Swimming admission policy

In order to ensure adequate supervision and to identify children at greater risk, Sports Services is issuing wristbands during leisure or lane swim sessions.

Policies and Procedures

  • All participants 10 and under require a wristband to access swimming.
  • All Children 7 years of age and under, regardless of swimming ability, must be directly supervised (within arms’ reach) by a responsible person 16 years of age or older.
  • Children 10 years of age and under who are non-swimmers or who cannot pass the facility swim test must be directly supervised (close proximity and able to render assistance) by a responsible person 16 years of age or older.
  • Children 11 to 15 years of age must be accompanied in the facility by a responsible person 16 years of age or older.
  • Non-swimmers and those who cannot pass the facility swim test must remain in shallow water. Each ratio below indicates the maximum number of children that one responsible person would be able to supervise.

General Public (Drop-in, Student, Employee, Member), and External Groups or Camps

Age (Years)

Information

Admission Requirements

Adult: Child Ratio

Band Colour

5 and under

Supervisor must be actively participating within arms’ reach at all times

Always accompanied (parent/guardian 16+)

1:2

Orange

6 to 7

Supervisor must be actively participating within arms’ reach at all times

Always accompanied (parent/guardian 16+)

1:4 | 1:6  with PFD

Orange

8 to 10

Did not pass facility swim test

Always accompanied (parent/guardian 16+)

1:4 | 1:8 with PFD

Orange

8 to 10

Successfully completed facility swim test

Always accompanied (parent/guardian 16+)

1:10

Green

11 to 15

N/A

Always accompanied (parent/guardian 16+)

1:15

Green

Each ratio indicates the maximum number of children that one responsible person (aged 16 or older) is able to supervise. For children 10 and under, the parent/guardian must be in proper bathing attire, in the water, actively participating within arm’s reach at all times.

Swim Test: While supervised by a lifeguard, swim 25m of the pool without touching the bottom, be comfortable supporting yourself at the surface of the water, and be comfortable putting your face in the water.

Serious Medical Conditions: Users of our facilities must ensure they are fit to participate in physical activities. Those with a condition affecting their ability to participate must take appropriate safety precautions for their own safety. Any person with a serious medical condition should be accompanied by an adult knowledgeable of their condition and responsible for their direct supervision.

High-risk participants must be in a ratio of 1:1. High-risk participants are defined as those who have a condition or illness that may put them at risk in an aquatic environment (e.g. frequent seizures, fainting conditions, etc.) and those who are unable to control behaviour or impulses and require direct supervision.

Supervisory Ratios for Groups of High Risk Participants to be determined by pool staff based on the specific needs of the participants and associated risks. We recommend you call the facility prior to your visit.

Patrons using this facility do so at their own risk. The University of Ottawa does not accept responsibility for related risks or injuries.