The Geneviève Marcon fund aquatic program
Thanks to the Geneviève Marcon Fund, children in the Saint-Roch neighbourhood can learn basic swimming skills for free! And 10 teenagers will be able to take the full lifeguard training at the Saint-Roch YMCA.
This is Geneviève Marcon’s way of ensuring all young people in the neighbourhood are properly educated in water safety. Her initiative aims to help prevent drowning while also offering teens in Saint-Roch the opportunity to complete a recognized certification and secure quality student employment.
Learn to Swim Program

Eligible lessons
The YMCA swimming lessons that can be financed by the Geneviève Marcon Fund are all the Learn to Swim lessons offered at the Saint-Roch YMCA. These courses focus on preventing drownings instead of developing more advanced swimming skills.
Eligible lessons include the following:
- 6 months to 3 years (with parent)
Splasher (Red Cross Equivalent Program: Starfish)
Bubbler (Red Cross Equivalent Program: Duck and Sea Turtle)
- 3 years to 5 years (with or without parent)
Bobber (Red Cross Equivalent Program: Sea Otter)
Floater (Red Cross Equivalent Program: Salamander)
Glider (Red Cross Equivalent Program: Salamander)
Diver (Red Cross Equivalent Program: Sunfish)
Surfer (Red Cross Equivalent Program: Crocodile)
Dipper (Red Cross Equivalent Program: Whale)
- 6 years to 12 years
Otter (Red Cross Equivalent Program: Junior 1)
Seal (Red Cross Equivalent Program: Junior 2)
Dolphin (Red Cross Equivalent Program: Junior 2 and 3)
Swimmer (Red Cross Equivalent Program: Junior 4, 5 and 6)
How to evaluate my child's level?
Evaluation sessions in the pool are planned so you can register your child in the course that suits their current level.
You can visit the Customer Service counter or call us at 418-525-9622 to sign up for the evaluations.
*If you cannot make it during the time slot you signed up for, please contact us and we will find a suitable time.
Your child should arrive for their evaluation with their swimsuit, bathing cap, sandals, and a towel. Evaluations typically take about 20 minutes.
How to register?
To be eligible for financing from the Geneviève Marcon Fund you must:
- Live in the Saint-Roch neighbourhood and provide proof of residence;
- Choose an eligible swim course;
- Sign a contract committing to attending all the session’s classes.
Please note:
- Private swim lessons are not eligible.
- Registration is on a first come, first serve basis. Registration will be open until the course fills up.
- Only one swim course per child can be financed by the fund.
Financial Assistance
The Geneviève Marcon Fund can be applied to one free swim course, but the Saint-Roch YMCA also offers financial assistance so your child can continue with their swim education. Financial assistance is universally accessible for all the YMCA’s swim levels, aquatic training, and sports programs.
Questions? Please write to us at info.st-roch@ymcaquebec.org or call us at 418-525-9622.