Aquatics and Swimming

• To ensure kids have a safe swim, we use wristbands. Children under 10 get one from our staff:
  • Red: For children 6 and under. Guardian must be in water, within arms’ reach. Maximum three children per guardian.
    
  • Yellow: For children 7 to 9. Guardian must be in water, directly supervising children and able to provide immediate assistance. Maximum three children per guardian.
    
  • Red and green: For children 6 and under who pass a swim test. They can swim in deep water without the lifejacket. Guardian must be in water, with arms’ reach. Maximum three children per guardian.   
  • Yellow and green: For children 7 to 9 who pass a swim test. Guardian must be within the pool enclosure. Maximum three children per guardian.
• The ratio of caregivers to children could be increased to 1:5 if all the children wear lifejackets.
• Caregivers must watch over children and be at least 16 years old. 
• If your child needs diapers, they must wear swim diapers, not disposable ones.

If someone vomits or has a bathroom accident in the pool, we may have to close it for between one and 14 hours. You can help avoid this by:

• Not eating big meals or feeding kids right before swimming.
• Using the restroom before getting in the pool.
• Not swimming if you or your child feels sick.
• Use swim diapers for kids who aren't toilet trained and for adults with incontinence. You can buy both types at the front desk.
• Take a shower before swimming to get rid of things like dead skin, dirt, sweat, body oils and feces that can contaminate the pool. 

You must shower with soap before entering the pool. This helps keep the water clean. Lifeguards will ask patrons to go to the change rooms if they have not showered.

People with serious medical conditions should have someone with them who knows about their condition and can watch over them closely. It is important to consult your doctor before swimming in such cases.

• Culligan Water Park lazy river: Kids under 10 must pass a swim test or stay close to a caregiver while wearing a lifejacket, at a maximum ratio of two kids per adult. 
• Culligan Water Park water slide: Riders must be at least 122 cm (4’) tall, lie down on the slide and not wear life jackets.
• Artillery Park Aquatic Centre sauna: Ages 16+ only. You must shower before re-entering the pool. Open during all recreational swim programs.

Everyone on the pool deck should wear proper bathing suits. Street clothes are not allowed. Kids who are not toilet trained must wear snug-fitting plastic pants or swim diapers, available for purchase at the registration desk.

If your children are seven or older, they must use the change room for their gender or the family change room. Family change rooms are available at Artillery Park Aquatic Centre and Culligan Water Park. If you are with a child of the same gender, use the appropriate gender-specific change room.

The use of electronic recording devices capable of taking a photograph is not allowed in the fitness room, change rooms, pool deck or washrooms in all City of Kingston facilities.

Only water in a plastic container is permitted on the pool deck. Bring a reusable drinking container.

For the safety of your belongings, please use the lockers. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items. Change room lockers are for day use only and you must provide your own lock; locks and contents will be removed if left overnight.

Here are some simple rules for lane swimming:

• Follow the signs for speed and direction.
• Choose your lane wisely and ask the lifeguard for help if unsure.
• Change lanes as needed based on your speed and others.
• Listen to the lifeguard if they ask you to switch lanes.
• Let faster swimmers pass you at the wall.
• Keep some distance from the swimmer in front of you.
• Rest at the corner and leave room for others to turn.
• Talk to the lifeguard if you have any issues or questions.