Following a number of public pool closures, one charity is stepping up to support families looking for swimming lessons. In a media release on Friday, YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg (Y Winnipeg) said the organization is opening up its 2027 swimming lessons to the public. “We heard about the city pools closing and we know how upsetting it can be for families who really want their kids to learn how to be safe,” said Cordella Friesen, president and CEO of Y Winnipeg. “We thought, ‘We already have these beautiful pools, let’s make them open to everyone.’” The lessons are typically only available to Y Winnipeg members after paying an additional fee, but starting in December, the public can also sign up for the lessons. As of Saturday, fees start from $32.50 per 12-week session for members and non-members are asked to pay a fixed $160 per swimmer per 12-week session. Financial assistance will be available for those facing financial barriers. Lessons will be offered at three locations: Elmwood-Kildonan at 454 Kimberly Ave., South Y at 5 Fermor Ave. and West Portage at 3550 Portage Ave. Registration for all programs is rolling out in two phases. Y members can sign up starting at 12 p.m. on Dec. 7 and the public can sign up 24 hours later, on Dec. 8. Classes will begin the week of Jan. 4, 2027. Several public pools in Winnipeg have been experiencing issues. Seven Oaks Pool in Old Kildonan was closed on Dec. 14, 2025 and expected to reopen after 12 to 14 months of major repairs, but a new leak was identified, delaying its reopening until April 2027. The delay came during St. James Civic Centre’s closure and planned closure of the Pan Am Pool in 2027 for major renovations. A city spokesperson previously told CTV News the St. James Civic Centre’s pool and weight room are expected to reopen in January 2027, with the rest of its facility to open in the spring. With files from CTV News’ Jeff Keele, Kayla Rosen and Taylor Brock
