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2026 Registrations now open!
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Kelowna

Where the

love of swimming

begins.

WELCOME TO WE LOVE SWIMMING

Swim Lessons from 4 months in Kelowna, Canada

As parents, finding a swimming program that is safe, effective, and truly worth the investment was not easy. When we first enrolled our 3.5-year-old daughter in swimming lessons, we felt reassured - but we always made sure she wore a swim aid whenever she was near water. It wasn’t until a family vacation that we discovered the reality: after two years of lessons, she could only glide short distances and was unable to tread water or swim confidently over longer distances. This experience opened our eyes to critical concerns about water safety, program quality, and the effectiveness of larger group swim lessons for young children. Determined to find a better way, we started teaching her ourselves for a year.

Eventually, we found a program that worked - within just a month, she could tread water for over a minute and swim 25 meters. But as she grew older, we faced another challenge. At age seven, progress stalled again. Her strokes lacked proper technique, and we noticed a gap in personalized, hands-on instruction. Once again, we returned to teaching her ourselves, focusing on stroke correction and skill development at our local community pool.

Through these ups and downs, one thing remained constant: our daughter’s love for swimming — and it inspired our journey.

We Love Swimming was created out of a passion for swimming and a commitment to water safety. Our mission is to provide a nurturing, engaging environment where children not only learn to swim but build true confidence, respect and a love for the water and swimming. We focus on personalized instruction, water safety education, and the love of aquatic activities. Our goal is simple: to equip every child with the skills they need to swim safely and enjoy the water for life.

Together, we are building a community of safe, confident swimmers—promoting health, happiness, and safety in and around water for generations to come.

MEET 

THE COACHES

Marie van Onselen

Marie van Onselen

Marie van Onselen is a certified Swim for Life Trainer and an affiliate of the Lifesaving Society, bringing over 20 years of experience in Aquatics, Education and Special Educational Needs. With a strong passion for teaching and helping others to love swimming, Marie holds a Master's degree in Education from the University of Toronto, a Bachelor’s degree in Educational Law, a Bachelor's degree in Educational Psychology, and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education and Teaching (specializing in Special Educational Needs).

Elmar van Onselen

Elmar van Onselen

Elmar van Onselen is a certified Swim for Life Trainer and an affiliate of the Lifesaving Society, possessing over 30 years of experience in Aquatics. With a deep passion for teaching and a dedication to personal development, Elmar holds a postgraduate degree in Education, an Honors degree in Human Resources Management, and a Post-Graduate Certificate from the University of Cambridge (UK).

Elmar van Onselen

Emma Brand

Emma is a certified Swim Instructor with a lifelong passion for swimming and aquatic education. She spent seven years competing with respected swim clubs, including the AquaJets and the Inconnu's, where she developed strong technical skills and a deep appreciation for the sport.

Dedicated to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment, Emma is committed to helping children develop strong swimming abilities while building confidence and safety awareness in the water. Her goal is to instill a lifelong love of swimming, ensuring that every swimmer not only learns essential skills but also enjoys the experience and excitement of being in the water

OUR

SWIM PROGRAMS

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Our swim school offers a range of programs designed to help swimmers of all ages and abilities build confidence and skill in the water. Whether your goal is to learn to swim, improve your swim stroke technique, or simply enjoy the water, we have a program to suit every swimmer’s journey.

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Adult Swimmer

The Adult Swimmer module is for beginners who may be just starting out or swimmers who just want to help with their strokes.
Age 13 years and older
Level 1-3

Swimmer

The Swimmer module ensures children learn how to swim before they get in too deep. Progressions accommodate 5 to 12-year-olds including beginners and swimmers who want to build on the basics. Lots of in-water practice develops solid swimming strokes and skills.
Age 5-12 Years
Level 1-6

Preschool

Preschool programs develop an appreciation and healthy respect for the water before these kids get in too deep. The Preschool module focuses on 3 to 5 year olds become comfortable in the water and have fun developing a foundation of water skills.
Age 3-5 Years
Level 1-5

Parent & Tot

The Lifesaving Society Parent & Tot program structures in-water interaction between parents and child to stress the importance the importance of play in developing water-positive attitudes and skills.
Age 4 months - 3 Years
Level 1-5
Level 1-5
Level 1-5
What our clients say

“What a great experience!”

My 4 year old son is usually super anxious in the pool, as we have a pool this is a concern for us. We Love Swimming has its own small pool perfect for one on one learning or small group lessons. Its waiting area has a big screen so you can relax and watch your child on the tv. My son actually loves going there, it’s been such a relief for us. The teachers are so lovely! Would definitely recommend!

Connie A.

Great swimming lessons!”

The instructors are so kind and great with our kids.

Matthew T.

“Teachers are wonderful.”

Very welcoming and excellent at making the kids feel comfortable and working at their specific level. The pool is properly heated so the kids are actually comfortable and can enjoy their lesson. The indoor waiting/changing area are well thought out and very comfortable.

Jeremy G.

"Game changer!"

The swimming instruction at We Love Swimming has been an absolute game changer for our little one who started out refusing to even put his face in the water and just 3 months later is able to swim and float independently. We had tried swimming lessons at multiple different places in town and had very minimal results, I only wish we had found out about We Love Swimming sooner! We are so grateful for the wonderful experience we’ve had and highly recommend for anyone wanting to learn to swim.

Alexandar M.

"They cant wait for their next lesson!"

We love swimming has been the best experience ever for my kids! They have learned so much in just a short time and feels so comfortable being in the water.

Patricia S.

"Perfect balance of gentle structure and fun."

We couldn’t be happier with our experience at We Love Swimming Swim School! Even after just our first parent & tot class with our 9-month-old, we were so impressed. The instructors are warm, patient, and genuinely passionate, creating a calm and welcoming environment right from the start. The pool is beautifully warm, which made our baby comfortable immediately - and it shows, as our little one was relaxed and happy throughout. From the first session, it felt like the perfect balance of gentle structure and fun, and such a special bonding experience for us as parents. If you’re considering swim lessons for your baby, this is the BEST place to go! Thank you Elmar and Marie we cant wait until our next lesson!

Elmarie N.

"We finally hit the jackpot."

After a year of searching for a top-quality swim school with availability, we finally hit the jackpot with We Love Swimming! The coaches are incredibly attentive, tailoring their lessons to each child's level. My daughter loves swimming underwater like a fish, but needed help with swimming strokes. Plus, there’s free GREAT coffee while you wait - perfect for a relaxing break!

John G.

"A wonderful one-on-one approach."

My children love this swim school! Marie and Elmar are so kind, patient, and truly caring, with a wonderful one-on-one approach. Because my children feel safe, confident, and have fun every time they’re there, improvement was instantly noticeable. They always look forward to “swimming day.” We all highly recommend this program.

Kimberley E.

"It was fantastic."

I had my first adult lesson with Elmar this week and it was fantastic. He was patient, provided great instruction, and was very considerate of my specific goals. And the water was warm!

Robert H.

We Love Swimming 2025.

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