Admission Policies

Admission Policy for Recreational Swims

Wilmot Aquatic Centre (WAC) staff members are experts trained in aquatic emergencies. They are required to supervise all patrons in the pool and cannot act in a child care capacity. Parental supervision of all children under 10 years of age is strongly recommended during all pool visits.

Children aged 7 and under and children 8 to 10 years who are weak or non- swimmers

Must be accompanied by a responsible parent or guardian 13 years of age or older who is responsible for their direct supervision. A maximum of 2 children for each parent or guardian.

Children wearing personal flotation devices (water wings, lifejackets etc.) must be supervised at all times.

Children aged 8 to 10 years of age who are strong swimmers

UPDATED SWIM TEST CRITERIA  

In order to meet common industry standards and best practices, the Wilmot Aquatic Centre will be updating the Admission swim test used for swimmers who are 8 – 10 years of age who would like to swim unaccompanied by a guardian.

ORANGE swim test cards holders will be required to demonstrate their ability to complete the swim at the updated standard and will then be issued a replacement card.

The new test criteria will consist of:

• Swim 20m on front with the ability to put their face in the water at least once,
• Tread water for 15 seconds and
• Swim 20m once more on their front or back.

In order to pass the swim test, each participant must be able to complete the following items comfortably without stopping or putting their feet on the bottom.

Swimmers with orange cards should practice to see if they can make it.

Parents/Guardians must remain in the facility until the swim test is completed successfully. If the child is unable to complete the swim test, the Parent/Guardian will be required to participate with the child.

“Direct supervision” is defined as being in the water and able to render immediate assistance.

Persons who have known seizure disorders or other serious medical disorders are at greater risk while swimming. Those individuals should be accompanied and supervised by another individual knowledgeable on their condition.

Wrist Band Policy

In conjunction with our Admission Policy, we will be issuing wrist bands to young swimmers.

Children 7 years of age or younger will be given a RED ribbon for their wrist. These children must be accompanied in the water at all times by a parent or guardian 13 years of age or older, who must remain within arm's reach at all times.

Children 8 to 10 years of age will be given a YELLOW ribbon for their wrist if they wish to perform a swim test to see if they can swim unaccompanied. Parents or the guardian must be in the facility until the child has performed the swim test to ensure the child is able to swim alone.

If the child passes the swim test, they can have their wrist band removed and will be written in the swim test book for future reference.

If they do not pass the swim test, they will be issued a RED ribbon for their wrist and will be required to swim within arm's reach of a parent or guardian 13 years of age or older who is in the pool.

Leisure Buddy Pass

The Leisure Buddy Pass is available for persons who are required to accompany a program participant, who is in need of direct supervision due to a physical or mental disability, while participating in a recreational program. To obtain a Leisure Buddy Pass:

Complete and submit an application form to the Aquatics Manager.

If approved:

1. The pass must be presented at each visit.
2. The Leisure Buddy Pass is only valid in the accompaniment of the paying program participant.
3. The Leisure Buddy Pass is valid for one year.
4. In the instance of an organization such as Aldaview Services, who has several clients that require direct supervision, one card will be sufficient for the organization.