Swimming and splashing


two children swimming in a pool

Recreation and fitness swim schedule

Recreation and fitness swim schedules arrow_forward_ios

We recommend pre-registering for our drop-in programs online, in person at City recreation facilities or on the phone at 519-837-5699, up to 23 hours prior to the start of the program.

2024 Winter Drop-in Swim Schedule

Pool rentals

The City of Guelph have pools available to rent for customers who are looking to rent one time, occasional or on a seasonal (5+ bookings). If interested, please reach out to [email protected].

Sponsorship opportunities: public swims

Individuals or organizations can give back to their community while promoting their business by sponsoring a public swim. If interested, please reach out to [email protected].

Swimming lessons

Instruction to help you develop your skills with the assistance of our trained instructors. Suitable for all ages.

Swim lessons schedules arrow_forward_ios

Registration and payment

  • Drop-in swim registration opens up 23 hours in advance.
  • Customers with a 10 or 20 visit Recreation or Fitness memberships or 3-month or 12-month recreation or fitness memberships can use their pass online to pay.
  • Customers can purchase a City Card from one of our recreation centres, allowing them to pay online

How to register for a course online at recenroll.ca

Pool admission standards and guidelines

  • Children six (6) years of age or younger, regardless of swimming ability, must be directly supervised by a parent or guardian at least twelve (12)  years of age, who is wearing swimming attire, within arm’s reach, and able to render immediate assistance. There are a maximum of two (2) children per parent/guardian.
  • A facility swim test may be attempted to use the slide and participate in deep end activities.
  • Pool admission standards and guidelines apply to all recreational swims. Aquatic staff may ask any participant for a demonstration of swimming ability if they feel there is a question of personal safety. To successfully pass the facility swim test individuals must roll into the water, swim two continuous widths on their front and tread water for 30 seconds.
  • Children under the age of 10 are required to wear an orange wristband and must be directly supervised by a parent or guardian at least twelve (12) years of age, who is wearing swimming attire, within arm’s length reach and able to render immediate assistance. There are a maximum of two (2) children per parent/guardian.
  • Children ages seven to nine (7–9) who DO pass the facility swim test are required to wear a green wristband and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at least twelve (12) years of age who maintains visual contact and remains in the pool viewing area at all times.
  • Participants with serious medical conditions should be accompanied by individuals knowledgeable of their condition, and have the ability to render immediate assistance.
  • Children ten (10) years of age or older do not require supervision by a parent/guardian.

Swimming attire

Swimming attire is defined as clothing that is clean and used specifically for the purpose of swimming.

Healthy swimming etiquette

So everyone can enjoy our aquatic facilities, please practice healthy swimming etiquette.

Shower before you swim

Showers are open for before and after swims. Shower with soap and warm water before entering or re-entering the pool deck.

Wear appropriate footwear

Bring clean flip flops or sandals to wear on the pool deck. No street shoes allowed.

Not feeling well?

Please don’t use the pool if you are ill or have experienced diarrhea in the past week.

Food-free zone

No food on the pool deck. Water in a plastic container is okay.

Strollers

No strollers on the pool deck and never leave children unattended.

Photography/videography

We don’t allow you to take photos/videos using a personal device (e.g. cell phone, tablet, digital/video camera, etc.) in the showers, change rooms, washrooms, pool deck, and surrounding pool areas.

Prevent pool contamination

Before you come swimming, don’t feed children or eat large meals. We encourage you to visit the washroom before entering the pool area. People without bowel control must wear a swim diaper.

Coaching

No external coaching or organized practices are permitted during any drop-in swims.

Access to Victoria Road Recreation Centre and pool deck for drop-in swims

  • Access to the pool is through the main entrance on the first floor at Victoria Road Recreation Centre. These doors will be used to enter and exit the building
  • Access to the facility is allowed 10 minutes before the start of the swim time
  • Check in at front desk by saying “I’m [insert name] here for the [insert swim name]”
  • Lockers are available for use
  • Showers are available for use
  • No food or drink permitted on the pool deck (non-breakable containers with water only are permitted)

Access to West End Community Centre and pool deck for drop-in swims

  • Access to the pool is through the main entrance on the first floor at West End Community Centre. These doors will be used to enter and exit the building
  • Access to the facility is allowed 10 minutes before the start of the swim time
  • Check in at front desk by saying “I’m [insert name] here for the [insert swim name]”
  • Lockers are available for use
  • Showers are available for use
  • No food or drink permitted on the pool deck (non-breakable containers with water only are permitted)

Drop-in swim program descriptions and guidelines

Lane Swim

This pool is divided into lanes for participants to swim, water walk or water jog the length of the pool. Permitted equipment for lane swims includes snorkels, hand paddles, pull buoy, flutter board, goggles, swim caps.

