Aquatics & Swimming

Discover our reimagined Aquatics Centre, tailored for all ages and abilities. Featuring an accessible play pool, lap lanes with a wheelchair ramp, steam room, sauna, a pool classroom, thrilling rope swing, climbing wall, spray park, lazy river, hot tub, and poolside “fire” place with scenic views. Welcome to aquatic paradise!

Program Registration

Drop-In Swimming

Frequently Asked Questions

Dive Into the Right Swim Class: A Guide to Lesson Registration

Program Registration

Dive Into the Right Swim Class

Check out these best practices when registering your child for swim lessons.

Dive Into the Right Swim Class: A Guide to Lesson Registration

Spring/Summer Program Guide

Register Today

Winter Program Guide

Register Today

FAQ

How do I pick the right swimming level for swimming lessons?

Step 1: Select the Class Group by Age

Choose your child’s class group based on their age at the time of the course. This helps ensure they have the best possible swimming experience, as each age group is tailored to:

  • Cognitive abilities
  • Gross and fine motor skills
  • Learning styles

Additional factors that influence age grouping include:

  • Pool space
  • Class size
  • Class duration
  • Instructor communication methods
  • Games, drills, and activities used by the instructor

Step 2: Select the Level Based on Swimming Ability

Once you have selected the appropriate age group, choose the specific level that matches your child’s swimming ability:

  • Check their last swimming report card: The “Register next in” section will indicate the recommended level.
  • Review level descriptions in our Program Guide: This helps clarify each level’s skills and goals.
  • Use the flow charts in the Program Guide: Visualize each level’s prerequisites and progression path.
  • Use the Lesson Conversion Chart: Compare our levels with other “Learn to Swim” programs.
  • Unsure? Register them in the first level for their age group or the level they’re currently in.
  • Book a Swim Assessment: Our team can assess their abilities and help guide your decision.

Class and Level Guide

Parent & Tot Classes (Ages 4 months – 3 years)

  • 4 months–1 year old: Register in Parent & Tot 1
  • 1–2 years old: Register in Parent & Tot 2
  • 2–3 years old: Register in Parent & Tot 3

Preschool Classes (Ages 3 – 5 years)

  • Preschool 1: For 3–5-year-olds starting lessons
  • Preschool 2: For 3–5-year-olds who have passed Preschool 1
  • Preschool 3: For 3–5-year-olds who have passed Preschool 2
  • Preschool 4: For 3–5-year-olds who have passed Preschool 3
  • Preschool 5: For 3–5-year-olds who have passed Preschool 4

Swimmer Classes (Ages 6 – 12 years)

  • Swimmer 1: For beginners aged 6–12
  • Swimmer 2: For those who have passed Swimmer 1
  • Swimmer 3: For those who have passed Swimmer 2
  • Swimmer 4: For those who have passed Swimmer 3
  • Swimmer 5: For those who have passed Swimmer 4
  • Swimmer 6: For those who have passed Swimmer 5

Special Needs Classes (Ages 3 – 16 years)

  • SwimAbilities 1: For beginners aged 3–16 with special needs
  • SwimAbilities 2: For those who have passed SwimAbilities 1
  • SwimAbilities 3: For those who have passed SwimAbilities 2
  • SwimAbilities 4: For those who have passed SwimAbilities 3

Advanced Programs (Ages 9+ years)

  • Swim & Sports: For ages 9–12 who have passed Swimmer 6
  • Rookie Patrol: For ages 9+ who have passed Swimmer 6
  • Ranger Patrol: For those who have passed Rookie Patrol
  • Star Patrol: For those who have passed Ranger Patrol
  • Bronze Star: For those who have passed Star Patrol

Young Adult Classes (Ages 13 – 17 years)

  • Young Adult Swimmer 1: For beginners aged 13–17
  • Young Adult Swimmer 2: For those who have passed Young Adult Swimmer 1
  • Young Adult Swimmer 3: For those who have passed Young Adult Swimmer 2

Teen and Adult Programs (Ages 13+ years)

  • Young Adult Swimmer Levels 1-3: For ages 13+ starting with Young Adult Swimmer 1
  • Bronze Medallion: For ages 13+ who have passed Bronze Star and CPR-C
  • Bronze Cross: For those who have passed Bronze Medallion and Intermediate First Aid
  • National Lifeguard: For ages 15+ who have passed Bronze Cross and Intermediate First Aid
  • Swim Instructor: For ages 15+ who have passed Bronze Cross
  • Lifesaving Instructor: For ages 15+ who have passed Swim Instructor
  • SwimAbilities Instructor: For ages 15+ who have passed Swim Instructor
My child took swimming lessons with another program, how do I know what level to register at Vivo?

