Public Swimming and Waterfit

Swim tests

Patrons under the age of seven years must stay in the shallow end and be accompanied by a parent, guardian or designate who is at least 16 years of age and is responsible for their direct supervision within arm’s reach. There is a maximum of two children for each parent, guardian or designate. Patrons who pass the facility swim test may swim in the deep end.

Patrons between the ages of seven and 10 years who cannot pass the facility swim test must remain in the shallow end and be accompanied by a parent, guardian or designate who is at least 16 years of age and is responsible for their direct supervision within arm’s reach. There is a maximum of two children for each parent, guardian or designate.

Patrons between the ages of seven and 10 years who pass the facility swim test and meet the height requirements posted at the facility may be admitted without caregiver supervision.

Patrons 10 years of age or older may enter the pool without caregiver supervision. Patrons who can pass the facility swim test may swim in the deep end. Patrons who cannot pass the facility swim test must remain in the shallow end.

To successfully pass the facility swim test individuals must:

• Demonstrate comfort in water.
• Swim a minimum of two widths continuously in shallow water.

Special Needs Participation

The Recreation and Culture department strives to make our programs and services accessible and inclusive to all members of our community including those with intellectual or physical disabilities; attention and behaviour difficulties; vision and hearing impairments; learning disabilities; allergies and medical conditions.

For more information, visit our Special Needs Participation page.

Healthy swim etiquette

To reduce the risk of spreading germs and to keep our pools clean, please remember the following tips when enjoying our facilities:

• Shower before you swim – Please shower with soap and warm water before entering or re-entering the pool deck. It's clean, it's green, it's the law!
• Wear appropriate footwear – Bring clean flip flops or sandals to wear on the pool deck. No street shoes please.
• Don't use the pool if you feel sick – Not feeling well? Swimmers should refrain from using the pool when ill, or if they have experienced diarrhea in the past week.
• Prevent pool fouling – Please refrain from feeding children or eating large meals before swimming. All swimmers are encouraged to visit the washroom before entering the pool. Children that are not toilet trained must wear swim diapers made for swimming pool use. These are available for purchase in the pool office.
• Wear appropriate clothing – Patrons on the pool deck must be dressed in suitable bathing attire and pay the posted admission fee.
• Don't bring food onto the pool deck – Only water is permitted on the pool deck. Don't forget to bring your reusable drinking containers.
• Don't bring strollers onto the pool deck – Strollers are not permitted on our sanitized decks. Parents and guardians are reminded that children should never be left unattended.

Rereational swims

• Adult Combo – A quiet leisure swim for adults 18+ with at least one lane open.
• Combo – All ages. Leisure swim with at least one lane reserved for lengths.
• Family Fun – All ages. Groups must be accompanied by at least one adult, 18 years or older. The "under seven years" rules also apply for the family swim.
• Healing Waters – This non-instructional time is for those who require space and time in the water to work through prescribed exercises. Bring a personal therapist (both therapist and client required to pay admission) or work independently. A qualified lifeguard is on duty and specialty equipment is available for your use.
• Leisure – All ages. Diving boards are open. Pool toys and floatation aids allowed in shallow end, except during peak periods.
• Lengths – Pool is divided into slow, medium and fast lanes. Diving boards are closed. All swimmers must be able to swim 25 metres.
• Swim Your Way – A family fun swim for families with children or youth with a special need.
• Water Jogging – All ages. A non-instructional fitness opportunity in deep end of pool. Must be able to swim 25 metres.
• Women's Only Combo – Female only, aged seven (7) and up, children six (6) and under (admission standards apply). Leisure swim with at least one lane reserved for lengths.

Waterfit

• Adult Endurance (Drop-in) – An "all swimming" workout consisting of a warm up, a main set, and a cool down. An excellent cardiovascular activity.
• Aquacycle – Participants are fit with a unique aquatic stationary bike, which allows them to take advantage of the resistance of the water while they pedal. An Aquacycle class provides a cardiovascular workout and stress-free training for the joints and muscles. Water shoes or sneakers are required to participate.
• Aqua Pilates – Try this fun low-level Pilates class focusing on core strength with the therapeutic effects of exercising and stretching in the water (increased range of motion, postural alignment, and improved muscle strength with no impact load on the joints).
• Gentle Waterfit – A gentle water exercise program for those with arthritis, fibromyalgia or any other condition affecting mobility and quality of life.
• Swim and Trim – The first 15 minutes of this hour-long class consists of a non-instructional length swim or water jog warm-up, followed by a 45-minute Waterfit class.
• Waterfit – An all exercise workout. No swimming skills required. Conducted in shallow or deep water.

