Frequently Asked Questions
During Your Swim
How old does my child need to be to swim by themselves?
Children under seven (7) years of age must be accompanied into the water and stay within arm’s reach of a responsible person of at least sixteen (16) years of age.
Can babies wear just diapers in the pool?
They must be SWIM diapers, not regular diapers. Regular diapers fall apart in the water and do not provide the necessary insulation, therefore we ask babies either wear pool pants, swim diapers or a plastic pant over their regular diaper in order to help keep it from falling apart.
Can I breastfeed my child while at the pool?
Breastfeeding is permitted anywhere, anytime including in the pool.
Can I watch my child swim from the pool deck?
A limited number of parents/guardians will be able to view from the viewing area (10 in total).
Are the slides open?
The double slide will be open for all swims in the leisure pool. The drop slide will be open when there is leisure swim in the lap pool.
Are washrooms available?
Yes, washrooms are available for users of the facility. Public washrooms for park visitors are located in the north section of the park.
Will I be able to get change for the locker at the facility?
We encourage all patrons to bring 25 cent for the refundable lockers to secure their personal effects. Cell phone/wallet lockers will also be available.
Registration Process
How do I register for swim lessons?
- In Person: At any community centre
- By phone: Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm at (604) 276-4300
- Online at www.richmond.ca/register
How far in advance can I register for swim lessons?
Registration is ongoing. Please check www.richmond.ca/register for the most up-to-date registration dates and times.
Is registration refundable?
- Yes if notice is given prior to the beginning of the 3rd session of the class. A refund, less the classes already taken will be provided. Refunds are processed by calling the Registration Centre at (604) 276-4300 Monday – Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm.
- For private lessons: a full refund will be given if notice is given at least 72 hours prior to the class. If less than 72 hours notice is provided, no refund will be provided.
General Swim Lesson Questions
Can I watch my child from the pool deck?
A limited number of parents/caregivers are able to observe from the viewing area.
Are private lessons available?
Yes. Private lessons are available for all levels ages 3+.
Are semi-private lessons available?
Semi-private lessons are available for all levels ages 3+. Students must be in the same or adjacent levels (ex. Red Cross Swim Kids Level 1 and level 2).
How long is each swim lesson?
30-60 minutes, depending on the level.
Can my child pre-register or waitlist for the next level?
Unfortunately, no. A child can only be registered or waitlisted for the level they are currently eligible for; this is the same for everyone. On the last day of lessons, children will receive the report card indicating which level to register for next. This report card can be taken to the front desk to register or registration can be done online or through the Registration Call Centre. Participants that do not meet the criteria to be registered or waitlisted for specific lesson sets will be removed and notified. Any corresponding payments will be credited back to your City of Richmond account.
Are clients able to register for overlapping lesson sets?
No, clients are not able to register for lesson sets that overlap reserving their spot in multiple lesson sets that overlap days/weeks. While the registration system allows clients to be registered in the same level for overlapping lesson sets, clients will be contacted by Aquatics staff and withdrawn from lessons so that they are only taking one lesson at a time.
Will there be lockers available for use?
Yes. Patrons are asked to bring 1 quarter for the refundable lockers to secure personal belongings at Minoru Centre for Active Living.
Please note: lockers are for day use only.
Are there wallet/cellphone lockers available?
Yes, in the change rooms. Users can set their own passcode to lock/unlock the locker and charge their phones.
Users are still encouraged to leave their valuables at home.
Please note: lockers are for day use only.
Do we allow private swimming lessons in Richmond aquatic facilities?
Private lessons can not be taught by patrons or staff (unless scheduled through the City of Richmond). Private companies offering swimming lessons in a public building is a conflict of interest as we already offer swimming lessons.
In Advance of Swim Lessons
How far in advance should I arrive at the pool for my swim lessons?
No more than 10 minutes before the start of your lesson time. You can enter the changerooms 5 minutes before your lesson. All participants are encouraged to arrive with swim attire under their clothes.
Where do I/we meet the instructor?
Once changed for lessons, meet at the pool side of the universal change room just past the lockers at Minoru Centre for Active Living.
During Swim Lessons
Will there be pool equipment (ex. lifejackets and kickboards) available for use?
Yes. Items will be supplied by the instructor and sanitized after each use.
Are washrooms and change rooms available for use?
Yes, during swim lessons.
After Swim Lessons
Can I change and shower after my swim session?
Yes. Change rooms and showers will be available after swim lessons.
Health & Safety Measures
Who created the new pool guidelines?
Swim safety Covid-19 guidelines have been designed in accordance with provincial and local health authorities, with the ability to adjust as requirements change.
Have the Instructor Lifeguards been trained in new first–aid procedures?
Instructor Lifeguards have been trained in COVID-19 health and safety procedures.
What are all the safety measures for the facility?
Please visit the COVID-19 Guidelines page for additional Minoru Centre for Active Living safety measures.
What do I have to do to ensure COVID-19 safety?
Do not attend a swim session if you:
are feeling ill and/or have any of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- New or worsening cough
- Shortness of breath
- New muscle aches or headache
- Sore throat
- have been in close contact with a person who has confirmed or presumptive case of COVID-19.
Upon entering the facility, wash and/or disinfect hands and take a shower on the pool deck before going into the water.
Help prevent the spread of COVID-19 by:
- coughing or sneezing into your elbow or covering your mouth and nose with a tissue;
- refraining from spitting;
- wearing a mask (see above).