Click on the Swim Lesson Conversion Chart. Find the level along the same line as the class your child is in with the other program.

What happens when my child is registered for the next swimming level, but they didn’t pass the current level?

Your child will not be permitted into the next level as they do not meet the prerequisites.  Keep in mind that our 14-day refund policy means that you may not be eligible for a refund, or credit.  Transferring to another level is only possible if spaces are available and a transfer fee will apply.

What happens when my child is registered for the same swimming level, but they’ve already passed it?

Transferring to another level is only possible if spaces are available and a transfer fee will apply. Keep in mind that our 14-day refund policy means that you may not be eligible for a refund, or credit.  Staying in the same level, even after achieving success is not a bad thing.  Your child will keep practicing and mastering the skills in preparation for the next level.  Building their confidence, strength, fitness, endurance and water safety. All good things!

We are currently in the middle of a swimming lesson and registration is opening soon. Can I ask the swimming instructor if they think my child will pass?

Vivo instructors are not able to predict the future performance of your child. We suggest registering the child in their current swimming level, or waiting until the last day of the swimming lesson to determine if they meet the prerequisites for the next level.

What do I need for Parent and Tot swim lessons?

Parent and Tot swimming lessons require a parent to be in the water for the duration of the swimming class.  The parent/guardian will need to be in proper swim attire (see swim attire in FAQ’s). All children under 3 years of age are required to wear a swim diaper with a rubber pant and a swim suit or sleeper. (Regular diapers are NOT permitted)

Swim diapers and rubber pants are available for purchase at the Vivo guest services desk, online, or at local retailers.

A sleeper (zippered pajama) can be a good option for infants to wear over top of the swim diaper & rubber pant as they cover the arms, legs and feet, which helps to keep their little bodies warmer during the swimming lessons. We recommend using an old sleeper that might be a little tight, as it will stretch out in the water, and may lose it’s coloring from the chlorine in the pool.

I’ve registered by child for Parent and Tot swim lessons, but I don’t know how to swim?

A parent or guardian is required to be in the water for your child’s “Parent and Tot” class.  Ask a friend or family member to be your child’s in-water support person (must be 16 years of age). And then register yourself for our Adult Swimmer 1 class, let us help you build your water safe skills.

Does my child need goggles for swimming lessons?

For most of the swimming levels the answer is NO. We are teaching your swimmer to be confident and competent in the water.  Being able to open their eyes under the water is a skill that we teach and evaluate.  We want all our swimmers to be comfortable swimming without goggles.  *Children that ONLY swim with goggles can be at greater risk when the goggles fill up with water, get fogged up, or fall off, they may panic.

For the higher levels (Swimmer 4+) that do lots of back and forth swimming in the lanes, goggles are encouraged. Goggles at these level help keep the swimmers swimming safely in a straight line, and so they can see the end of the lane.

How do I get a Barcode so that I can get through the gate for my swimming lesson?

Go to Vivo.ca and follow these steps:

  • Go to MY ACCOUNT on the Vivo website to access the online portal.
  • Enter the email you previously used and follow the instructions to reset your password, if needed.
  • Use the drop-down button next to your photo and select My Barcodes.
  • Select the correct barcode for the guest signed up for programs.
  • You can save this barcode on your mobile device for future use, or it can be printed.
    • Please note, this barcode will only grant access for the registered program.
    • The guest and one visitor will be able to access the facility 30 minutes prior to the session using this barcode.
    • Barcodes can be used at both the East and West entrances of the Guest Services desk.

Note: Please ensure that you retrieve your barcode before the beginning of your first class, as barcodes are required for entry into the facility. Your access to the facility may be delayed without your barcode. Lessons missed will not be refunded. 

We missed a swimming class; can we add on another day at the end of the session or join another class?

Unfortunately, missed lessons are not transferable, cannot be made up and credits/refunds are not provided.  Our program is designed to allow students many opportunities to practice and demonstrate their new skills on multiple days. Your instructor will be happy to see you at the next scheduled class day.

