Swimming and Aquatics

kickboards beside the pool edge

Click here for Recreation facility and program updates in response to COVID-19 restrictions

Come and join us for a dip in the pool at the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre! The pool was first opened in 1976 and continues to be a popular recreation activity in our Community to this day! The pool is 5 lanes, 25m long, and features two slides and a rope swing. Recreation staff keep the water temperature at 84˚F so that you can stay comfortable during your visit no matter what activity you are doing in the pool. Please make sure to review the Admissions Policy and Pool Rules before your arrival at the W.J. Henderson Recreation Centre.

We offer a variety of learn to swim classes, leadership/certification courses, aquafit, and public swimming to meet all our Resident's need. Check below for more information.

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Learning to swim? (All ages)

Loyalist Township offers the Red Cross Swim Preschool (3mos – 5yrs) and Red Cross Swim Kids (5yrs+) learn to swim programs for children as well as Private Lessons. We also offer Private Lessons, Adult Lessons, Swim Precision, Guard FIT, and other programs for adults and youth looking to learn to swim or improve their skills in the pool.

Visit our Children's Swimming Lesson page to view class offerings and register online today!

Visit our Adult and Youth Swimming Programs page to view class offerings and register online today!

Aquafit

Aquafit is for EVERYONE! This a great workout for people of all ages and abilities and will help you meet your fitness goals no matter what they are. We offer up to five different Aquafit classes throughout the week.

View our Aquafit page for more information on Aquafit at the pool including schedules and class descriptions!

Becoming a Lifeguard/Swimming Instructor

Lifeguarding and teaching swimming lessons is a rewarding and valuable job within your community! There are several steps required to earning your certifications before you can begin working. Loyalist Township offers prerequisite, certification, and recertification course in Aquatic Leadership Courses from the Lifesaving Society and the Red Cross.

Visit our Leadership and Aquatic Certifications Courses page to see course offerings and learn more about the steps to becoming a Lifeguard, a Water Safety Instructor, or maintaining or certifications.

Swimming schedule, memberships, and drop-in fees

Loyalist Township offers general Public Swims, Family Swims, Lane Swims, Senior's Swims, and Parent & Tot swims. Check out our Public Swim Schedule to see swim descriptions and when swims are scheduled!

Swim/Skate Memberships are available in 3 month, 6 month, and 12 month durations. Ticket packs are also available for purchase. This information is available on the Public Swim Schedule page.

Admissions Policy

Supervisory standards in accordance with recommendations from Public Health, the Red Cross, and Lifesaving Society are in place to ensure the safety of all swimmers.

Swimmers may need to complete a swim test administered by on duty Aquatic Staff. If the individual does not pass the swim test, they must remain in the shallow end of the pool (the Tarzan rope and large slide are off-limits).

Children under 6 years must have a parent/ guardian IN THE POOL directly supervising the child (within arms reach)
Children under 10 years must always have a parent/ guardian with them in the pool facility. The guardian must be at least 12 years of age
Children between the ages of 6 and 9 years who do not pass the swim test, must have a parent/ guardian IN THE POOL directly supervising the child (within arms reach)
Supervision ratio is 1 parent/guardian for 2 swimmers under the age of 6 years

Facility Swim Test

Swimmers must be able to demonstrate comfort in the water and swim 20 meters in the shallow water without assistance or a lifejacket. Participant must complete the entire distance, swim continuously without stopping to rest, show strong forward movement, and do so with ease. On-duty Aquatic Staff will administer the Swim Test.

Pool Rules

1. Swimmers must always obey lifeguards.

2. Swimmers may need to complete the Swim Test.

3. Non-swimmers and swimmers who cannot pass the swim test must remain in the shallow end.

4. Absolutely no horseplay.

5. Individuals wearing floatation devices must remain in the shallow end.

6. Swimmers are not allowed to use the starting blocks or lifeguard chairs.

7. No flips or cartwheels into the water from the pool deck.

8. Swimmers must keep all "logs" and "animal mats" away from the sides of the pool.

9. Do not sit on the lane ropes or use them for support.

10. Flutter boards are not allowed during public swims, except in lane swimming.

11. No diving in the shallow end.

12. No running on the deck.

13. Please do not wear out-door footwear on deck.

14. Swimmers must wear proper swim attire.

15. Participants must meet admission standards (see Admissions Policy)