Aquatics & Swimming
Swimming is an activity that might best be described as "one exercise fits all." It can be practiced by almost anyone, no matter what your age, whether you’re in top shape or recovering from an injury.
The City of Barrie offers a mixture of Learn to Swim and Recreational Swimming, Fitness Swims and Aquafit opportunities at our 3 indoor pools.
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Allandale Recreation Centre (ARC) - 6 lane competitive pool, small pool, men's and women's sauna.
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East Bayfield Community Centre (EBC) - 8 lane competitive pool, small teaching pool.
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Holly Comunity Centre (HCC) - Recreational Pool with waterslide, small teaching pool, bubblers, fountains and a variety of other water play toys.
Schedules - Click on the link below
Rec Swim Sched Spring 2012 Apr 25.pdf
Rec Swim Sched Interium Schedule June 18 - 30.pdf
AQUA FIT SCHEDULE (May 17).pdf
Swimming Lessons
We offer lessons the Swim for Life curriculuum developed by The Lifesaving Society. These lessons are comprehensive swim instruction that is accessible, flexible, success oriented and fun. Lessons are available from Preschool to Advanced level courses. Opportunities for group lessons, low sensory environment lessons, adult lessons, private and semi-privates and Family lesson opportunities are all available. Diving and Syncro classes also available.
Open Swims
Whether you are interested in fitness lane swims, open swims where you can play with all the toys or our popular 55+ swims, we have something for everyone. Check out our latest schedule in the downloads portion of this page.
Aqua Fit Lessons
Come and get fit with us in the pool. With less stress on the joints of the body, aquafit is an ideal way to get back in shape. We offer a variety of classes including a boot camp, finning, aqua tai chi and more. Check out our brochure for a list of times and descriptions.
Board of Education Swimming Lessons
The City of Barrie is pleased to offer our Board of Education program to all the schools in the Barrie area. This program is a fantastic way for school aged children who might otherwise not be exposed to swimming lessons to gain valuable swimming life skills. Our main goal above all else is the safety of the participants through active involvement; gaining an understanding of basic water skills and safety. Call us for more information at the contact #'s listed on this page.
Swim to Survive
The Lifesaving Society, The Ontario Ministry of Education, The Stefanie Gaetz Keepsafe Foundation as well as The City of Barrie provide wonderful support by FULLY FUNDING our Grade 3 Swim to Survive program. We offer this FREE important life skills program throughout Simcoe County to grade 3 public school students with the belief that basic swimming fundamentals are a requirement for every one. With or without a PFD, the children are taught to 3 skills: ROLL into deep water, TREAD water for 1 minute and SWIM 50 m as statistics show that most drowning occur within just 3 to 15m from shore. We are proud to say that last year we reached over 1700 grade 3 Simcoe County students at no cost to the school or families and are proud to offer this excellent opportunity for Grade 3 students during the coming school year! Ask if your school is involved! Contact us for more information if your school is not involved.
Volunteer Opportunities
Anyone holding a current Lifesaving Society Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid with CPR-C award is welcome to volunteer as an Assistant Instructor, or to be part of simulated emergencies during Lifeguard Training. The Lifesaving Society Assistant Instructor award is preferred for those assisting with classes.
If interested in volunteering, please submit your resume and a volunteer application with LSS I.D. number to any of the recreation centres. A police check will also be required.
Please contact the Aquatics Volunteer Coordinator at 705-739-4220 x 5743 if you have any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Frequently Asked Questions |
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| What is considered proper bathing attire? |
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We welcome everyone into our pools, regardless of religious or cultural requirements. We do ask that the outfit to be worn in the pools has to be carried in, and put on in the changeroom. Cutoffs are not permitted as bathing attire, and because of the slide at Holly, no rivets or dangling strings or zippers are permitted. Proper swim diapers are required for children who are not yet toilet trained (usually 3 and under, but not restricted to this age) whether they are taking lessons or enjoying a swim with their "grown-up".
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| What is a Family Lesson? |
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Bring one, bring all! You choose your timeslot, and we do the rest! A quick assessment of your child(ren)'s swimming abilities is done on the first day, grouping together those of similar abilities. This option is available for Preschool A – E and Swimmer 1 – 4.
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| How do I become a Swimming Instructor & Lifeguard? |
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To become an instructor guard, you must hold the following awards: Lifesaving Instructor, Swim Instructor and NLS (pool) and be 16 years of age. See page 116 in our brochure for the complete listing of courses required.
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| How can I get my child(ren) assessed for an appropriate for swimming lessons? |
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Call the pool you wish to attend, and ask for an assessment. The wonderful front desk staff will pass your request to our Lifeguard staff, who will perform the assessment during an open or family swim time. This is a free assessment, but an appointment is necessary to ensure safe guarding ratios are maintained.
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| What is the temperature of the pools? |
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Each of our main pools are kept at a comfortable 84F (+/-) while the small pools are maintained at 92F (+/-). Enjoy!
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