Aquatic Programs

Welcome to the Aquatics Centre!

The Orillia Recreation Centre Aquatics Centre offers various programs outlined by Lifesaving Society standards. We offer public swims, Aquafit, lane swims, Learn to Swim lessons, Lifesaving Leadership courses and First Aid & Standard CPR. We are located at 255 West Street South, Orillia Ontario.

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To view a daily list of Aquatics drop-in programs visit our Fun Orillia drop-in page by clicking the button below (orillia.ca/active).

 

 

 

The Aquatic Centre offers:

• Eight-lane 25-metre pool with movable floor
• One-metre and three-metre diving boards
• Universal change rooms
• Steam room
• Rock wall
• Bleacher seating for 220 and on-deck viewing for 130
• Tarzan rope
• Leisure pool with water features
• Therapy pool

Aquatics FAQ's:

Where can I find a schedule for drop-in programs?

 

To view a daily list of drop-in programs visit our Fun Orillia drop-in page by clicking the button below (orillia.ca/active).

 

 

What is the cost of a daily drop-in swim?

Adult (18Y+) $5.36

Senior (60Y+) $4.20

Child/Student $3.68

Family $13.13

Infants: Under the age of 1 year are free.

Families: The family rate includes a maximum of six people - one adult (max of two) and four or five children under the age of 18.

Wibit Swims: FUN Pass holders can access Wibit Swims at no additional charge. Non-members will pay an additional $5.00 per person to have access to the Wibit.

What is the difference between a leisure swim and an open swim?

A leisure swim grants you access to our leisure pools whereas an open swim grants you access to both the large lap pool and leisure pools. All participants must adhere to our Swim Admission Standards and all children must be accompanied by a guardian.

Does my child need to wear special diapers in the pool?

Yes, all children who need diapers must wear swim diapers. Regular diapers won&#;t work. The material that makes diapers so absorbent also turns them into a waterlogged anchor around your child&#;s waist once they are submerged in water Are Puddle Jumpers Allowed? 

At the Orillia Recreation Centre, ensuring the safety of all swimmers is our top priority. Non-certified floatation devices are not permitted. To support this, we provide Canadian Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) free of charge for use in our aquatic facility. These certified PFDs are the preferred option because they are rigorously tested to meet safety and performance standards, ensuring consistent buoyancy and reliable protection, especially for children.

 

While puddle jumpers can offer some comfort, it's important to understand that non-certified devices may not perform reliably in all situations. This unpredictability can increase the risk of drowning, particularly if a child becomes disoriented or flips over. Given that drowning remains a leading cause of death in children under five years of age, our procedure prioritizes the use of certified life-saving equipment to provide the highest level of safety.

I think I left my goggles behind during my last swim. Do you have a lost & found?

All found goggles are kept by the Lifeguard Office. Check with one of our Guard&#;s next time you&#;re on deck! Sometimes lost and found items are also left at the Customer Service Desk. 

Are there lockers available in the aquatic changerooms?

Yes, there are lockers available. If you do not have a lock of your own, they can be purchased at the Customer Service desk.

 

Swimming Lessons/Aquatic Courses - What Do We Offer?

Learning to swim can be a very beneficial lesson in someone's life. Reasons why your child should learn to swim are many and varied, but the most important reason is that swimming is the only sport which can save your child&#;s life.

Taught by certified instructors, the City of Orillia is proud to offer a range of lessons that will give you lifelong skills to help you be safe in and around the water; and you just might develop a lifelong passion for swimming! We currently run our lessons in local pools and at Couchiching Beach in the summer.
Our swimming levels are based on age. Below, you can discover what level your child should be in and also read about what they will learn.

To view a list of our registered swimming lessons visit the S.U.N. Registration System registration page by clicking the button below.

3 Months - 12 Months

Parent & Tot 1

Spend quality time with your child and socialize through structured in-water interaction between parent & child. Skills include: assisted front/back floats, assisted floats wearing PFD, arms splashing, reaching, paddling on front and back & readiness for submersions. Parent participation required.

12 Months - 24 Months

Parent & Tot 2

Spend quality time with your child and have fun while learning to socialize through the following skills: assisted front/back surface support, blowing bubbles on and in the water, getting face wet and floating with PFDs. Parent participation required.

2 Years - 3 Years

Parent & Tot 3

Spend quality time with your child and have fun while learning to socialize through the following skills: jump entry, entry from sitting, blowing bubbles, attempt to recover object from bottom, under water passes from instructor to parent. Parent participation is required.

3 Years - 5 Years

Preschool Prep

Unsure if your preschooler is ready to go it alone? Preschool prep offers the same content as Preschool 1 but allows the parents to participate for as many classes as your preschooler needs to feel comfortable on their own. Parent participation is required.

Preschool 1

These preschoolers will have fun learning to get in and out of the water. We will help them jump into chest deep water. They will try floats on their front and back, and glides on their back while wearing a PFD. They will learn to get their face wet and blow bubbles underwater.

