Pool

The Aquatics Centre boasts an indoor 4-lane, 25-meter pool along with an on-deck dry sauna, leisure pool, and universal change room.

Current Schedule: 

On this page: 

  1. About the Aquatics Centre
  2. Swimming lessons and leadership courses
  3. Aquatics programs
  4. Lifejacket lending program
  5. Admission rates
  6. Admission policy
  7. Be "water smart"
  8. Financial assistants and additional funding
  9. Pool frequently asked questions (FAQ's)
  10. Aquatics Centre renovation updates 

About the Aquatics Centre

The newly renovated Aquatics Centre features an indoor pool with four 25-metre-length lanes and an attached leisure pool. A ramp and wide steps into the pool make it accessible for all. A nearby splash pad is available to enjoy in the warmer weather.

The pool offers year-round programming and swimming lessons for all ages and abilities including private, semi-private, and group swimming lessons. Work your way up to becoming a Lifeguard with Lifesaving Society courses such as Bronze Medallion/Basic First Aid and Bronze Cross.

Want to become a lifeguard but don't know where to start? Sign up for the Leadership Aquatic Volunteer Program and gain valuable work experience and skills to become a swim instructor and lifeguard!

Sponsorship Opportunities

The Pyramid Recreation Centre is proud to offer opportunities for local businesses and organizations to support free public swimming in St. Marys. Please visit our Sponsorship Opportunities page for more information.

Swimming lessons and leadership courses

Registration dates for swimming lessons starting the week of December 7, 2026

  • Monday November 23 at 9am residents
  • Tuesday November 24 at 9am non-residents

(Lessons viewable in ActiveNet Monday November 16)

Registration dates for swimming lessons starting the week of March 22, 2027

  • Monday March 1 at 9am residents
  • Tuesday March 2 at 9am non-residents

(Lessons viewable in ActiveNet Monday February 22)

Lesson descriptions and registration links are available in the list below. 

Group lessons: We offer a variety of swimming lessons for children of all ages and abilities. Learn more and sign up on ActiveNet. 

Private lessons: Want one-on-one attention? Our certified instructor can help kids and adults alike learn everything from the basics to advanced techniques. View private lesson times on ActiveNet.

Semi-private lessons: Register online for a private lesson and follow the prompts to specify that you'd like semi-private.

Leadership Courses: We offer Bronze Medallion with Basic First Aid, Bronze Cross and Swim Instructors. Sign up on ActiveNet.

Leadership aquatic volunteer program: This new opportunity includes supporting a swim lesson class under the direction of an instructor. Aquatic volunteers must be a minimum of 14 years of age, with current Bronze Medallion and Basic First Aid.

Benefits of volunteering:

  • Gain valuable work experience and skills to become a swim instructor and lifeguard
  • Earn discounts towards aquatic leadership courses
  • A chance to give back to your community and earn high school volunteer hours
  • Take advantage of future aquatic job opportunities with the Town of St. Marys
  • Opportunity to join the lifeguard team while they train

How to become a volunteer:

  • Visit www.townofstmarys.com/careers
  • Fill out the volunteer registration form
  • Staff will advise on process going forward after receiving the registration form

How to earn discounts towards aquatic courses:

  • Volunteer 30 hours and you will receive 40% off Bronze Cross.
  • Volunteer 30 hours and you will receive 40% off Swim Instructors Course.
  • Volunteer time is flexible, you can volunteer before, after or during the Bronze Cross courses to extend this discount to you.

Aquatics programs

Get active at the Pyramid Recreation Centre with a variety of aquatics programs including open swims, lane swims and aquafit!

Upcoming Program Registration Dates

Winter program registration (aquafit, open swim, rentals, lane swims, adult leisure swim)

Registration dates for winter programs starting December 21 (Holiday schedule, followed by Winter Schedule)

  • Wednesday November 25 at 9am

(Programs viewable in ActiveNet & schedule release Wednesday November 18)

Spring program registration (aquafit, open swim, rentals, lane swims, adult leisure swim)

Registration dates for spring programs starting on March 22, 2027 (March break schedule, followed by Spring Schedule)

Wednesday March 3, 2027 at 9am

(viewable in Activenet Wednesday February 24, 9am)

Program descriptions and registration links are available in the list below. 

Aquafit: Get energized, burn calories, and improve your overall fitness with this moderate to high intensity cardio water workout.  Exercising in the water lowers the impact of high intensity movements while creating a natural resistance that will build your muscle strength. View Aquafit times on ActiveNet.

