East Gwillimbury (EG) offers a variety of aquatic lessons and programs for all ages and abilities.

There is a designated viewing gallery where swimming lessons can be observed. Parents/guardians are to drop off their child on the pool deck. No outdoor shoes are permitted on the pool deck.

Please contact the Aquatics team with any questions.

Interested in becoming a part of the Aquatics team? Visit the Careers page for open opportunities or check out the Pool Pals program.

Pool Pals

Pool Pals is designed to introduce youth ages 12 and up to the basics of swim instruction and aquatic leadership through hands-on training both in and out of the pool. Participants will assist certified Swim Instructors by helping with skill demonstrations, leading games, and supporting a safe and fun aquatic environment. Throughout the program, Pool Pals will learn important water safety principles, communication skills, and how to model positive behaviour for swimmers of all ages.

This program is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career or volunteer role in aquatics, such as becoming a certified Swim Instructor or Lifeguard. Pool Pals participants also earn rewards and gain leadership experience that can help them qualify for future advanced leadership courses. Sessions take place at the Health and Active Living Plaza and are led by experienced aquatic staff committed to mentoring young leaders in the community.

To learn more about the program, please contact the Aquatics team.
Young boy in pool with floating board learning to swim
Aquatics Lessons
Learn to swim with EG and the Swim for Life program.
Start Swimming
Man with swim cap and goggles smiling in pool
Aquatics Leadership
Develop your judgement, knowledge, skill and fitness.
Next Steps

Admission Standards

All swimmers under the age of 10, regardless of swimming ability, must be directly supervised and accompanied by a guardian who is over the age of 16.

0 to 5 years old

  • One guardian with a maximum of two swimmers
  • Swimmers must be within arm’s reach
  • Swimmer Band Colour: Red

6 to 9 years old

  • One guardian with a maximum of four swimmers
  • Public Swim: Swimmers may perform a swim test. If they pass the swim test, they may use the deep end of the pool. Guardian must remain in the water as well.
  • Lane Swim: Swimmers may perform a swim test. If they pass the swim test, they may participate in the lane swim. A guardian must remain in the facility.
  • Swimmer Band Colour: Yellow bands or a pink band for a successful swim test

10+ years old

  • Swimmers may swim without a Lifejacket anywhere in the Aquatic Centre
  • Swimmer Band Colour: Green

Swimmers Requiring Additional Support

  • Swimmers who require additional support due to a disability or other support need must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver who is responsible for their care and safety. The parent or caregiver must remain in the facility, preferably in the viewing gallery, for the duration of the swim.

    Staff reserve the right to require a parent or caregiver to enter and remain in the water with a swimmer, regardless of age, if the swimmer is unable to follow facility rules, requires additional assistance, or if their behaviour or participation becomes a safety concern.

Swim Tests

For safety reasons, all participants, regardless of age, may be asked to complete or repeat a swim test at any time.

Lane Swim Test (Ages 10+)

Successful completion of this test allows children to swim unaccompanied during lane swims. The test includes:

  • Continuous 25 meter swim with face in the water, performed comfortably and without assistance (no flotation devices)
  • Immediately followed by one minute of treading water with head above the surface

Public Swim and Diving Board Test

Successful completion of this test is required for access to the diving board and deep end and for children wishing to swim unaccompanied during public swims. Passing the test does not remove the requirement for parental or guardian supervision. A parent or guardian must still be in the pool supervising the child. However, within arm’s reach supervision is not required once the test has been passed.

  • Swim two widths of the pool without stopping.
  • Immediately followed by one minute of treading water with head above the surface.
What to Expect at the Pool
  • Wear proper bathing attire that is only used for swimming and is clean, colourfast, and light weight. means clothing used for swimming only. 
  • Bring a towel and goggles (if preferred). All other equipment is available including personal flotation devices (PFD), flippers, kickboards, etc.

  • Men’s and Women’s changerooms are available with showers as well as universal washrooms.

  • Children ages six or older must use the appropriate changerooms and washrooms.
Pool Rules
  • Outdoor shoes are not permitted on the pool deck.
  • Shower before entering the pool.
  • Strollers are not permitted in the changerooms or on the pool deck.
  • Food and beverages 9except drinking water) are not allowed on the pool deck.
  • Clean and pool-suitable swimwear is required.
  • Children who are not toilet trained must wear swim diapers. Regular diapers are not permitted.
  • Outside equipment is not permitted. All required equipment is provided by staff.
  • Equipment is not permitted in the Therapy Pool.
  • Children under 12 must be supervised by a parent or guardian in the Therapy Pool.
  • Anyone with a serious medical condition must notify a lifeguard and be accompanied by someone who understands their condition and is responsible for their supervision.
  • Children aged six and older must use the appropriate changeroom or the family changeroom. Aquatic program participants must change in the cubicles provided in the family changeroom.
  • Lockers are available and EG is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • Photography and video recording are not permitted in the Aquatic Centre.
  • A swim test must be completed before using the diving board.

Drowning Prevention

Did you know that:

  • Over 400 Canadians die in preventable water-related incidents annually.
  • Almost 80% of new Canadians will be on or around the water this summer.
  • In most drownings, the victim never intended to go in the water and was often close to safety.
  • 89% of drownings while boating happened when not wearing a PFD.
Drowning Prevention Resources