Aquatics and Ice Safety

Here are some additional aquatic policies and guidelines:

• The City of St. Catharines reserves the right to cancel any swim programs
• Pool facilities may close due to maintenance, thunder, lightning or pool fouling
• Children 8 years of age and older must change in the appropriate change rooms if a family change room is not available
• Please leave all valuables at home. The city isn't responsible for lost or stolen items
• Day use lockers are available at most facilities (we will remove locks at the end of each day)
• Cameras and camera cell phones are not permitted in washrooms or change rooms
• For the privacy of all swimmers, you can't take pictures or videos in the pool or splash pad areas (to take a photo of your child, please ask the lifeguard)
• Dogs are not permitted on pool decks or splash pads

You cannot use a private trainer, coach or independent instructor in City owned aquatic facilities unless you've rented the aquatic facility for the purpose of private lessons.

 In this video, we walk you through just how thick ice needs to be before you take part in various winter activities on the ice. Remember, it is best to stay off the ice, even if it seems thick enough. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles can impact the strength and cause safety risks.

In these videos, we will walk you through the actions you should take if you fall through the ice and how to stay warm until you get help.

Use this winter safety checklist to help keep your friends and family safe while you enjoy the winter weather:

• Be aware – know where the water's edge is and stay on familiar paths when going for a walk

• Check for signage – be on the lookout for thin ice and dangerous water safety signs

• Check ice conditions – no ice is safe ice, and you should always be aware of ice thickness and quality

• Emergency kit – keep a winter and cold weather emergency kit near you in your vehicle

• Phone – Keep a phone nearby to call 911 in an emergency

• Safety supervision – A parent or guardian should be actively supervising children near the water

• Backyard pool safety – check your winter cover for holes or gaps and ensure that your gate is locked

Here are some additional safety tips to follow:

• Use the buddy system and never go out on the ice alone

• You can only survive a few minutes in cold water – remember that Ontario water is colder than you think

• When outdoors in cold weather, wear multiple layers of dry clothing, warm boots, gloves and a hat