Wading Pool Admission Requirements

Age Restrictions at Wading Pools – Rules for Underage Children
Due to the level of risk involved in water environments and to ensure the safety of participants, the City of Winnipeg Community Services Department established the following rules for children using the wading pool:

• Children under 5 years of age must have a parent, guardian or caregiver 12 years of age or older in attendance with them at the pool.
  • Children arriving onsite without suitable supervision will be asked to leave the wading pool area until they can return with the appropriate parent/guardian/caregiver.
• The parent/guardian/caregiver must be actively supervising the children at all times.
  • Active supervision means being in the water with the children within arms’ reach.
• Wading Pool Attendants have complete authority
  • Wading Pool Attendants have the right to allow or prevent access to any part of the pool or the pool in its entirety should there be any safety concerns regarding the patron’s use of the facility.

Groups are welcome at wading pools city-wide - please check the Group Admission Requirements.

Wading Pool Rules

For the safety and enjoyment of all participants, the following rules apply at all wading pools operated by the Community Services Department:

• Wading pools are for children 12 years of age and under.
• Children under 5 years of age must have a parent, guardian or caregiver 12 years of age or older actively supervising them at the pool.
• Appropriate swimwear is required (swimsuit, shorts).
• Note: Young children must wear tight-fitting rubber pants over disposable or cloth diapers and bathing suits to ensure fecal matter is contained. “Little Swimmers” with a bathing suit is also acceptable.
• Bathing loads are established by the Manitoba Public Health Act for each site and are enforced by attendant.
• Persons infected with a communicable disease or having open sores cannot enter the water.
• Do not drink water from water spray features.

The following items and activities are not permitted at a wading pool site:

• Glass containers or food in or around the pool or deck
• Play that may be deemed hazardous to other persons in and around the pool facility (i.e. running, diving, spitting, spouting water, etc.)
• Pets
• Smoking
• Alcohol or drugs
• Bicycles, skateboards, in-line skates, scooters or similar items
• Sand (due to its effect on water quality)
• Abusive or profane language

Rules for Slide Use:

• Children under 5 must be actively supervised when using the slide.
• Children must slide feet first with only one child permitted on the slide at a time.
• The slide will not be open until the base is covered with water.
• The bottom of the slide must be clear prior to the next child descending.

Every effort is made to help participants/groups understand the importance of safety at the wading pool. The Community Services Department reserves the right to restrict participation for a designated time period in the event behaviour becomes a safety concern. 

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Wading Pool Rules for Group Use

Groups are welcome at wading pools city-wide.
All wading pool rules apply to all patrons, there are additional rules that apply to groups using wading pools.

Group leader responsibilities include:

• Group leader-child ratios are strictly enforced when the children are in the water and surrounding area. Group leaders must actively supervise their group. When two or more leaders are present, one leader must be in the water and the other should supervise from the deck (unless ratios determine otherwise). The following ratios have been established and are not negotiable:

• Mixed ratios do not apply at wading pools due to the serious safety concerns present in an aquatic setting. The appropriate number of group leaders to children is necessary for each age group.
  • For example, two leaders are required for a group of 8 children, comprising seven who are 8 years of age and one who is 4 years of age
• If a group arrives onsite and the wading pool is at bathing capacity, the group is required to wait until space becomes available.
• Groups are limited to a stay of 1.5 hours when other patrons are waiting for entrance.
• Group leaders are responsible for the behaviour of the children they bring to the wading pool and must handle any disciplinary problems. The wading pool attendant has the authority to speak to the children directly, if necessary.
• Groups that do not comply with the rules for groups are not permitted entry to city wading pools until the appropriate safety provisions are in place. Every effort is made to work with groups to ensure a safe environment for all patrons.

The Manitoba Child Care Program, Department of Family Services and Housing supports the Wading Pool Rules for Groups.

Wading Pool Closures

A wading pool may be closed throughout the day if any of the following conditions arise:

• The weather turns to thundershowers during the day.
• Lightning and/or thunder are present.
• Maintenance problems, such as pump damage or no drain cover, occur.
• Water, electricity, access to a phone for emergencies, first aid kit or washroom facilities are not available.
• Foreign material, such as glass, fecal matter, vomit, animals or blood, is found in the wading pool water and has the potential to affect pool water clarity and quality.
• The chlorine level is above or below the standards set by the Manitoba Public Health Act.
• The wading pool does not meet Manitoba public health requirements.

Closing Procedures
Draining of the wading pool is coordinated with the time the pool closes. Staff drains the pool prior to closing and as a result, there will not be a full basin of water at closing time. Children are permitted to stay in the wading pool while it is draining under the following conditions:

• They do not play near or sit on the drain.
• There is no whirlpool present.
• The attendant does not have to leave the wading pool area to attend to other facility requirements.
• If, for any reason, the attendant must leave the pool area, the attendant will clear the wading pool of all patrons until he/she has resumed visual contact of the pool.