Admission fees
Advance booking is not required for leisure swimming. Arrive at the facility during the scheduled time of the activity and pay applicable admissions fees at the reception desk. Memberships are available for 1, 3, 6 and 12 month durations. Monthly passes can only be purchased at indoor pool locations but can be used at outdoor pools.
Residents 55 years of age and older, living in or paying property taxes in Oshawa, now qualify for discounts on recreation programs, memberships and admission fees. Learn more.
Pool admission requirements
To ensure the safety of all swimmers, children 17 years of age and under are encouraged to complete a swim test when participating in leisure swimming activities at a City of Oshawa indoor pool. Please note, the swim test is not mandatory.
Swim test
Children will receive a red, yellow or green wristband based on the age of the child and their ability to pass the swim test. To pass the swim test, the child must be able to swim 25 metres of the pool independently on their front, maintaining a horizontal body position at all times. The child must be able to swim with their face in the water and take breaths without stopping or touching the bottom of the pool. Front Crawl is encouraged.
Swim tests are available at:
- Camp Samac Outdoor Pool, Centennial Pool and Donevan Recreation Complex Pool during fun swims and public swims
- Delpark Homes Centre Pool and South Oshawa Community Centre Pool during fun swims only
Age | Supervision requirements |
6 and under |
- Child can swim in some areas of the pool but must stay within arm's reach of a supervising guardian aged 14 or older at all times. Maximum of 2 children per guardian.
- Pass swim test: Child receives a red wristband and gains access to additional areas of the pool but must stay within arm's reach of a supervising guardian aged 14 or older at all times. Maximum of 2 children per guardian.
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7 to 9 years |
- Child receives a yellow wristband and can swim in some areas of the pool but must stay within arm's reach of a supervising guardian aged 14 or older at all times. Maximum of 2 children per guardian.
- Pass swim test: Child receives a green wristband and can swim unaccompanied in all areas of the pool.
For details on exceptions while swimming in the lazy river at the Delpark Homes Centre, refer to lazy river rules.
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10 to 17 years |
- Child can swim unaccompanied in some areas of the pool.
- Pass swim test: Child receives a green wristband and can swim unaccompanied in all areas of the pool.
For details on exceptions while swimming in the lazy river at the Delpark Homes Centre, refer to lazy river rules.
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Swim test cards
Children who have passed the swim test and received a green wristband, are eligible to purchase a City of Oshawa swim test card. This card entitles the child to a green wristband upon entry to any City pool. To receive a swim test card:
- Present the child's green wristband (on their wrist) to a staff member at a reception desk
- Complete the Swim Test Registration Form
There is a fee of $6.00 associated with obtaining the swim test card.
Leisure swimming descriptions
Activity | Description |
Adult Swim |
Adult Swims are open to swimmers 16 years of age and older. These swims are designed for those looking to exercise at their own pace or for those who are new to swimming and wish to practice their skills. Patrons can enjoy a low-impact water workout, perform therapeutic movement activities, or practice swimming skills during this swim time.
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Family Swim |
Family swims are for children and their parent(s) or guardian(s). Active in-water supervision is required. (Lifeguards cannot watch swim tests during family swims at any pool). |
Female Only Public Swim |
Female only swims are for females who want to swim in a private setting. Windows will have blinds for privacy. |
Fun Swim |
Fun swims are open to all ages and swimmer abilities. Swimmers may use pool toys and lifejackets in the shallow end and may be provided upon request and at the discretion of the Aquatic staff. The slide and various water features are operational during the swim. |
Lane Swim |
Lane swims are open to swimmers 13 years of age and older who are interested in swimming lengths. One lane may be dedicated for therapeutic movement activities. Lanes adjusted to ability level of swimmers. |
Parent & Tot Swim |
Parent and tot swims are for children six years of age or younger and their parent(s) or guardian(s). These swims take place in the shallow pool. Active in-water supervision is required for all children regardless of age or swim ability. |
Public Swim |
Public swims are open to all ages and swimmer types. Swimmers may use pool toys and lifejackets in the shallow end of the pool. |
Youth Only Lane Swim |
This lane swim is open to youth 10 to 17 years of age. It is intended for young competitive swimmers, aquatic leadership candidates or those who wish to practice their skills and endurance in a less busy environment from traditional lane swims. Participants must be able to complete a facility swim test in order to attend and swim continuous lengths throughout the swim.