Adult Leisure Swim: Participants must be 18 years of age or older. The leisure pool will not be open, but the sauna will be available. Registrants can enjoy swimming or exercising in shallow or deep water on one side of the main pool. Preregistration is required for this program, sign up on ActiveNet

Lane Swims: Lanes are set out for lap swimming, providing an excellent opportunity to get fit. View Lane Swim times on ActiveNet.

Open swim: Bring the family for an open swim in our indoor pool. Enjoy deep and shallow ends as well as an attached leisure pool. A ramp and wide steps into the pool make it accessible for all. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Admission Policy in effect. View Open Swim times on ActiveNet.

Pool rentals: Rent the pool for your next event! To book, check availability and see the current fees visit ActiveNet. Room bookings are available. Please contact Guest Service at 519-284-2160 or prccsr@town.stmarys.on.ca.

Water Walking: Slow down your walk in this unique class designed to help you make mind body connections for functional fitness, muscle conditioning, balance, and flexibility. Suitable for all fitness levels. Visit ActiveNet to register. 

Lifejacket lending program

We are pleased to announce that, thanks to a generous donation from the Cook-Rees Memorial Fund for Water Search and Safety we are offering a free lifejacket lending program.

This lifejacket lending program is a public service to provide lifejackets for people to stay safe while they are participating in water activities but may not have access to lifejackets.

Lifejackets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The lending period is for one week. An adult (18+) must sign out the lifejackets and complete a waiver of responsibility. Lifejackets are inspected and sanitized between loans. If you are interested in borrowing a lifejacket, simply email us at aquatics@town.stmarys.on.ca. Pick up and drop off is at the Pyramid Recreation Centre. 

Lifejackets will be accompanied by Water Smart© educational material from the Lifesaving Society.

Lifejacket inventory
Lifejacket Weight/size Quantity 
Infant 20-30 lbs. 6
Child 30-60 lbs. 6
Junior 60-90 lbs. 6
Adult (XXS/XS) 4
Adult (S/M) 4
Adult (L/XL) 4
Adult (XXL/XXXL) 4

Stay a float, wear a lifejacket!

Admission rates

2026 Rates

Pay per visit: 

  • Child/Youth (3-18): $4.40
  • Adult (19-64): $6.15
  • Older Adult (65+): $5.90

Passes: 

Number of passes Child/youth (3 - 18 yrs) Adult (19 - 64 yrs) Older adult (65+ yrs)
15 passes $59.34 $82.99 $79.63
30 passes $116.05 $162.29 $155.73
60 passes $226.81 $317.19 $304.37

Admission policy

View our admission policy.

6 years and under: Must be directly supervised by a parent/guardian (13+) who is in the water and able to provide immediate assistance. 2 children to 1 parent/guardian. Remain in the shallow end.

7 - 10 years: (unsuccessful swim test)  Must be directly supervised by a parent/guardian (13+) who is in the water and able to provide immediate assistance. 2 children to 1 parent/guardian without lifejackets, 8 children to 1 parent/guardian with lifejackets. Remain in the shallow end.

7 - 10 years: (successful swim test) Children must be supervised by a parent/guardian (13+) within the pool area. Swimming with a buddy is recommended.

11+ years: Must identify self as a swimmer/non swimmer upon entry, non swimmers must remain in the shallow end, lifejackets are recommended.  Swimming with a buddy is recommended.

Definitions: 

  • Swim Test: Swim a minimum of 20 metres from shallow to deep water. Tread water for one minute. Jump into deep water and float on back for 10 seconds.
  • Direct Supervision - Able to provide immediate assistance, 'within arm's reach'.
  • Guardian - A person of at least 13years of age who is responsible for the children.
  • Swim attire - Bathing attire is used for the purpose of swimming only.

Be "water smart"

Water safety basics are key to preventing an emergency in or around the water. Check the following resources to learn more:

Financial assistants and additional funding  

Please visit our Financial Assistance and Subsidy Information page to learn more.

Funding Eligibility for Newcomers to Canada

A one‑time total of $3,000 in funding has been set aside to support newcomers to Canada, made possible through the Cook‑Rees Memorial Fund.

Funding details: 

  • Funding is available at $100 per person, per year
  • Funding is limited and available on a first‑come, first‑served basis, subject to available funds.

