Pool Guidelines & Safety Standards

Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (16+) who is responsible for their direct supervision, with a maximum of two (2) children per guardian. The parent/guardian must be in bathing attire and remain within arm’s reach of the child(ren) at all times, both in and out of the water.

Access and supervision depend on swim ability (see Wristband Policy below). All children in this age group must use the change room that corresponds with their gender.

Swimmers may use the facility unaccompanied. Swimming with a buddy is always recommended. The facility swim test includes, but is not limited to, swimming 25 continuous metres. Attendees must use the change room that corresponds with their gender.

All groups must follow the admission guidelines above. Groups of more than 20 children must make arrangements with aquatic staff in advance.

Nine (9) years of age and under. Accompanied by parent or guardian.

Children seven (7) to nine (9) years of age. Facility swim test required.*
 

Children seven (7) to nine (9) years of age. Permitted unaccompanied in all swimming areas. Successfully completed facility swim test.

Lockers are available for day-use. Please bring your own lock and avoid bringing valuables whenever possible. Some locations offer coin-operated lockers (25¢). Be sure to take precautions to secure your belongings.

No. The use of cameras, cellphones or similar devices for photography is strictly prohibited in all City-operated change rooms. If you would like to take photos during swim lessons, arrangements must be made in advance with pool staff.

No. Public swim times are for recreational use only and cannot be used for personal profit (e.g. private swim instruction). The City of Vaughan reserves the right to deny access to anyone found in violation of this policy.

Yes. All swimmers are required to take a cleansing shower using soap and warm water before entering the pool deck.

Proper bathing attire is required and must be intended for swimming only. Street clothes, undergarments and shoes are not permitted in the water. Outside footwear must be removed before entering the shower and pool deck areas.

Yes. Children who are not toilet-trained must wear swimmer pull-ups. Regular diapers, including cloth or disposable, are not permitted. Suitable items are available for purchase at the pool counter.

City of Vaughan pools operate as shared-use spaces in accordance with the Public Pool Regulations under the Ontario Health Protection and Promotion Act, which allow for multiple aquatic activities to run simultaneously. Depending on the schedule, recreational swimming, length swimming, aquafitness, swim lessons and leadership programs may share the pool.

Swimmers with long hair are encouraged to tie it back or wear a bathing cap.

Children aged seven (7) and older must use the change room that corresponds with their gender or use a family change room if accompanied by an adult. If this does not meet your needs, please speak with aquatic staff to arrange appropriate accommodations.

Family change rooms are available for all ages and genders and include private change cubicles. Bathing suits must be worn when using showers and at all times outside of cubicles. During peak times, patrons are asked to use gender-specific change rooms when possible so family change rooms remain available for those who require private spaces. Family change rooms are available at select facilities, including Al Palladini, Carrville, Chancellor, Dufferin Clark, Father E. Bulfon, Garnet A. Williams, Maple, North Thornhill and Vellore Village community centres. Woodbridge Pool does not have a family change room.

No. Cubicles are for changing only. Personal items such as towels, clothing and toiletries should not be left behind.

*Group fees: A maximum of five (5) participants residing at the same address.

**Group single visit: Not available for purchase online.

The staff at the community centre will be happy to try and accommodate your request should the desired instructor be available. Please contact the community centre recreation lead at your local pool to submit your request. While we endeavour to match up requests, sometimes certain staff may not be available that season or that day/time.

Have you checked other class times at other City of Vaughan pool locations? If so, and you still cannot find a timeslot for swim lessons, please email rec@vaughan.ca with your request.

If you are unsure what level to register for, please attend a recreational swim at any City of Vaughan pool and ask to have you or your child assessed by pool staff.

If your child attended a City of Vaughan learn to swim program within the last year, program results may be retrieved. Please contact the community centre recreation lead at the pool where your child attended swim lessons. Note: It may take up to two business days to complete the request. Otherwise, please attend a recreational swim at any City of Vaughan pool and ask to have your child assessed by pool staff.

Each registration increases the likelihood of the program running. However, those with low registration may be cancelled, and alternative options will be suggested. We try to give as much notice as possible prior to the program starting should this situation occur.

No age overrides will be provided within the first week after the registration start date. Due to health and safety guidelines, the City of Vaughan swim admission policy and the requirements set by the Lifesaving Society, there will be no age overrides for preschool swim levels, aquatic camps and for most aquatic leadership courses. If your child does not meet the minimum age and you want them to be considered for an age exemption, please email rec@vaughan.ca or contact your local community centre and ask to speak to a community centre recreation lead. Guarantees for age exemptions cannot be made.

Pools are programmed based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, facility amenities, historical demand, current trends and the demographics of the surrounding community. If you have any suggestions on new program offerings, please contact swim@vaughan.ca.

We recommend you review program offerings and schedules at various pools to get the best times and dates for your children.

A semi-private swim lesson requires two swimmers that are no more than one level apart. If you meet that requirement, then you must first register and pay for a scheduled private 1-on-1 swim, then contact your community centre recreation lead to convert the registration to a semi-private lesson. Different fees will apply once the second participant has been registered. Note: Registrants must know each other.

You will receive an email and/or a phone call as soon as a spot becomes available. If you receive a call your spot is only reserved for 24 hours. Within that time, you must call in/visit any community centre and provide payment. After 24 hours without a response, the spot may be offered to the next participant in the waitlist queue.

No, class sizes are set for safety reasons based on the Lifesaving Society standards.

Please refer to the program/course descriptions for fitness requirements. If you are unsure, please attend a recreational swim at any City of Vaughan pool and ask for an assessment by pool staff. 

We recognize that sometimes plans change. Cancellation policies vary depending on the type of program. Learn more.

Please email swim@vaughan.ca to get more information or visit vaughan.ca/recjobs.

Volunteer hours may be applied to high school requirements or a discount toward leadership courses. Please email swim@vaughan.ca for more information.