Recreational swims single admission options

Single admission prices are effective February 1, 2015 and include applicable taxes. Each admission fee entitles you to one recreational swim:

• Single admission – $4
• Seniors single admission (ages 65+) – $3.20
• Youth single admission (ages 2-17) – $3.20
• Group (max. five people) – $12
• Children under 2 years of age – No charge

Swim passes

A swim membership gives you access to all indoor and outdoor pools and arenas during recreational swim times. A fee of $11.30 (includes applicable taxes) is applied to all passes purchased by non-residents (except 10-visit passes).

HST will be added to the following prices at the time of payment, as applicable.

Annual passes

• Annual-individual pass – $212.39
• Annual senior pass (ages 65+) – $171
• Annual youth pass (ages 2-17) – $171
• Annual family pass – $380.53

Three-month passes

• Three-month individual pass – $70.80
• Three-month senior pass (ages 65+) – $57
• Three-month youth pass (ages 2-17) – $57
• Three-month family pass – $128.32

10-visit passes

• General 10-visit pass – $36.27
• Seniors (ages 65+) 10-visit pass – $28.93
• Youth (ages 2-17) 10-visit pass – $28.93

• Lost or stolen cards are subject to a replacement fee.
• A family with one or two adult guardians over the age of 18 and their dependents, 18 years of age or under, or full-time students under the age of 25 qualifies for a family pass. Multiple families cannot be combined on any pass purchase.
• Monthly fees are based on the commitment of a yearly membership. Initial payment will include first month membership fee, equipment surcharge and applicable taxes.

Waterfit participation fees and options

• Pay-As-You-Go – $9.75 (ages 13-64) or $7.80 (65+)
• 10-visit Punch Card – $87.80 (ages 13-64) or $70.17 (65+)

Visit the Fitness Centres page for information about more memberships, with options that include unlimited access to recreational swimming and Waterfit classes.

The Town of Oakville offers the Lifesaving Society (LSS) Swim for Life program in all of its pools. If your child has not taken lessons for more than a year or you are unsure as to which level they should be registered in, please bring your child to either a leisure or combo swim for an assessment.

Age guidelines

Children must be the required age indicated for the level by the program start date. Children who are 5 years-old do not need to complete all preschool levels before moving to the Swimmer programs. Children who have completed the Preschool E and who are 5 years-old should enrol in Swim for Life Level 2.

Open the Aquatic Leadership Ladder (pdf) for an overview of the training required to become an instructor or lifeguard. Links are provided to take you directly to the online registration system for program details.

Re-certification courses include Bronze Cross Challenge Exam (ages 13+), Standard First Aid and CPR C/AED Re-certification (ages 14+), and NLS Re-certification (ages 16+).

Please note: Proof of original awards (award card) must be shown to the examiner at the time of the re-certification. Please ensure you have your cards. Failure to provide this verification will prevent testing.

Challenge Exams

The Bronze Medallion Challenge Exam (ages 13+) is for Bronze Medallion candidates who need to re-certify their award, or for swimmers who are looking to challenge the exam as a self-presented candidate. Re-certification candidates must bring their original certification card; challenge candidates must bring proof of course prerequisites: Bronze Star award or proof of age (candidate must be 13 years or older on exam date).

The Bronze Cross Challenge Exam is for Bronze Cross candidates who need to re-certify their award, or for swimmers who are looking to challenge the exam as a self-presented candidate. Re-certification candidates must bring their original certification card; challenge candidates must bring proof of course prerequisites: Bronze Medallion award and Emergency First Aid with CPR (Level B).

Aquatics Leadership Development courses

The following are not prerequisites but are courses offered to help participants develop their leadership skills.

