Swim Schedule

Swim Programs

Swims workouts can vary depending on the season. Select the season below to see our times and locations and coaches. Typically we swim weekday evenings at the Ottawa University Pool in Montpetit Hall and the YMCA on Argyle Avenue.

DayTimeLocationCoachSpaces
Monday 7:00pmUplands9 / 28
Wednesday 7:00pmUplands11 / 28
Friday 7:00pmUplands3 / 28

Swim Programs

Our experienced coaches will help you reach your goals. We offer regular swim practices. We ask that, as a minimum, new swimmers be comfortable in deep water and have some knowledge of swimming. Special Learn-to-Swim programs are held from time to time for budding swimmers not yet ready to attend regular practices. Swim Clinics are held to improve swimming technique and Private Lessons are available for those who want more one-on-one attention.

Swim Programs

Seasonal Membership

Seasonal Membership offers swimming and membership of the Rideau Speedeaus. The membership covers a single season and includes prepared workouts, coaches on deck and access to the historical workouts online.

Note that people (for example, unemployed, full-time students, refugees) with low incomes and facing financial hardship that would make it difficult for them to register with the Rideau Speedeaus can apply for a 50% discount on all registrations. Ask about our bursaries. No refunds are provided except if Covid restrictions close the pool facilities.

Costs

Swims per WeekCost (excl. HST)Cost (incl HST)
1$110.00$124.30
2$198.00$223.74
3$281.00$317.53

During registration costs will be calculated on a prorated basis based on the swims remaining in the season up to a minimum of four weeks. Seasonal memberships can be prorated to the number of consecutive weeks the swimmer commits to before purchase. No refunds will be given.

Other Swim Options

Competitions Only

$75.00  ($84.75 with tax)

For swimmers who have their own training plan but would like to represent the Rideau Speedeaus in competition. This option provides the necessary club affiliation to compete and join us on relays. Please allow at least one week prior to a meet registration deadline for a Swim Ontario affiliation.

Drop In Swim

$15.75  ($17.80 with tax)

Non-members and visitors to Ottawa can join us for a one-off regular swim workout.

Learn to Swim

Kick Board and Cap

The Learn-to-Swim program is for those who do not feel ready to attend regular practices, or who want to learn or improve their techniques and strokes. Participants learn the basics of freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly and/or work on stroke improvement. They also learn to use the timing clock, develop aerobic pacing, floating, flip turns and pool etiquette. Our program aims to develop the swimmer’s competency and comfort in the pool. Each session is tailored to the participants’ abilities and swimming goals. For beginners, we will work with individuals to develop a certain level of comfort in the water and to introduce them to the various swimming techniques. For experienced swimmers, we will work on developing and refining the techniques, introduce swim workouts, as well as developing endurance. A previous swimming background is not required. The learn-to-swim fee includes access to the members’ website and swim team news. You will receive a Rideau Speedeaus swim cap at the beginning of the session!

Learn to Swim Options

No Swim Options

There are currently no learn to swim classes open for registration. Sign up to our Newsletter for updates.

Swim Clinics

Kick Board and Cap

Swim clinics are open to members and non-members! Swimmers with a Seasonal Membership can register for clinics for free. The following swim clinics are scheduled:

Coaches

Our Coaches

Jason Boivin Jason Boivin

Head Coach

Jason swam competitively for over 16 years up to nationally for Pointe-Claire Swim Club, then for McGill and now competes in triathlons recreationally. His coaching is driven by his passion for helping others succeed in a meaningful way. It started during the summers in Montreal’s West Island in his teens and began again at the end of his undergrad. Upon graduating, he decided to pursue coaching full-time as a career. Since then, Jason has amassed over a decade of experience coaching adults at all levels, from brand-new swimmers to Olympic swimmers, both on the pool deck and in the gym. He has been the head swim coach at the McGill Masters club, the McGill Triathlon club, and his club (JBFS) on top of coaching varsity for eight years between McGill and uOttawa. He is senior coach certified (level 3) and received the chartered designation in 2019. Jason moved to Ottawa that same year to pursue a master’s degree in Human Kinetics with a concentration in Intervention and Consultation from uOttawa. Upon completion, he worked as a Mental Performance Consultant with various Team Canada teams supporting them in their Olympic pursuits. He stepped away from sport to pursue a start-up opportunity in the sport and tech spaces. While doing this, he is happy to continue his passion for coaching with the Rideau Speedeaus.

