Pool Admission Standards
Starting December 1, 2026, all Carleton Pool users, including Aquafit participants, must wear a Carleton Athletics–issued wristband to enter the pool, supporting a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Wristband Admission Policy
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 a 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 a parent/guardian (14+) who must be actively supervising from the 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 wading pool. | Lane swimming only. *Water running is permitted in the deep end when the dive tank is available. |
| Women Only Swim | Trans & Allie Swim |
|---|---|
| Same amenities as Recreational Swims. Open to women and their young children. Facility adjustments 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.