Recreational Swimming

COVID-19 update: All pools are currently closed. Visit RichmondHill.ca/COVID19 for more information. 

The safety of staff and residents is our top priority. New procedures and cleaning protocols will be in effect. Upon reopening, there will be reduced programming and a limited number of participants allowed to use the facility at a time to ensure that physical distancing can be maintained.

What to expect at our pools during COVID-19

Swim Guidelines

Richmond Hill's Community Service Department has various recreational swimming opportunities for all ages. All swimmers must follow the pool rules and guidelines.

View a list of Pools.

Swim Admissions

Purchase your membership through our registration system or visit any Richmond Hill Community Centre.Tickets and Membership Passes are not valid for Wave Swim Admissions.

Wave Swim Admissions - currently unavailable

+ Group Note: Group Admission is limited to a maximum of five patrons. Groups must have a minimum of one adult/senior up to a maximum of two adults/seniors.

Admission fees and schedule swim times are subject to change.

Swimming Activities

Our recreational swim types include:

Rules and guidelines

The Office of the Coroner of Ontario developed Admission Standards for Public Pools to assist Lifeguards in maintaining adequate surveillance over the whereabouts and the activities of bathers while they are within the pool enclosure. The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care strongly supports these recommendations for the purpose of preventing injuries and fatalities.

Please follow these rules when using Richmond Hill's public pools:

• Persons with serious medical conditions should be accompanied by an individual knowledgeable of their condition and responsible for their direct supervision
• Food and beverages are not permitted on any pool deck or in change rooms
• For the comfort of all patrons, children six years old and older are required to use the appropriate gender specific (male/female) change room
• Special needs/universal changerooms are available at all pools
• Coin lockers are available at all aquatic facilities and change may be obtained from the Front Desk
• Richmond Hill is not responsible for lost or stolen articles; we recommend that you lock up your belongings and leave valuables at home
• All swimmers must change from street clothes into a swim suit or clean clothing used for the purpose of swimming only
• For persons wishing to cover up, we suggest a t-shirt and leggings over your swimsuit (clothing should allow the participant to move through the water safely)
• Patrons are welcome to watch from the viewing gallery
• All bathers must shower before entering the pool
• Children who are not toilet-trained must wear tight-legged, plastic pants under or over their swimsuits or a pool-pant diaper
• Disposable diapers are not permitted in the water (plastic pants or Huggies Little Swimmers are available to purchase at the Front Desk)
• With the exception of water wings, personal inflatable objects are not permitted in any pool
• Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)/lifejackets are a much better substitute for water wings and are available at all locations (please ask a Lifeguard for your correct size)
• Children wearing a lifejacket must be within arms' reach of a parent at all times
• Only Richmond Hill staff are permitted to teach registered lessons during Recreational Swim times
• Aquatic staff will educate patrons and enforce these and a number of other rules/guidelines to maintain as safe a swimming environment as possible

Age restrictions

There are age restrictions for all Richmond Hill public pools to ensure the safety of our visitors. Children 10 years of age and older can swim without a parent or guardian but are recommended to always swim with a buddy.

Swim Admission Policy for Children

Children five years old and younger:

• Must be accompanied in the water by a parent or adult guardian at least 16 years old
• The parent or guardian is responsible for the child's direct supervision and must be within arms-reach of the child at all times
• Maximum two children per parent or adult guardian

Children aged six to nine:

• Must be accompanied in the water by a parent or guardian at least 14 years old or 16 years old for Wave Swims
• The parent or guardian is responsible for the child's direct supervision and must be able to give immediate assistance if needed
• Non-swimmers must remain within arms' reach of their parent or guardian
• Maximum four children per parent or guardian
• During wave swims, it is recommended that parents or guardians are within arms-reach of their children at all times regardless of swimming ability
• Must pass a Swim Test to access the deep end (excluding Wave Pool)

Children aged ten to fifteen:

• May swim alone
• Always recommended to swim with a buddy
• Organized groups must meet a ratio of eight children per one guardian

Pool closures

• Pool fouling may result in pool closures (please encourage children to visit the washroom before entering the pool)
• There are no refunds due to pool closures or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control
• Free passes may be given to those who provide a receipt as proof of admission within 30 minutes after the incident