Swimming
Recreational swimming and aquafitness, swimming lessons and aquatic leadership programs are offered at pools across the City of Vaughan. For safety information, view our Pool Guidelines & Safety Standards.
For more information, email swim@vaughan.ca or refer to our Frequently Asked Questions.
Learn to Swim Lessons
Swimming is a life-saving skill. The City of Vaughan offers learn to swim lessons based on the Lifesaving Society's Swim for Life program. Refer to our additional resources below for more details. Click here for pool locations and amenities.
Registration for Winter swim lessons opens November 26 at 7am. at vaughan.perfectmind.com. Programs start on Saturday, January 4.
We recommend using Google Chrome for best results. Watch our tutorial videos on the recvaughan YouTube channel to find out more about our online registration system.
For more information, view our Pool Guidelines & Safety Standards or refer to our Swimming Lessons: Frequently Asked Questions.
Email swim@vaughan.ca with any questions about swim lessons. If you require assistance registering, email rec@vaughan.ca.
Semi-private (1-on-2) lessons
A semi-private swim lesson requires two swimmers that are no more than 1 level apart. If you meet that requirement, then you must first register and pay for a scheduled private 1-on-1 swim on our registration system, then contact your local pool to convert it to a semi-private swim lesson. Different fees will apply once the second participant has been registered.
Inclusion swim lessons
Parents/guardians are required to complete a Participant with a Disability Information Form and provide proof of their child’s disability or a doctor’s certificate that their child has a disability and one-on-one swimming is recommended. Participants are required to provide their own support worker or guardian if a volunteer is not available. For more information email inclusion@vaughan.ca.
Shared pool space
City of Vaughan swimming pools operate in accordance with Ontario Health Act for Public Pool Regulations, which allow for different aquatic activities to run in the pool at the same time. Therefore, recreational/length swimming, aquafitness, swim lessons and/or aquatic leadership courses may, at times, run simultaneously.
Not sure which level to register for?
Parents/guardians who are unsure what level to register their child in can get a free assessment from a City of Vaughan lifeguard during any recreational swim. Regular admission policies apply. View schedules and fees below.
Aquatic Leadership
Become a Swim Instructor & Lifeguard. Teaching a life-saving skill or saving a life: it doesn’t get more rewarding than that!
Swim instructors and lifeguards are prestigious part-time jobs, and we’re always hiring! Receive training and certification in our aquatic leadership courses – delivered by City of Vaughan aquatic leadership staff.
Refer to our Leadership Progression Chart below or our Aquatic Leadership Brochure for more details. Click here for pool locations and amenities.
Shared pool space
City of Vaughan swimming pools operate in accordance with Ontario Health Act for Public Pool Regulations, which allow for different aquatic activities to run in the pool at the same time. Therefore, recreational/length swimming, aquafitness, swim lessons and/or aquatic leadership courses may, at times, run simultaneously.
Registration for Winter aquatic leadership opens November 26 at 7am. at vaughan.perfectmind.com. Programs start on Saturday, January 4.
We recommend using Google Chrome for best results. Watch our tutorial videos on the recvaughan YouTube channel to find out more about our online registration system.
For more information, view our Pool Guidelines & Safety Standards or refer to our Swimming Lessons: Frequently Asked Questions.
Please reach out to swim@vaughan.ca with any questions about leadership programs. If you require assistance registering, email rec@vaughan.ca.
Click here to view the Leadership Progression Chart
Recreational Swimming and Aquafitness
Vaughan community centre pools are open to the public for recreational and length swimming, as well as aquafitness. Pools operate based on the guidance of public health authorities. Regular recreational swim and aquafitness rates apply; children under 4 years of age are FREE. Click here for pool locations and amenities.
- View schedules at vaughan.perfectmind.com. We recommend using Google Chrome for best results.
