Swimming

The City has many places for you and your family to enjoy the water. Each location offers a broad range of fun and athletic programs.

The City is now planning for a phased-approach to opening wading pools and a gradual opening of indoor and outdoor swimming pool facilities – with COVID-19 prevention measures.

The City has collaborated with Ottawa Public Health, Canadian Red Cross Society, and Lifesaving Society to develop a swimming structure that incorporates public health prevention and mitigation measures that help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

While measures to attempt to control the risks of the transmission of COVID-19, parents, participants and staff need to be aware and understand, that there are still risks with participating in a public swim, lane swim or swimming lesson.

• 12 indoor pools and nine outdoor pools
• 53 wading pools and 127 splash pads
• Three beaches

The City has collaborated with Ottawa Public Health, Canadian Red Cross Society, and Lifesaving Society to incorporate public health prevention and mitigation measures that help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

What you can expect

When you come to an aquatics facility, you’re going to notice several changes we have made to ensure we live up to our commitment to keep everyone safe, including:

• Saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools, diving boards, rope swings, and water slides will be closed
• Plexiglass shields installed for customer service desk to protect workers and users
• Directional signage to manage traffic flow
• Swimmers will need to maintain the 2m physical distancing rule and follow proper hygiene
• We encourage swimmers to use goggles, and snorkels will not be allowed.
• Swimmers are encouraged to bring their own equipment for their use only, only life jackets and PFD’s will be available for loaning at the facility.
• Clients are asked to keep their personal items to a minimum.

The capacity of amenities and other spaces will also be reduced to safe numbers. These changes will allow us to ensure that physical distancing can be practiced regardless of where you are in our facilities and spaces.

Ottawa Public Health states that the risk of serious illness from COVID-19 increases progressively with age, particularly beyond 50 to 60 years. In addition to increasing age, people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions (cardiovascular, high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic lung, chronic liver, cancer, immunocompromise) or severe obesity are at higher risk for severe illness. Every individual needs to take into account their personal risk factors when making decisions about going out.

Health checks upon arrival

• Upon arrival both staff and users will be required to complete a self-assessment for COVID-19 symptoms before being authorized access to be on site.
• Entry to the building will be denied for anyone who answers as a risk from the self-assessment questionnaire.

Physical distancing

• Physical distancing will remain in place for all users not living in the same household or in their social circle.
• Traffic measures will be implemented around the pools and entry and exit will be staggered so crowding doesn’t occur
• There will be reduced capacity for the total number of patrons on deck and in the pool, to allow for physical distancing
• Swimmers at outdoor pools will enter and exit through a gate and not through the facility.
• Viewing areas will be either closed or their capacity reduced, to allow for proper physical distancing.
• Parents or guardians who are not accompanying their child in the pool for swimming lessons are encouraged to wait outside the facility.
• Directional flow of swimmers around the outside of the pool for entering and exiting the swimming area.
• Signage used to maintain physical distancing in corridors and stairwells. Floor decals guide traffic paths.
• Swimmers of the same household may swim together in one lane during lane and public swims

Masks and other barrier devices

• Wear a mask while walking in the facility, since some people who are infected with COVID-19 may have the virus and not know it. Masks can help decrease the risk of spreading the virus.
• Swimmers may keep their cloth face masks on until they enter the pool
• Effective July 7, 2020, masks are required to be worn in indoor public spaces at City of Ottawa facilities as per the direction of the Medical Officer of Health. For further information on the use of masks in public spaces, including exemptions, please visit Ottawa Public Health’s website.

Cleaning and disinfection

• Frequent cleaning and disinfecting of common and pool areas, high-touch surfaces, change room and washroom facilities, and lifejackets.
• Only essential equipment will be provided for use on deck, and equipment will be disinfected between users (i.e. lifejackets)
• Equipment that is not regularly in contact with chlorinated water will be disinfected every 4 hours at minimum.
• Washrooms will have every second sink and urinal closed.
• Swimmers must wash their hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer for 20 seconds before entry. Hand sanitizer will be made available at any entrance and exit doors

Do your part to slow the spread

• Shower at home before going to the pool.
• Wear your bathing suit to the pool.
• Practice personal COVID-19 hygiene – washing or sanitizing your hands, staying home if you are ill.
• Stay two metres from other swimmers and staff.

