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Aquatics

Aquatics

Aquatics – Overview

Niagara Children’s Centre aquatic services provide opportunities to enhance physiotherapy, occupational therapy and recreation activities, and enable children to further develop their functional skills. In addition to program- and service-based activities, the Centre also offers open swim programs for children and their families who may not be able to participate in community-based pool programs due to their condition.

Pool Facilities

The Centre has its own indoor, accessible, heated, saltwater pool, which is located at the Centre’s main location at 567 Glenridge Avenue in St. Catharines.

Aquatics Programs and Services

Aquatics services are provided in one-on-one and group settings. Services are administered by a physiotherapist, occupational therapist or recreation therapist.

We also offer non-structured open swims for clients and their families to enjoy the pool together at scheduled times.

If you have concerns about your child’s medical safety while swimming, please consult your child’s physician before starting any swimming program. Niagara Children’s Centre may request your child’s physician’s approval to participate in a pool program.

Eligibility and Referrals

All referrals for therapeutic swim programs are made by Niagara Children’s Centre staff for children involved in core services. If you are interested in the aquatics program, please speak with your therapist.

Open swim programs are open to all Centre clients. See the Program and Events Calendar and our Facebook page for availability and registration procedures.

Frequent Asked Questions

Why Are My Child’s Swim Times Sometimes Cancelled?

The pool is typically closed for two main reasons:

  1. Niagara Children’s Centre closely follows the provincial standards for pool foulings. If the pool is fouled, it will be closed for up to 23 hours for proper cleaning.
  2. The pool is only open if there is a certified lifeguard present. If a lifeguard is not available, for example due to illness, then the pool will be closed until a lifeguard becomes available.

We will do our best to contact you when the pool is closed unexpectedly. To ensure you receive communications in a timely manner, please ensure the Centre has up-to-date primary and alternative contact information where you can be reached during the day.

Do I Have to Stay in the Building While My Child is Taking Part in a Pool Program?

It is expected that the child’s parent(s) or caregiver(s) remain on deck or in the pool (depending on the program) while the child is in the pool.