Aquatics
Pool Hours
Monday-Friday: 6:00am-10:00pm.
Saturday: 6:00am-7:00pm
Sunday: 6:00am-8:30pm
SWIMMING LESSONS NOTE:
Due to lack of Swimming Instructors we are very limited for swimming lessons, the demand is very high and we are doing our best to get students trained and ready to teach.
Daily Schedules
Monday
6:00am - 9:00am
Early Bird SwimOak Bay Recreation Centre
7:45am - 8:45am
Deep/Shallow Water Aquafit Oak Bay Recreation Centre
9:00am - 3:00pm
Leisure & Lengths SwimOak Bay Recreation Centre
9:00am - 10:00am
Shallow Water
10:00am - 11:00am
Waterworks *Oak Bay Recreation Centre
11:15am - 12:15pm
50 & Better AquafitOak Bay Recreation Centre
1:45pm - 2:45pm
Shallow Water AquafitOak Bay Recreation Centre
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Everyone WelcomeOak Bay Recreation Centre
5:00pm - 6:30pm
Adult LengthsOak Bay Recreation Centre
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Everyone WelcomeOak Bay Recreation Centre
8:30pm - 10:00pm
Leisure and LengthsOak Bay Recreation Centre Tuesday
6:00am - 9:00am
Early Bird Swim
7:45am - 8:45am
Shallow Water AquafitOak Bay Recreation Centre
9:00am - 10:30am
Swim LessonsOak Bay Recreation Centre
10:30am - 11:30am
Leisure and WidthsOak Bay Recreation Centre
10:30am - 11:30am
Shallow Water AquafitOak Bay Recreation Centre
11:30am - 1:30pm
Leisure & Lengths SwimOak Bay Recreation Centre
1:30pm - 3:00pm
50 & Better SwimOak Bay Recreation Centre
1:45pm - 2:45pm
50 & Better AquafitOak Bay Recreation Centre
3:00pm - 7:00pm
Swim LessonsOak Bay Recreation Centre
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Adult LengthsOak Bay Recreation Centre
8:30pm - 10:00pm
Leisure & Lengths Swim (with Masters)Oak Bay Recreation Centre Wednesday
6:00am - 9:00am
Early Bird SwimOak Bay Recreation Centre
7:45am - 8:45am
Shallow Water AquafitOak Bay Recreation Centre
9:00am - 10:30am
Swim LessonsOak Bay Recreation Centre
10:15am - 11:15am
Water Works*Oak Bay Recreation Centre
10:30am - 3:00pm
Leisure & Lengths SwimOak Bay Recreation Centre
11:15am - 12:15pm
50 & Better AquafitOak Bay Recreation Centre
1:45pm - 2:45pm
Shallow Water AquafitOak Bay Recreation Centre
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Swim LessonsOak Bay Recreation Centre
5:00pm - 6:30pm
Adult LengthsOak Bay Recreation Centre
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Everyone WelcomeOak Bay Recreation Centre
8:30pm - 9:30pm
Leisure and LengthsOak Bay Recreation Centre Thursday
6:00am - 9:00am
Early Bird SwimOak Bay Recreation Centre
7:45am - 8:45am
Deep Water AquafitOak Bay Recreation Centre
9:00am - 10:30am
Swim LessonsOak Bay Recreation Centre
10:30am - 11:30am
Leisure and WidthsOak Bay Recreation Centre
10:30am - 11:30am
Shallow Water AquafitOak Bay Recreation Centre
11:30am - 1:30pm
Leisure & Lengths SwimOak Bay Recreation Centre
1:30pm - 3:00pm
50 & Better SwimOak Bay Recreation Centre
1:45pm - 2:45pm
50 & Better AquafitOak Bay Recreation Centre
3:00pm - 7:00pm
Swim LessonsOak Bay Recreation Centre
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Adult LengthsOak Bay Recreation Centre
8:30pm - 10:00pm
Leisure & Lengths Swim (with Masters)Oak Bay Recreation Centre Friday
6:00am - 9:00am
Early Bird SwimOak Bay Recreation Centre
7:45am - 8:45am
Deep/Shallow Water Aquafit Oak Bay Recreation Centre
9:00am - 1:00pm
Leisure & Lengths SwimOak Bay Recreation Centre
9:00am - 10:00am
Shallow Water AquafitOak Bay Recreation Centre
10:00am - 11:00am