The number of swimmers will be significantly reduced for both public and lane swims to ensure physical distancing can be maintained. In order to accommodate as many swimmers as possible, swims will be scheduled in one-hour sessions with fifteen-minute blocks between sessions to allow staff to manage numbers entering and exiting the facility, and to perform additional cleaning. Swimmers will receive a wrist band with their reserved date and time. Information regarding the reservation process for public and lane swims will be announced on this webpage in the coming days, with offerings to begin as early as July 6.

• Lane swim: Continuous lane swim workout. Children age eight to 10 must pass the facility's swim test.
• Public swim: An unstructured swim time open to all ages. Non-swimmers aged 10 and under, and all children aged 7 and under must be accompanied by a participating adult or youth, at least 14 years of age, responsible for the direct supervision of the child and actively swimming within arms reach at all times. Children aged 8, 9 and 10 must be tested to demonstrate their ability to swim 25 metres uninterrupted in order to be permitted to swim unaccompanied.

There were many considerations factored into selecting which pools to open as part of the first stage of reopening, including the site’s ability to meet community and operational needs – such as summer camp offerings and appropriate staffing levels – and the ability to operate with physical distancing guidelines in place. Some pool sites have planned construction projects underway during this first stage, and will reopen at a later date.

The COVID-19 situation remains fluid and we may need to adapt our programming or pause operations at certain sites throughout the summer and into the fall, should the nature of the pandemic shift once again.

Reservation process

Public and lane swims at select sites will begin on July 6. The details and schedule are below. Although we are working towards an online reservation system to reserve space for public and lane swims, currently you will be able to reserve your spot the following way:

• Review the swim schedules in the charts below.
• On the day of the swim you would like to attend, please call the facility to reserve your space on a first come, first served basis.
• For early morning swims, you are able to call the evening prior (after 7 pm) to reserve your space.
• When you arrive on the day of your swim, you will be given a bracelet for verification, and after payment and screening you will be permitted to enter.

Please review the COVID-19 safety measures at City pool facilities information before reserving your space.

Important information to note

• You can reserve spaces for members of your direct family only.
• You are allowed to reserve a maximum of 6 spaces at a time. 
• Clients who are unable to phone the facility can reserve their space in person on the day-of a swim, however in order to minimize the spread of COVID-19 we strongly encourage reservations by phone.
• Reserved bracelets are only available for pick-up on the day of the swim. You do not need to pick up your bracelet in advance of the swim if you have reserved your space over the phone.
• Leaving a voicemail will not guarantee a reservation. Please continue to call until you speak to a staff member, in order to confirm a reservation.

Swim schedules

July 6 – outdoor pool reopening schedules

	Day(s)	Lane swim	Public swim
Bearbrook Outdoor Pool 613-824-8300	Monday to Friday	12:15 - 1:15 pm, 1:30 - 2:30 pm	11 am - noon, 2:45 - 3:45 pm, 4 - 5 pm, 5:15 - 6:15 pm
	Saturday and Sunday	10 - 11 am	11:15 am - 12:15 pm, 12:30 - 1:30 pm, 1:45 - 2:45 pm, 3 - 4 pm, 4:15 - 5:15 pm, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Crestview Outdoor Pool 613-225-7250	Monday to Sunday	Noon - 1 pm	1 - 2 pm, 2:15 - 3:15 pm, 3:30 - 4:30 pm
	Monday to Friday	n/a	6 - 7 pm
	Saturday and Sunday	11 am - noon	4:45 - 5:45 pm
Entrance Outdoor Pool 613-829-2705	Monday to Sunday	Noon - 1 pm	1 - 2 pm, 2:15 - 3:15 pm, 3:30 - 4:30 pm
	Monday to Friday	9 - 10 am	6-7 pm
	Saturday and Sunday	n/a	4:45 - 5:45 pm
General Burns Outdoor Pool 613-225-7970	Monday to Sunday	n/a	1 - 2 pm, 2:15 - 3:15 pm, 3:30 - 4:30 pm
	Monday to Friday	Noon - 1 pm	6 - 7 pm, 7:15 - 8:15 pm
	Saturday and Sunday	n/a	10:30 - 11:30 am, 11:45 am - 12:45 pm, 4:45 - 5:45 pm
Genest Outdoor Pool 613-749-6488	Monday to Sunday	10:30 - 11:30 am	11:45 am - 12:45 pm, 1 - 2 pm, 2:15 - 3:15 pm, 3:30 - 4:30 pm, 4:45 - 5:45 pm, 6 - 7 pm
	Monday - August 3 only	n/a	Noon - 1 pm, 1:15 - 2:15 pm, 2:30 - 3:30 pm,
Glen Cairn Outdoor Pool 613-836-7380	Monday to Sunday	Noon - 1 pm	1:15 - 2:15 pm, 2:30 - 3:30 pm, 3:45 - 4:45 pm
	Monday to Friday	5 - 6 pm	6:15 - 7:15 pm

