Pool Rules and Swimming Guidelines
| New Admission Standards for Public Pools |
In Canada, drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related death for children. That’s why the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care has updated its admission standards for Class A public pools.
A Class A public pool is defined as a pool in a public setting that is serviced by a lifeguard, such as a municipal pool in a park or recreation centre.
To ensure that children have a safe and enjoyable swimming experience, the City has implemented a wristband procedure. This allows staff to identify children at greater risk of accidents and ensure adequate supervision when in the pool area.
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| Pool Admission Standards - City of Cornwall Aquatics |
Please support and comply with the following Admission Standards for Public Pools by order of the Medical Officer of Health of the Eastern Ontario Health Unit as per Ontario Regulation 494/17 made under the Health Protection and Promotion act:
All children less than 10 years of age must be accompanied by a guardian who is at least 12 years of age and is responsible for their direct supervision of children under their care.
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| The new admission standards for public pools are broken down into two categories: |
For children under 6 years:
- If the children are not wearing life jackets, there must be 1 supervising guardian for every 2 children.
- If the children are wearing life jackets, there must be 1 supervising guardian for every 4 children.
- Children must remain in the shallow end regardless of swimming ability and guardians must be in the water within arms reach.
For children ages 6 to 9 years:
- If the children are not wearing life jackets, there must be 1 supervising guardian for every 4 children.
- If the children are wearing life jackets, there must be 1 supervising guardian for every 8 children. Supervising guardian must be in the water and remain within arms reach.
All children 6 to 9 years of age and their supervising guardian will be given a RED coloured wristband. RED indicates that a swim test must be performed. If they are unable or unwilling to complete the swim test the RED wristband will remain and the Supervising Guardian must be in the water and remain within arms reach.
If the child requests a swim test and they can successfully complete the standard a YELLOW wristband will be issued. Passing the swim test will allow children 6 to 9 years of age to swim in the deep end. The Supervising Guardian must remain on the pool deck.
Swimmers 10 to 17 will be issued a GREEN wristband and are able to swim unaccompanied.
Rental groups will be given BLUE wristbands along with the supervising adults. Must perform a swim test. All admission standards apply.
The City of Cornwall’s swim test is to swim one width of the shallow end, there and back without stopping or touching the bottom.
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| Please Note: |
- At the discretion of the lifeguard, regardless of age, swimmers may be asked to perform the swim test in order to swim in the deep end.
- All Non-Swimmers, those who cannot demonstrate comfort in the water or pass the facility swim test must remain in the shallow end.
- Floatation devices are not permitted in the deep end.
- All rental group leaders are responsible for children in their care while in the facility and must directly supervise the children at all times and are responsible for having Emergency contact information for all participants.
- All swimmers must measure 48 inches (1.21 m) in height to use the water slide and will be clearly marked at the front desk. If a lifeguard questions their height, they will be asked to return to the front desk to be re-measured with the Supervising Lifeguard.
- The maximum number of bathers permitted on deck and in the pool is 316.
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| Pool Fouling |
Everyone is affected when the pool is fouled. Babies, tots and those without bowel control MUST wear snug fitting pool pants - no disposable diapers. All participants should avoid eating or drinking too much prior to swimming and those 'under the weather' should stay home. |
| Whirlpool Rules |
- Children under the age of 12 are not allowed in the spa unless supervised by a person who is 16 years of age or older.
- Pregnant women and persons with known health or medical conditions should consult with a physician before using a spa.
- Do not use the spa if you have an open sore or rash, or are experiencing nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
- Overexposure may cause fainting. 10 to 15 minutes may be excessive for some individuals. Cool down periodically and leave the spa if nausea or dizziness occurs.
- Enter and exit the spa slowly, to prevent slipping.
- Do not play or swim near drains or suction devices. Your body, body parts, hair, jewelery and other objects may become trapped and cause injury or drowning. People with long hair should be especially careful.
- Do not enter or remain in a spa if a drain cover or suction fitting is loose, broken or missing. Immediately notify the spa operator.
- No food or beverage except water is permitted within the deck or spa. No glass containers of any kind are permitted within the deck or spa.
- The maximum number of bathers permitted in the spa is 25.
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| Slide Rules |
- Read and obey all posted signs.
- Obey all orders given by the attendant and operator.
- You must be 48" in height to ride the water slide.
- Maximum operational load: 1 person, 300 lbs.
- One person on the slide at a time. No bunching or chaining by riders permitted.
- Slide must be ridden feet first lying on your back or in a sitting position.
- No person shall dive, run, stand, kneel, rotate or stop in the channel.
- Hands must be kept inside the channel.
- No person shall bring glass bottles or food into the water slide area.
- Users must leave splash down area promptly.
- No swimming or flotation devices allowed on the slide or in the splash pool.
- Swim wear with exposed zippers, buckles, rivets or metal ornamentation are not permitted.
- Eyeglasses must be securely affixed to riders with head straps.
- Any person under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted in the facility.
- Caution: for safety reason, pregnant women and persons with heart conditions or back trouble should not ride this slide.
- The depth of the water in the splash down pool is 1.0 metre.
- Ride at your own risk.
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For more information, call the Aquatic Centre at 613-933-3586.
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