WaterworksOak Bay Recreation Centre
11:15am - 12:15pm
50 & Better AquafitOak Bay Recreation Centre
1:00pm - 3:00pm
School SwimOak Bay Recreation Centre
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Parent and TotOak Bay Recreation Centre
5:00pm - 6:30pm
Adult LengthsOak Bay Recreation Centre
6:30pm - 9:00pm
Kids Fun SwimOak Bay Recreation Centre
9:00pm - 10:00pm
Leisure & LengthsOak Bay Recreation Centre Saturday
6:00am - 9:00am
Early Bird SwimOak Bay Recreation Centre
7:45am - 8:45am
Shallow Water AquafitOak Bay Recreation Centre
9:00am - 11:30am
Swim LessonsOak Bay Recreation Centre
11:30am - 1:00pm
Integrated SwimOak Bay Recreation Centre
1:00pm - 5:00pm
Kids Fun SwimOak Bay Recreation Centre
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Adults LengthsOak Bay Recreation Centre Sunday
6:00am - 9:00am
Early Bird SwimOak Bay Recreation Centre
9:00am - 1:00pm
Swim LessonsOak Bay Recreation Centre
1:00pm - 5:00pm
Kids Fun SwimOak Bay Recreation Centre
5:00pm - 6:30pm
Adult LengthsOak Bay Recreation Centre
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Leisure & LengthsOak Bay Recreation Centre Daily Schedules
Please see the link at the top of the page to view or download the current schedule. The schedules are subject to change, and the pdf's are the most accurate at this time.
Oak Bay Swim Program Lesson Changes
As the Canadian Red Cross winds down their Swimming & Water Safety and Lifeguard training to focus on surging humanitarian demands in other areas,
Recreation Oak Bay reflects on its long history of providing a variety of dynamicand inclusive Canadian Red Cross swimming and water safety programs to thecommunity. Upon this reflection, we see an opportunity to create something new and tailor made to enhance lives in our community, focusing on swimming as a skill to be continually enjoyed for a lifetime.
Starting in January, the Oak Bay Aquatics Team is excited to launch the new ‘Learn to Swim the Oak Bay Way’ program. This new program sees the revival of the Oak Bay Preschool levels, and a new Oak Bay school age Swim program. A ten-level program for ages 6-12, beginning with an Oak Bay Swim Intro level for those new to swimming and the pool. We continue to believe in the importance of water safety and have created a program that will continue to provide high quality swimming and water safety education, while providing us with the flexibility to tailor all levels to meet the needs of the community.
Swimming is a life skill, and you have your whole life to learn it! Come swim with us and learn to swim in a safe, welcoming, and fun environment.
Lesson Conversion Chart
| Red Cross Swim Preschol | Oak Bay Preschool Program | Red Cross Swim Kids | Oak Bay School Age Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starfish | Splish Splashers | Oak Bay Swim Intro | |
| Duck | Bubble Blowers | Swim Kids 1 | Oak Bay Swim Level 1 |
| Sea Turtle | Tiny Turtles | Swim Kids 2 | Oak Bay Swim Level 2 |
| Sea Otter | Tadpole | Swim Kids 3 | Oak Bay Swim Level 3 |
| New to Salamander | Guppy | Swim Kids 4 | Oak Bay Swim Level 4 |
| Attempted Salamander | Salamander | Swim Kids 5 | Oak Bay Swim Level 5 |
| Sunfish | Otter | Swim Kids 6 | Oak Bay Swim Level 6 |
| Crocodile | Dolphin | Swim Kids 7 | Oak Bay Swim Level 7 |
| Whale | Stingray | Swim Kids 8 | Oak Bay Swim Level 8 |
| Swim Kids 9/10 | Oak Bay Swim Level 9 |
Aquatic Swim Descriptions and Registration and Lesson information is below.
