Aquatics

The City of Stratford owns and operates the Stratford Lions Pool from June until end of August each season. Our highly qualified Instructor/Guard staff provide a full range of swimming lessons and public swim programming, in a supervised and safe environment.

Address: 15 William Street
Direct Phone: 519-271-0757 (summer only)
Facility Functions: lessons, open swims, private rentals, change facilities, washrooms, accessible
General Hours of Operation: July to August, Monday to Friday, 7am - 8pm, Saturday and Sunday, 12 - 8pm
Check our closures and cancellations page for up-to-date information

May 3, 2021 - Stratford Lions Pool to Public Swim Schedule (2021)

The Stratford Lions Pool intends to offer a modified public swim program this summer. Download the public swim schedule. Due to the expected popularity of swims, we encourage online reservations to be made on all program. Reservations will be accepted starting May 30, 2021 on our online recreation registration.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have decided to delay our decision to offer summer swim lessons. There are many factors weighing in our consideration, most importantly the health, safety and protection of our public and staff. We will re-visit the possibility of a lesson program in and around mid June.

Please note that the Lions Pool will only open this summer if permitted under the provincial government’s Framework for Reopening Ontario.

Become a Lifeguard or Instructor

Certification Path

Ever wondered how to become a Lifeguard/Instructor?

Find out more on the path to become a certified Lifeguard or Instructor.

Employment Opportunities

Our highly qualified Stratford Lions Pool Lifeguard and Instructor staff provide a full range of swimming lessons and public swim programming, in a supervised and safe environment.

Seasonally, we employ over 30 staff to operate the pool, in the following positions:

Pool Supervisor
Assistant Supervisor
Lifeguard/Instructor
Lifeguard-in-Training

View our position descriptions.

What would you like to do?

April 1, 2021 - Update for 2021 summer Recreation Programs

We expect to operate a summer day camp program and a modified aquatic program at the Lions Pool in the summer of 2021. Updates originally scheduled for April 1 will be provided by April 10.

Please subscribe to this page to receive the next update on our summer programs.

Browse all Swim Programs

Important Swim Admission Policies and Procedures

We have a few important swim policies and procedures you should know before arriving at the pool.

COVID-19 - Health, safety and what to expect using the Lions Pool facility?

We take the health and safety of our patrons and staff seriously. In keeping with current government regulations to stop the transmission and spread of germs, everyone attending the Stratford Lions Pool must strictly follow these instructions:

Do not attend the facility if you are unwell or sick.
Help stop the spread of germs by washing your hands properly and frequently, cough into your sleeve, and sanitize your hands before entering and upon leaving the facility.
Maintain physical distancing of 2 metres apart (6 feet) from any staff or person not within your social bubble.

It is highly recommended to make a reservation online for all eligible swim programs (lengths, water fitness, AquaPods), otherwise last minute admission into swims will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reserve online now.

Any admission taken at the front counter will be contactless and paid by debit or credit card only. No cash will be taken.
Upon entering the facility, patrons will be asked to sanitize hands.
Although not mandatory, wearing face coverings when indoors at the facility is highly recommended. The City of Stratford does not provide face coverings.
Change rooms and single showers will be made available however, it is preferred that patrons arrive already showered and changed for swimming.
As personal belongings cannot be stored by staff while swimming, patrons will be required to take their items onto the pool deck. Supervision of personal belongings is the sole responsibility of each patron, and the City of Stratford will not be held responsible for lost or stolen items.
Washrooms will be made available to patrons, however only 1 person at a time may access the washroom areas inside the change rooms.
Please respect physical distancing when engaging with staff and/or with patrons not in personal social bubbles.

Cancelled Swims/Foul Pool/Poor Weather (new 2020)

The Pool will remain open on rainy days, unless: thunder and/or lightning is evident; or, the downpour is so heavy, that the black dot on the bottom of the pool is not visible. If either of the above two points are present, the pool must be closed immediately. It may re-open after a ten-minute interval void of these two conditions, or upon the discretion of the Supervisor on duty.

In the event of the pool being fouled, the pool will be cleared immediately. The required maintenance for fouled pools will be completed.

If a reserved swim is cancelled due to inclement weather within 20 minutes of the reservation start time, an account credit or refund for the admission price will be offered.
If a reserved swim is cancelled due to inclement weather after 20 minutes of use from the start time, no refunds will be given
If a public swim is cancelled due to a fouled pool, an account credit for the admission paid may be issued at the Supervisor's discretion.

If swim lessons are cancelled due to inclement weather, or a fouled pool, dry land lessons will be offered.

Family Swim Policy

Anyone under the age of 18 years wishing to swim during a Family Swim time must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Swim admittance policies apply.

Pool Closure Policy

In the event that no swimmers arrive within the first half-hour of the evening open swim, the pool will be closed until the next scheduled swim time.

Swim Admittance Abilities Policy

Children under the age of 8 can participate in public swims if they meet one of the two following conditions:

They are supervised by a responsible person 12 years of age or older. The responsible person must be in the water and remain within arms reach of their child. This responsible person may not supervise more than 2 swimmers at any time.
The child can pass the Swimming Competency Test. The competency test is for children under the age of 8 who wish to swim without direct supervision.

Should you be short in having a responsible person to help supervise more than 2 children, consider inviting a friend to help assist, or have your children take turns in and out of the pool.

Finally, we support with pride all persons of varying abilities. Should a patron having an exceptional ability wishes to attend a swim and requires a support person (whether the support is required on deck or in the water), we are happy to admit the support person free of charge.

Patron admittance reviews and final decisions are at the sole discretion of the Supervisor on Duty.

Swimming Competency Test Policy

The swimming competency test is for children under the age of 8 who wish to swim without direct supervision, The following requirements must be passed to the Instructor/Guard's standards:

Two widths of the Lions Pool where the child can touch.
Recognizable front crawl with face in.
Treading water for 20 seconds in the middle of each width.
A general comfort with the water.

The swimming competency test can also be administered to swimmers wishing to enter the deep end of the pool who are older than 8 years of age. All Instructor/Guards are able to administer the test. The swimming competency test is the only test available to evaluate a patron's strength, endurance and level of comfort in the water. Children who pass the test may have access to the entire pool.

The Instructor/Guard's have the authority to send the child back to the shallow end for their safety, if he/she becomes weak/tired. Only one test per participant, per day will be administered.