Preschool 2

These preschoolers learn to jump into chest deep water by themselves, and get in and get out wearing a PFD. They will submerge and exhale underwater. They will glide on their front and back while wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD).

Preschool 3

These youngsters will try both jumping and a side roll into deep water while wearing a PFD. They will recover objects from the bottom in waist-deep water. They will work on kicking and gliding through the water on their front and back.

Preschool 4

Advanced preschoolers will learn to do solo jumps into deeper water and get out by themselves wearing a PFD. They will do side roll entries and open their eyes underwater. They will master a short (3-5 m) swim on their front and gliding and kicking on their side.

Preschool 5
Get more adventuresome with a forward roll entry wearing a PFD and holding their breath underwater for up to 10 sec. They will work on longer front and back crawl swims, interval training and get a giggle out of whip kick.

6 Years - 12 Years

Swimmer 1

These beginners will become comfortable jumping into water with and without a Personal Flotation Device. They'll learn to open their eyes, exhale and hold their breath underwater. They'll work on floats, glides and kicking through the water on their front and back.

Swimmer 2 Shallow

This is a shallow water class. Participants will jump into chest deep water, front and back float (3-5 sec), surface support (10 sec) , recover an object in shallow water, submerge and hold their breath (5 sec), kick with an aid on their front, back (5m), vertical whip kick (5 sec) and complete front and back crawl (10m).

Swimmer 2 Deep

This is a deep water class. Participants will jump into deep water, enter sideways wearing PFD, front and back float (10 sec), surface support (20 sec) , recover an object in chest deep water, submerge and hold their breath (10 sec), kick with an aid on their front, back (10m), vertical whip kick (10 sec) and complete front and back crawl (15m).

Swimmer 3

Swimmers will complete the Canadian Swim to Survive® Standard. They?ll work on 10-15m of front crawl, back crawl and whip kick and flutter kick interval training up to 4 x 25 m.

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Swimmer 4

These intermediate swimmers will swim 5 m underwater and lengths of front, back crawl, whip kick, and breaststroke arms with breathing. They?ll cap it all off with front crawl sprints over 25 m and 4 x 25 m front or back crawl interval training.

Swimmer 5

Swimmers will refine their front and back crawl over 50 m swims of each, and breaststroke over 15-25 m. Then they'll pick up the pace in 25 m sprints and two interval training bouts: 4 x 50 m front or back crawl; and 4 x 10-15 m breaststroke.

Swimmer 6
These advanced swimmers will rise to the challenge of sophisticated aquatic skills including stride entries, compact jumps and lifesaving kicks like eggbeater and scissor kick. They'll develop strength and power in head-up breaststroke sprints over 25 m. They'll easily swim lengths of front crawl, back crawl and breaststroke, and they will complete a 300 m workout.

8 Years - 12 Years

Swimmer 7 (Rookie Patrol)
This program develops swimming strength & efficiency with an emphasis on personal responsibility. Participants will swim 100m in 3 minutes, do a compact jump, perform the eggbeater kick (1 min) and endurance swim (200-300m).

Swimmer 8 (Ranger Patrol)
Participants will deepen their understanding of safe water rescue through victim simulation and minor first aid treatment. They will swim 200m in 6 minutes. Participants will learn how to perform non-contact rescue to enhance capability in the water.

Swimmer 9 (Star Patrol)
Participants will complete a 300m timed swim (in 9 minutes or less) and endurance workouts. Water rescue skills include turning and supporting a victim face up in shallow water and a 20m rescue with a towing aid and more advanced first aid skills.

16 Years and Up Aqua Fitness
During this class you will be motivated through the motions of a regular fitness class including warm-up, cardio, muscular strength, endurance and a relaxing cool down!

Senior Aqua Fitness
This class is geared towards seniors and has the same components of a regular fitness class including warm-up, cardio, muscular strength and endurance with a relaxing cool-down. Water massages your muscles with every movement of your arms and legs, increases circulation, promotes relaxation and removes stress and tension.

Aquarobic Workout
Aquarobic Workout is a great way to keep fit and have fun with minimal impact on your joints. All classes are set to music. Exercises include toning, cardio, and flexibility and can be adapted to any level of fitness. Private Lessons (All Ages) Private lessons (and Private Shallow Lessons) are available for all ages including adults. If you are interested in private lessons but would like to arrange a different time than is currently offered, please contact Meghan Tibbett at   Lifesaving Courses (13 Years and Up)

Get certified for a job you will love! Follow the path to becoming a lifeguard, instructor or just re-certify to keep your professional skills up to date and your job opportunities open. You can start as young as age 10 on the journey, through Orillia's Aquatic Leadership and First Aid & CPR courses and training programs.

