Swimming

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Trick or Swim or Skate

Trick or Swim or Skate is back! Purchase 10 tickets for $10 to swim or skate at City pools and select arenas. This healthy and fun alternative to the traditional candy overload will have all your ghouls and goblins pleasantly surprised.  

Tickets are valid for ages three to 15 years. 

Tickets can be used from November 1, 2022, until January 31, 2023.  

Available at: 

  • Bob MacQuarrie Recreation Complex-Orleans 
  • Brewer Pool 
  • Canterbury Recreation Complex 
  • Champagne Fitness Centre 
  • Deborah Anne Kirwan Pool  
  • François Dupuis Recreation Centre 
  • CARDELREC Recreation Complex 
  • Kanata Leisure Centre 
  • Lowertown Pool 
  • Minto Recreation Complex-Barrhaven 
  • Nepean Sportsplex 
  • Pinecrest Recreation Complex 
  • Plant Recreation Centre 
  • Ray Friel Recreation Complex 
  • Richcraft Recreation Complex – Kanata 
  • Sawmill Creek Pool & Community Centre 
  • Splash Wave Pool
  • St Laurent Community Centre 
  • Walter Baker Sports Centre 

Water safety

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.

Public swimming
  • 13 indoor pools
  • 9 outdoor pools
  • 4 beaches
  • 55 wading pools
  • 145 splash pads

Make a reservation for a drop-in public or lane swim. Those without a reservation will be admitted as capacity limits allow.

Swimming and aquafitness activities

Swimming programs

  • Lane swim:  Continuous lane swim workout. Children age eight to 10 must pass the facility's swim test. Only essential equipment will be provided for use on deck, you are welcome to bring your own equipment. Maximum of 2 people per reservation.
  • 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. Only essential equipment will be provided for use on deck. You are welcome to bring your own equipment. Maximum of 6 people per reservation.
  • Preschool swim: An unstructured swim time with limited pool space allowing for playtime for preschool-aged children and their parents, ages 5 and under. Children 5 years of age and under: maximum 2 children per responsible person 14 years of age and older.
  • 50+ swim: Lap swimming for adults aged 50 plus.
  • Women’s only swim: Open to all women and girls, 14 years of age and older.
  • Women’s only – Family swim: An unstructured swim designed for females-only and their children, boys over the age of 6 are not permitted. Adult females do not have to bring a child to these swims. Children 5 years of age and under: maximum 2 children per responsible person 14 years of age and older.

Inclusive recreation swim programs

  • Swim for persons with a disability: Designated swim for youth and adult participants with a long-term disability. Swim is free of charge for qualifying participants upon completion of a participant information form. If assistance is required in the change room, participants must bring an attendant.
  • Wellness – Aqua therapy: A wellness program ideal for individuals living with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, osteoporosis and individuals recovering from injury or surgery.
  • Wellness – Chronic pain: A wellness program ideal for individuals living with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, osteoporosis and individuals recovering from injury or surgery.

Aquafitness programs

  • Aqua lite main pool: Offered in the main pool, the class is a low impact total body workout that offers a blend of cardio as well as muscular strength and endurance training combined with specific attention to core stabilization and relaxation techniques.
  • Aqua general shallow: Offered in the shallow end, the general aquafitness class is designed as a medium intensity total body workout, balance of cardio and muscular strength and endurance. A great introduction program offering easy choreography and options to modify the intensity.
  • Aqua lite warm pool: Offered in the warm pool, the class is a low impact total body workout that offers a blend of cardio as well as muscular strength and endurance training combined with specific attention to core stabilization and relaxation techniques.
  • Aqua general deep: Offered in the deep end, the general aquafitness class is designed as a medium intensity total body workout, balance of cardio and muscular strength and endurance. A great introduction program offering easy choreography and options to modify the intensity.

Swimming lessons (Swim City)

See the full catalogue and register for swimming lessons. 

Swim City is the City of Ottawa’s swimming lesson program. Follow your progress as you discover the joy of swimming and collect stickers as you progress through the levels.

Enter into one of the four streams according to your age on the first day of lessons. If you’re unsure where to start, do a swim assessment during a public swim and a program supervisor will tell you which level best suits your ability.

Check out the pre-school swimming levels that are named after local creatures that swim in the Ottawa River. In partnership with Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Pimadjiwowinogamig, and the cultural centre in Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, the names are in the Anishinabemowin Algonquin language. The designs are by artist Dean Ottawa from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation. This special connection is intended to foster an appreciation of the culture and heritage of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation.

a wordmark

Swim Tots (ages 4 to 35 months)

Toddlers make their entry into swimming with their caregiver who joins them in the water. Together, they learn to have fun and be safe in the water.

Swim Tots levels (ages 4 to 35 months)
Swim Tots Level Equivalent previous Red Cross level
Little Dippers 1 (4-11 months) Starfish
Little Splashers 2 (12-23 months) Duck
Little Jumpers 3 (24-35 months) Sea Turtle
 

Swim Creatures (ages 3 to 5 years)

The pre-school swimming levels are named after local creatures that swim in the Ottawa River.

