Checked
Swimming supervision, slides and pool rules in St. John’s
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Swimming supervision, slides and pool rules in St. John’s. Children aged 10 and under must stay within arm’s reach of a supervisor aged 16 or older in St.
Key information
Children aged 10 and under must stay within arm’s reach of a supervisor aged 16 or older in St. John’s city pools. One supervisor may accompany at most three children. Slides, diving boards and other features have their own limits, and lifeguards direct pool use.
On this page
Key facts and next steps
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the child-supervision rule? | A child aged 10 or younger needs a supervisor aged at least 16 in the water within arm's reach. The published maximum is three children for each supervisor. Watching from a seat does not meet the in-water rule. |
| What clothing and hygiene rules apply? | Shower before entering the pool and after returning to it. Wear proper bathing attire, avoid changing on deck and keep outside footwear off indoor decks. Walk on deck rather than running. |
| How do lane swimmers share the pool? | Keep right, choose the appropriate speed lane and follow the posted lane arrangement. The rules describe tapping the swimmer's foot when seeking to pass and waiting at the wall. Do not dive into shallow water. |
Sources: Pool Rules
Children, admission and changing
What is the child-supervision rule?
A child aged 10 or younger needs a supervisor aged at least 16 in the water within arm's reach. The published maximum is three children for each supervisor. Watching from a seat does not meet the in-water rule.
Source: Pool Rules
Does a birthday party need pool wristbands?
The city requires wristbands for pool-area entry, including birthday parties, except the specified private-rental arrangements. Ask staff about the booking type rather than assuming party guests bypass admission checks.
Source: Pool Rules
Where can families change?
Gender-neutral changing facilities are available. The rules direct children older than six to the appropriate gendered or gender-neutral space. Use lockers and secure belongings; front desks have locks available.
Source: Pool Rules
Sources: Pool Rules
Equipment and swimming etiquette
What clothing and hygiene rules apply?
Shower before entering the pool and after returning to it. Wear proper bathing attire, avoid changing on deck and keep outside footwear off indoor decks. Walk on deck rather than running.
Source: Pool Rules
Can visitors take photos on deck?
Cameras and video recording are not permitted on pool decks or in changing rooms. Viewing areas differ between facilities, so ask staff where a non-swimmer can wait or watch.
Source: Pool Rules
What equipment can I bring?
Goggles are allowed. Face masks and snorkels require the stated medical-note exception. Personal floats and inflatables are prohibited, while lifejackets and specified training aids are allowed under staff direction. Glass and sharp objects are not allowed.
Source: Pool Rules
Sources: Pool Rules
Slides, diving boards and lifeguards
How do lane swimmers share the pool?
Keep right, choose the appropriate speed lane and follow the posted lane arrangement. The rules describe tapping the swimmer's foot when seeking to pass and waiting at the wall. Do not dive into shallow water.
Source: Pool Rules
What are the slide limits?
For the listed slides, solo riders must be at least 1.07 metres tall and no more than 136 kilograms. Slide on your back, feet first, one person at a time, when directed by the lifeguard. An adult must not stand at the bottom to catch a rider.
Source: Pool Rules
What are the diving-board rules?
The listed boards have a maximum user weight of 113 kilograms. One person uses a board at a time, with one bounce. Running, backwards jumps and sideways jumps are not permitted. Follow the lifeguard's direction and the feature's posted rules.
Source: Pool Rules
What does a long whistle mean, and who can help?
One long whistle means leave the water and listen to the lifeguard. Lifeguards control use of the pool and features. Contact Paul Reynolds at 709-576-8631 or Mews at 709-576-8499, or email recreation@stjohns.ca, for rule questions before a visit.
Source: Pool Rules
Sources: Pool Rules
Compare the main feature limits
| Feature | Published limit | Other conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Child supervision | Age 10 and under | Supervisor 16+, in water within arm’s reach, at most three children |
| Slides | Minimum height 1.07 m, maximum weight 136 kg | One rider, feet first on back, lifeguard direction |
| Diving boards | Maximum weight 113 kg | One person, one bounce, no running or backwards/sideways jump |
| Mews steam and sauna | Age 16+ | City recommends at most 10 minutes; shower, wear bathing attire and follow posted restrictions |
Sources: Pool Rules
Apply, book or get help
Sources: Pool Rules