What accessibility features do you offer?
  • Adult and youth water wheelchairs (available on the pool deck first come, first serviced)
  • Water walkers (available on the pool deck first come, first serviced)
  • Pool lift for the hot tub
  • Beach access to the tot pool, leisure pool and lazy river
  • Wheelchair ramp access to the lap pool
  • Wheelchair accessible steam room and sauna with 1,500mm turning radius and grab bars to help with transfers from wheelchairs to seating surfaces.
  • Accessible changeroom with wave motion action access, accessible shower and toilet with railings and an adult changing table.
  • Check the schedule for our sensory swim times and our SwimAbilities learn to swim program for children 3-16 years old.
What does Vivo’s pool offer?

Leisure Pool

  • Beach entry
  • Spray features
  • Interactive spray toys
  • In water bench seating
  • Graduated stair access
  • Child slide
  • 2- 25m lanes
  • Lazy river
  • Climbing wall
  • 1m deep end
  • 5 Celsius

Lap Pool

  • Wheelchair ramp
  • Graduated stair access
  • 6- 25m lanes
  • 1m at the shallow end
  • 5m at the deep end
  • Zip line
  • Basketball net
  • 5 Celsius

Tot Pool

  • Beach entry
  • Graduated stair access
  • Tot slide
  • In water lounge chairs
  • 32 Celsius

Hot Tub

  • Graduated stair access
  • Bench seating
  • Overflow infinity edge
  • Accessible pool lift
  • 39 Celsius

Hot Tub

  • Graduated stair access
  • Bench seating
  • Overflow infinity edge
  • Accessible pool lift
  • 39 Celsius

Steam Room

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Bench seating
  • Windows with sight lines to the pool area

Hot Tub

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Bench seating
  • Windows with sight lines to the pool area and outside park

Vapor Fire Pit

  • Relaxing pool side fireplace with lounge seating

Viewing options

  • On deck viewing gallery with tables, chairs and stools for guests without outdoor footwear
  • Second level viewing options from the corridor, pool area balcony or viewing benches.
What temperatures are your pools kept at?
  • The Leisure pool’s temperature is set for 29.5 Celsius
  • The Lane pool’s temperature is set for 26.5 Celsius
  • The Tot pool’s temperature is set for 32 Celsius
  • The Hot tub’s temperature is set for 39 Celsius
What are the age restrictions for swimming and aquatics?

Children 9+ may attend the pool unsupervised.

Children 8 and under must be supervised and within arm’s reach of a caregiver at all times.

Caregivers must be at least 16 years old and may supervise a maximum of 3 children under 9 years old at one time.

Children under 3 years old and any incontinent bathers must wear swim diapers and waterproof plastic pants.

Lifeguards reserve the right to ask anyone entering into deep water to wear a lifejacket or perform a swim test.

What is your swim attire policy?

We require members and guests to wear clean conventional swimwear or specific alternatives, such as long-sleeved pants, shorts, or traditional clothing with appropriate undergarments or swimsuits underneath.

Swimmers must wear swim bottoms at all times; however, individuals can choose to swim without a top, aligning with our inclusive policies.

Harassment is not tolerated, and all individuals, including those under 18, are equally protected.  

Babies and toddlers between the ages of 3 and 36 months, and those over 36 months who are not toilet trained, can use our pools with a guardian’s supervision and must wear swim diapers, gabby pants and a swimsuit.

What is a Swim Assessment and how do I receive one?

During a Swim Assessment, a certified instructor evaluates the swimmer’s ability to complete a series of skills. Based on their assessment, the evaluating instructor will make a recommendation on what Lifesaving Society program and level will be the best fit for them.

Swimmer Assessments are for:
– Swimmers who have had a break in their swimming lesson attendance
– Individuals who have had no formal swim training
– Swimmers who are coming from other learn to swim programs
– Swimmers who believe they are at a certain level but don’t have the required prerequisite are eligible to book a swim assessment to be properly placed

Drop-in today for a swim assessment! Simply visit our Guest Services desk to request an assessment from one of our aquatics team members.

Are all Vivo Pools chlorinated?

Yes! We ensure all our Vivo Pools are chlorinated, providing a clean and safe swimming environment.

What additional amenities are available for guests?

In addition to our fantastic pools, we offer a cedar dry sauna and steam room, complementing our lakeside lounge experience with a vapor fire pit. You’ll also find a lazy river, zipline/rope swing, basketball hoop, small slide, and spray toys for added enjoyment during your visit!

Do you have a family washroom?

Family changerooms are now considered universal changerooms and families with children of all ages are welcome to use the universal changeroom facilities.

Children under the age of 9 must be supervised at all times by an adult.  Children under 9 are able to enter the gender specific changerooms with their guardian.

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