OTTAWA – The eGuide for the COVID-modified swimming lessons is now online, ahead of the registration taking place on Monday, July 13 at 9 p.m.

Weekly sessions begin Monday, July 20.

 “The city’s reformatted Learn to Swim Program incorporates COVID-19 prevention measures,” city staff released in a statement today (July 8).

Swimming instructors will maintain physical distancing from participants and a parent or guardian must accompany their child in the pool for the following levels:

• Private lessons – pre-school to Swim Kids 4
• Pre-school to Swim Kids 1 to 4 – low-ratio classes
• Inclusive Swim Kids 1 and 2

Classes for all levels will be 30 minutes long to allow for cleaning and physical distancing between participants entering and leaving the facility. This also provides sufficient time for cleaning and disinfecting common areas. 

The number of participants in each class will be reduced to allow for proper physical distancing. It is also important to note aquafitness, regular-ratio classes, Power Swim and lifesaving and leadership classes are not being re-offered during this phase of re-opening.

Easy registration opens Monday, July 13 at 9 p.m.

Registration is easy. Explore the eGuide to select swimming lessons for your child, and follow these simple steps:

• Go to Ottawa.ca/recreation and click on spring and summer 2020 recreation programs.
• Click the relevant barcode – it will take you to Join.ottawa.ca and the course page, with details about the number of spaces available, fees and dates.
• Log in to your existing CLASS account or create an account in advance to save time if you’re a new user. We will email you your receipt.

The swim schedule for pools that have re-opened is posted online at ottawa.ca. 

“Currently, residents can call the facility directly to book a same-day, hour-long swim,” city staff said. “Capacity at each swimming session has been significantly reduced to support physical distancing. The swim-time reservations will soon be available through a new online booking tool. Stay tuned for more information.”

To help reduce the risk, some of the COVID-related measures and protocols in place at the pool facilities include:

• One entry and exit point, with a staff member ensuring physical distancing is followed.
• Swimmers at outdoor pools will enter and exit through the gate and not through the facility.
• Frequent cleaning and disinfecting of common areas, high-touch surfaces, change room and washroom facilities, and lifejackets.
• Saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools, diving boards, rope swings, and waterslides will be closed.
• Viewing areas will either be closed or their capacity reduced, to allow for proper physical distancing.
• Parents or guardians who are not accompanying their child in the pool for swimming lessons are encouraged to wait outside the facility.
• Directional flow of swimmers around the outside of the pool for entering and exiting the swimming area.
• Washrooms will have every second sink and urinal closed.
• Hand sanitizers will be located in central areas for both clients and staff.
• Swimmers are asked to do their part to protect themselves and others from COVID-19:
• Shower at home before going to the pool.
• Wear their bathing suit to the pool.
• Practice personal COVID-19 hygiene – washing or sanitizing hands, staying home when exhibiting any symptoms.
• Keep a distance of two metres from other swimmers and staff.
• Wear a mask while walking in the facility. Some people who are infected with COVID-19 may have the virus and not know it. Masks can help decrease the risk of spreading the virus.

For up-to-date information, visit ottawa.ca/covid19 or call 311 (TTY: 613-580-9656).