Pool Admission Standards
Wristband Admission Policy
All pool users, including Aquafit participants, are required to wear a Carleton Athletics–issued wristband to enter the pool. This policy supports a safe, organized, and enjoyable experience for everyone. See the table below for more details.
| Age | Requirements | Guardian: child ratio | Wristband |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 – 6 years | Accompanied by a parent/guardian 14 years or older who must be actively participating and within arms reach at all times, in the water. | 1 Adult: 2 children | Red |
| 7 -13 years | DO NOT pass the swim test or choose not to complete a swim test. Must always be accompanied by a parent/guardian (14+) who must be actively participating and within arm’s reach at all times. Must remain in the shallow end of the pool. | 1 Adult: 4 children OR 1 Adult: 6 children in PFDs | Yellow |
| 7 -13 years | Pass the swim test. Always accompanied by a parent/guardian (14+) who must be actively supervising from the deck. | 1 Adult: 6 children | Green |
| 14+ years | May access the facility without direct supervision. | N/A | Other colour |
Swim Test Requirements
To pass the swim test, swimmers must:
• Swim 25m without touching the bottom/sides of the pool
• Demonstrate the ability to comfortably submerge their 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.
General Pool Facility
- CU Athletics reserves the right to schedule private lessons, Lifesaving programs, or other internal programming during public swims.
- CU Athletics reserves the right to change the swim space allocation of public swims to meet program needs, staffing and/or regulation requirements.
- Long-course (50m) swimming is not available during July and August.
Unauthorized formal private coaching or instruction is NOT permitted during Recreation or Fitness swim times.
Large Private Groups
We are unable to accommodate large private groups (of 8+ people) during public (Recreation & Fitness) swims.
Our public swims operate on a drop-in, first-come, first-served basis, and admission is granted no more than 30 minutes prior to the scheduled swim time. As a result, we are unable to arrange advance admission, reservations, or group payments for large private groups during these sessions. Large groups wishing to attend together are encouraged to book a private rental. Booking a rental ensures appropriate staffing levels and allows time for required swim testing to be conducted safely.
Swim Descriptions
| Recreational Swim | Fitness Swim |
|---|---|
| The pool is divided into designated areas for lane swimming, leisure swimming, and water running, with additional amenities available subject to availability, including a 1m springboard, zip-line apparatus, basketball nets, and 5m and 7.5m diving platforms. This swim also provides access to the wading pool. | Lane swimming only. *Water running is permitted in the deep end when the dive tank is available. |
| Women Only Swim | Trans & Allies Swim |
|---|---|
| Same amenities as Recreational Swims. Open to women and their young children. Facility adjustments for privacy include: men’s and family change rooms locked, visual access points covered, pool gallery locked, and female pool staff supervision. | Same amenities as Recreational Swims. Designed for trans, non-binary, and 2SLGBTQ+ community members. Friends/allies may attend when accompanied by a member of this community. |
Women Only Recreational Swims
Boys 6 years old and under are allowed only if accompanied by an adult woman.
Area-Based Swim Access
- Whole Pool: Full access during the swim.
- Shallow Only: Access to shallow lanes/end (6 x 25m).
- Deep Only: Access to deep lanes/end (6 x 25m); may or may not include dive tank.
Swim Etiquette & Safety
Lane Swimming Etiquette
- Choose a lane with swimmers of similar speed.
- Communicate before entering a lane.
- Wait for swimmers to finish a turn before entering.
- Swim in a circle unless mutually agreed to split the lane.
- Leave a 5–10 second gap between swimmers.
- Rest at the wall off to the side, not on lane ropes.
- Tap foot gently to signal a pass. No grabbing or pulling.
- If tapped, move aside or slow down slightly to let the swimmer pass safely.
Pool Equipment Rules
- Toys, mats, and basketball nets should remain in the shallow-end leisure lane only, unless otherwise approved by a supervisor.
Lifeguard Whistle Signals
- 1 whistle blast: Look toward the nearest lifeguard.
- 3 whistle blasts: Pool is being cleared. Exit promptly and safely.