July 6 – indoor pool reopening schedules

	Day(s)	Lane swim	Public swim
Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex 613-580-9600 ext. 32821	Monday to Friday	11 am - noon, 12:15 - 1:15 pm	1:30 - 2:30 pm 2:45 - 3:45 pm
	Saturday and Sunday	10 - 11 am	11:15 am - 12:15 pm, 12:30 - 1:30 pm, 1:45 - 2:45 pm, 3 - 4 pm
Canterbury Recreation Complex 613-580-3600	Monday to Friday	10:15 - 11:15 am, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm, 12:45 - 1:45 pm	2 - 3 pm, 3:15 - 4:15 pm
	Monday to Thursday	8:15 - 9:15 pm	n/a
	Monday and Wednesday	n/a	7 - 8 pm
	Tuesday and Thursday	7 - 8 pm	n/a
	Friday	n/a	4:30 - 5:30 pm
	Saturday and Sunday	11 am - noon, 12:15 - 1:15 pm	1:30 - 2:30 pm, 2:45 - 3:45 pm
Deborah Anne Kirwan Pool 613-247-4820	Monday to Friday	11:15 am - 12:15 pm	12:30 - 1:30 pm, 1:45 - 2:45 pm, 3 - 4 pm, 6 - 7 pm, 7:15 - 8:15 pm
	Saturday and Sunday	8:45 - 9:45 am, 9:45 - 10:45 am	11 am - noon, 12:15 - 1:15 pm, 1:30 - 2:30 pm, 2:45 - 3:45 pm, 4 - 5 pm
Lowertown Pool 613-580-2424 ext. 44426	Monday to Friday	9 - 10 am, 10:15 - 11:15 am, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm, 12:45 - 1:45 pm, 8 - 9 pm, 9:15 - 10:15 pm	2 - 3 pm, 3:15 - 4:15 pm 6:45 - 7:45 pm
	Saturday and Sunday	11:30 am - 12:30 pm, 12:45 - 1:45 pm	2 - 3 pm, 3:15 - 4:15 pm
Sawmill Creek Community Centre and Pool 613-521-4092	Monday to Sunday	12:15 - 1:15 pm	1:30 - 2:30 pm, 2:45 - 3:45 pm
	Monday to Friday	8:15 - 9:15 am	n/a
	Monday, Wednesday and Friday	6:15 - 7:15 pm	n/a
	Tuesday and Thursday	6:30 - 7:30 pm	5:15 - 6:15 pm
Splash Wave Pool 613-748-4222	Monday to Sunday	11:15 am - 12:15 pm, 12:30 - 1:30 pm, 1:45 - 2:45 pm, 3 - 4 pm, 6:15 - 7:15 pm, 7:30 - 8:30 pm	11:15 am - 12:15 pm, 12:30 - 1:30 pm, 1:45 - 2:45 pm, 3 - 4 pm, 6:15 - 7:15 pm, 7:30 - 8:30 pm

July 9 – outdoor pool reopening schedules

	Day(s)	Lane swim	Public swim
Corkstown 613-820-1636	Monday to Sunday	n/a	11:45 am - 12:45 pm, 1 - 2 pm, 2:15 - 3:15 pm, 3:30 - 4:30 pm
	Monday to Friday	n/a	5:45 - 6:45 pm, 7 - 8 pm

