Swimming Programs
Swimming is a fun way to exercise, regardless of age or fitness level. The City offers a variety of swimming programs and classes, and drop-in swimming options, including aquafit, open swims and fitness swims.
Please visit barrie.ca/RecUpdates for up-to-date information re impacted recreation services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our Pools
Swimming Lessons
We offer lessons based on the Lifesaving Society's Swim for Life curriculum. Our comprehensive lessons, available from Preschool to Advanced levels, are accessible, flexible, success-oriented and fun.
Group, adult, private and semi-private lessons are all available. Family lessons are currently on hold due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Drop-In Swimming
Take part in the City's multiple drop-in swimming options.
Open Swims
Open swims are available for unstructured play. Each pool offers unique features and opportunities to play with toys. Visit play.barrie.ca for program descriptions, dates and times.
Aquafit
With less stress on the body's joints, aquafit is an ideal way to stay fit. We offer a variety of classes including boot camp and more.
Fitness Swims
Fitness swim is continuous lap swimming. Swimmers must be able to swim 25 metres and be comfortable in deep water. Please observe the pace of swimmers before choosing the lane that best suits your pace. Follow direction from the lifeguards.
Support Options
The City is committed to providing meaningful recreation for all. To learn more about the available support options, including one-to-one support staff and external support workers, please visit the Inclusion Services page.
Frequently Asked Questions
| What is considered proper bathing attire? | Answer |
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 the Peggy Hill Team Community Centre, 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? | Answer
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Schedule lessons for the whole family: same day, same time, same place. If you, or your friends and family, have multiple children you would like to have in swimming lessons on the same day and time, Family Lessons are for you! How it works: - Choose the pool where you’d like your lessons to be held (Allandale,
East Bayfield or
Peggy Hill Team Community Centre)
- Select the family lesson day and time most convenient for you. Check the Recreation Guide for schedules or view online at
play.barrie.ca.
On the first day of lessons, each child is evaluated and placed in the class most appropriate to their skill level.
- Register your children.
How to register.
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| How do I become a Swimming Instructor & Lifeguard? | Answer |
To become an instructor and lifeguard, you must hold the following awards: Lifesaving Instructor, Swim Instructor and NLS (pool) and be 16 years of age. |
| How can I get my child(ren) assessed for an appropriate for swimming lessons? | Answer |
Call the pool you wish to attend, and ask for an assessment. A Client Service Representative 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. |
| What is the temperature of the pools? | Answer |
Each of our main pools are kept at a comfortable 82F (+/-) while the small pools are maintained at 92F (+/-). Enjoy!
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