Swim Session Descriptions
50 & Better Swim
A time for swimmers aged 50 & up, to enjoy length swimming, leisure space, 50+ swimming lessons and drop-in aquafit classes. Adults under the age of 50 are welcome to share the sauna, steam room and hot tub.
Adult Length Swim
An evening adult-only length swim with lane and leisure space available to adults aged 16 & up.
Early Bird Swim
Early morning length swimming, leisure space and drop-in aquafit classes seven days a week for a special rate. Families are welcome to enjoy the small pool and children 12 years or younger may swim lengths when accompanied by an adult.
Everyone Welcome Swim
Featuring two waterslides, inflatable toys, rope swings, games and more. Swimmers of all ages are welcome. Length swimming space is not available. Drop-in Deep Water aquafit classes share the pool on Monday and Wednesday evening from 6:30- 7:30pm.
Integrated Swim
Swimmers with disabilities are welcome to enjoy the pool free of charge. Free admission includes one person with a disability and up to two family members or friends. The pool offers an on-deck lift and specialized changing facilities. Length swimming, leisure space and the Blue Slidewinder will be available.
Kids Fun Swim
An action-packed swim for kids and families featuring theme days, two waterslides, inflatable toys, rope swings, games, and prizes. Swimmers of all ages are welcome. Length swimming space is not available
Late Night Swim
Featuring length swimming and leisure space. The dropslide runs every night at 9:45pm. Swim for just $3 after 11:00pm.
Leisure and Lengths
Offers length swimming, leisure space and drop-in aquafit classes. Families are welcome to enjoy the small pool and children 12 years or younger may swim lengths when accompanied by an adult.
Leisure and Widths
Width swimming is available in the main pool while aquafit takes place in the shallow end. Families are welcome to enjoy the small pool and children 12 years or younger may swim lengths when accompanied by an adult.
Masters Swim
A supervised drop-in swimming workout for swimmers of all ages.
Parent and Tot Swim
A quiet time in the small pool for parents & children under the age of 7. The main pool is unavailable during this swim.
School Swim
A time for local schools to enjoy the pool. The pools, sauna and steam room are not available to the public during this time. For rental inquiries call 250-370-7108.
Swim Lessons
Lessons are offered for all ages and abilities. The sauna and steam room are available to the public during swim lessons, but all pools, including the hot tub, are closed.
Aquafit Descriptions and Registration
Recreation Oak Bay is proud to offer a wide variety of Aquafit classes. All classes, except Water Works, are available for drop in.
50 & Better Aquafit
A mild to moderate workout designed for those aged 50 and better. Work on strength, flexibility, and range of motion while increasing your cardio stamina.
Deep Water Aquafit
Work on core stability while getting an excellent cardio and strength workout. This class uses weight belts, foam dumb bells, and noodles for a no–impact, high energy workout. This class is a moderate to intense level. Comfort in deep water is required.
Shallow Water Aquafit
Get moving with 60 minutes of moderate-level aquatic exercises. Noodles, foam dumb bells, and other equipment may be used to improve strength, flexibility, and stamina.
Shallow Water Energizer
This high-energy, shallow-water class offers a moderate to intense workout focused on cardio and strength training.
Water Works
This class is ideal for anyone suffering from joint pain. The gentle exercise will work your muscles, increase your range of motion, and ease your pain. Classes begin in chest-deep water in the main pool and wind up in the warm pool. This class is a registered program.
Registration notes:
- These are registered courses that run weekly for a certain number of weeks. There is no single admission option.
- Registration will be ongoing until a class is full. Late registrants are welcome and will receive a pro-rated registration rate.
- Aquafit classes can be booked through Reception and online.
- Cancellation Policy: For courses that are four (4) classes or more, credits/refunds must be requested before the second class. After the second class, credits/refunds are granted only for cases of illness supported by a doctor’s note. (Other compassionate reasons may be considered.)
