Our guidelines
Fees:
Are collected for:
- Drop-in
- Registered programs
- Bookings and rentals
Must be paid in full at the time of purchase/registration/booking.
Can be processed:
- In person:
Centennial Outdoor Pool
2310 Emerson St, Abbotsford, BC V2T 3J2
T: 604-853-7900
E: centennialODP@recreationexcellence.com - Online: Registration Website
Can be made by:
- Cash
- Debit
- Visa
- Mastercard
Registration information
Recreation Excellence client account is required for:
- Registered programs
- Rentals
A registered program will:
- Have a predetermined age, activity, and/or skill level
- Have a predetermined session date, time, and location
- Require participants to register before the start of the class
- Require payment in full to confirm registration
- Not have make up dates or added additional dates for missed sessions
1 – Create your account
- Registration Website
- fill in required fields for family information, contact information, student information
2 – Register for swim lessons
- click on select class under the heading enroll in classes
- once preferred class is found, select it
- if you are registering another student select add another student and repeat the above process
- read over the required policies and check the box indicating you have read the above and agree and enter your name
- once this is complete, you can enter in your payment information and submit registration
Registration day
Some registered programs fill up quickly, to avoid disappointment, consider these tips:
- Make note of the posted registration day (date when the program registration opens)
- Registration opens at 9am PT on the posted date for each season
- Sign up for the notifications on the APP to receive reminders and never miss a registration date (coming soon)
- Registered program spots are limited and are filled on a first come, first served basis
- Registrations can be made in-person or online. All registrations are first come first served. No method takes precedence over the other:
- In person at the Centennial Outdoor Pool
- 2310 Emerson St, Abbotsford, BC V2T 3J2
- Please have the following handy;
- registration form filled out and ready to go
- participants health care number
- First Nations Status card if applicable
- Online
Withdrawals and refunds
Withdrawals and refunds can be processed when a participant requests to be removed from a registered program with more than 5 business days (Monday – Friday) prior to the lesson start date:
- A 10% withdrawal fee may be applied
- Withdrawals requested less than 5 business days (Monday – Friday) prior to the lesson start date will not be refunded
Withdrawals and refunds can be processed when a participant requests to be removed from a registered program due to injury or medical condition prior to the lesson start date:
- A physician’s letter must be provided within 2 weeks of notification of withdrawal for the refund/credit to be issued
- The 10% withdrawal fee will not be applied
Withdrawals requested after the lesson start date due to injury or medical condition will be prorated:
- A physician’s letter must be provided within 2 weeks of notification of withdrawal for the refund/credit to be issued
- The 10% withdrawal fee will not be applied
Transfers
Transfers are processed when a participant request to be moved from one registered program to another registered program with more than 5 business days (Monday – Friday) prior to the lesson start date:
- Subject to availability
- Additional program registration fees may apply and are due at the time of the transfer
- Transfers requested less than 5 business days (Monday – Friday) prior to the lesson start date may not be transferred or refunded
Cancellations
Recreation Excellence reserves the right to cancel a program for reasons beyond our control. Recreation Excellence will notify registered program participants via phone and/or email. (Please ensure that your Recreation Excellence client account information is up to date). Refunds or account credits will be issued for courses cancelled by Recreation Excellence.
Transfers
Transfers are processed when a participant request to be moved from one registered program to another registered program with more than 5 business days (Monday – Friday) prior to the lesson start date:
- Subject to availability
- Additional program registration fees may apply and are due at the time of the transfer
- Transfers requested less than 5 business days (Monday – Friday) prior to the lesson start date may not be transferred or refunded
Cancellations
Recreation Excellence reserves the right to cancel a program for reasons beyond our control. Recreation Excellence will notify registered program participants via phone and/or email. (Please ensure that your Recreation Excellence client account information is up to date). Refunds or account credits will be issued for courses canceled by Recreation Excellence.
Facility rules
Admission policy
HEALTH
Please do not visit the facility if you are suffering from a flu, bacterial or viral infection, communicable disease, or severe skin condition. Stay at home if you are sick or have diarrhea. Wait 2 weeks after symptoms subside before returning to the facility.
SUPERVISION REQUIREMENTS
Children under 7 years of age and those that can’t swim must be actively supervised (in the water, within arms’ reach) by a guardian 16+ years. Maximum of 2 children to 1 guardian.
Lane swimming – 11+ years can swim lengths during lane swimming.
SWIM DIAPERS
Incontinent individuals, children under 3 and those not toilet trained must wear an approved swim diaper and plastic pool pants under their bathing suit.
STROLLERS
Strollers are not permitted on the pool deck or in the changerooms.
