Q. How do group lessons operate?
Two sets of lessons will be offered at the Niagara-on-the-Lake pool and the St. Davids pool. A total of ten (10) lessons are offered five (5) days per week from Monday through Friday for two (2) weeks (30-minutes per lesson). Times and dates for lessons will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Classes will be at most 12 participants, and the Aquatics/Camp Coordinator will carefully scrutinize class size based on the availability of the participants and the type of course.
Q. How do semi-private and private lessons operate?
All semi-private and private lessons consist of six (6) 30-minute lessons arranged at mutually agreed times, subject to pool and instructor availability.
Persons wishing to register for semi-private lessons are responsible for arranging for their partners, but if you cannot find a partner, the pool staff will try to secure one for you. Semi-private lessons are a maximum of three (3) students. A lesson will be forfeited without 24-hour notice of cancellation.
Q. Are refunds offered?
Before the second lesson, refunds will be issued for medical reasons only. A 10% Administrative fee is applied to all refunds.
Q. Are the pools heated?
Yes, both Niagara Pool and St. Davids Pool are heated.
Q. Can I purchase a public swimming season pass?
Swimming Passes can be purchased at the pool office, and can be used at either pool.
Q. What do I need to bring to the pool?
- A proper bathing suit and towel
- Goggles (optional) *Will not be provided by the pool
- Kickboard/noodle (optional for Lane swim/Family swim) *No equipment will be provided by the pool
- Lifejackets, small float toys, and/or diving toys (optional for family swim/pool rentals) *Not offered by the pool
Q. Will my child need to take a swim test?
All swimmers aged 6-9 years old are required to complete the facility swim test to:
- Swim in the deep end
- Use diving boards/slide
- Swim unattended by a parent or guardian
The swim test includes swimming two (2) widths of the pool unassisted and without the child putting their feet on the bottom of the pool. If successful, the lifeguard will provide a green wristband that must be worn for the swim duration. If the child cannot complete the swim test or chooses not to, they will be given a yellow wristband and must have a parent or guardian on the pool deck for the duration of their swim.
*All swimmers five (5) and under will be given a red wristband and must always have a parent or guardian within arm's reach in the pool.
Q. Can my child swim unattended wearing a life jacket/floaties?
No. A child may only swim unattended if they have passed the swim test and/or are ten (10) years or older. Children wearing life jackets/floaties must always be within arm's reach of a parent or guardian and are NOT permitted to use diving boards or slides.
Q. How do I know what swim level to register my child?
Please refer to our Swimming Lessons Comparison chart for descriptions of each level and to see what Life Saving Swim level your child belongs in if they have taken lessons under the Red Cross or the YMCA.
