Pool Admission Standards

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Admission Policy

Age	Supervision	Guardian to Child Ratio
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
7 -13 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: 4 children OR 1 Adult: 6 children in PFDs
14+ years	May access the facility without direct supervision.

NOTE: As of December 1, 2026 Carleton University Athletics will introduce a new wristband policy for all pool users. This update reflects best practices across aquatic facilities and is designed to support a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone. All swimmers, including Aquafit participants, will be required to wear a Carleton Athletics–issued wristband to enter the pool. See 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. Always accompanied by parent/guardian 14 years or older who must be actively participating and within arms 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 parent/guardian (14+) who must be actively supervising from deck.	N/A	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, classes, or other programming during public swims.
Swim space allocation may change based on programming, staffing, or safety regulations.
Long-course (50m) swimming is not available during July and August.

Swim Descriptions

Recreational Swim	Fitness Swim
Pool is divided into designated areas for lane and leisure swimming, water running and additional amenities (subject to availability); 1m Springboard, Zip-Line Apparatus, Basketball Nets, Diving Platforms (5m & 7.5m). This swim also provides access to the wadding pool.	Lane swimming only. *Water running is permitted in the deep ed when the die tank is available.

Women Only Swim	Trans & Allie Swim
Same amenities as Recreational Swims. Open to women and their young children. Facility adjustment for privacy included; 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.

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.