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Leisure swimming rules
General pool rules
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- Community members are welcome to bring their life jackets. It is recommended that life jackets are D.O.T. (Department of Transportation) approved and in good condition
- Disposable and cloth diapers are not permitted in the water. Please use diapers designed for pool use
- All individuals with a serious medical condition should be accompanied in the water by another individual knowledgeable of their condition
- Those with open sores or infectious diseases will not be admitted to swimming pools unless a medical doctor's certificate is presented
- Undergarments, cut-offs, jeans and loose clothing are not permitted in the pool
- Please do not bring food or beverages onto pool decks
- Shoes must be removed before entering the shower and pool area
- Use of snorkels, full-face masks, and mermaid tails are not permitted
- Swim coaching or teaching is not allowed during leisure swim times unless conducted by a city staff. City pools can be booked for private coaching or teaching, please visit a recreation facility reception desk for details
- The pool deck is reserved for those actively participating in swimming. A viewing gallery is available for those who wish to observe
Neck floats for babies are not permitted in City pools. The risks of using a baby neck float can include death due to drowning and suffocation, strain and injury to a baby's neck.
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Diving board rules
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- Diving is permitted in the deep end only. No diving in the small pool or the shallow end
- Only one person is permitted on the diving board or ladder to the diving board at a time. Divers must wait their turn in line to dive from the board
- More than one bounce on the diving board is prohibited
- No hanging on diving boards
- Diving must be straight off the end of the diving board only
- Divers must swim directly to the side of the pool or the shallow end
- Back dives, flips or back jumps must be done from a diving board only
- Diving boards are to be closed, without exception, when large crowds are using the pool or when the pool supervisor feels it is unsafe
- Diving board use is not available during Lane Swims
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Lazy river rules
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Those 18 years of age and older and children who have completed the facility swim test (with a green wristband) are permitted in the lazy river.
- Youth 10 to 17 years who have not completed their swim test may enter while properly wearing a personal flotation device (P.F.D.)
- Children seven to nine years who have not completed their swim test (yellow band) may enter while properly wearing a P.F.D. as long as they are within arm's reach of a supervising guardian 14 years of age or older
- Children six years and under may only enter if they have completed the facility swim test and they are within arm's reach of a supervising guardian who is 14 years of age or older
- No more than 30 participants are permitted in the lazy river at any given time
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Sauna rules
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- Community members 14 years of age and over are permitted to use the sauna Recommended maximum use is 15 minutes
- Those who are pregnant or those with a medical condition should consult a physician before using the sauna
- Water, essential oils and lotions are not to be poured on the sauna unit, rocks, or walls
- All Personal hygiene items, e.g. razors, loofas, and lotions, are not permitted in the sauna
- Appropriate bathing attire must be worn
- Community members are to shower before re-entering the pool
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Water slide rules
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- All riders must be 1.065 m (42 in) tall to ride the water slide
- No diving, running, standing, kneeling, rotating or stopping in the channel
- Hands must be kept inside the channel
- Riders must leave the splashdown area promptly
- No one shall bring glass, bottles or food into the water slide area
- Bunching or chaining by riders is prohibited
- Riders are not allowed to propel or push themselves down the slide to speed up the ride
- Riders are not permitted to stand in the launch area
Tot water slide rules
- Only one person is allowed on the slide, or ladder to the slide, at one time
- Entry into the water must be feet first and all riders must be facing forward
- Hands must remain on knees during descent
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Whirlpool rules |
- Community members 14 years of age and over can use the whirlpool. Over-exposure may cause fainting. Ten to 15 minutes may be excessive for some individuals. Cool down periodically and leave the whirlpool if nausea or dizziness occurs
- Those who are pregnant or those with a medical condition should consult with a physician before using the whirlpool
- Patrons should not use the whirlpool if they have an open sore or rash, or are experiencing nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
- Enter and exit the whirlpool slowly to prevent slipping
- Do not play or swim near drains or suction devices. Your body, body parts, hair, jewellery and other objects may become trapped and cause injury or drowning.
- Do not enter or remain in the whirlpool if a drain cover or suction fitting is loose, broken or missing. Immediately notify the whirlpool operator
- No food or beverage except water is permitted within the deck or whirlpool. No glass containers of any kind are permitted within the deck or whirlpool
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