July 9 – indoor pool reopening schedules

	Day(s)	Lane swim	Public swim
CARDELREC Recreation Complex - Goulbourn 613-580-2532	Monday to Saturday	1 - 2 pm	2:15 - 3:15 pm
	Monday and Wednesday	8 - 9 pm	n/a
	Tuesday and Thursday	7 - 8 am, 8:45 - 9:45 pm	7:30 - 8:30 pm
	Friday	8:30 - 9:30 pm	7:15 - 8:15 pm
	Saturday	n/a	3:30 - 4:30 pm
	Sunday	11 am - noon, 8 - 9 pm	12:15 - 1:15 pm, 1:30 - 2:30 pm, 2:45 - 3:45 pm
Minto Recreation Complex - Barrhaven 613-727-2683	Monday to Saturday	12:15 - 1:15 pm	1:30 - 2:30 pm, 2:45 - 3:45 pm
	Monday to Friday	8:15  - 9:15 am, 9:30 - 10:30 am, 4 - 5 pm	n/a
	Monday to Thursday	8:15 - 9:15 pm	7 - 8 pm
	Tuesday and Thursday	7 - 8 am	n/a
	Friday	7:45 - 8:45 pm	5:15 - 6:15 pm, 6:30 - 7:30 pm
	Saturday	8:30 - 9:30 am	4 - 5 pm
	Sunday	9:15 - 10:15 am, 10:30 - 11:30 am	11:45 am - 12:45 pm, 1 - 2 pm, 2:15 - 3:15 pm
Pinecrest Recreation Complex 613-580-9676	Monday to Sunday	11:45 am - 12:45 pm	1 - 2 pm
	Monday to Friday	7:45 - 8:45 am, 4:45 - 5:45 pm	n/a
	Monday, Wednesday and Friday	n/a	2:15 - 3:15 pm
	Tuesday and Thursday	6:30 - 7:30 am	n/a
	Tuesday and Thursday (starting July 21)	7:30 to 8:30 pm	n/a
	Friday	n/a	6 - 7 pm
	Saturday and Sunday	9:15 - 10:15 am	10:30 - 11:30 am

July 13 – outdoor pool reopening schedules

	Day(s)	Lane swim	Public swim
Beaverbrook Outdoor pool 613-591-3061	Monday to Sunday	11:15 am - 12:15 pm	12:30 -1:30 pm, 1:45 - 2:45 pm,  3 - 4 pm
	Tuesday and Thursday	7:30 - 8:30 pm	6:15 - 7:15 pm
	Saturday and Sunday	n/a	4:15 - 5:15 pm

July 13 – indoor pool reopening schedules

	Day(s)	Lane swim	Public swim
Plant Recreation Centre 613-232-3000	Monday to Friday	11:30 am - 12:30 pm	12:45 - 1:45 pm, 2 - 3 pm, 3:15 - 4:15 pm
	Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday	7:45 - 8:45 am	n/a
	Monday, Tuesday, Thursday	8:15 - 9:15 pm	n/a
	Monday and Friday	4:30 - 5:30 pm	5:45 - 6:45 pm
	Tuesday and Thursday	n/a	7 - 8 pm
	Wednesday	8 - 9 pm	n/a
	Friday	7 - 8 pm	n/a
	Saturday and Sunday	Noon - 1 pm, 1:15 - 2:15 pm, 3:45 - 4:45 pm	2:30 - 3:30 pm
Richcraft Recreation Complex - Kanata 613-580-9696	Monday to Sunday	n/a	1:15 - 2:15 pm, 2:30 - 3:30 pm
	Monday to Friday	6:15 - 7:15 am, 7:30 - 8:30 am, 8:45 - 9:45 am	n/a
	Monday, Wednesday, and Friday	7:30 - 8:30 pm	n/a
	Tuesday and Thursday	n/a	7:30 - 8:30 pm
	Saturday	11:15 am - 12:15 pm, 4 - 5 pm 5:15 - 6:15 pm	n/a
	Sunday	8 - 9 am, 9:15 - 10:15 am	n/a

July 20 – indoor pool reopening schedules

	Day(s)	Lane swim	Public swim
François Dupuis Recreation Centre 613-580-8080	Monday to Friday	7:30 - 8:30 am	n/a
	Monday to Sunday	11:15 am - 12:15 pm, 12:30 - 1:30 pm	1:45 - 2:45 pm, 3 - 4 pm
	Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday	n/a	4:15 - 5:15 pm
	Monday and Wednesday	7:45 - 8:45 pm	6:30 - 7:30 pm
	Tuesday, Thursday, Friday	8 - 9 pm	n/a
	Tuesday and Thursday	5:30 - 6:30 pm	6:45 - 7:45 pm
	Friday	6:45 - 7:45 pm	5:30 - 6:30 pm

Summer 2020 Learn to Swim Recreation eGuide [ PDF - 636 kb ]

Effective July 7, 2020, masks are required to be worn in indoor public spaces at City of Ottawa facilities as per the direction of the Medical Officer of Health. For further information on the use of masks in public spaces, including exemptions, please visit Ottawa Public Health’s website.