Marie L Charron Marie L Charron

Learn to Swim Coach

Maria-Lynne feels fortunate to have been involved in a myriad of aquatic activities and experiences. A former swim instructor and lifeguard, she has also coached artistic swimming, and is an NCCP level one swim coach. Her favourite stroke is the front crawl, as she is very keen on the flutter kick. She also really enjoys and appreciates all the different components of the stroke, and the methods in which the various constituents merge together for a seamless and fluid experience. In her estimation, swimming truly is poetry in motion.

Tarek Raafat Tarek Raafat

Coach

Tarek swam competitively up to the international level starting with the Saint John Swim Club, then University of Toronto, Ottawa GO Kingfish and finishing with Carleton University. He held numerous NB age group records and medalled at National Championships. He taught swimming lessons as a teenager and after university coached the Carleton varsity team off and on for 13 years. He is a level 2 certified swim coach. Tarek worked for the federal government in information management at Statistics Canada, NRC and IDRC. He joined the Rideau Speedeaus 10 years ago to get back in a regular swimming routine and coaches on an "as needed" basis for the club. He enjoys helping people improve their technique, fitness and competitive skills.

Magali Mouton Magali Mouton

Coach

My favorite stroke is breaststroke and distance 200. I like swim meets, because I learn from it: how to push myself harder and have fun with it no matter what. But I also like practices because I get to see my friends! With classes swimming is my main social time and I love it!

Dylan Bardy Dylan Bardy

Coach

Dylan grew up swimming and completed all of the Aqua Quest, life saving, and instructing courses offered by the City of Brampton. He was introduced to competitive swimming through a pre-competitive program called Olympic Way offered at McMurchy and Balmoral pools. Dylan re-ignited his passion for swimming by joining the team at Mayfield Secondary School, followed by joining the provincial-level squad of the Cobra Swim Club where he additionally taught a pre-competitive program. After another ten year hiatus, Dylan joined the Rideau Speedeaus as a training athlete and coach of the Learn to Swim program. Dylan's favourite stroke is breaststroke, and he likes to focus on stroke technique during his practice.

Emily Masters Emily Masters

Coach

Emily is passionate about helping swimmers thrive! A former provincial swimmer, swim coach, and mental performance consultant for swimming and artistic swimming, she brings a well-rounded, energetic approach to the pool. Say hi to her on the deck, she is always happy to chat and cheer you on!

Want to Coach for the Rideau Speedeaus?...

Competitions

Competition Medals

Upcoming competitions and meets are listed below. You can also subscribe to the Rideau Speedeaus Meets Calendar and join the messenger group!

EventDateLocation
2025 EuroGamesJuly 23, 2025Lyon, FranceMore Info
2025 World Masters ChampionshipsAugust 05, 2025SingaporeMore Info
2026 Gay GamesJune 27, 2026Valencia, SpainMore Info

Open Water Swimming

Disclaimer: These activities are not included as part of the club membership. Any risks associated with these activities are assumed by the individuals choosing to participate. The club assumes no liability for anyone participating in these activities.

Swim Programs

With the Rideau Speedeaus

Come swim with the Rideau Speedeaus during the summer months as we take advantage of the great outdoors. We informally organize ad-hoc open water swims at locations such as Lac Leamy, Lac Meech and Lac Philippe usually followed by the chance to have a picnic or meal together. Click the link to join the Messenger group to discuss and organize the next outing.

Competitively

There are two open water swimming races in the Ottawa area that the club frequently takes part in: Bring on the Bay and Riverkeeper. Click the links to the side for more information.

For more information on open water swimming races see the Global Swim Series.

Bring on the Bay