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Rules to follow at swimming sites

Last updated June 6, 2021
Reading time: 2 min
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Would you like to swim in a city pool? Are you taking a child to the play fountain or the wading pool? Here are some rules to follow to make sure everyone stays safe.

Due to the pandemic, there are special measures in outdoor aquatic facilities. These measures may change according to public health directives.

  • Get ready before arriving at the site (shower, sunscreen, and put on your bathing suit)
  • Changing rooms are closed. Only washrooms are open. 
  • Swim/wading times may be limited so that the maximum number of people can enjoy. 
  • If there are a lot of people, please let someone else use the play fountains after 30 minutes.
  • For hygienic reasons, you should bring a personal flotation device for children who cannot swim.
  • Keep a two-metre distance from others at all times.
  • Do not exceed the authorized number of people.
  • Wash your hands before and after swimming.

Rules applicable at all times

Out of respect or all users and with a view to proper use of facilities:

  • Bathing suits are required.
  • Take a shower before and after swimming.

  • Comply with the staff’s directives 

  • Check water depth and choose the area best suited for your abilities 

  • Bring flip flops that you use only for poolside and showers.
  • Do not swim in a public pool if you have a contagious or infectious disease.
  • It is prohibited to urinate, spit or blow your nose in pool water.

Nursing
Nursing is permitted anywhere on site. 

Pools

Chaperone ratio and individual flotation vests in the pool

Children ages five and under:
  • One chaperon per 6 children
  • Out of a group of six children, only one maximum cannot know how to swim and not wear a flotation vest
  • The others must know how to swim or wear a flotation vest
  • Swimming test required for children without a flotation vest
Children ages six and over:
  • One chaperone per 15 children
  • Out of a group of 15 children, only one maximum cannot know how to swim and not wear a flotation vest
  • The others must know how to swim or wear a flotation vest
  • Swimming test required for children without a flotation vest

The person in charge at the pool can require children to wear flotation vests

It is preferable that children who don’t know how to swim bring their own flotation vests. This will avoid children not being able to swim because no flotation vests in their size are available.

Number of children

If you are chaperoning several children, the pool guard may limit the number of children in the pool at the same time.

In all cases, chaperones must mind children and stay very close to them. Their safety is a shared responsibility.

Reservations are mandatory for daycare and day camp groups

Criteria for children to visit the pool alone

  1. Children ages eight and over that have reached the minimum height displayed at the pool entrance can go alone.
  2. If children are not tall enough, they must:
  • Know how to swim (test required)
  • Follow the rules
  • Be able to get around the site by themselves
  • Be able to get to the washroom by themselves

Why is there a minimum height?

At all times, children must be able to stand up without having water in their faces. This way, they can breathe and talk freely.

Wading pools

  • Reserved for children 10 years old or younger and for their guardian

  • Children 5 years old or younger must always be supervised closely by their guardian 

  • Children 7 years old or younger must be accompanied by a person 16 years old or older

  • Reservations are mandatory for daycare and day camp groups

Play fountains

  • Observe all signs and facility rules 

  • Follow safety instructions

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