Confidence Starts in the Water
50+
Students
300+
Lessons
Meet the Instructor
Hi, I’m Rian — the face behind Wilson’s Waves!
I’m a certified lifeguard and swim instructor with years of experience teaching hundreds of kids how to swim safely, confidently, and with a smile. I’ve responded to emergencies, saved lives, and earned consistent praise for my ability to keep lessons fun, engaging, and highly effective.
What really sets my lessons apart is the energy I bring to the pool. I’m outgoing, positive, and passionate about helping kids thrive in the water. My goal is always to make swim lessons something kids genuinely look forward to - fun, rewarding, and the best part of their day!
Outside of teaching, I’m currently in my second year as a student-athlete at the University of British Columbia, where I balance competitive training with academic life.
I can't wait to help your swimmer build confidence, have fun, and make waves this summer!
Our Services
Private Lessons (1-on-1 Instruction)
Tailored, focused, and fully personalized.
Ideal for swimmers who benefit from individual attention in a positive and distraction-free space. Lessons move at your child’s pace to build confidence, comfort, and skill.
Group Lessons (2+ Swimmers)
Fun, social learning in small groups.
Perfect for siblings or friends who want to learn together while still receiving personal instruction. Encourages teamwork and boosts confidence in a supportive setting.
Reach out if more than 2 swimmers!
Trusted by Families Across Niagara
“Rian was an excellent swim instructor who made every lesson engaging and fun. My daughter absolutely loved her time in the pool with him. He did a great job incorporating games and her personal interests while still focusing on essential skills and techniques. Swimming is such an important life skill, and it gave us real peace of mind to see her becoming more capable and comfortable in the water. The individual lessons helped her improve quickly, and it was amazing to watch her confidence grow with each session. We’re really looking forward to continuing with Rian again this year!”
“Rian has a remarkable gift for teaching. His play-based approach meant my son wasn't just learning—he was having an absolute blast! Within just two lessons, he became a confident, efficient swimmer. We can’t wait for another season with Rian!”
Bill Huizer
Jane Lauermeier
Amanda Visocchi“My 4 1/2 year old grandson just completed a series of private swimming lessons with Rian. All I can say is AWESOME!! Before his lessons, Aidan was struggling to gain confidence and couldn’t put his head underwater. A life jacket was a must and he had so much fear. By the end of the FIRST lesson, the life jacket was off and Aidan was diving for pool toys!! Thank-you Rian!! We now have a swimmer !!”
About Wilson’s Waves
Wilson’s Waves was created to make swim lessons more personal, fun, and accessible for families in St. Catharines and the Niagara region. After years of teaching swimming and receiving great feedback from both parents and kids, I launched Wilson’s Waves with support from the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre to offer a better lesson experience — one that feels welcoming, flexible, and built around each swimmer.
Unlike larger swim programs with crowded classes and rotating instructors, Wilson’s Waves offers personalized private and small-group lessons tailored to each swimmer’s pace and goals. This means more individual attention, stronger trust, and faster progress.
Whether your child is just starting out or building their skills, Wilson’s Waves provides a safe, engaging environment where swimmers gain confidence, have fun, and make real progress.
Location
Lessons take place in a private backyard pool on Gregory Road in St. Catharines, in a calm, peaceful neighbourhood just off the QEW. The setting is quiet, safe, and convenient for local families, creating an ideal environment for kids to feel comfortable in the water and focused during lessons.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Private lessons are 30 minutes and semi-private lessons (2+ swimmers) are 45 minutes which is ideal for focus, energy, and learning.
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Lessons are held at my private pool (exact address provided after deposit). If you’re interested in lessons at your own pool, please fill out the contact form and we can discuss options.
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Lessons may be rescheduled in cases of heavy rain or unsafe conditions.
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Book by selecting the “Book Now” button on the Services page. Choose 4, 8, or 12 lessons, fill out your contact information, and pay the deposit to secure your spot. The remaining balance can be paid via e-transfer or in person.
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Come with a swimsuit, towel, and goggles (recommended).
Contact
Contact
Have a question? Fill out the form below and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible — I’m always happy to help!
You can also email me at wilsonswaves@gmail.com for booking inquiries, lesson details, or anything else. I’m always open to connecting.