Pools & Aquatics

Swim Admissions Process

RED BANDS - (0 to 5 years old)

• All children under the age of 6 must swim in the shallow end with a Parent or Guardian aged 13 years or older.
• Children under 6 years old must remain within direct supervision and within arms' reach.
• Maximum of 2 children under 6 years old for 1 Parent or Guardian (1:2 ratio).

YELLOW BANDS - (6 to 10 years old)

• Children aged 6 to 10 years old must swim in the shallow end with a Parent or Guardian aged 13 years or older.
• Children aged 6 to 10 years old must remain within direct supervision and within arms' reach.
• Maximum of 4 children aged 6 to 10 years old for 1 Parent or Guardian (1:4 ratio).

GREEN BANDS - (6 to 10 years old)

• Children aged 6 to 10 years old who pass the Swim Admission Test may swim unaccompanied and access the deep end.
  • Facility Swim Test includes a continuous 30m swim on your front.
• Children with green bands may be asked to take the swim test again if Aquatics staff are concerned that they cannot demonstrate the ability to maintain the Swim Admission Standard.

Please note that Aquatics staff reserve the right to deny deep end entry to any swimmer if they cannot demonstrate the Swim Admission Standard.

Pool Rules

When in attendance for Aquatics programs, please abide by the following rules:

• No person shall bring glassware on the pool deck or into the pool.
• No outdoor footwear shall be worn on the pool deck.
• No person shall engage in boisterous play in or around the pool.
• One long whistle signals an emergency - please clear the pool area immediately.
• Please walk on the pool deck.
• Proper bathing attire must be worn at all times.
• Infants must wear water proof diapers, no regular diapers are permitted.
• Please use the age-appropriate change rooms for children aged 6 years and older.
• Each bather shall take a shower using warm water and soap, and thoroughly rinse off all soap, before entering or re-entering the pool deck.
• To ensure the privacy of our patrons, cell phones, cameras, or other personal recording devices are not permitted in facility change rooms or on the pool deck.
• All patrons within City of Cambridge facilities must act within a respectful manner.

Patrons may be asked to leave the Aquatics Facilities if:

• They fail to comply with the posted rules.
• They are jeopardizing the safety of themselves or others.
• They do not accept and recognize the authority of the lifeguard team.

National Drowning Prevention Week 2026

Drowning Prevention Week is a national awareness campaign lead by the Lifesaving Society, which takes place every July. Its purpose is to raise awareness about water safety and to help prevent drowning incidents through education, skill development, and community engagement.

Drowning is fast and silent, but it is also preventable. By learning essential water safety skills, understanding risks, and staying vigilant around water, we can all play a role in keeping our community safe. To learn more about national initiatives, resources, and water safety tips, visit the Lifesaving Society website.

The City of Cambridge is hosting a series of activities throughout the week of July 19-25, 2026 to promote water safety messaging, and to provide summer fun for the community.

Please see below for our schedule of activities:

*all drop-in fees apply.