Idlewood outdoor pool

For swim admission purposes, a caregiver is defined as someone 12 years or older, responsible for the child.

A swimmer to caregiver ratio defines the number of swimmers that can be supervised by a caregiver. Example: (4:1 ratio) means four swimmers can be supervised by one caregiver.

• under 10 years old: requires supervision
• under 7 years old: must be within arm’s reach of the caregiver in the shallow end (2:1 ratio)
• 7 to 9 years who have not passed a swim test: must be within arm’s reach of the caregiver in the shallow end (4:1 ratio) or (8:1 ratio) if all swimmers are wearing lifejackets.
• lifejackets may need to be supplied by swimmers as there is a limited supply at each facility
• lifejackets may not be available at all programs
• lifejackets must be the appropriate size for the swimmer and approved by Transport Canada
• water wings, puddle jumpers or any other floatation devices are not acceptable as lifejackets
• 7 to 9 years who have passed a swim test: may swim unaccompanied as long as a caregiver remains in the pool environment to supervise.

The requirements of the patron are to demonstrate comfort in the water and swim on their front for 20 metres in the designated swim test area of the pool. The swim test will also include a change in direction.

To properly assess a participant’s swimming ability, aquatic staff must observe the following during the swim test:

• no touching of the bottom or wall of the pool
• completion of the entire distance comfortably and confidently
• swimmer’s body must be positioned horizontal and near the surface
• continuous swimming with no stopping or resting at any point
• strong forward movement throughout
• an open water change of direction
• swimmer’s ability to submerge face under water
• swimmer’s ability to take a breath while swimming

Children between 7 and 9 years old, who successfully complete the swim test, will receive a swim test card. Swimmers must present their swim test cards to receive a green band before admission to a recreation swim.

Upon entry to a pool, visitors 0 to 9 years old will be given a coloured wristband to help staff identify their swimming ability. The colours are defined as follows:

Red band

• children 0 to 6 years old must be accompanied and within arm’s reach of caregiver.
• caregiver ratio 2:1

Yellow band

• children 7 to 9 years old are assumed to be non-swimmers and must be accompanied and within arm’s reach of caregiver
• caregiver ratio 4:1 without lifejackets
• caregiver ratio 8:1 with lifejackets for all children

Green band

• children 7 to 9 years old who have passed the Swim Admission Test may swim unaccompanied
• caregiver must remain in the pool environment to supervise.

Blue band

• all swimmers 10 years and older will get a blue wristband to show that they have paid admission to the pool