- Pre-registration and pre-payment is available for your convenience. Limited spots will be available for walk-ins one hour prior to the start of a recreational activity. Vaughan community centres are cashless; debit, credit or cheque are the only acceptable forms of payment.
- To cancel your swim reservation online, view the Schedules section of your client profile. Simply switch from ‘Calendar View’ to ‘List View’ and then select ‘Actions’ to begin. A full credit/refund will be issued without penalty.
Is your preferred session full? Add yourself to the waitlist. If a spot becomes available you will receive an email notification with the option to accept and register or decline the spot, directly from your online account. If your spot has not been accepted within 24 hours of receiving the email, it will be made available to the next person on the waitlist. Please ensure a current email address is associated to all participant profiles.
Can’t find your preferred recreational/length swim or aquafitness class? A current shortage of lifeguards and swim instructors is causing reduced pool hours at certain locations. We apologize for any inconvenience and are working hard to add more time blocks to our pool schedules. Pease check back often.
For safety guidelines and more information, refer to the Pool Guidelines & Safety Standards or view our Frequently Asked Questions.
Watch this video demonstration on how to register for a drop-in program.
If you require assistance registering, call Access Vaughan at 905.832.2281 or email rec@vaughan.ca.
Program Descriptions
Aquafitness
This program uses the water as resistance to increase muscle tone, strength, and endurance. Classes are generally conducted in chest deep water. Knowing how to swim is not a prerequisite to programs offered in chest deep water. Classes allow participants to work at their own pace and intensity.
Length Swim
A time for endurance and fitness swimming for patrons requiring structured length swimming or fitness. Participants must be 7 years of age and able to pass the Facility Swim Test.
Active Swim
Dedicated swim time for individuals looking to focus on their personal health or performance goals. Whether it’s resistance or strength training, therapeutic or rehabilitation exercises, or skill or stroke improvement, this swim session provides a flexible environment to support individual in-water fitness activities.
Parent & Tot Swim
A time for parents and a maximum of 2 children under 7 years of age per adult; each participant must be registered.
Recreational Swim
Open to everyone.
Therapy Swim
Relieve your aches and pains with light water exercise or stretching in warm water.
*Female Only/Male Only swims: Open only for gender exclusive environment. Blinds will be drawn where possible to create exclusive environment. Male and female instructors & lifeguards on duty.
Shared pool space
City of Vaughan swimming pools operate in accordance with Ontario Health Act for Public Pool Regulations, which allow for different aquatic activities to run in the pool at the same time. Therefore, recreational/length swimming, aquafitness, swim lessons and/or aquatic leadership courses may, at times, run simultaneously.
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Fees are for recreational, length and parent & tot swims. Children under 4 years of age are FREE. All fees listed apply to Vaughan residents only. A non-resident surcharge of 10% may be applicable. HST included in single visit fees, where applicable. HST will be charged at the point of sale for multiple visit passes. Fees are for visits within the set time frame and are subject to change. No refunds or credits on 10 visit passes. Swim or aquafitness multi-pass visits are accepted at any City of Vaughan pool.
CHILD/YOUTH (4-17 YEARS) FEE Single visit $3.50 Pass - 10 visit $28.90 Pass - 50 visit $126.55 Pass - 1 year $183.90 ADULT (18 YEARS+) FEE Single visit $6.75 Pass - 10 visit $53 Pass - 50 visit $235.80 Pass - 1 year $343 OLDER ADULT (65 YEARS+) FEE Single visit $4.50 Pass - 10 visit $35.70 Pass - 50 visit $155.45 Pass - 1 year $181.60 GROUP* FEE Single visit** $13.50 Pass - 1 year $685.10 *Group fees: a maximum of 5 participants residing at the same address.
**Group single visit: Not available for purchase online.
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All fees listed apply to Vaughan residents only. A non-resident surcharge of 10% may be applicable. HST included in single visit fees, where applicable. HST will be charged at the point of sale for multiple visit passes. Fees are for visits within the set time frame and are subject to change. No refunds or credits on 10 visit passes. Swim or aquafitness multi-pass visits are accepted at any City of Vaughan pool.