The designs are by artist Dean Ottawa from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation. 

Swim creatures levels for ages 3 to 5
Swim Creatures level Equivalent previous Red Cross level
Mikinàk | Turtle 1 Sea Otter (Level 1)  
Omagakì | Frog 2 Salamander (Level 2)  
Màng | Loon 3 Sunfish (Level 3)  
Nigig | Otter 4 Crocodile (Level 4)  
Amik | Beaver 5 Whale (Level 5)  

Swim Colours (ages 6 to 14 years)

The ten colours for the levels of school-aged swim lessons were chosen through a contest in June 2022.

Swim Colours level Equivalent previous Red Cross level
Yellow 1  Swim Kids Level 1
Coral 2 Swim Kids Level 2
Red 3 Swim Kids Level 3
Magenta 4 Swim Kids Level 4
Purple 5 Swim Kids Level 5
Navy 6 Swim Kids Level 6
Aqua 7 Swim Kids Level 7
Seafoam 8 Swim Kids Level 8
Green 9 Swim Kids Level 9
Lime 10 Swim Kids Level 10
 

Adult and Youth (ages 15 years and older)

Master the fundamentals of swimming and water safety at any age.

Swim levels - Adult and youth ages 15 and up
Adult and Youth level Equivalent previous Red Cross level
Sw’imtroduction 1 Swim Basics 1
Sw’immersion 2 Swim Basics 1
Sw’improvement 3 Swim Strokes
 
  • image of swim level icons
    Swim Tots icons
  • image of swim level icons
    Swim Creatures levels Artwork by Dean Ottawa
  • image of swim level icons
    Swim colours icons
  • image of swim level icons
    Swim Tots icons
  • image of swim level icons
    Swim Creatures levels Artwork by Dean Ottawa
  • image of swim level icons
    Swim colours icons

How to register

How to register for courses and camps

  1. Sign-in or create an account.
  2. Find a program.

You can also register in person by visiting a recreation facility or client service centre.

The following service will be provided in person. We strongly recommend you schedule an appointment with us, but walk-ins will be accepted between 8:30 am to noon and 1 to 4 pm.

Please select a location to book an appointment time:

Safety and admission requirements for wading pools

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.

Standard safety and supervisory standards in City pools and beaches

There are safety standards so that everyone can enjoy the City’s swimming pools and beaches.

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.

2022 Swimming fees

Standard and outdoor pool fees

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

  • Two years and under: Free
  • Three to 18 years: $3
  • Full-time students: $3
  • 19 to 64 years: $5.75
  • 65 years and older: $3.75
  • Household: One to two adults and their children: $3 per person
  • Groups of 10 or more: $2.75 per person

Leisure pool fees

CARDELREC Recreation Complex Goulbourn, Kanata Leisure Centre and Wave Pool (without waves), Minto Recreation Complex-Barrhaven, Nepean Sportsplex, Ray Friel Recreation Complex (without waves), Richcraft Recreation Complex-Kanata, Splash Wave Pool (without waves), Walter Baker Sports Centre

  • Two years and under: Free
  • Three to 18 years: $4.25
  • Full-time students: $4.25
  • 19 to 64 years: $6.50
  • 65 years and older: $5
  • Household: One to two adults and their children: $4.25 per person
  • Groups of 10 or more: $3.75 per person
  • Whirlpool/steam (Kanata Leisure Pool and Walter Baker Sports Centre): $5

Wave swim fees

Kanata Leisure Centre and Wave Pool, Ray Friel Recreation Complex, Splash Wave Pool

  • Two years and under: Free
  • Three to 18 years: $7.25
  • Full-time students: $7.25
  • 19 to 64 years: $10
  • 65 years and older: $8.50
  • Household: One to two adults and their children: $7.25 per person
  • Groups of 10 or more: $7.25 per person

Aquafit 

  • Seniors, students and youth: $8.50
  • Adults: $10

Swim multi-visit pass

  • 12-visit pass for child, students or youth: $35.40
  • 12-visit pass for adults: $56.40
  • 12-visit pass for seniors: $42

Swimming membership

A swim membership gives you access to scheduled public swim sessions (excluding wave swims) at all City pools. A combined swim and aquafitness membership gives you access to a variety of fitness classes in different depths of water.

Membership fees include HST.

2022 swim memberships

2022 membership fees for leisure, outdoor and standard pools
  1 month 3 months 6 months 1 year
Seniors, students, youth, children $26.00 $51.50 $94.00 $170.25
Adult $56.25 $111.75 $204.25 $369.50
Household: Up to two related adults, with or without their child(ren) all living at the same address. Children must be age 25 or younger. $108.75 $216.75 $396.50 $683.75
2022 membership fees for wave swim at the Kanata Leisure Centre, the Ray Friel Recreation Complex and the Splash Wave Pool
  1 month 3 months 6 months 1 year
Seniors, students, youth, children $52.75 $119.00 $182.00 $299.00
Adult $71.50 $162.75 $261.25 $406.25
Household: Up to two related adults, with or without their child(ren) all living at the same address. Children must be age 25 or younger. $132.50 $263.00 $455.50 $832.25

2022 Aquafitness membership

You can purchase an aquafitness membership, or you may also get a combined aquafitness and swimming membership to take a variety of fitness classes in different depths of water.

