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.

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.

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.

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!

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:

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

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.

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.

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.