YOUTH (13-17 YEARS) FEE Single visit $5 Pass - 10 visit $43.30 Pass - 25 visit $102.55 Pass - 1 year $170.30 ADULT (18 YEARS+) FEE Single visit $12 Pass - 10 visit $97.70 Pass - 25 visit $228.20 Pass - 1 year $482.20 OLDER ADULTS (65 YEARS+) FEE Single visit $5 Pass - 10 visit $43.30 Pass - 25 visit $102.55 Pass - 1 year $170.30
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I request a specific instructor?
The staff at the community centre will be happy to try and accommodate your request should the instructor be available. Please contact the Community Centre Lead at your pool of choice to submit your request. While we endeavour to match up requests, sometimes certain staff may not be available that season or that day/time slot.
I cannot find a lesson on the day/time I want. What are my options?
- Have you checked other class times at your City of Vaughan pool of choice?
- Have you checked other nearby City of Vaughan pools for classes that meet your needs?
- Please email swim@vaughan.ca with your request.
What level should I/my child register for?
If you are coming from a non-Vaughan swim program, please review the conversion charts. These charts show how the skills learned compare to the levels of the Swim for Life swim program. If you have lost your previous report card, please attend a recreational swim at any City of Vaughan pool and ask to have your child assessed by pool staff. Click here to view our recreational swimming schedules.
What was the last level my child passed?
If your child attended a City of Vaughan learn to swim program within the last year, program results may be retrieved. Please contact the Community Centre Lead at the pool your child was previously registered in.
Note: it may take up to two business days to complete the request. Otherwise, please attend a recreational swim at any City of Vaughan pool and ask to have your child assessed by pool staff. Click here to view our recreational swimming schedules.
There are only a few people registered in the program I want, will it run?
Each registration increases the likelihood of the program running. However, those with low registration may get cancelled, and alternative options will be suggested. We try to give as much notice as possible should this occur, prior to the program starting.
How do I get an age override?
No age overrides will be provided within the first week after the registration start date. Due to health and safety guidelines, the City of Vaughan swim admission policy and the requirements set by the Lifesaving Society, there will be no age overrides for:
- Preschool swim levels
- Aquatic camps
- Most aquatic leadership courses
If your child does not meet the minimum age and you want them to be considered for an age exemption email rec@vaughan.ca or contact your local community centre and ask to speak to a Community Centre Lead. Guarantees for age exemptions cannot be made.
Why is the program I want not offered at my pool?
Pools are programmed based on numerous factors, including: facility amenities, historical demand, current trends, and the demographics of the surrounding community.
How do I get all my children in swimming on the same day/time?
We recommend you review program offerings at various pools to get the best times and dates for your children. To view program offerings visit vaughan.ca/swim.
How do I register for a semi-private 1-on-2 swim lesson?
A semi-private swim lesson requires two swimmers that are no more than 1 level apart. If you meet that requirement, then you must first register and pay for a scheduled private 1-on-1 swim on our registration system, then contact your local pool to convert it to a semi-private swim lesson. Different fees will apply once the second participant has been registered.
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- Summer Aquatic Leadership Programs: Tuesday, May 28
- Summer Swim Lessons: Tuesday, May 28
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My child is on a waitlist. When will I be called for a spot? Will I get into my program?
You will receive an email and/or a phone call as soon as a spot becomes available. If you receive a call your spot is RESERVED for 24 hours. Within that time you must call in/visit any community centre and provide payment. After 24 hours the spot may be offered to the next participant in the waitlist queue.
Can a class size be increased to accommodate more people?
No, class sizes are set for safety reasons based on the Lifesaving Society standards.
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How do I become a volunteer at the pool?
Email swim@vaughan.ca to get more info or visit vaughan.ca/recjobs.
What can I use my volunteer hours for?