Admission
| Single | 10 Punch Pass | 25 Punch Pass | Early Bird | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | $6.75 | $50.75 | $126.50 | $5.05 |
| Senior | $5.25 | $39.50 | $98.50 | $3.95 |
| Student | $5.25 | $39.50 | $98.50 | $3.95 |
| Youth | $5.25 | $39.50 | $98.50 | n/a |
| Child | $3.40 | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Punch passes are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Memberships are available. Please see the Rates and Passes page.
Adult: An individual between the ages of 19-59 years.
Senior: An individual 60 years of age or over.
Student: An individual who attends post-secondary institution and produces a valid student card at the time of purchase. The first punch pass purchase must be done in-person, after those purchases can be done over the phone or in-person.
Youth: An individual up to 18 years of age.
Child: An individual up to 12 years of age.
Early Bird: 6:00-9:00am (8:00am on weekends and statutory holidays).
Swim Lessons
Preschool Lessons
Parent and Tot (4 months-3 years)
Splish Splashers (4–12 months)
- An introductory class for you and your baby. The goals of this class are buoyancy and movement, proper support, and enjoyment of the water. Underwater skills are demonstrated and tried if comfortable.
Bubble Blowers (1–2 years)
- This class is for you and your toddler. You will cover proper support positions, buoyancy and movement, and floats and glides. The emphasis will be on enjoyment in the water.
Tiny Turtles (2–3 years)
- This class is for your toddler to get used to swimming on their own with their instructor. The goal of this level is to try new skills including basic floats, glides, and kicking with buoyant objects.
Preschool (3-6 years)
Tadpole
- This is the first swimming level for preschoolers. Children learn to safely enter & exit the pool, blow bubbles, submerge, and kick with kickboards. Assisted front & back floats are introduced.
Guppy
- Children learn to float on their own for the first time. This level will introduce gliding and breath control under water. Children will learn to do front glides on their own.
Salamander
- Your child will build upon their skills and learn to glide while kicking. There is an introduction to big arms and a 3m distance swim. Your child will be introduced to swimming in deep water (assisted).
Otter
- Children learn how to swim independently in the big pool. The class will learn side glides and be introduced to front crawl and treading water. Children will also explore deep water activities. There is a 7m distance swim.
Dolphin
- This level will challenge your preschooler with 10m of front swim and 15m of back swim. Your child will develop their back crawl and be introduced to diving and whip kick.
Stingray
- Your child will work on 15m of front swim and perform 25m of back swim. Children will be introduced to dolphin kick and boating safety and continue to develop their dives and whip kick.
School Age
Descriptions (Ages 6-12)
Oak Bay Swim Intro
This class is for your school aged child who is new to swimming. The goal of this class is developing comfort, buoyancy, and movement in the water. Floats, glides, and underwater skills will be introduced.
Level 1
Let’s get swimming! This level introduces your child to the many types of floats, glides, and swimming on your front and back. Deep water activities with PFDs and underwater skills will also be explored.
Level 2
This level will help your child build skills in front & back crawl. Deep water activities, treading water, and whip kick will be introduced. Endurance will be developed through games and other fun activities.
Level 3
Let’s dive in! Underwater orientation will be explored through dives, jumps, and somersaults. Roll-over glides and whip kick skills will be practiced. 15m endurance will be developed through games and challenges.
Level 4
Let’s dive in! Underwater orientation will be explored through dives, jumps, and somersaults. Roll-over glides and whip kick skills will be practiced. 15m endurance will be developed through games and challenges.
Level 5
This level will introduce eggbeater and breaststroke and increase strength treading water. Swimmers will also learn how to stay safe in, on, and around water with PFD's and HELP Huddle training. Level 5 has a 50m endurance challenge.
Level 6
Breaststroke and elementary backstroke will continue to be refined. Dolphin kick, scissor kick, and deep-water object recovery techniques are introduced. 100m endurance will be developed through games and front and back crawl challenges.