The City is now planning for a phased-approach to opening wading pools and a gradual opening of indoor and outdoor swimming pool facilities – with COVID-19 prevention measures. Registration for the COVID-modified swimming lessons is scheduled for Monday, July 13.

The City has collaborated with Ottawa Public Health, Canadian Red Cross Society, and Lifesaving Society to develop a swimming lesson structure that incorporates public health prevention and mitigation measures that help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

While measures to attempt to control the risks of the transmission of COVID-19, parents, participants and staff need to be aware and understand, that there are still risks with participating in a swimming lesson.

Swimming instructors will maintain physical distancing from their students and there will be no in-water instruction. As a result, a parent or guardian must accompany their child in the pool for the following levels:

• Private lessons – pre-school to Swim Kids 4
• Pre-school to Swim Kids 1 to 4 – low-ratio classes
• Inclusive Swim Kids 1 and 2

Lessons for all levels will be 30 minutes to allow for proper physical distancing between participants entering and leaving the facility. This also provides sufficient time for cleaning and disinfecting the pool and common areas.

• The Summer 2020 Learn to Swim Recreation eGuide [ PDF - 636 kb ] is available online for you to browse available swim programs at selected sites.
• Registration for swim programs will be available online only, starting Monday, July 13 at 9 pm.
• Programs are set to begin on July 20.
• You can also browse by availability and facility using JoinOttawa.

Swimming lesson spots will be limited due to reduced number of participants in each session, to allow for proper physical distancing.

The City will not be offering aquafitness, regular-ratio classes, Power Swim, and lifesaving and leadership classes during this phase of reopening.

How to register

1. Sign-in or create an account
   • If you forgot your account information, you can have your account information e-mailed to you
2. Find a program
   • Browse the Camp Summer Fun Recreation eGuide [ PDF - 1.01 mb ] or the Shared Care Camp Recreation eGuide [ PDF - 472 kb ]
   • Browse the Summer 2020 Learn to Swim Recreation eGuide [ PDF - 636 kb ]

To search for facilities, you can browse In my Neighbourhood

In person registration at recreation facilities or client services is not currently available due to COVID-19 closures

As a result of provincial facility usage regulations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing construction and repair work and resource availability, some aquatic facilities will not open this summer.

Pools that are not reopening summer 2020:

• Brewer Pool and Arena, 100 Brewer Way
• Champagne Fitness Centre, 321 King Edward Avenue
• Jack Purcell Community Centre, 320 Jack Purcell Lane
• Kanata Leisure Centre and Wave Pool, 70 Aird Place
• Nepean Sportsplex, 1701 Woodroffe Avenue
• St-Laurent Complex, 525 Côté Street
• Walter Baker Sports Centre, 100 Malvern Drive
• Ray Friel Recreation Complex, 1585 Tenth Line Road

Pools that are reopening summer 2020:

East Ottawa: Indoor pools

• Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex-Orléans, 1490 Youville Drive
• Canterbury Recreation Complex, 2185 Arch Street
• François Dupuis Recreation Centre, 2263 Portobello Boulevard
• Lowertown Pool, 40 Cobourg Street
• Splash Wave Pool, 2040 Ogilvie Road - the large pool will open for non-wave public swims and the lap pool will open for lap swimming

East Ottawa: Outdoor pools (summer only)

• Bearbrook Outdoor Pool, 2679 Innes Road
• Genest Outdoor Pool, 43 Ste-Cécile Street

South Ottawa: Indoor pools

• Deborah Anne Kirwan Pool, 1300 Kitchener Avenue
• Sawmill Creek Community Centre and Pool, 3380 D’Aoust Avenue

West Ottawa: Indoor pools

• CARDELREC Recreation Complex Goulbourn, 1500 Shea Road
• Minto Recreation Complex - Barrhaven, 3500 Cambrian Road
• Pinecrest Recreation Complex, 250 Torquay Avenue
• Plant Recreation Centre, 930 Somerset Street West
• Richcraft Recreation Complex - Kanata, 4101 Innovation Drive

West Ottawa: Outdoor pools (summer only)

• Beaverbrook Outdoor Pool, 1002 Beaverbrook Road
• Corkstown Outdoor Pool, 61 Corkstown Road
• Crestview Outdoor Pool, 56 Fieldrow Street
• Entrance Outdoor Pool, 2 Eaton Street
• General Burns Outdoor Pool, 107 Chesterton Drive
• Glen Cairn Outdoor Pool, 70 Castlefrank Road
• Katimavik Outdoor Pool, 64 Chimo Drive

Wave pools

Only public and lane swims will be offered this summer due to provincial restrictions.