Volunteer hours may be applied to high school requirements or a discount toward leadership courses. Email swim@vaughan.ca for more information.
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Please refer to the leadership progression chart or email swim@vaughan.ca.
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Please refer to the course description on the online registration portal for the required materials. Program participants will be contacted prior to the beginning of the program to confirm registration and materials (please make sure your email and phone number are current in our registration system).
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Please refer to the course descriptions for fitness requirements. If you are unsure, please attend a recreational swim at any City of Vaughan pool and ask for an assessment by pool staff.
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We recognize that sometimes plans change. Cancellation policies vary depending on the type of program; click here for details.
Additional Resources
Contact Information
Recreation Services - Aquatics
Phone: 905-832-2281
Email: swim@vaughan.ca
Location:
City Hall, Level 300
2141 Major Mackenzie Drive
Vaughan, ON L6A 1T1
Swimming Schedules and Online Registration
Swimming Pool Locations & Amenities
Al Palladini Pool
9201 Islington Ave., Woodbridge
Pool temperature: 28.3-29°C (83-84.5°F)
Amenities:
25-metre, 6-lane lap pool
family change room
viewing gallery
whirlpool
Accessibility: ramp access
Chancellor Pool
350 Ansley Grove Rd., Woodbridge
Pool temperature: 28.3-29°C (83-84.5°F)
Amenities:
25-metre, 4-lane lap pool
family change room
viewing gallery
whirlpool
Accessibility: ramp access
Dufferin Clark Pool
Pool temperature: 27.7-28.3°C (82-83°F)
Amenities:
25-metre, 5-lane lap pool
2-storey slide & play area
diving boards
family change room
viewing gallery
whirlpool
Accessibility: ramp access
Father E. Bulfon Pool
8141 Martin Grove Rd., Woodbridge
Pool temperature: 28.9-29.7°C (84-85.5°F)
Amenities:
family change room
leisure pool
viewing area
Accessibility: ramp access, whirlpool; mobile chair lift
Maple Pool
10190 Keele St., Maple ON L6A 1R7
Pool temperature: 28.9-29.7°C (84-85.5°F)
Amenities:
24-metre, 4-lane lap pool
family change room
twisting water slide
viewing gallery
Accessibility: ramp access
North Thornhill Pool
300 Pleasant Ridge Ave., Thornhill
Pool temperature: 27.7-28.3°C (82-83°F)
Small pool: 28.3-29°C (83-84.5°F)
Amenities:
25-metre, 6-lane lap pool
family change room
viewing gallery
timing system
Accessibility: chair lift (large pool), family pool with beach entry, whirlpool; ramp access
Vellore Village Pool
1 Villa Royale Ave., Woodbridge
Pool temperature: 27.7-28.3°C (82-83°F)
Small pool: 30.5-31.1°C (87-88°F)
Amenities:
25-metre, 6-lane lap pool
2-storey water slide
diving boards
family change room & viewing gallery
leisure pool
timing system
Accessibility: chair lift (large pool), therapeutic whirlpool, ramp access
Woodbridge Pool
Pool temperature: 27.7-28.3°C (82-83°F)
Small pool: 33.3-33.9°C (92-93°F)
Amenities:
25-metre, 5-lane lap pool
diving boards
viewing gallery
Accessibility: chair lift (large pool), therapeutic pool; ramp access
Garnet A. Williams Pool
Pool temperature: 28.3-29°C (83-84.5°F)
Amenities:
25-metre, three-lane leisure pool
tarzan rope
viewing gallery
Accessibility: ramp access, shallow water play area with stepped beach entry, whirlpool
Thornhill Outdoor Pool
28 Centre St., Thornhill (Summer only)
Pool temperature: 28.3-28.9°C (83-84°F)
Amenities:
30-metre, 5-lane main pool
family change room
patio chairs (no food on deck)
Accessibility: ramp access, shallow water wading pool with beach entry, wheelchair accessible