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- Q: I have a young child of a different gender. Can I bring them into the changeroom with me?
- A: At facilities without universal or family change rooms, children of different gender than their supervisor may enter the same changeroom as their supervisor if they are six years of age or younger. Otherwise, children seven years of age or older are required to use the change room designated for their gender. If this is not suitable to your needs, please see facility staff so that appropriate accommodations can be arranged. Only a limited number of pools have family/universal change rooms.
- Q: Can my preschooler swim with just a diaper?
- A: If your preschooler is not toilet-trained, he or she can wear a cotton diaper only if there are snug fitting pants that cover the diaper. Other options include specially designed swim diapers or swim pants. Sorry, disposable diapers are not permitted.
- Q: This is my child's first time swimming. Can I take pictures?
- A: Yes, however in the interest of safety and for the consideration of the privacy of other patrons, you will need to arrange this with staff in -charge of the program. Please also be aware that the use of electronic/photographic devices including cellular phones and personal digital assistants is prohibited in the change room and washroom areas of all Parks, Forestry and Recreation facilities.
- Q: I don't understand the curriculum. If I'm a new swimmer, which class should I take?
- A: The class to take mostly depends on your age and your familiarity with swimming. Guardian Swim is ideal for children of 6 months to 5 years who also have a guardian attending the class. Preschool Swim are for kids 3 - 5 years; different levels of Preschool Swim correspond to different levels of ability. Ultra Swim is the largest program for kids and youth 5 years and older. Youth who have already learned how to swim can enter into the Ultra Program at whichever level is suitable to their ability. Super Swim introduces the shallow end and the deep end to new swimmers who are 5 years old and older. Pre-lifeguard programs and Aquatic Leadership programs vary in required age and are geared towards those who want to become a lifeguard or swimming instructor. These programs are advanced in nature as they teach more than just swimming skills. Adult Swim is aimed towards those swimming for the first time who are 17 years and older.
- Q: Where can I leave my valuables and personal belongings in a safe and secure place?
- A: We STRONGLY recommend patrons to find a secure place for their valuables instead of leaving them unguarded in the pool change rooms. Lockers are a great way to ensure their safety -- they are available at various pools, so check with your closest facility.
- Q: What should I wear to swim? How can I cover up or protect myself from the sun while I'm swimming?
- A: We ask that all swimmers change from street clothes into a swimsuit and/or clothing used for swimming only. For sun protection, a light coloured t-shirt is acceptable. For those wishing to cover up in cooler temperatures, we suggest a long-sleeved t-shirt and shorts or leggings. Clothing should permit the individual to participate safely in the program.
- Q: My local pool is closed due to a pool fouling. When is it likely to re-open?
- A: Unfortunately, on occasion, pools have to be closed in an untimely manner due to pool fouling. Health regulations require that our pools be closed anywhere from 1 to 24 hours for necessary disinfecting, so expect your pool to re-open the following day to be safe.
- Q: I had a lesson planned and the pool closed down suddenly (either due to pool fouling or other reasons)! What will happen to my lesson?
- A: If you had a lesson planned and the pool is closed, the City of Toronto will either try to make up the lesson or provide a dry land lesson. If both of these options are impossible due to the circumstances, a credit will be issued for the missed lesson.
- Q: How can my children and I help keep the pools free from accidental fouling?
- A: No one likes it when someone fouls the pool! Please exercise precaution and feed your children after their swimming program or two hours before. Have them use the washroom before entering the water and at any time during the program.