FAQ – General
No – a swimming cap is not required in our YMCA of Fredericton pool.
Yes, you can bring your own equipment.
Note about Flippers and snorkels:
Snorkels and flippers are only permitted during lane swims or under the supervision of an instructor. They are not permitted during any other swims including family swims.
Yes, you can purchase a day pass to our facility which includes the use of the pool.
The capacity varies based on the depth of the pool. Our leisure pool floor moves to change depth. The ranges are given below:
The maximum capacity for the Leisure Pool (T: 86-88F) is 30-55 (30 members at 5’6” depth and 55 members at 3’8” depth)
The maximum capacity for the Lap Pool (T: 80-82F) is 130.
The maximum number of lane swimmers can vary and is usually capped at 6-8 (varies depending on speed of swimmer and lifeguard discretion).
The speeds of each lane are listed below:
Slow – >45 sec/lap
Medium – 30-45 sec/lap
Fast – <30 sec/lap
No – unless it is part of physiotherapy.
Varies – please refer to swim descriptions that include the depth of the leisure pool for each swim.
FAQ – Swimming Lesson
There are no refunds/credits for cancelled/missed lessons.
Q: What is Rolling Registration?
A: Rolling Registration allows swimmers to complete their swimming level at their own pace without the interruption of new term registration. Once enrolled, programming continues until the end of the school year. This means if your child is very close to passing their level but needs maybe 2 or 3 more classes to succeed, they are not asked to register for the same level in a new term, but can instead keep progressing until they are complete.
Q: I missed the program registration date. When can I next enroll for lessons?
A: You can register anytime once the session begins in September. We accept new swimmers into the program every 4 weeks, space permitting. If there is no space in the class you are wanting to enroll your child in, you will be waitlisted and contacted as soon as a spot opens.
Q: My child’s instructor said they completed their swimming level. What comes next?
A: The lesson supervisor will speak to you at the beginning of the next class. They will have your child’s Swimgen report ready to view and will give your child a sticker for completing the level. At this time, you can ask any questions about your child’s progress. Then, you will be given time and day options for moving your child to the next swimming level. If a spot is open that works for your schedule, they will sign you up for that class and you will attend it starting the following week. If there are no spots, or none that work with your schedule, your child will remain in their current class and will begin learning the new level’s skills until they can be moved.
Q: My child has missed a few classes… Does this affect their swim lessons?
A: To ensure we have active attendees and are maximizing our class space, we ask that you communicate with the Aquatics Manager (Kathleen.kowalchuk@ymcafredericton.org) for any absences. If there is no warning or explanation given for missing a class, you will be contacted and reminded to please ensure regular attendance. If a second class is missed without explanation, another email will be sent warning a third missed class will result in a removal from the program. After a third missed class without explanation, your child is taken off the roster and the spot given to a waitlisted participant. You may then register as per usual if you would like to return to lessons.
No – the time allocated to swimming lessons is more than enough to assess the child for the next level.
Additionally, we allow for up to 2 class cancellations per session due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.
Please add the child on the waitlist. If a spot opens, you will be informed (phone call or email).
A swimming suit and a towel are required for each swimming lesson. Please arrive only 5 minutes prior to swimming lesson to ensure your child is placed in the proper class at the start of the lesson by using the sign in/out policy (for ages 9 or younger).
Swim shirts can be purchased to keep them warm – these can be purchased at most sports stores.
No, water shoes make it more difficult to learn to swim and will impede their ability to kick effectively.
It is not recommended to wear goggles, ear plugs/nose clips during swimming lessons. These can present a false sense of security.
It is important for your child to attend swimming lessons and is part of the curriculum that is required in order for a child to pass certain classes. Please inform the Aquatics manager (via email) if your child cannot attend a swimming lesson. If your child is absent for more than 3 lessons without explanation, they may be removed from the lesson. Please communicate to ensure their spot is kept.
No – please wear a swim diaper.
Supervisors – wear an clearly labeled tank top on deck during swimming lessons
Aquatics manager – reached by phone at (506) 462 – 3000 ext. 108 or email: kat.kowalchuk@ymcafredericton.org
Children 9 years and under must be accompanied by an adult (16+ years). The adult must stay on deck/viewing gallery for the duration of the class. A sign-in and sign-out policy applies.
Children 10-12 years must have a parent bring them to/pick them up from the pool deck at a time agreed upon between the parent and Aquatics Supervisor.
Our viewing area is small so we encourage only 1 parent/guardian (max) to watch the lesson.
The only lessons that a parent/guardian is required to be in the water with their child is Splashers & Bubblers.
The other lessons parents are not required to be in the water and we do not allow parents to be in the water.
Bobbers 4
Floaters 4
Gliders 4
Divers 6
Surfers 6
Jumpers 6
Otter 6
Seal 8
Dolphin 8
Swimmer 8
Star 1 8
Star 2 8
Star 3 10
Star 4 10
Star 5 10
Star 6 10
Star 7 10
If a child needs to use the bathroom during swimming lessons, they will be escorted to the bathroom on deck by a supervisor.
Swim assessments are offered as drop-ins during our regularly scheduled lesson times. Please contact the Aquatics Manager at kathleen.kowalchuk@ymcafredericton.org or call (506) 462 – 3000 ext. 108 to book an appointment for a swim assessment
No. You MUST register your child for the level our system says they should be in UNLESS they have a swim assessment completed during swim lessons and the supervisor places them in a higher level.
Unfortunately, you cannot request an instructor.
If they are between 3-5 years old, they should go into Bobbers/Floaters (3-4 yrs), Gliders/Drivers (4-5 yrs) or Surfers/Jumpers (4-5 yrs).
If they are 6+ years they should go in Otter/Seal.
The instructor helps the teen/adult at their level. An instructor will help/coach an individual and as they practice the skill the instructor will move to the next person to help/coach them.
FAQ – Aquatic Leadership Certification
For more information, please visit Certification Courses.
4x/year minimum. Each course is hosted at YMCA Fredericton 1-2x/term.
*Additional courses may be run if there is a demand