Level 7
Technique will be progressed for front and back crawl. New entries will be practiced including stride entries and dives. 200m endurance will be built by challenging personal bests.
Level 8
Practice and fitness will be the focus of this level, improving front and back crawl, as well as breaststroke and elementary backstroke. Your child will learn about ice safety and hypothermia. 300m endurance will be built through fitness challenges.
Level 9
Technique is perfected for front and back crawl, as well as breaststroke and elementary backstroke. Shallow dives and other entries will be mastered. 400m endurance will be built to prepare for your next steps in swimming, fitness, or lifeguarding!
Adult and Teen Swim Lessons
Adult Beginner
It's never too late to learn to swim! This class will help you develop or increase your comfort in the water and give you the skills you need to stay safe. This course includes a free practice pass for the duration of the course. Prerequisite: No previous swimming experience required.
Adult Intermediate
This class will help you increase your swimming skills and the distance you can swim. You will be introduced to dives, front crawl, and back crawl. This course includes a free practice pass for the duration of the course. Prerequisite: Comfortable floating on the water & ability to swim 15m continuously.
Adult Advanced
This class will help you develop or improve your stroke techniques as well as increase the distance that you can swim. You will decide which strokes you want to work on and then receive the instruction and feedback you need to achieve your goals. This course includes a free practice pass for the duration of the course. Pre-requisite: The ability to swim front crawl and back crawl continuously for 25m and is comfortable swimming in deep water.
Private Swim Lessons
Private swimming Lessons are currently available for registration.
Simple Set private lessons can be booked online or through reception at 250-595-7946.
For Perfect Fit private lessons, please email privateswim@oakbay.ca with your name and phone number, the name of those who will be in the lesson, the days and times you are available, and when you would like the lessons to start, and we will respond to you in the order the request is received.
Please note: there is an extremely high demand for private lessons, we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Registration for Winter 2023 will open at 6:30am on December 7th, 2022. For Simple Set private lessons please register online or through reception, for Perfect Fit private lesson requests please send an email to privateswim@oakbay.ca.
Simple Set Private Lessons
Simple Set Private Lessons are 30-minute sessions, and these lessons are programmed to match the dates of the group lessons. Simply choose a time, then call reception at 250-595-SWIM (7946) to register.
Simple Set Cancellation Policy: Prorated refunds or credits may be obtained if requested before the second class. Classes cannot be rescheduled. Make-up lessons are not provided.
Perfect Fit Private Lessons
Perfect Fit Private Lessons can be scheduled in 30-minute, 45-minute, or 1-hour sessions. These lessons can be customized to suit your needs. You may request any time.
Perfect Fit Cancellation Policy:
To cancel a private lesson, please call Reception at 250-595-7946. Morning lessons must be cancelled by 6:00pm the night before. Afternoon and evening lessons must be cancelled by 9:00am the day of the lesson, or you will be charged for the lesson.
All lessons must be paid in full at the time of booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the temperature of your pools?
Big pool: 83°F
Small pool: 94°F
Hot tub: 104°F
How long is your pool?
The big pool is 25m long.
Is the pool chlorinated?
Our pool is treated with ultraviolet light (UV), but does use a small amount of chlorine to treat any residual bacteria.
How tall does someone have to be to be able to ride the waterslides?
You must be at least 48 inches (4 feet) tall to ride the waterslides.
Can I use the hot tub?
Yes, the hot tub is available during all our swimming sessions with a regular admission except for during lesson times when there is no lifeguard on duty.
Can I use the sauna/steam room?
Yes, the sauna/steam room is available during all our swimming sessions with a regular admission.
Can I use the change room/hairdryer?
Yes, both the pool and fitness changerooms are equipped with hairdryers.
Do you sell goggles?
Yes, we sell a variety of goggles through Reception at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre. Stop by the front desk for styles and prices.
Do you sell swimsuits?
Yes, we sell a variety of adult and child swimsuits through Reception at the Oak Bay Recreation Centre. Stop by the front desk for styles and prices.
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