About the CLUB

What is the Downtown Swim Club (DSC)?

The Downtown Swim Club (DSC) is an LGBTQ2S+ and allies-inclusive swim club based in Toronto. We welcome swimmers of all sexualities, gender identities, and skill levels - from casual fitness swimmers to competitive athletes.

DSC is a Masters swim club, which means we are part of a broader adult swimming community. Our mission is to foster fitness, friendship, and fun through swimming and community engagement. Whether you're looking to train seriously or just stay active and meet new people, there’s a place for you at DSC.

As a Masters swim club, we do not offer a Learn-to-Swim program. Members must be able to swim at least 100m freestyle without stopping. Most of our practices include sets using all four strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly) although coaches provide options to swimmers who are not comfortable with specific strokes. Currently, we offer a stroke-development practice on Sundays to help members gain more confidence in all four strokes.

What is Masters Swimming?

Masters swimming refers to organized swim training for adults aged 18 and older. The term “Masters” originated in track and field and was later adopted by adult swim programs - it doesn’t imply elite skill or competition. Masters swimming includes people of all backgrounds:

• Competitive swimmers returning to the sport
• Triathletes
• Beginners improving technique
• People who simply love swimming and want to stay fit

At DSC, practices are coached and structured, but everyone trains at their own pace and intensity.

Do I need to be LGBTQ2S+ to join?

Not at all! DSC welcomes all swimmers - LGBTQ2S+ and allies alike. If you value inclusion, respect, and community, you’re welcome here. Many of our members join simply because they enjoy the friendly, supportive atmosphere, regardless of their orientation or identity.

Is DSC a competitive swim club?

DSC supports both recreational and competitive swimmers. You can swim just for fitness and fun, or train for Masters swim meets and competitions. Participation in competitions is completely optional - the choice is yours!

I don't know anyone in the club — is that okay?

Absolutely! Most members didn’t know anyone when they first joined. DSC is known for being warm, friendly, and welcoming, especially to newcomers. Friendships take time to build, but once you start attending practices and social events, you’ll quickly find your place. Before long, no one will even remember you were ever “new.”

Does DSC accommodate transgender and non-binary swimmers?

Yes. Downtown Swim Club is proud to be part of the LGBTQ2S+ community and welcomes all individuals, regardless of gender identity or expression. We do not tolerate shaming, harassment, or exclusion. Everyone has the right to feel safe and respected, including in the change rooms. Our practice pools offer a mix of traditional and gender-inclusive facilities:

• Jimmie Simpson (Tuesdays): Men’s/Women’s change rooms with private stalls
• Wellesley (Wednesdays) & Pam McConnell (Thursdays): Universal change rooms
• U of T Athletic Centre (Weekends): Men’s/Women’s change rooms with private facilities, as well as a gender-neutral space located on the second floor near the Benson pool

Membership & Registration

How do I join the club?

You can join DSC by registering online through our Join DSC page. Just select your membership type and follow the instructions. It's quick and easy!

What is the pro-rated fee if i join midway through the current season?

Our 2024-25 season runs Sep 3, 2024 – Aug 28, 2025. We cannot accept new members in August. The fees below include HST and a mandatory insurance fee of $15.00.

2024-25	September	October	November	December	January	February	March	April	May	June	July	August
Regular	$850.00	$850.00	$850.00	$850.00	$746.00	$641.00	$537.00	$433.00	$328.00	$224.00	$119.00	N/A
Senior/ student	$595.00	$595.00	$595.00	$595.00	$526.70	$453.20	$375.90	$303.10	$229.60	$156.80	$83.30	N/A

Can I try a swim before signing up?

Yes! We offer a trial swim period of up to three swims so you can see if DSC is the right fit for you. Check our Trial & Guest Swims page for upcoming dates and to register.

How much does membership cost, and how is it determined?

Membership fees vary depending on the season and type of membership. For the most current pricing, please visit our Join DSC page. As a non-profit club, DSC sets fees based on the actual costs of operating - including pool permits, certified coaching, lifeguards, and insurance. We strive to keep fees as low as possible while including a small cushion to support social events and any unexpected expenses.

