Frequently Asked Questions

At this time, I operate out of five City of Edmonton facilities: Kinsmen, Peter Hemingway, Commonwealth, Eastglen, and Grand Trunk. You can use this custom map to see which one is closest to you.

1. Expertise in adult learning. For over a decade, I've been studying adult learning principles and putting them into practice. As an instructor at the University of Alberta, I taught undergraduate classes on personal health and wellness, how to swim and coach swimming, and theories of sport psychology. As an instructional designer, I used adult learning principles to develop effective online learning experiences. Now, I apply those same principles as head coach of the Fast Eddie's Swim Team and when I work one-on-one with women in the water (maybe you!).
2. A PhD in sport psychology. My studies focused on theories of motivation within sport and exercise contexts. I've done research on optimal training environments for swimmers, reasons why adults stop exercising, and strategies for exercising that work for women with ADHD. My research shows that knowing how to swim doesn't mean someone can make it a part of their lifestyle. That's why I offer wrap-around services to help people get to the pool on a regular basis.
3. Commitment to inclusion and accessibility My ultimate goal is for ALL people who identify as women or were assigned female at birth to feel joy in their bodies and comfort and confidence in the water. This includes racialized women, neurodivergent women, trans women, trans men, women living with disabilities or chronic illnesses, and women in bodies of all shapes and sizes. If there's a way I can make my services more accessible for you, I want to hear about it!

If you’ve got what you need to swim but you’ve never taken lessons before and/or you’re very uncomfortable in the water, I’d recommend “Hold My Hand.”

If you’re a beginner but you don’t need someone in the water with you, go for “Stand By Me.”

If you are comfortable in the water and want to improve your strokes and structure your workouts, try “Kick My Butt!”

If there’s one specific stroke or skill you want to work on, choose “Fix My Stroke!” or “Tune Up My.”

With that in mind, and also my own needs for a predictable schedule and cashflow, when you fill in my intake form, you get to choose between having either one or two free cancellations/rescheduling (giving at least 2 hours notice). Any subsequent cancellation will result in a $40 fee, which must be paid prior to rescheduling the session or attending the next scheduled session.

Another option is to use prescription goggles. For example, Speedo offers goggles with optical corrections from -1.5 to -8 for less than $40. Of course, these work best if your eyes have a similar prescription. You can also spend more for custom-made prescription goggles.

Swimming with contact lenses (even when wearing goggles) is not recommended, as there is a risk of extremely serious eye infections that can threaten your vision. However, many people still do it. Using daily disposable lenses may reduce the risk of infection.

Yes! Although I cannot guarantee an environment free of discrimination, the City of Edmonton states that, “Everyone should be able to access and benefit from City recreational and cultural sites, services and resources in a safe, enjoyable and respectful manner.” If someone engages in discriminatory or antagonistic behaviour toward you, please report it to a City of Edmonton employee immediately. They can have that person banned from the facility.

The City of Edmonton also states that, “Swim attire guidelines ensure that City of Edmonton pools are aligned with the Alberta Human Rights Act which does not allow for discrimination based on gender, gender identity or gender expression.” Here are a few links to companies that offer gender-affirming swimwear options:

• Sock Drawer Heroes
• Untag
• TOMSCOUT

You bet! The water is an incredibly supportive and comforting place for many people in larger bodies, as it gives your joints a break and your fat actually makes floating easier.

Many people are afraid of what others will think or say about their bodies at the pool, but the truth is, most people are focused on their own bodies and workouts. The majority of swimmers are lovely, inclusive people, who are happy to see others enjoying the water. If you need a little more inspiration, check out this beautiful story of swimming in a self-described fat body.

Yep! Most pools have free tampons available. If you’re not comfortable using tampons, you can look into period swimwear. Aisle is a Canadian company that has a one-piece period swimsuit in a wide range of sizes. If your flow is pretty light, you could probably swim for an hour without using anything—you just might want a dark-coloured towel or pair of shorts for when you get out of the pool.

Of course! Here’s what the City of Edmonton has to say:

In partnership with the Lifesaving Society, and in compliance with Alberta Health Services, when bathing in a public pool, swimwear must be suitable for general participation in bathing and must not impair swimming skills. Swimwear may be made of different types of fabric as long as it does not put a user’s health at risk or interfere with pool water quality.

In the case of patrons who, for personal reasons, cannot expose a part of their body, a modified version of traditional swimwear must be permissible as an alternative. For example, acceptable alternative swimwear could include footless tights, gymnastic leggings, tight-fitting undershirt, a tight-fitting hood that covers the head and neck with wide openings for the face, tight-fitting sweater or pants, or a wetsuit.

Burkinis and rash guards are examples of acceptable alternative swimwear as face and neck are uncovered and fabric is tight-fitting enough to not interfere with swimming skills. Hands and feet can move freely and there is an additional element of hygiene if hair is covered.

All swim apparel must be clean and brought to the facility for the purpose of swimming.

Companies like Nike and Adidas now offer swim hijabs and long-sleeved tunics for swimming. Lanuuk is a Canadian company with many stylish swimwear options with varying degrees of coverage.