Aquatics – Overview

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 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.

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.

• No lifeguard on duty. Supervising Staff are trained in emergency pool procedures.
• Heated (92-94 degrees), saltwater.
• 54 inches in the deep end and 30 inches in the shallow end, with a gradual slope from deep to shallow.
• A submerged dock is available to be placed in the shallow end of the pool to support younger children to be able to stand with their head above water.
• Entry options include concrete steps with railing, mechanical lift, ladder, or transfer from raised pool ledge with assistance. There is no ramp into the pool.
• Pool Accessibility: Mechanical lift with a variety of slings; Shower Chair/Pool Transport Chair with gait belt and pelvic/chest support; Shower Trolley/Pool Transport Trolley; Adapted floatation devices
• Three accessible, non-gender specific change rooms
• Private washrooms, open showers & curtains for changing areas
• Change room Accessibility: Mechanical lift, Electric plinths, Shower Chairs/Shower Trolleys

Children with the following conditions should not participate in pool therapy or programs: 

• Children requiring a Safe Pool Use, Entry, and Exit Form who have an expired Form (greater than one year) OR who have had a significant medical or functional change in condition
• History of cardiac failure
• Tracheostomy tube without a suction kit, emergency kit, and backup obturator accessible on the ledge and a Support Person trained in tracheostomy care.
• Respiratory disease of vital capacity less than 1500cm2
• Fever over 100 degrees
• Significant open wounds
• Severe urinary tract infection or Blood infection
• Loose, frequent stools that cannot be adequately contained in appropriate swimwear
• Infectious disease – (including respiratory, skin or stool-borne infection) or environmentally communicable conditions (i.e. Athlete’s Foot, head lice)

At times, the pool must be closed unexpectedly due to chemical composition, pool fouling, or staff absences. We will attempt to contact you by phone as soon as possible. Please check your phone messages before arriving at the Centre. 

All Centre clients using the pool require an up-to-date (within 1 year):

Medical Form must include:

• Any relevant medical conditions (i.e. seizure disorder; asthma; cardiac condition; diabetes; allergies, tracheostomy, feeding tubes etc)
• Seizure signs/symptoms and protocol, if applicable
• Use of equipment related to physical disability

• Skin infections with drainage
• Uncontrolled blood pressure or low blood pressure
• Uncontrolled epilepsy
• Cardiac conditions
• Intravenous, Hep-lock or Hickman lines
• External collection devices
• Recent cerebral hemorrhage
• Chlorine sensitivity
• Recent orthopedic surgery or fractures
• Rash or skin condition
• Active, significant joint inflammation
• Undergoing chemotherapy

• moderate-significant physical disabilities and/or significant visual impairment
• significant challenges with emotional regulation; inappropriate or unpredictable physical, verbal or sexual behaviour and/or any behaviours that pose a risk to their own or other’s safety
• Note: for children with significant physical disabilities, an assessment must be completed prior to first pool use that includes recommendations for safe pool entry/exit such as use of the mechanical pool lift.

At all times, a designated Staff Supervisor must be on the deck or in the pool when the pool is in use.

• No street clothes, shoes, excessive jewelry or undergarments are to be worn in the pool or deck area.
• Secure long hair with an elastic.
• All clients who are not toilet trained must wear an article of clothing that will keep fecal matter contained in the event of fouling (e.g. plastic swim diapers, off-the-shelf swim diapers)