Recreation
Swimming Policies & Guidelines
What you should know before arriving at the pool
Swimming Pool Etiquette
A pool fouling can result in a temporary pool closure for up to 24 hours.
Follow these tips to help keep our pools and decks clean:
- All participants are encouraged to use the washroom before swimming.
- Wash thoroughly with soap and water before entering or re-entering the pool.
- Participants that have experienced nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea in the past 48 hours should not use the pool.
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Participants who use diapers or adult briefs should consider a swim diaper/brief option such as:
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Plastic pants with tight legs, Little Swimmers, Pool Pant Diapers, or Gabby’s.
- Standard diapers are not allowed, due to excessive absorption materials that will go into the pool.
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- Participants should not eat a large meal before swimming.
Swimming lessons
Only lessons operated by the City of Hamilton are permitted.
Serious medical conditions
Those with serious medical conditions should be accompanied by an individual knowledgeable of their condition and responsible for their direct supervision. Thepatron accompanying the individual is not required to pay an entrance fee.
Hyperventilation/Breath Holding
Hyperventilation/rapid breathing or extended breath holding prior to underwater swimming is unsafe behaviour and is not permitted.
Change rooms
Children 7 years of age or older are required to use the changeroom of their identified gender or a universal changeroom, if available. If this is not suitable or a universal changeroom is not available, please speak to the facility staff.
Universal change rooms are for all patrons. Patron’s using the universal change room must use privacy cubicles and not the common area. Bathing attire must be worn in the universal shower area unless a privacy cubicle exists.
What to wear in the pool/bathing attire
When using City of Hamilton pools, swimmers must wear bathing apparel that is clean and used specifically for the purpose of bathing. In alignment with the City of Hamilton’s Gender Identity Protocol, “Dress Code” “4.1 All persons are entitled to dress in accordance with their gender identity or gender expression.”Apparel worn in the pool must permit individuals to participate safely in programs. All apparel/swim attire must be appropriate for a general audience.
Recommendations for swimming attire include:
- Bathing apparel does not need to be gender specific, and attire style may be determined by the individual based on their gender identity, cultural, or personal beliefs.
- Clothing should be lightweight fabric (not denim or cutoffs)
- Form fitting clothing is preferred
Participants who use diapers or adult briefs should consider a swim diaper/brief option such as:
- Plastic pants with tight legs, Little Swimmers, Pool Pant Diapers, or Gabby’s.
Standard diapers are not allowed, due to excessive absorption materials that will go into the pool.
Swim admission criteria
All non-swimmers must remain in the shallow end.
- Children 0 to 5 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and must be within arm’s reach at all times.
- Children 6 to 9 years of age who cannot pass the Facility Swim Test, must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and must be within arm’s reach at all times.
- Children 6 to 9 who can pass the Facility Swim Test may be admitted without a parent or guardian.
A guardian is defined as an individual at least 12 years of age or older who is responsible for the direct supervision of children within their care.
Supervision requirements
| Age of child | Ratio without lifejackets | Ratio with lifejackets |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 5 years | 1:2 | 1:2 |
| 6 to 9 years | 1:4 | 1:8 |
Date modified
November 16, 2023