  • Location at Victoria Road Recreation Centre: Lap Pool
  • Location at West End Community Centre: Lap Pool

Leisure Swim

A great way for all ages to spend time together in our shallow pools. The lap pool is not available at this time. Permitted equipment includes goggles. No other equipment is permitted during this swim. Participants may use lifejackets provided by the City of Guelph if needed.

  • Location at Victoria Road Recreation Centre: Leisure Pool
  • Location at West End Community Centre: Leisure Pool

Public Swim

Everyone is welcome to enjoy all pool features including the slide. Permitted equipment includes goggles. No other equipment is permitted during this swim. Participants may use lifejackets provided by the City of Guelph if needed.

  • Location at Victoria Road Recreation Centre: All Pools
  • Location at West End Community Centre: All Pools

Warm Waters Swim

Enjoy a warmer water swim. Permitted equipment includes goggles. No other equipment is permitted during this swim. Participants may use lifejackets provided by the City of Guelph if needed.

  • Location at Victoria Road Recreation Centre: N/A
  • Location at West End Community Centre: Therapy Pool

Aquafit

Use resistance of water to stretch, firm and strengthen your muscles, and improve your cardiovascular endurance

  • Location at Victoria Road Recreation Centre: Lap Pool
  • Location at West End Community Centre: Lap Pool

Aquafit—HIIT

A high-intensity interval training class focusing on building cardiovascular strength and endurance through challenging routines of intervals and higher intensity options. You will keep your heart rate and pace up throughout the class and learn to train in aerobic and anaerobic zones

  • Location at Victoria Road Recreation Centre: Lap Pool
  • Location at West End Community Centre: n/a

Aqua Rehab

This instructed program can assist with faster recovery, through a combination of exercises in water increasing flexibility, strength and range of motion. Exercises are less stressful on the body with specific focus on hips, knees, back, shoulders and stroke recovery

  • Location at Victoria Road Recreation Centre: Leisure Pool
  • Location at West End Community Centre: Therapy Pool

Movement Enhancement

This instructed program will help you maintain your mobility through a variety of stretches that will increase your range of motion, improve your balance and develop muscle tone

  • Location at Victoria Road Recreation Centre: Leisure Pool
  • Location at West End Community Centre: Therapy Pool

Sensory-Friendly Swim

The Sensory Friendly Swim is for adults, youth and children living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory processing and/or learning disabilities. This swim is designed to reduce stimuli and create a sensory friendly environment for individuals to participate in aquatic programs.

  • Location at Victoria Road Recreation Centre: N/A
  • Location at West End Community Centre: Leisure Pool

Drop-in Diaperfit

This is a water based workout program for adults and tots. Babies are placed in floating seats in the pool to participate with their adult as they take part in an interactive aqua-fitness class. Child must have developed neck support.

  • Location at Victoria Road Recreation Centre: N/A
  • Location at West End Community Centre: Lap Pool

Leisure and Warm Waters Swim

A great way for all ages to spend time together in our leisure and warm waters pools. The lap pool is not available at this time. Permitted equipment includes goggles. No other equipment is permitted during this swim. Participants may use lifejackets provided by the City of Guelph if needed.

  • Location at Victoria Road Recreation Centre: N/A
  • Location at West End Community Centre: Leisure Pool

Women’s Only Swim

The Women’s Only swim is open to women, girls and accompanying children under 6 years of age of any ability. This program creates a safe space where all Women can participate in aquatic sports in a more private recreation setting. This swim is open to all women, including cisgender and transgender women and includes access to the Leisure Pool and Warm Water Pool.

  • Location at Victoria Road Recreation Centre: N/A
  • Location at West End Community Centre: Leisure Pool

Flume Slide at West End Community Centre

Open during public swims

Sauna at West End Community Centre

Open during recreation and fitness swims

Splash pads and wading pools

There are lots of splash pads and wading pools located throughout the City. Use the link below to learn about operating times, pool rules and to find one located near you.

Outdoor pools and splash pads arrow_forward_ios