Aquafitness membership
  1 month 3 month 6 month 1 year
Adult $72.25 $143.75 $262.00 $475.25
Youth (13 to 18), full-time student or senior (65 and older): $58.25 $115.25 $210.75 $381.50
Household: Up to two related adults, with or without their child(ren) all living at the same address. Children must be age 25 or younger. $116.25 $257.50 $470.75 $854.75
Combined aquafitness and swimming membership
  1 month 3 month 6 month 1 year
Adult $80.25 $159.00 $291.00 $527.75
Youth (13 to 18), full-time student or senior (65 and older): $64.50 $127.75 $233.75 $424.00
Household: Up to two related adults, with or without their child(ren) all living at the same address. Children must be age 25 or younger. $123.25 $257.50 $522.00 $949.50

Beaches

The City’s beaches Mooney’s Bay, Britannia and Petrie Island will be open for supervised swimming from 11 am to 7 pm starting June 18 until August 28, 2022 inclusively. Washrooms will be for the season starting May 21 until September 5, 2022 inclusively.

Note: Westboro Beach will be closed for the 2022 season due to a redevelopment project being led by the National Capital Commission.

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

There is a fee for parking at Mooney’s Bay and Petrie Island. Check octranspo.com to help plan your transit route to parks and beaches.

Keep our beaches and parks clean by not littering. Dispose of your waste in bins or bring it home to dispose of in your green bin or your recycling and garbage bins.

Water health and safety

Ottawa Public Health conducts daily water quality testing for the presence of E coli bacteria. Check Beach Water Quality Results - Ottawa Public Health for the latest water-quality results and no swimming advisories.

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.

To further help you and your family stay safe and healthy, the City has worked with Ottawa Public Health to implement COVID-prevention measures, including:

  • Enhanced cleaning measures for beach washrooms
  • Extra comfort stations (portable toilets)

Beach-accessible wheelchairs

Beach-accessible wheelchairs are available at Mooney’s Bay Beach, Britannia Beach and Petrie Island Beach. Available daily from 11:30 to 6:30 pm on a first-come-first-serve basis from June 18 to August 28, 2022. There is no cost to rent wheelchairs.

Users are required to provide their own attendant to push the chair and assist with the transfer in and out of the chair. There is no lift on site.

To check the availability of beach-accessible wheelchairs, please contact:

  • Mooney’s Bay 613-248-0863
  • Petrie Island 613-824-5704
  • Britannia Beach 613-820-1211
  • or beaches@ottawa.ca

Event and group bookings

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

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

Beach amenities

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 watching the boats go by.

  • From May 21 to September 5, 2022, paid parking from 7 am to 6 pm (seasonal passes available).
  • Canteen
  • Picnic tables
  • Play structure
  • Volley-ball net rental
  • Stand-up Paddleboard Rental (16+ years of age)
  • Lifeguards

Britannia Beach

  • Free parking
  • Canteen
  • Picnic tables
  • BBQ pits in the park
  • Play structures
  • Accessible washroom
  • Volley-ball net rental (Available on the southwest half of the beach, close to the building.)
  • Stand-up Paddleboard Rental (16+ years of age)
  • Lifeguards

Personal volleyball nets are permitted on the northeast half of the beach. For safety reasons no volleyball nets are permitted in close proximity to the lifeguard stand.

Mooney’s Bay Beach

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

  • From May 21 to September 5, 2022, paid parking from 7 am to 6 pm
  • Canteen
  • Picnic tables
  • BBQ pits in the park
  • Play structures
  • Volley-ball net rental (Available on the South side of the beach past the children’s playground.)
  • Stand-up Paddleboard Rental (16+ years of age)
  • Lifeguards

Personal volleyball nets are permitted to be set up on the north side of the beach. 

For safety reasons no volleyball nets are permitted in close proximity to the lifeguard stand. 

Westboro Beach

Westboro beach will be closed for the 2022 season due to a redevelopment project being led by the National Capital Commission.

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

Wading pools

Wading pools (summer only)

City of Ottawa wading pools are now closed for the 2022 season. 

Fees

There is no cost to swim at a City of Ottawa wading pool.

Location

This interactive map shows you the locations of Ottawa's wading pools, along with their dates and hours of operation. Wading pools marked in light blue are accessible.

Splash pads (summer only)

Splash pads (summer only)

The City of Ottawa Splash Pads will be in operation from May 21 until September 15 (weather dependent). Splash pad sites are unsupervised.

The following splash pads are closed for repairs:

  • Cyrville Park
  • Eastvale Park
  • Kaladar Park
  • Lawson Park
  • Walter Baker Park
  • White Rock Park
  • Whitehaven Park