Checked
Public swimming, child supervision and FitPasses in Waterloo, Ontario
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Waterloo’s child supervision depends on age and the 22-metre facility swim test. Book a swim up to 72 hours ahead; owning a FitPass does not guarantee admission to a full session.
Key information
Waterloo’s child supervision depends on age and the 22-metre facility swim test. Book a swim up to 72 hours ahead; owning a FitPass does not guarantee admission to a full session.
On this page
Child and non-swimmer requirements
| Age or result | Rule |
|---|---|
| 2-6 | Caregiver 14+ in water within arm’s reach; maximum 2 children |
| 7-10 not passed | Caregiver 14+ in water within arm’s reach; maximum 3 children |
| 7-10 passed | May swim independently; caregiver stays in facility |
| Deep end/slides | Child must pass facility test |
Sources: Public swimming and pool rules · Swimming fees and pool guidelines
Your next steps
- Prepare
Use ActiveWaterloo to choose the public, lane or waterfit calendar.
- Contact or apply
At the pool, children needing the test swim 22 metres across the shallow end without touching bottom, face in water, feet at the surface, using consistent front crawl or breaststroke.
- Complete the next step
Only one test attempt is allowed per swim time.
Sources: Public swimming and pool rules · Swimming fees and pool guidelines
Book and complete the test
- Use ActiveWaterloo to choose the public, lane or waterfit calendar. Pay online by credit, Visa Debit or Mastercard Debit; join the waitlist when full.
- At the pool, children needing the test swim 22 metres across the shallow end without touching bottom, face in water, feet at the surface, using consistent front crawl or breaststroke.
- Only one test attempt is allowed per swim time. A passing 2-to 6-year-old still stays with the caregiver in the water, even when using the deep end or slide.
Sources: Public swimming and pool rules · Swimming fees and pool guidelines
Swimming single visits, including HST
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Child/youth 2-17 or older adult 55+ | $5.25 |
| Adult 18-54 | $7 |
| Family up to 4 | $15.80 |
| Additional child | $2.65 |
| Kidsplash: parent and child 6 or under | $7 |
Sources: Public swimming and pool rules · Swimming fees and pool guidelines
Session ages, privacy and closures
Lane swimming and waterfit require age 14 or older. Choose a lane suitable for swimming speed and stroke; staff may adjust lane assignments. Waterfit can be a drop-in or multi-week booking.
Bring a lock for a locker. Phones and cameras are prohibited in changing areas and on deck. Pool fouling can close the water for up to 24 hours, so check current cancellations before travelling.
Registration counters are RIM Park Manulife Sportsplex and Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex, weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. A registration counter is not a claim that both sites contain a pool. Questions go to swim@waterloo.ca,519-886-1177 or 519-884-5363.
Sources: Public swimming and pool rules · Swimming fees and pool guidelines
Both listed swim registration counters
These are the two in-person registration counters named by the city. Waterloo Memorial has the Swimplex pool. RIM Park is a registration counter, not a swimming destination. Choose the actual pool shown in the session booking.
Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex and Swimplex
101 Father David Bauer Drive, Waterloo, Ontario
In-person swim registration counter and home of the Swimplex indoor pool. Check the booked session, admission rules and cancellation notice before entering the water.
- Facility phone
- 519-886-1177
Sources: Public swimming and pool rules · Swimming fees and pool guidelines · Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex facility and address
RIM Park Manulife Sportsplex registration counter
2001 University Avenue East, Waterloo, Ontario
Listed in-person swim registration counter. This counter can help with registration, but this guide does not identify RIM Park as a pool.
- Facility phone
- 519-884-5363
Sources: Public swimming and pool rules · Swimming fees and pool guidelines · RIM Park facility and address
Sources: Public swimming and pool rules · Swimming fees and pool guidelines · Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex facility and address · RIM Park facility and address
Questions and answers
What is the swim test distance?
22 metres without touching the bottom, with the specified stroke, breathing and body position.
How many attempts can a child make?
One attempt per swim time.
Can a six-year-old who passes swim without the adult?
No. The caregiver remains in the water with the child.
Can a passing nine-year-old’s caregiver leave the building?
No. The caregiver must stay in the facility.
How many 7-to 10-year-olds can one caregiver supervise?
Up to three under the published group rule.
Does a FitPass reserve a spot?
No. It does not guarantee admission.
How far ahead can I register?
Up to 72 hours through ActiveWaterloo.
Source: Public swimming and pool rules
Are under-two ratios established in this source?
No separate under-two ratio is given; ask aquatic staff before attending.
Sources: Public swimming and pool rules · Swimming fees and pool guidelines