How Lessons Work

Current Locations

Private and semi-private lessons are available at two locations throughout the week.

Duncan: Monday through Wednesday

Nanaimo: Thursday through Sunday

Requesting a Lesson

1. View the currently available lesson times.

2. Choose your preferred location, date and time.

3. Submit the booking request and swimmer information.

4. I’ll review the request and make sure the lesson is an appropriate fit.

5. You’ll receive confirmation and payment instructions by email.

Submitting a request does not automatically confirm the appointment. I personally review each booking before it is finalized.

Don’t See a Time That Works?
Join the Lesson Availability List and tell me which days, times and locations would work better for your family. I’ll use that information when openings, cancellations or additional lesson times become available.

Lesson Length
Thirty-minute lessons are generally well suited to younger children, beginners and swimmers working on focused skills. Sixty-minute lessons may suit older children, adults and swimmers working on multiple or more advanced skills. If you’re unsure, I can recommend an appropriate lesson length.

Semi-Private Lessons
Semi-private lessons are available for two swimmers when their ages, abilities, comfort and goals are compatible. Suitability is confirmed before the booking is finalized.

Feedback
Parents and swimmers receive verbal feedback as part of the lesson. Written feedback is also available when useful or requested.

Current Locations
Current lesson availability is shown on the booking page. Choose the location that works best for your family when submitting your request. Exact availability changes as appointments are confirmed.

How the Waitlist Works

1. Fill in your swimmer profile.

2. Get notified about lesson availability.

3. You will be contacted for lesson bookings.

How Booking Works

1. Select booking type.

2. Select date and time.

3. Select Location.

4. Select

Payment & Booking

Payment by e-transfer is required to secure a lesson booking. GST is extra.

Lesson Details

Thirty-minute lessons are ideal for younger children and developing swimmers.

Sixty-minute lessons are ideal for older children, adults, and swimmers working on more advanced skills.

Semi-private lessons are recommended for siblings or friends whose ages, abilities and goals are compatible. Suitability will be confirmed before bookings are finalized.

Lesson Feedback

Feedback will be ongoing, verbal and written upon request. Lessons do not issue Lifesaving Society awards or certifications.

Lesson Locations

Private pools, commercial pools, and lakes from the Cowichan Valley to Nanaimo.

Meet Glenn

Hi, I'm Glenn! I've worked in aquatics for over 16 years as a lifeguard and swim instructor across Vancouver Island.

I’ve taught swimmers of all ages and abilities, including people with physical and learning challenges. That experience has taught me that progress often begins with finding the specific barrier that group lessons often miss.

My approach is personal, practical, encouraging, and fun. Lessons are adapted to the swimmer and focus on achievable improvements to build skills and confidence.

Qualifications

  • Lifesaving Society Swim for Life Instructor

  • Lifesaving Society Lifesaving Instructor

  • Lifesaving Society Pool and Waterpark Lifeguard

  • BCRPA Fitness Theory

  • WorkSafeBC OFA 3

  • Red Cross CPR-C

Private swimming lessons and lifeguarding in Nanaimo and beyond.

Copyright © Glenn Mathieson Aquatics 2026