Welcome to our new website!

Welcome to our new City of Niagara Falls website! Explore our updated pages, improved navigation, and new features designed to serve you better.

Please note that for approximately 24 hours, you may experience intermittent changes or minor glitches as the update is completed. By January 8, the website will be fully updated and operating smoothly.

If you encounter any issues after January 7, please report them by emailing service@niagarafalls.ca or by calling 905-356-7521.

Pool Policies

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 swim tests for children

MacBain Community Centre indoor pool, lane pool and blue water slide.
  • MacBain leisure pool swim test: Swim two widths of the leisure pool without stopping
  • MacBain lane pool swim test: Jump into deep water, tread for one minute, then swim 25 metres without stopping
  • Outdoor pools swim test: Jump into deep water, tread one minute, swim three widths of the pool (two widths at FH Leslie pool) without stopping. Must swim comfortably with face in the water.

  • 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: One caregiver for every two children

  • 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: One caregiver (16+) for every four children

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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Sliders must be 48 inches tall and have a green wristband
  • The waterslide is open Friday nights from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm and weekends from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm
  • 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 has three change rooms: male, female, and a universal change room.

  • Male and Female change rooms have open spaces
    • Children six and under may use either, based on their caregiver’s gender
    • Children seven and older must use the gender-appropriate change room or use the universal change room
  • The 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 your 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.

Contact Us

City of Niagara Falls
4310 Queen Street
P.O. Box 1023
Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X5
Canada
905-356-7521
service@niagarafalls.ca