BREASTFEEDING
Breastfeeding is permitted in all Recreation Excellence facilities, including the aquatic centre.
CHANGE ROOMS
Universal, Men’s and Women’s change rooms are available. The universal change room is an inclusive space for guests with children, those requiring assistance, and people of all gender identities. Children 7+ years are encouraged to use the change room of their gender identity or the universal change room.
HARASSMENT
Recreation Excellence does not accept or tolerate bullying and harassment under any circumstances. This policy applies to all Recreation Excellence employees, clients, guests, and contractors.
Recreation Excellence is committed to creating a business environment where respect for the individual is central. We believe that all our employees have the right to be treated with dignity and respect and we will strive to provide a workplace that is free of harassment and bullying. This policy has been developed to reflect the foregoing commitment, prevent improper conduct and behaviour, and encourage best practices to enable a safe and harmonious workplace.
BEHAVIOURS
All Recreation Excellence facilities are tobacco, alcohol, drug, and weapon free facilities (including but not limited to chew, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vaporizers). Possession of and/or consumption of alcohol, drugs, or weapons are strictly prohibited. Anyone suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be refused entry and are grounds for immediate removal.
The use of profanity, offensive, or inappropriate language and/or explicit music are not permitted.
Covered plastic water bottles are encouraged. Glass water bottles and sunflower seeds are not permitted in the facility. Food and beverages are not permitted in the pool, gymnasium, courts, or fitness areas.
Shooting or throwing balls, rings, or other objects in the facility common areas or change rooms is not permitted.
Pre-game warm-ups, dryland, or practices are not permitted in the common areas or change rooms. This includes running, jogging, stair climbing, races, tag, or relays.
Distribution or sale of food, beverages, goods, and services require written permission from Recreation Excellence management 7 days prior.
Coaching, instructing, or leading a private or group activity during a public or drop-in leisure session is not permitted. Coaches, instructors, and group leaders require express written approval from Recreation Excellence management at least 7 days prior to arriving at the facility.
TEAMS, GROUPS, CLASSES, LESSONS & CLINICS
Coaching, instructing, or leading a private or group activity during a public or drop-in leisure session is not permitted. Coaches, instructors, and group leaders require express written approval from Recreation Excellence management at least 7 days prior to arriving at the facility.
Teams, groups and classes can access the assigned change room no more than 30 minutes before and are expected to be out of the change rooms 30 minutes after the scheduled pool time.
The team or group’s designated representative should:
- Conduct a change room inspection prior to letting the athletes into the space. Notify the Recreation Excellence customer service representative when problems or concerns are identified.
- Monitor the athletes’ behaviours while inside the facility and ensure compliance with all facility rules and sport organizations’ code of conduct
- Conduct a change room inspection after the last athlete leaves and notify the Recreation Excellence customer service representative when problems or concerns are identified
Athletes, coaches, leaders, and parents are expected to:
- Follow all Recreation Excellence rules and regulations
- Ensure that pre-game warm-ups, dryland, or practices in the common areas or change rooms, including running, jogging, stair climbing, races, tag, or relays do not occur
- Comply with the sport organization’s code of conduct policies
- Honour the Respect in Sport Agreement
- Dispose of trash in the nearest garbage receptacle
FOOTWEAR
Outdoor footwear is not permitted in the changerooms or on the pool deck. Water sport specific footwear is permitted, provided they are not used outside the facility.
ATTIRE
Aquatic swimwear
Guests are required to wear proper bathing attire that can include:
- A traditional one piece or two-piece swimsuit, swim trunks, swim shorts, or Bermuda shorts, or
- A modesty swimwear including full coverage suits with pants, long sleeve, tunic, head coverings and burkini, or
- A wetsuit, rash guard or surf shirt, or
- Clothing so long as:
- It is clean, and
- It is brought to the pool for the sole purpose of swimming, and
- It does not restrict movement in the water, and
- It is not made of denim.
EQUIPMENT
Guests are welcome to bring personal equipment to the facility so long as it:
- Is cleaned and in good condition
- Is used safely as the equipment was intended to be used
Equipment not permitted:
- Infant/child water wings
- Infant neck rings
- Glass face masks
- Monofin or mermaid tails with an ankle strap
- Full coverage mask/snorkel combination
LOST AND FOUND
Most items found are kept for a maximum of 1 month prior to being donated to a local charity. Personal hygiene items such as undergarments, socks, hairbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, and soap are disposed of and not kept onsite. Valuable items such as watches, rings, necklaces, wallets, glasses, etc are logged and securely stored. All lost and found items must be claimed in person as staff are unable to confirm items over the phone. Recreation Excellence is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen property. Protect your belongings by securing them in a locker or leaving them at home.