Height requirement: 45 inches (115 cm)

Facility's swim test: Must be able to independently recover from floating on their front and back, and be able to cross the deepest part of the pool unassisted.

General supervisory standards for wading pools

Age	Admission requirements	Guardian:child ratio
Five years and under	Parent/guardian 14 years or older must be within arms reach at all times Child must wear a wristband	1:4
Six to nine years, height under 115 cm and cannot pass facility's swim test	Parent/guardian 14 years or older must be within arms reach at all times Child must wear a wristband	1:4
Six to nine years, height at least 115 cm or passes facility's swim test	Actively supervised by parent or guardian 14 years or older	N/A
10 years and older	No supervision, facility swim test or minimum height required	N/A

Supervisory standards for camps at wading pools

Age	Admission requirements	Staff:child ratio
Five years and under	Staff must be within arms reach at all times Child must wear a wristband	1:4
Six to nine years, height under 115 cm and cannot pass facility's swim test	Staff must be within arms reach at all times Child must wear a wristband	1:4
Six to nine years, height at least 115 cm or passes facility's swim test	Always accompanied by staff	1:10
10 years and older, height at least 115 cm or passes facility's swim test	Always accompanied by staff	1:15

 Each ratio above indicates the maximum number of children that one responsible person 14 years or older can supervise. They may not have any additional children under their care unless the other children are at least six years old and able to pass the facility's swim test or meet the height requirement.

The City conducts water quality testing and has lifeguards on duty at municipal beaches daily from noon to 7 pm starting June 27 until August 30, 2020. Please check back here for current information on beaches reopening, and Ottawa Public Health’s website for water quality testing results.

Put your toes in the sand or get involved in some water fun at one of the City’s public beaches.

• East Ottawa: Petrie Island Beach, 727 Trim Road, 613-824-5704
• West Ottawa: Britannia Beach, 2805 Carling Avenue, 613-820-1211
• South Ottawa: Mooney’s Bay Beach, 2926 Riverside Drive, 613-248-0863
• Central Ottawa: Westboro Beach, 745 Sir John A. MacDonald Parkway, 613-792-3875

Britannia Beach will be closed to swimmers and beachgoers this summer for riverbed restoration. The beach will re-open for public swimming and all other beach activities in 2021. Learn more

Accessible wheel chairs available at Mooney’s Bay Beach, Petrie Island Beach and Westboro Beach. Available daily between noon to 6:30 pm

• Beach accessible wheel chair - Available to rent at no cost
• For availability, please contact:
  • Mooney’s Bay 613-248-0863
  • Petrie Island 613-824-5704
  • or beaches@ottawa.ca

• Users are required to provide own attendant to push chair and assist with transfer in and out of chair

There is no lift on site.

To book an event at the beach, contact Centralized Allocations:

• 613-580-2595
• sports@ottawa.ca

To bring your group to swim at the beach, contact Beach Operations:

• 613-580-2424 ext.16966
• beaches@ottawa.ca

Petrie Island Beach

A wonderful sandy beach with spectacular views across the Ottawa River. Great for picnics, a stroll, a swim, a game of volleyball or to watch the boats go by.

• May 16 to September 7, 2020: Paid parking from 7 am to 6 pm (seasonal passes available)
• Canteen
• Picnic tables
• Play structure
• Lifeguards

Britannia Beach

Britannia Beach will be closed to swimmers and beachgoers this summer for riverbed restoration. The beach will re-open for public swimming and all other beach activities in 2021. Learn more

• Free parking
• Canteen
• Picnic tables
• BBQ pits in the park
• Play structures
• Accessible washroom

Mooney’s Bay Beach

A popular summer destination for swimmers, rowers and special events, including Dragon Boat Races and HOPE Volleyball.