Learn More

 

Swim Level Progression Chart

You can follow this chart as your child progresses through our swimming lessons. No matter what Preschool level your child is at, once they turn six years old, they will start the Swimmer levels. Click the chart below to enlarge.

Swimming Lessons FAQ's:

How do I find my swim lesson report card?

To access your child's progress/report card please log into our new online report card system with the link below. Enter the swimmer's date of birth, DD/MM/YYYY, and initials. For example, Joe Doe born August 13, = 13/08/JD.

https://swimgen.net/search/cityoforillia

If you are looking to purchase swim badges please visit customer service at the Orillia Recreation Centre.

Are There Private Lessons Available?

Yes, we have private lessons available.

Can two siblings or friends be in the same private lesson?

Yes. Contact Meghan at  

How do I know what level my child completed last?

You can visit your Online S.U.N. Registration Account and view My Registrations or call the Front Desk at 705-325- (4FUN). Your last swimming report card should also state what program your child was last in and what to register for next. Old report cards can be picked up at the front desk.

I am not sure if I registered my child in the correct level. How can I verify I have?

On the first day of lessons all children are assessed. If the instructor feels that your child is not in the correct level then the Deck Supervisor will speak to you about transferring to another class or if safety is not an issue, they may be able to leave them where they are and work on the skills that they need to.

The registration website won&#;t allow my 6-year-old to register in the next preschool level.

No matter what Preschool level your child is at, once they turn six years old, they will start the Swimmer levels. If they have finished Preschool 3, enroll them in Swimmer 1. If they have finished Preschool 4, enroll them in Swimmer 2 Shallow. If they have finished Preschool 5, enroll them in Swimmer 2 Deep. If you have any concerns, contact the ORC at 705-325- (4FUN).

What can I expect during their lessons?

Week#1: Screening &#; this involves a review of skills from the previous level, allowing your child to feel comfortable with a new instructor.

Week#2: Confirmation &#; ensuring that your child is in the right level. Additional screening for those who may have missed the first week and class switches are made to ensure that your child is swimming at his/her level.

Week#3-6: Instruction is directed towards your child&#;s level with continuous evaluation. Please contact the on-deck supervisor with compliments or concerns regarding your child or their instructor. The earlier the better!

Week#7: Instructors are putting finishing touches on report cards and decisions regarding the next level for your child are being made. There should be no surprises on the last day. Speak to your instructor or on-deck supervisor if you are concerned about your child&#;s progress.

Week#8: Last day &#; Report Cards are handed out!! Participants are congratulated on their successes!

When does registration open for the next group of lessons?

Online Dates for Recreation Guides

 

Guide

Month Released

Spring Made Fun

Mid-February/Early March

Summer Splash (Camps & Aquatics)

Mid-March

Summer Made Fun

Mid-May

Fall Made Fun

Mid-August

Winter Made Fun

End of November

Lifesaving Programs

Get certified for a job you will love! Follow the path to becoming a lifeguard, instructor or just re-certify to keep your professional skills up to date and your job opportunities open. You can start as young as age 10 on the journey, through Orillia's Aquatic Leadership and First Aid & CPR courses and training programs.

Learn More

Check out Orillia's New Wibit!

The new Wibit floating inflatable obstacle course and playground will be temporarily installed in the lap pool at the Orillia Recreation Centre for special events such as &#;Wibit Sundays.&#; The Wibit was purchased through grant funding as part of the legacy from the Orillia Ontario Winter Games. 

Beginning on May 22, , Wibit swims will be available on special &#;Wibit Sundays,&#; which will be held approximately once per month. Visit orillia.ca/active for all time slots available. During Wibit activity times, all other regular drop-in swims will be cancelled. Spaces will be limited and are first-come-first-served, so be sure to arrive early to reserve your spot.

The Wibit is available for those seven years of age and older. Everyone on the Wibit must be in a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) provided by the facility, regardless of swim ability. Orillia Recreation Centre FUN Pass holders can access Wibit swims at no additional charge. Non-members will pay the drop-in aquatic rate plus an additional $5 per person.

What is a Wibit Swim?

The Wibit is an inflatable obstacle course that will be temporarily installed in the lap pool at the Orillia Recreation Centre for special events such as &#;Wibit Sunday&#; and is the Legacy project from the Ontario Winter Games.

When will I know a Wibit Swim is happening?

Please go online to Orillia.ca/active for all times slots available (available 2 weeks prior to the swim)! Please see the chart below for Wibit Swim dates.

What else takes place in the pool during a Wibit Swim?

During a Wibit Swim, all other regular drop-in swims will be cancelled. The Leisure Pool will remain open however, space will be limited so please arrive early to reserve your spot. 

What are the requirements to participate in a Wibit Swim? 

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The Wibit is for those seven years of age and older. Everyone on the Wibit must be in a Personal Floatation Device (lifejacket), regardless of swim ability. Lifejackets will be provided by the City of Orillia; lifejackets from home are not permitted.