Eligible Use of Funding:

  • Funding may be used for any aquatic programming, including swimming lessons, pool rentals and passes for lane swims, aquafit, open swims.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Applicants must be new to Canada within the past five (5) years
  • Applicants do not need to be residents of St. Marys

Required Documentation:

  • Applicants must show proof that they are new to Canada (within the past 5 years).

How to Apply:

  • Please email aquatics@town.stmarys.on.ca and include your name, contact information, proof of newcomer status (within 5 years), and the aquatic program(s) you wish to register for.

Pool Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Call us at 519-284-2160 and we will assist you.

Registration instructions and tutorials are available on our Register for Programs page. 

We require a minimum of 24 hours notice to avoid being charged for the program. To cancel your program, please email aquatics@town.stmarys.on.ca or call 519-284-2160 to speak directly to a Guest Services Attendant. 

Yes, room bookings are available. Please contact Guest Service at 519-284-2160 or prccsr@town.stmarys.on.ca.

Yes, lockers are available. Please bring your own lock. 

We have noodles, kick boards, pull buoys and lifejackets available to use.  

Yes, the sauna is open.

Yes, swim diapers are available free of charge. We strongly encourage the use of reusable or disposable diapers specifically designed for water use to reduce the occurrence of pool closures due to water fouling. 

The following sizes are available: 13-24lbs, 20-33lbs, 31lbs+

Please visit the Guest Services desk for more information. 

Yes! The Pyramid Recreation Centre is proud to offer opportunities for local businesses and organizations to support free public swimming and skating programs in St. Marys. Please visit our Sponsorship Opportunities page for more information.

If your child is new to lessons or you are unsure which level to choose, we recommend a free swim assessment before registering. Our staff will assess their swimming skills and recommend the appropriate level.

All swimmers are assessed during their first lesson. If needed, the instructor may recommend a different level, subject to space availability.

Every swimmer progresses at their own pace, and it may take more than one session to complete a level. Our goal is to provide swimmers with the practice they need to develop strong swimming skills, build confidence, and become safer in and around the water.

To complete a swimming level, swimmers must successfully demonstrate each required skill at least three times during separate lessons, in accordance with Lifesaving Society standards.

Drop-off and Pick-up

  • Children in Preschool 1 to Swimmer 2 must be dropped off and picked up on the pool deck by a parent or caregiver 13 years of age or older.
  • Arrive 2–3 minutes before the lesson and wait with your child in the designated zone until their instructor begins the class.
  • Once the lesson begins, please watch from the observation area.
  • Return to the designated zone 2–3 minutes before the lesson ends to pick up your child directly from the instructor.
  • The Head Lifeguard will let you know if your assistance is needed during the lesson.

Pool Deck Reminders

  • Stay home if you are sick, feeling unwell, or experiencing diarrhea.
  • Please remove street shoes before entering the pool deck. Bare feet or clean flip-flops or sandals are welcome.
  • Hang towels on the hooks provided and keep vents clear to allow proper airflow.
  • Bring any questions or concerns to the Head Lifeguard.

                      

Help us keep our pool clean, safe, and open by following these healthy swimming habits:

  1. Stay home if you are sick, feeling unwell, or experiencing diarrhea.
  2. Shower thoroughly with soap and water before entering or re-entering the pool.
  3. Proper swim diapers are required for anyone who is not fully toilet trained or who experiences incontinence.
  4. Wash your hands with soap and water after using the washroom or changing diapers.
  5. Take children to the washroom before swimming and regularly during your visit.
  6. Wear clean, appropriate swimwear when entering the pool.
  7. Do not spit in the pool or intentionally put pool water in your mouth.
  8. Do not swim with open wounds or sores.

Pool fouling may result in the pool being closed for several hours and cancelled programs. Following these guidelines helps keep the pool clean, safe, and open for everyone.

Class Transfers: Transfers may be accommodated based on space availability. To request a transfer, please email aquatics@town.stmarys.on.ca.

Missed Lessons: Refunds, credits, or make-up lessons will not be provided for private, semi-private, or group lessons missed due to participant absence.

If a swimming lesson is cancelled by the Aquatics Centre due to unforeseen circumstances, a credit will be applied to the participant’s account.

Contact Us

Town of St. Marys (general contact)
Town Hall: 175 Queen Street East
Mail: P.O Box 998
St. Marys, ON N4X 1B6

T: 519-284-2340
F: 519-284-2881
Email us
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