• Canteen
• Picnic tables
• BBQ pits in the park
• Play structures
• Lifeguards

Westboro Beach

This beach is located on National Capital Commission property at Kitchissippi Lookout on the Ottawa River.

• Free parking
• Canteen and patio with tables
• Picnic tables
• Lifeguards

Water safety

Have fun at the beaches and play safe by following water safety guidelines.

For additional information please visit the City of Ottawa’s Safety and supervisory standards in City pools and beaches.

Water quality

Beach water quality is tested daily for the presence of E coli bacteria. Learn more from Ottawa Public Health.

There are safety standards so that everyone can enjoy the City’s swimming pools and beaches. Additional COVID-19 safety measures will also be in place to keep you as safe as possible.

If you are unsure of how these requirements apply to you, please contact the pool before your visit.

To ensure adequate supervision and to identify people at greater risk, all swimmers need to wear a City-issued coloured wristband to get in the pool.

Non-swimmers and those who cannot pass the facility's swim test must remain in shallow water.

Each ratio below indicates the maximum number of children that one responsible person 14 years or older can supervise. The parent or guardian must be in proper bathing attire, in the water, actively participating and within arm’s reach at all times.

Supervisory standards in City pools

Age	Requirements	Guardian:child ratio	Wristband
5 years and under	Accompanied by parent/guardian 14 years or older who must be actively participating and within arms reach at all times	1:2	Orange
6 to 7	Accompanied by parent/guardian 14 years or older who must be actively participating and within arms reach at all times	1:4 or 1:6 if wearing life jackets	Orange
8 to 10, did not pass facility's swim test	Always accompanied by parent/guardian 14 years or older who must be actively participating and within arms reach at all times	1:4 or 1:8 if wearing life jackets	Orange
8 to 10, passed facility's swim test	No guardian supervision required	N/A	Green

Supervisory standards in City beaches

Age	Requirements	Guardian:child ratio
5 years and under	Accompanied by parent/guardian 14 years or older who must be actively participating and within arms reach at all times	1:2
6 to 7 years	Accompanied by parent/guardian 14 years or older who must be actively participating and within arms reach at all times	1:4 or 1:6 if wearing life jackets/PFDs
8 to 10 years	Accompanied by parent/guardian 14 years or older who must be actively participating and within arms reach at all times	1:4 or 1:8 if wearing life jackets/PFDs
11 to 13 years	Accompanied by parent/guardian 14 years or older	1:15

High-risk people must be in a ratio of 1:1. High-risk people have a condition or illness that may put them at risk in a pool, such as frequent seizures or fainting conditions. This includes people who are unable to control their behaviour or impulses and require direct supervision. The supervisory ratios for groups of high-risk people will be determined by pool staff based on the specific needs of the people and their associated risks. We recommend you call the pool before you visit.

Please note not all pools are reopened this summer due to COVID-19. Please refer to the pool locations section for details.

2020 standard and outdoor pool fees

Bearbrook Outdoor Pool, Beaverbrook Outdoor Pool, Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex-Orléans, Brewer Pool, Canterbury Pool, Corkstown Outdoor Pool, Crestview Outdoor Pool, Deborah Anne Kirwan Pool, Entrance Outdoor Pool, François Dupuis Recreation Centre, General Burns Outdoor Pool, Genest Outdoor Pool, Glen Cairn Outdoor Pool, Katimavik Outdoor Pool, Lowertown Pool, Pinecrest Recreation Centre, Plant Recreation Centre, Sawmill Creek Pool

• Two years and under: Free
• Three to 18 years: $2.75
• Full-time students: $2.75
• 19 to 64 years: $5.25
• 65 years and older: $3.50
• One to two adults and their children: $2.75 per person
• Groups of 10 or more: $2.50 per person

2020 leisure pool fees

CARDELREC Recreation Complex Goulbourn, Minto Recreation Complex-Barrhaven, Richcraft Recreation Complex-Kanata, Splash Wave Pool

• Two years and under: Free
• Three to 18 years: $3.75
• Full-time students: $3.75
• 19 to 64 years: $6
• 65 years and older: $4.75
• One to two adults and their children: $3.75 per person
• Groups of 10 or more: $3.50 per person
• Whirlpool/steam (Kanata Leisure Pool and Walter Baker Sports Centre): $4.75

2020 aquafit fees

Aquafit programs will not be offered this summer due to COVID-19.

