Swimming Programs
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.
A Variety of Swimming Options
The City offers a variety of swimming programs & classes and swimming drop in options at our 3 indoor pools.
Swimming Lessons
We offer lessons based on the Lifesaving Society's Swim for Life curriculum. These lessons, available from Preschool to Advanced levels, are comprehensive swim instruction that is accessible, flexible, success-oriented and fun. Opportunities for group lessons, low sensory environment lessons, adult lessons, private and semi-private, family, and diving are all available.
Family Lessons
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 Holly)
- Select the family lesson day and time most convenient for you. Check the Recreation Guide (page 70) 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.
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.
Aqua Fit
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 boot camp, finning and more.
Board of Education Swimming Lessons
The City 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 from the contact numbers 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 everyone. With or without a PFD, the children are taught 3 skills: ROLL into deep water, TREAD water for 1 minute and SWIM 50m as statistics show that most drownings occur within 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.
Volunteer Opportunities
Anyone who is 13 years of age with Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid with CPR-C 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 pool you are interested in volunteering at if you have any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Frequently Asked Questions |
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| 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 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". |
| What is a Family Lesson? |
Answer |
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 Holly)
- Select the family lesson day and time most convenient for you. Check the Recreation Guide (page 70) 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! |