Recreation

Swimming Policies & Guidelines

Labour disruption in effect as of May 14, 2025

Victoria Day Weekend: What's Open and What's Closed?

Ancaster Municipal Service Centre closed May 5 to June 2

What you should know before arriving at the pool

Length Swim 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.
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.
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. The patron 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.

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.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced swimmer understanding and practicing proper swim etiquette ensures a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Please cooperate with our Length Swimming Etiquette to keep our pool safe and enjoyable for all swimmers.
Swimmers attending length swims should be able to swim a length, comfortably, without stopping.<
Treat lifeguards and lane partners with the same courtesy, respect and kindness that you would expect.
Don’t personally take offence if the lifeguard redirects you to another swim lane. The safety of all our swimmers is our primary concern.

General Safety

Speed signs are placed on deck to assist swimmers in assessing a lane that is appropriate for their swimming ability. Speeds and swimmers will vary day to day.
Assess the speed of the lanes and select the one that is right for you. Enter the lane at the end wall. Give other swimmers time to turn and push off before entering the lane.
Swim in a circular pattern regardless of the number of swimmers in the lane. Refer to the lane sign for proper direction for that lane.
Rest in the corner of the lane at the end wall, allowing space for other swimmers to continue and push off the wall.
If you are repeatedly passing other swimmers, it is time to move to a faster lane.
If you are repeatedly being passed by other swimmers, it is time to move to a slower lane.
If a lifeguard redirects you to another lane, please comply.

Passing

Before pushing off from the wall at each turn, check to see if anyone faster is approaching and allow them to pass.
When passing, it is your responsibility to look for oncoming swimmers. Pass only when the way is clear, and it is safe to do so. You may have to wait a few seconds.
If you are being passed by another swimmer, maintain your pace. Do not speed up or stop.

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

March 17, 2025

Waterslide Admission Criteria

0-5 years – not permitted to use slide

6-9 years – rider must be at least 48” tall and pass the facility swim test

10+ years – rider must be at least 48” tall and pass the facility swim test

Please be aware that there is a maximum weight restriction of 300 lbs for the waterslide.

Diving Board Rules

Only one person is permitted on the diving board at a time.
Check that the area is clear of swimmers before diving/jumping.
One bounce is permitted before the take-off.
All entries must be made straight off and from the end of the board.
No swimming underneath the board or hanging on the board.
Clear entry area immediately after resurfacing.
Children 0-5 years of age are not permitted to use the diving board.
Lifeguards at any time may restrict an activity or use of equipment.

Please be aware that there is a maximum weight restriction of 250 lbs for the diving board.

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