Swim memberships are currently on hold due to COVID-19. Browse more information regarding membership cancellations and refunds.

Drowning is fast, silent and preventable. This page provides helpful tips to ensure water safety at all times.

Adult supervision while swimming

Whether at the beach, in a deep pool or in an inflatable pool, young swimmers should always be supervised by a responsible adult who:

• Knows how to swim
• Has access to a reliable phone to call 911 in the event of an emergency
• Knows the location of safety equipment
• Knows basic water rescue, first aid, and CPR

Be a Water Watcher

Here is how you can be a Water Watcher:

• Make sure a responsible adult who can swim is supervising your backyard pool any time people are in the water.
  • Drowning is the second leading cause of preventable death for children under 10 years of age. Backyard pools are the number one location where these drownings occur, often during a short lapse in supervision.
• Stay within arm's reach of non-swimmers.
  • Be close enough to provide immediate help. All children under 5 years should always be within arm’s reach of an adult when near water or in the water.
• Stay close to the pool's edge.
  • You need to be able to see or "scan" the entire surface and bottom of the pool and be able to respond quickly.
• Watch every child. Get extra help if needed.
  • Watch children's faces to see if they look panicked. This could mean they are in distress. If you're having trouble keeping track of all the children, get help from another Water Watcher supervisor to help.
• Make sure weak and non-swimmers wear lifejackets or personal floatation devices.
  • Lifejackets or personal floatation devices can help prevent accidents but they do not replace adult supervision.
• Ensure constant supervision. Drowning is fast and silent.
  • Need a bathroom break? Time to tend to the BBQ? Want to check your phone? Designate another responsible adult as the Water Watcher in your absence. Drowning is fast. It can happen in only inches of water and in a matter of seconds!

Backyard pool safety

Did you know that:

• Backyard pools are the number one location where children drown.
• Each year in Canada, an average of 487 people die from drowning.
• Drowning can occur in as little as 10 to 20 seconds, in only centimetres of water.

Everyone using your pool should:

• Know how to swim. It's never too late to learn how to swim.
• Know which part of the pool is deep or shallow.
• Know the location of the nearest phone.
• Always swim with a buddy, never alone.
• Be sober. Alcohol and pools don't mix.
• Stay out of the pool if there's thunder, lightning, or if the bottom of the pool cannot be seen clearly.

Pool fences

Does your pool fence meet the City's Pool enclosure By-Laws?

• The minimum fence height allowed in Ottawa is 1.5 m or 5 feet 153 cm (60 inches).
• Every swimming pool fence gate must have a self-closing and self-latching mechanism.

Does the by-law apply to a portable pool?

• The By-law applies to any privately-owned outdoor pool of water able to hold a water depth equal to or greater than 600 mm (24 in) at any point.
• This includes ponds, blow up pools, self-inflating pools, and hot tubs.

Life jackets and pool toys

Lifejackets, personal floatation devices, water wings, "pool noodles" and other floatation devices do not keep you safe in the pool. This equipment can be fun, but it is not a replacement for adult supervision!

Lifejackets and personal floatation devices must fit correctly to work. We don't recommend water wings as they can deflate or slip, leaving a child dangling under water.

Many factors including temperature, thickness, snow cover, water depth and currents can affect ice safety.

Did you know?

• Almost two thirds of ice-related incidents occur on lakes and the rest occur on rivers.
• Quality and thickness of ice can change very quickly.
• Snow acts as a blanket, slowing ice formation and growth.
• A sudden drop in air temperature can create cracks in the ice.
• In less than five minutes, cold water begins to affect your ability to move your arms and legs.
• Minimum ice thickness recommended by the Life Saving Society
  • 10 cm (4 inches) for walking or skating alone
  • 12 cm (5 inches) for snowmobiles
  • 25 cm to 30 cm (10 to 12 inches) for skating parties or games

Ice safety

• No ice is 100% safe!
• Check with local authorities before heading out.
• Let someone know where you are going and when you should be back.
• Carry a small personal safety kit including:
  • a lighter
  • waterproof matches
  • magnesium fire starter
  • pocketknife
  • compass
  • whistle
• Carry ice picks, an ice staff, a rope and a cell phone.

More tips can be found on the Red Cross and Life Saving Society web sites.