Do you want to complete your volunteer hours in a pool environment? Then Aquatics volunteer preparation – Pool Pals is the training for you. Due to the specialized nature of this setting, this training must be completed prior to volunteering at any Town of Oakville pool. Topics covered include techniques to help in a class setting and child development. Must be 13 years old and hold Bronze Medallion.

Get ready for leadership courses Lifesaving Fitness (ages 13-16)! Focus on speed, endurance, and flexibility as you work towards achieving bronze, silver, and gold awards in a variety of skill items. Includes 25-metre sprints, 200-metre timed swims, tows, and treading water with a 10-lb. brick.

Pre Bronze Skill Session (ages 13+) is for swimmers who have completed either Bronze Star or Bronze Medallion, or are in Bronze Medallion and Bronze Cross and are looking for extra practice on their water skills. Focuses on timed swims, lifesaving kicks, rescue techniques, and spinal rollovers. Candidates work in pairs and on their own. Prerequisite: Bronze Star.

If you have completed Bronze Cross and are waiting to take your National Lifeguard Service (NLS) certification, Pre N.L.S. (ages 14+) will reinforce the water rescue skills learned in Bronze Cross and introduce new skills that will be part of the NLS program. You'll work in pairs and on your own. Prerequisite: Bronze Cross.

Following is information about a selection of specialty Aquatics programs. For more information, click on a link, browse the Parks, Recreation and Culture program guide or online registration system.

Aquacycle

Aquacycle (ages 16+), formerly Hydrorider, is like a spin class in water. Participants are equipped with one of our Hydrorider Aquabikes and are lead through a class by one of our certified instructors.

Family Swim Lessons

Family Swim Lessons is an opportunity for the whole family to participate in lessons during the same time block. All swimmers under 5 years of age will need to be accompanied by an adult guardian who will remain as support during the program – the supporting adult does not pay the instructional fee. The lesson will be 45 minutes in length followed by a 15-minute recreational swim time for families to have fun in the water.

Fitness

Water-based exercises add both support and resistance to your workout, which can help reduce pain and impact on your joints, improve flexibility and boost results. Some skill prerequisites may apply.

Special Interest

Adapted Aquatics/Aquadapt (ages 3+) is swimming lessons for children with disabilities. The ratio is one child to one instructor.

Women Only Swimming Lessons (ages 13+) are taught by qualified female instructors and appropriate for beginners through to more accomplished swimmers:

• Women's Only Introduction to Water (AquaAdult 101)
• Women's Only Swim to Survive (AquaAdult 201)
• Women's Only Swim For Fitness (AquaAdult 301)

Springboard Diving

Dive Ontario’s Learn-to-Dive program is nationally recognized. Classes are taught by Canadian Amateur Diving Association qualified instructors. Participants (ages 5-12) must have completed Lifesaving Swimmer 4 and be deep water safe. Levels 1 through 4 are offered. New to diving? Begin with Springboard Diving – CADA Level 1.

Swim to Survive program for Grade 3 students

Swim to Survive is a Lifesaving Society program that teaches participants the minimum skills needed to survive an unexpected fall into deep water. If you are a principal or teacher from either the Halton District or Halton Catholic District School Boards interested in the Swim to Survive program, please contact Jonathan Brooker at 905-815-5975.

Synchronized Swimming

Synchronized Swimming programs are for participants who want to learn progressive skills, figures and routines; as well as develop muscle control, self-confidence and grace. Various courses are offered for children (ages 7-13), youth (ages 13-18), and adults (ages 18+). Some prerequisites and additional costs (for select programs) apply.

The town hires various staff, such as aquatic instructors and lifeguards, for summer programs, part-time day, evening and weekend hours. Please click on a position below to view detailed job descriptions and requirements.

For more information about current opportunities, application deadlines, etc. please visit the employment page.

Aquatic Fitness Instructor (pdf)
Cashier – Aquatics (pdf)
Clerical Support – Aquatics (pdf)
Deck Supervisor (pdf)
Lifeguard (pdf)
Maintenance Labourer – Aquatics (pdf)
Master Instructor – Aquatics (pdf)
Master Instructor – Leadership (pdf)
Slide Attendant (pdf)
Specialized Instructor – Junior Aquatics (pdf)
Specialized Instructor – Private Personal Best Water Polo Synchro (pdf)