Learn about our swim rules, change room guidelines, and what to wear in the pool. These standards help keep swimmers safe and make sure everyone has fun!
Pool admission standards
- We use wristbands and swim tests to help lifeguards know where swimmers can safely go. These standards are based on Ontario Health Regulations, The Lifesaving Society and Niagara Public Health recommendations.
- At the lifeguard’s discretion, swimmers may be asked to complete a swim test before using the deep end.
- Caregivers are considered parents, guardians or delegates who are 16+.
- Check the rules based on your child’s age.
- Shower before using the pools.
Pool admission swim tests for children
MacBain leisure pool swim test: Swim 2 widths of the leisure pool without stopping.
MacBain lane pool swim test: Jump into deep water, tread for 1 minute, then swim 25 metres without stopping.
Outdoor pools swim test: Jump into deep water, tread 1 minute, swim 3 widths of the pool (2 widths at FH Leslie pool) without stopping. Must swim comfortably with face in the water.
Ages 6 and under: Red wristband
- Children must stay in the shallow end of the pool.
- Their caregiver (16+) must stay in the water within arm’s reach to provide immediate assistance.
- Supervised ratio: 1 caregiver for every 2 children
Ages 7 to 9: Orange wristband
- Children must stay in the shallow end.
- Their caregiver (16+) must stay in the water within arm’s reach to provide immediate assistance.
- Supervised ratio: 1 caregiver (16+) for every 4 children
Ages 7 to 9: Yellow wristband
MacBain Community Centre pool only- Children who pass the MacBain leisure pool swim test may swim in the leisure pool without their caregiver (16+).
- To swim in the MacBain lane pool, children must stay within arm’s reach of their caregiver (16+) who must be in the water to provide immediate assistance.
Ages 7 to 9: Green wristband
- MacBain indoor pool: Children who pass the lane pool swim test can swim without their caregiver (16+) in both the lane and leisure pools.
- Outdoor pools: Children who pass the outdoor pools swim test can swim without a parent, guardian or designate (16+) in the shallow and deep ends.
Ages 10 and up
- No supervision required.
- At the lifeguard’s discretion, swimmers may be asked to complete a swim test before using the deep end. They may use the deep end only if they pass the lane pool swim test (MacBain) or the outdoor pool swim test. Swimmers who do not pass must remain in the shallow end.
- These rules apply to all pool users, including groups.
Waterslide at the MacBain Community Centre
- Sliders must be 48 inches tall and have a green wristband.
- The waterslide is open Friday nights from 6pm to 8:30pm and weekends from 2pm to 4:30pm.
- Waterslide operating hours may change depending on staff availability.
What to wear in the pool
The City of Niagara Falls, in consultation with the Public Health Department, has identified appropriate swim attire. When using the pool all swimmers must:
- Wear a proper swimsuit or clean clothes meant just for swimming.
- Long-sleeved shirts, t-shirts, pants, or traditional ethnic clothing are okay if made from swim-safe materials (no jeans, sweatpants, cotton, or heavy clothing).
- Light coloured clothing is best.
- Children who are not toilet-trained must wear swim diapers or tight-fitting rubber pants.
Sauna
The sauna is open during lane and open swims. Check out the pool schedule for times.
Sauna rules
- Only people 17 years of age and older can use the sauna.
- Talk to your doctor before using the sauna if you are pregnant, taking medication, or have a medical condition.
- Don’t use the sauna if you’ve had alcohol or are using drugs like narcotics, stimulants, sleeping pills, blood thinners, vasoconstrictors, vasodilators, or tranquillizers.
- Take off all jewelry before entering.
- Proper swim attire or workout shorts and shirts must be worn while using the sauna.
- Stay in the sauna for no more than 10 minutes.
- Exit immediately if you feel dizzy, sleepy, or uncomfortable—tell a lifeguard right away.
- Do not pour any substance (water, essential oils) on the sauna heating units.
- Be kind and respectful. Everyone shares the sauna.
Change rooms and showers at MacBain
The change rooms and showers are for those using paid programs.
Lockers are available - please bring your own lock.
Change room options
- The MacBain Community Centre is equipped with three change rooms - male, female and a universal change room
- Male and Female change rooms have open spaces
- Children 6 and under may use either, based on their caregiver’s gender
- Children 7 and older must use the gender-appropriate change room or use the universal change room
- Universal change room is for everyone and is fully accessible
- No nudity in open areas
- Swimwear is required in the universal shower and shared spaces
Spectators
Macbain Community Centre
At the MacBain Community Centre, parents and guardians can watch their children from:
- The viewing gallery by the pool deck, or
- The seating area beside the leisure pool
Please remove outdoor shoes before entering the pool deck. Bare feet or flip flops are allowed on the pool deck.
Outdoor Pools
Please bring your own seat.
Personal conduct at City facilities - RZone
The Rzone rules help everyone feel safe and welcome at City facilities. It reminds people to be respectful and behave responsibly.
If you see someone breaking the Rzone rules, you can report it.
Learn more on the Rzone page.
