Drop-In Swimming

The following protocols are in effect:

• Face masks are encouraged in all areas where physical distancing cannot be maintained. Masks can be removed when participating in physical activity, sport or swimming.​​​​​​

Women-only swimming is available during specified times for those who identify as a woman. During women-only swimming hours:

• Windows and doors are completely covered.
• Only female staff members are on deck.
• An enclosed shower space is available immediately outside the pool.
• Women can change into bathing attire in accessible, private washrooms adjacent to the pool deck so that they do not need to go through public spaces in bathing attire.

Trans Pool Hours swim program is available during specified times. It is an inclusive swim time for trans, gender non-conforming, non-binary and 2-spirit students and members. Privacy change spaces are available and blinds are drawn for privacy. Pre-registration is required for this Drop-in program. Learn more about our trans pool hours program. 

Fun swim is available at scheduled times for all ages.  Dive, play, use inner-tubes and simply enjoy the pool at your leisure. Children are only permitted in the pool and pool area with a parent or guardian during time scheduled as Fun Swims. 

A parent or guardian who is able to swim must accompany children to the pool and be within the pool area for the purposes of supervision. Parents/guardians are responsible for the children in their care while in the facility and must supervise the children at all times.

Learn more about our family fun swim program, including supervision requirements, here.

The 50m and 25yd pools are fully accessible. The 25yd pool is located on the main floor of the Athletic Centre. The 50m pool is accessible by elevator and located in the basement of the Athletic Centre.

A waterproof wheelchair is available at the 50m pool office for use on the pool deck, and in our shower spaces. An automated lift is available to assist with entry and exit from the pools as well. Please ask a lifeguard for assistance.

For accommodation requests, please take a few moments to fill out our Accommodation Request Form. The questions primarily ask about activities and facilities you are interested in. 

Alternatively, you may contact our Accommodations Facilitator by email at matt.srutwa@utoronto.ca or by phone at 416-978-3436. We will reach out to you shortly and set up an initial meeting and review the questions on the form. 

In an attempt to keep the environment safe, positive and enjoyable for all our patrons we would like you to follow our pool etiquette guidelines. Obey the lifeguards and staff at all times.

Pool Emergencies: When you hear one long whistle blast please exit the pool immediately at the closest side. One long whistle blast is a signal for a pool clear which is used at the end of swims and also in emergencies and therefore it is extremely important that patrons exit as quickly as possible.

Lane Speed and Direction

• Please select a lane appropriate to your own speed. If you are continually passing others or being passed please move to a different lane. You may be asked to move for your own safety and the safety of other patrons.
• Remember that lane speed is relative. You may be a fast lane swimmer one day and a medium lane swimmer the next.
• Be aware of all your surroundings and other swimmers at all times.
• Follow the general swim pattern as outlined here and on signs post at each double lane.

Passing

• Passing should occur only at the ends of the lane.
• If you must pass mid lap do so only if you have a clear and safe path.
• If someone is attempting to pass you please allow them to do so.
• Please do not pass or swim in a manner that is aggressive or dangerous to other patrons, or that may block their way.
• Do not hit or clip other patrons to encourage them to get out of your way; wait until it is safe and then pass. Ask the lifeguard if you require assistance.

Turning

• Flip turn carefully towards the centre of the wall; do not flip turn if the wall is particularly crowded.

Resting

• Avoid hanging off of lane ropes as this causes them to loosen and break.

Swim Start Times

• Read the swim schedule carefully
• Be mindful of your scheduled time in the facility. Please ensure you enter and leave the facility within your allotted time to allow our staff to sanitize between usage periods for all users. Your allotted time includes time at your programmed activity and prompt use of showers and changerooms.

Water Jogging

• Water jogging is only permitted in the slow lane.

Ontario Health Regulations and Pool Rules

• Please shower with soap and warm water before swimming.
• There is no food other than water permitted on deck.
• Outdoor shoes are not permitted on the pool deck.
• Please do not spit in the pools. Water and spit fountains are available on both pool decks.
• Diving is not permitted in the North end of the 50m pool or the shallow end of the 25 yard pool.
• The use of starting blocks is not permitted during recreational swim.
• Please do not chew gum in the pool or the pool area.
• Listen to the lifeguards at all times.

Please note: If you encounter problems with another patron please inform a lifeguard of the problem rather than confronting the problem yourself.

If you have a medical condition, notify the lifeguard or swim with someone who is knowledgeable about your condition. Swimming when ill with diarrhea can contaminate the pool water. Those who have experienced diarrhea should not swim until symptoms have cleared.

No glass is permitted on the pool deck, in change rooms or in the pool gallery.

50 metre Pool: The Olympic-sized (50 metre) Varsity pool has eight lanes with a moveable bulkhead and is between 2.3 metres and 4.2 metres deep. The pool has one- and three-metre springboards, three- and five-metre platforms. The water temperature is 80-81°F. It is used for swimming, diving, water polo, synchronized swimming and Varsity events.

Teach Pool: The teach pool adjacent to the Varsity Pool is 0.8-0.9 metres deep and kept at 84°F. It is generally available for children’s swim classes, and during most 50m recreational swims for non-swimmers and those doing injury rehabilitation. Open for use during Rec and Lane swim times at the 50m  Varsity Pool. 

25 yard Pool: The six-lane, 25 yard Benson pool is 1.2 metres shallow to 3.0 metres deep with a water temperature of 84°F. It is used primarily for lane swimming, swim classes and women-only lane swimming and classes.

• Only trained and certified staff, approved by the Athletic Centre's program management team, is permitted to train members in this facility during designated times.
• Other individuals are not permitted to conduct or solicit for any form of business in the Athletic Centre (e.g. personal training, private lessons, etc.).
• Please note that equipment may be reserved for Faculty research or high performance training.