Swimming and Swim Lessons

Enjoy swimming in Highlands East at public beaches and our outdoor pool. Information on swim lessons and pool hours we offer will be updated seasonally.

Cardiff Pool

The 2025 Cardiff Pool Schedule and Swimming Lesson information will be posted soon.

Location

The outdoor pool is located at 2 Balsam Street, Cardiff.

Directions

Take Hwy 118 to Monck Road. Proceed on Monck Road and turn left on to Sprucedale Street (just past the Community Centre) and then turn left on to Balsam Street (the only street on the left).  The Pool will be on your left.

Pool Rules and Admission Policy

Unattended Children

The pool program is not a babysitting service. Children 10 and older using the pool must have a local contact in case of emergency. Children under 10 years of age must have a guardian with them at all times in accordance with our Admission Policy.

Admission Policy

In order to comply with O. Reg. 565/17 s.17 (21), which states that, “every owner and every operator of a Class A pool shall ensure that there is a process in place to ensure a guardian or designated person supervises children under 10 years of age. The process must include a swimming competency test and a method of communicating the requirements of the process,” the Cardiff pool presents the following admission standards developed by the Office of the Chief Coroner:

Children aged 0 to 6

All children age 6 and under must have a supervising guardian in the water within arm’s reach and remain in the shallow end.

  • Without lifejackets: 1 guardian per 2 children (max)
  • With lifejackets: 1 guardian per 4 children (max)

Children aged 7 to 9

All children aged 7 to 9 years must perform a swim test. If unsuccessful, they must have a supervising guardian in the water within arm’s reach and remain in the shallow end.  With a successful swim test, they will have access to the deep end. A supervising guardian must be in the pool or in the on-deck viewing area.

  • Without lifejackets: 1 guardian per 2 children (max)
  • With lifejackets: 1 guardian per 6 children (max)

Children aged 10 and older

Regardless of age, anyone may be asked to perform a swim test. If unsuccessful, they must remain in the shallow end.

Who is considered a guardian?

  • An individual who is at least 12 years of age and is responsible for the direct supervision of the children under their care.
  • Individuals who are group leaders (camp councillors or organization workers) and are responsible for children under their care.

Guardian responsibility

Guardians are responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the children under their direct care and must directly supervise the children under their care at all times.

Pool Rules

In order to ensure that everyone will be able to use the facilities and equipment with safety and pleasure, the following rules will be strictly enforced.

  1. The order of the lifeguard or supervisor on duty is to be obeyed promptly.
  2. Supervising personnel are not to be interfered with in the performance of their duties.
  3. Profane or obscene language is not to be used.
  4. Diving from the red or blue painted areas and running within the swimming pool enclosure is prohibited.
  5. Every person using the swimming pool must shower in the area provided before entering the pool.
  6. Bathing suits must be worn in the pool. Cut-offs, T-shirts, etc. are prohibited.
  7. A parent or guardian must be in the swimming pool with small children who are non-swimmers in accordance with our Admission Policy.
  8. Bicycles are to be parked in the bicycle area in an upright position.

Rule-breaking

The following procedures will be followed for those who fail to follow the rules:

  1. A warning by a lifeguard will be given for the first offence.
  2. After the second offence, the offender will be expelled from the pool by a lifeguard and will remain so expelled until Council decides that the offender may return.
  3. Any further violations could result in permanent expulsion from the pool and grounds.

Other policies and information

We expect parents to co-operate by impressing on your children the necessity of obeying the rules for their own safety and the well-being of all concerned.

Persons causing damage to buildings or equipment will be charged for the cost of repair or replacement.

Please take notice that the telephone at the pool is for outgoing emergency calls only. No incoming calls will be accepted.

If parents or guardians have any suggestions or complaints, please contact the Municipal Office at 705-448-2981.

Public Beaches

You can enjoy swimming at public beaches on four lakes where water quality is tested regularly:

  • Gooderham Lake, 1085 Lakeshore Road, Gooderham
  • Wilbermere Lake, 1540 South Wilberforce Road, Wilberforce
  • Paudash Lake, 1117 North Bay Beach Road, Cardiff
  • Glamour Lake, 2293 Glamor Lake Road, Gooderham