PHOTO AND VIDEO
Public – The use of any type of electronic recording equipment, including but not limited to, cell phones, cameras, video recorders, tablets, computers, etc is strictly prohibited in any of the change rooms within the facility.
Media – Media professionals are required to obtain permission from Recreation Excellence Management prior to accessing the facility or capturing any images or video content.
ANIMALS
Animals are not permitted on premises unless they are a Certified Guide Dog or Qualified Service Dog. Both Certified Guide Dogs and Qualified Service Dogs that have been trained and tested have the right to access any location where the public is allowed. Please display your Service Dog ID Card to the Recreation Excellence customer service representative to obtain entry.
Please note: The guide or service dog is not permitted into the water but can remain poolside for the duration of the handler’s swim and like anyone acting inappropriately, a person may be refused access or asked to leave if they or their guide or service dog is disruptive.
DEEP END SWIM TEST
Lifeguards may require weak swimmers to complete the deep end swim test.
Deep end swim test – Swimmers wishing to use the deep-water area shall confidently demonstrate the following:
- Front Swim, 25 metre in the shallow end (while remaining at or near the surface)
- Jump (feet first) into the deep-water and fully submerge head (without goggles), recover and face the lifeguard while treading water at the surface for 30 seconds (keeping their head above the water)
*When the deep end swim test is successfully performed with a PFD, the swimmer must always wear the PFD while using the deep areas.
MONOFIN and MERMAID TAILS
Approved monofins and mermaid tails (without an ankle strap) are permitted during leisure, public, open and adult lane swims provided the swimmer successfully completes the monofin and mermaid tail swim test. The skill test is required at each visit.
Monofin and mermaid tail swim test – Swimmers wishing to use a monofin or mermaid tail shall confidently demonstrate the following:
- Swim 25 metre in the shallow end, on front without the monofin or mermaid tail (while remaining at or near the surface)
- Jump into the deep-water and fully submerge head (without goggles), recover, and face the lifeguard while treading water at the surface for 20 seconds (keeping their head above the water)
- With monofin or mermaid tail on, swim 15 metre on front and then roll onto back and swim 15 metre
- With monofin or mermaid tail on demonstrate a quick release
*When the monofin and mermaid tail test is successfully performed with a PFD, the swimmer must always wear the PFD while using the monofin or mermaid tail.
*Not be worn on the pool deck, water slides, hot tubs or the sauna.
*Not to be shared with other swimmers unless they’ve successfully completed the monofin and mermaid tail swim test.
BREATH HOLDING
Underwater breath holding and breath holding competitions are not permitted. Underwater swims are restricted to 15 metre.
LANE SWIM ETIQUETTE
Respect all swimmers and contact the lifeguard for assistance.
Lock your personal belongings in the locker and come out onto the pool deck with your swimming gear.
Flutter boards and pull buoys are available for you to use during your swim please remember to return the items to their storage location after your swim.
Select the appropriate swimming lane for your swim:
- Signs will identify the lane speed pace (fast, medium, or slow)
- Choosing the appropriate lane speed eliminates unnecessary passing and reduces the risk of collision
- Wait for the area to be clear of swimmers before entering
- Always enter the water feet first and close to the right corner of the lane
Circle swimming is required:
- Enter on the right
- Swim up the right
- Turn in the middle
- Swim down the right
- Swimming in a counterclockwise circular direction in the lane
Stopping or resting should only happen at the end of the lane and you should move to the left corner:
- Avoid stopping in the middle of the pool for any reason, as this can interfere with others progress and cause collisions
- Resting in the right (as you swim into the wall) corner tells the other swimmers to go ahead and gives them enough space to turn safely in the opposite corner (as they swim away from the wall)
- Wait until the other swimmers push off the wall before you proceed
Passing:
- The TAP
- A tap is a light touch to the foot of the first swimmer (do not grab, pull or tickle the first swimmer)
- Getting tapped (when you’re the first swimmer and your foot has been tapped):
- Do NOT stop (as this could cause a collision), simply slow down and slide over to the right of the lane as much as possible, to allow the second swimmer to pass you
- When the end of the lane is near, it is appropriate to pull to the right-hand corner of the lane and pause to allow the second swimmer to advance through their turn and pass
- Giving the tap:
- Provide the other swimmer with an indication of your intent to pass. Common courtesy is to lightly tap their foot, then pass on the left
- Make certain that you have time to pass before the end of the lane. Or wait until the end of the lane when the first swimmer will pause and allow time for you to pass
Get moving. Sign up for your membership today.