective July 1, 2019, Rowan’s Law introduced new regulations to enhance concussion safety in amateur competitive sports across Ontario. These rules apply to Masters Swimming Ontario (MSO) due to the inclusion of swimmers under the age of 26 in our membership.
UTM requires all swimmers, or those who serve as a coaches, team trainer, or official, to annually confirm that you have reviewed the Concussion Awareness Resources provided by the Government of Ontario. This confirmation must be completed prior to registering or participating in any MSO activities.
The Ministry’s resources outline common signs and symptoms of concussion and include an informative booklet for review.
Please complete the Concussion Awareness Confirmation to verify that you have thoroughly reviewed and understood the Rowan’s Law Concussion Awareness Resources provided by the Government of Ontario.
Please complete the MSO Confirmation of Review on Concussion Awareness Resources and email it to Chrissy Seehaver, Supervisor, Aquatic Programs at chrissy.seehaver@utoronto.ca
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and informed swimming environment.
Master's Swimming Ontario
MSO operates a fully insured, adult swim league independent of Swim Canada (SNC). The emphasis is on the fitness and social side of adult swimming, and developing programs to help clubs achieve the original vision of master swimming – Fun, Fitness and Friendship through Swimming.
Members of our program will be registered as members of Masters Swimming Ontario (MSO), which enables swimmers to participate in sanctioned Masters Swim Meets throughout the world. For more information on MSO, please visit their website at http://www.mastersswimmingontario.ca/.
Only those with Full Season memberships will be registered automatically with MSO. All participants with Per Term memberships with be required to submit a request to the Supervisor, Aquatic Programs to be registered with MSO. A fee of $25.00 will apply to Per Term members who wish to be registered with MSO. Once registered, you are therefore eligible to compete in MSO sanctioned meets. MSO registration is good for up to one year, ending on August 31 of each year. Completion of an online form is required though, and if you have not done so yet and are a current registrant, you can still access the forms from the link
Intro to Coached Swim
The UTM Intro to Coached Swim program is for individuals seeking a gym alternative for fitness, those training for triathlons, and competitive swimming training who might have limited coached environment experience. The program is designed to enhance competitive swimming abilities, stroke techniques, and personal fitness.
This program will introduce the structure of a coached swim and provide a challenging workout for those new to the coached environment.
Swim Ability
To get the most out of this program, participants should already have basic swimming skills. While this program is not designed for beginners, we are excited to offer adult swim lessons led by experienced instructors who are here to help you build confidence and improve your technique.
New members are required to be able to complete the following:
- Swim a minimum of 25m any stroke
- Comfortable in the deep water
Schedule
There are 2 practices per week – Monday and Wednesday from 7:30 AM to 8:15 AM
How to join
Intro to Coached swim practices are included in your RAWC Membership or day pass purchase.
Space in practices is limited. All swimmers are strongly encouraged to preregister for practices to ensure their spot.
The Program
Participants are welcome to come to as many or as few scheduled swims as they chose. Swims include structured workouts and feedback from coaches.
This program will introduce the structure of a coached swim and provide a challenging workout for those new to the coached environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
The UTM Coached swim program is a swim training group for adults that provides feedback from a qualified coach. The program welcomes swimmers of all levels—from fitness enthusiasts to competitive athletes.
No! Participants are required to swim 200 meters (8 lengths) continuously in a pool. Coached swim programming and staff will help improve swimming technique, endurance, and confidence in the water.
Our Coached Swim program is designed for adults. Most swimmers are 18 and older, with no upper age limit.
No. Whether training for a race or just looking to work up a sweat, the UTM Coached Swim program fits a variety of goals and motivations.
There are three scheduled practices weekly. Coached Swim members can attend as many or few practices each week as desired.
Parking is not included in the coached swim membership. Membership holders will need to pay for parking at the kiosk or purchase a parking pass on our Parking website, an evening and weekend pass can be purchased.
Registration and Fees
Participants should register online through our website or in person at the Welcome Desk. If you are new to our website, please connect with our Welcome Services team for additional support.
There are 2 options for program commitment:
Option 1: Full season registration provides access to training practices from September – June.
- Year: (September-June)
Option 2: Per Term registration options are outlined below and are purchased only for the months noted:
- Fall: (September – December)
- Winter: (January – April)
- Spring: (May – June)
Program fees vary depending on session length and frequency. Options include full year and per-term options. Discounted pricing options are offered for UTM students. Please sign-in and refer to registration links for exact pricing
Yes! New swimmers are welcome to try a session before committing to the program. Interested? Please contact the Supervisor, Aquatic Programs to arrange a visit.
No. A facility membership is not required to become a Coached Swim member.
Workouts and Coaching
Regular workouts are scheduled during evening and weekend that run approximately 90 minutes. Check the link to view the current schedule.
Workouts are a mix of drills, aerobic sets, speed work, and technique refinement. Each session has a purpose—and includes variety and fun!
Yes. Swimmers are grouped by ability. Coaching staff provide modifications to sets so all participants are challenged appropriately.
Yes. Each workout is led by an experienced coach who provides feedback, encouragement, and tips to help participants progress.
Equipment and Requirements
Participants meet on deck in swimsuit ready for session. Optional gear includes swim cap, fins, paddles, pull buoy. Labeling personal items is recommended. Towels are available for sign-out through Welcome Services.
Goggles and swim caps are not required, but are beneficial. Participants are required to provide these if desired. Fins are not required but can enhance your training experience for drills or longer sets. The facility has fins for lending during practice if you do not wish to purchase.
No. Many swimmers start with freestyle and learn the other strokes over time. The UTM Coached Swim program offers instruction to help you improve at your own pace.
Competition Events
Yes! Meets are a great opportunity to challenge yourself and connect with swimmers from other clubs. Participation is optional but encouraged. Meets offered can be found on the external Masters Swimming Ontario website: https://www.mastersswimmingontario.ca/
No. Many swimmers join for the fitness, technique, and community enjoyment. Competing is up to member desire.
All members who purchase a full-season membership will automatically be registered as a swimmer with Masters Swimming Ontario (MSO). If you purchase a term membership, you will be required to request registration through the Supervisor, Aquatic Programs. A fee will apply.
UTM does not manage individual competition registrations, swimmers are responsible for registering themselves directly through the Masters Swimming Ontario website.
Coaches will not be attending competition events alongside swimmers. These events are self-directed, and athletes are expected to manage their own participation independently.