Do I have to pay pool admission or facility fees on top of my DSC membership?

No! DSC rents the entire pool for each practice, so your membership covers everything - no additional pool or facility fees required.

I can’t make it to every practice. Do you offer discounts or a pay-per-swim option?

We do not offer drop-in or pay-per-swim options. However, our membership provides access to up to 6 coached practices per week, making it one of the best-value clubs in Toronto - at just over $3 per swim. We are also one of the few Masters teams in the Greater Toronto Area that offers practices 12 months a year.

If you're unsure whether you’ll be able to attend regularly, we recommend using the trial swim period to see if our schedule fits your routine.

Is there a refund policy?

No, refunds are not offered. We encourage all prospective members to take advantage of our trial swim period (up to three swims) before committing to a full membership. This gives you the opportunity to experience our practices, meet the team, and see if DSC is the right fit for you.

Practices & Schedule

Where and when do you practice?

We swim at multiple pools across downtown Toronto, with practices offered up to six days per week. For the most up-to-date schedule and locations, please visit our Practices page.

Do I need to register for each practice?

If you're a member, you do not need to register for each practice - just show up and swim!

If you're a trial swimmer, you must register for each trial swim in advance so we can manage numbers and provide you with a smooth first experience.

What is a typical practice like?

DSC is extremely fortunate to have exceptional coaches on staff. Workouts typically include a warm-up set, a drill and/or kick set, a main set, and a warm-down set. Practices run for the entire time as listed on our calendar (i.e., a 60-minute practice means 60 minutes in the water). Please arrive at the pool at least 15 minutes early to get changed.

Most workouts include sets with all four strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly), although coaches offer alternatives for swimmers if a particular stroke is not their favorite. We divide the pool into four speed groups, Lanes A to D, with A being our fastest swimmers. Some workouts focus on freestyle, whether sprint or mid-distance (200-300m); other workouts focus on all 4 strokes or Individual Medley (butterfly, back, breast, free) itself. On Sundays, we currently offer a stroke-development workout to support swimmers in gaining more confidence in all 4 strokes.

We ask coaches to look out for new people so that you know who the coach is – one clue is that coaches are the person on deck wearing the most clothing ;-) We also encourage new people to introduce yourselves, as well. The coach will get a sense of your experience with swimming and help you find the right lane to join. Coaches typically post the workout on a white board on the pool, or they might call out each set.

There is a ‘lingo’ to swimming. If you’re new to that lingo or if you know that lingo well in other languages but not yet in English, don’t be shy to ask the coach or a lane-mate for an explanation. We were all new to the lingo at some point in our lives!

Swim Meets & Events

Can I compete in swim meets?

Yes! All DSC members are welcome to participate in Masters swim meets, regardless of experience. You don’t need a racing background - just an interest in trying it out and having fun with the team.

Do I have to attend meets?

Not at all. Swim meets are completely optional. Many of our members swim purely for fitness, fun, and community, with no intention of competing - and that’s totally okay!

What social events do you host?

DSC hosts a wide variety of social and team-building events throughout the year - there's something for everyone! Activities include:

• Dryland fitness sessions
• Social meetups at bars and restaurants
• Picnics and potlucks
• Outdoor activities like bike rides and hikes
• Indoor fun like bowling and movie nights
• Open houses to welcome new members and connect with the LGBTQ2S+ community

To stay up to date, check our Events page and follow us on Instagram!

Safety & Club Policies

Is there a lifeguard at practice?

Yes, all our pool practices are supervised by certified lifeguards to ensure everyone’s safety!

What’s your Code of Conduct?

DSC is committed to maintaining a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for all members. You can read our full Code of Conduct on our website.

Staying in the Loop

How do I get club updates?

We keep our members informed through a monthly email newsletter called WetScream, plus regular updates on our Instagram and Facebook pages.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out by emailing us at info@dsctoronto.ca. We’re happy to help!