Outdoor Pools

An account for the City of New Westminster’s Parks and Recreation online registration is required.

To create an account, go to newwestcity.ca/register  and click “Signup” under our logo. If you have any questions, please call 604.777.5100 and staff can assist you with either a registration or setting up your account so that you can book online with ease.

Reserve Online

Reservations open at 8:30 am
 3 days in advance for New Westminster residents
 2 days in advance for everyone.

Reservation check-in begins 10 minutes before the reserved session time. You will be allowed into the facility roughly 1 minute prior to the start of your session. Drop-in patrons will begin checking in after all reserved patrons.  

Reservations will be honoured for the first 30 minutes of each session. Unused reservations will be cancelled and space will be added to the drop-in admission capacity. Late arrivals will not be refunded for their reservations, they must check-in upon arrival and may not be permitted to enter the pool if capacity has been reached.  

Reservation cancellations - If you are not able to attend please let us know so we can fill that space with someone else. Reservations cancelled 24+ hours prior to the reserved session are eligible for refund. Call 604.777.5100 to cancel your reservation. A cancellation can be made even if the facility is closed by leaving a message on the voicemail. All messages left 24+ hours prior to the reserved sessions will be honored. 

Our hybrid reservation system allows those who want a guaranteed swimming spot to reserve, while also retaining 20% of swim spaces for drop-in visitors. Drop-in visitors will be allowed into the facility until we have reach our maximum capacity. Visitors will not need a city account for a drop-in visit.

Drop-in patrons will begin checking in after all reserved patrons.  

Drop-in admission is permitted at any time during a session until the pool has reached maximum capacity.

All sessions are 1.5 hours and have a scheduled start and end time. Late arrivals must leave at the scheduled end time

Did you know New Westminster swimming lesson curriculum is unique? Over 45 years, thousands of people have been taught to swim with ease.

About the Curriculum:

The step by step progressions teach:

• Strong rotational skill to learn to get in and out of breathing position.
• How to find balance in the water to produce less struggle.
• Practice techniques to create strong muscle memory.

About Breaking Waves:

The Breaking Waves Swim Program teaches children to progressively and successfully learn to swim. Customer feedback, years of staff experience, and current information around the science of swimming are build into the program.

Students experience success through progressive skill development in a positive and supportive learning environment. The program

• Creates a beneficial learning environment. Lessons run at times with limited competing programs.
• Invest in our instructors. Knowing that a program is only as strong as the deliver, instructor's receive professional development throughout their career with us.

About Instructional Supervisors:

There is always an Instructional Supervisor available to assist parents or students in any way needed. They provide:

• Customer Service
• Develop staff skills and knowledge
• Ensure program consistency.

Registration Information

• Lesson participants can only register for one lesson set at a time. This ensures customers meet all level prerequisites and have the best possible experience.
• Not sure what level to register into next? You can conveniently check your online account by going to My Profile > My Info > Activity Outcomes. This grade determines what level is next. Grades are viewable the morning of Registration Day. Registration opens at 8:30 am.
• Late registrations: Participants must be registered by the third class.

Unsure of swim level?

Free swim evaluations are offered during any of our Public Swim times. One of our lifeguards will be happy to do an assessment of your child which takes approximately 5 minutes.

Upon completion of the assessment you will receive a piece of paper with the assessed level which you must bring to the front desk to register.

Moving from Tots to Preschool age, or Preschool to School age lessons? Here's our transfer chart.

Do you know we also offer private lessons?  Private lessons are a great way for students to get extra assistance on a specific skill.

Register Online

Q: Why are there only 20 percent of the spaces available for drop-in? 

A: The City completed a public engagement survey on the reservation system in December 2022. Although some respondents wanted and preferred a drop-in system, a larger percentage preferred the reservation system. Although 20 percent of spaces are saved for drop-ins if reserved spots are not fully booked additional drop-in visitors will be permitted.

 

Q: Do I have to pay to watch my children swim?

A: Spectators may accompany and watch participants 7+ years from the pool deck for free. Caregivers accompanying children 6 years or younger to drop-in or reserved sessions are required to pay for admission and join the children in the water. 

 

Q: Can I bring food with us to the pool?

A: No. Food is not allowed on pool deck or in the change area.

 

Q: Can I book my children to swim on their own? 

A: Children 6 years and younger must be supervised in the water and stay within arm’s reach of an Adult, 15 years or older, at all times. Anyone 7 years of age or older may swim on their own. We strongly recommend that any patron that is not a strong swimmer have a parent or guardian present and they stay within arms’ reach.

 

Q: What happens if it is raining?

A: All swims and Aquafit will run rain or shine. We will not cancel swims due to the rain. Your swim reservation time will not be rescheduled or refunded due to rain.

 

Q: Why can’t I register for multiple lesson sets?

A: Participants may only register for one lesson set at a time to ensure level prerequisites are met, and to create opportunities for more participants to access our limited supply of lessons. For participants that were not able to register for set 1 of lessons, set 2 provides a second opportunity to participate in swimming lessons for the season.

 

Q: What is a prerequisite system?

A: Lessons in gymnastics, trampoline, swimming, and skating require activity outcome results prior to registration in the next level. This ensures that participants are placed in the correct level for their safety. Find Activity Outcomes in your online account profile.

 

Q: Does Moody Park Outdoor Pool have a slide?

A: A slide will be available during the 2023 season.

 

Q: When will the rock climbing wall be used again?

A: Due to safety requirements we are unable to use the rock wall in the 2023 season.

 

Q: Will the pool be warm in the Spring and Fall?

A: The pool is set to 27-28 degrees Celsius. While the pool temperature will not be set any higher than normal during the earlier and later seasons, it will feel warmer due to the temperature differential between the water and the outside ambient air temperature. The pool will feel like a hot tub on the cooler weather days as it will be much warmer than the outside air. If the pool water is heated warmer than the set point – it can cause swimmer’s to overheat during lap and exercise swim sessions. It can also cause greater steam and impede the lifeguard’s ability to adequately supervise the pool.

Q: Can we use the change rooms?

A: Change room and shower availability is limited. Change rooms are open during your session plus the following 15 minutes. 

 

Q: Are there lockers available to lock up my stuff?

A: Yes, lockers will be available to use. Please do not bring valuables with you to the swim.

 

Q: What swim equipment is available?

A: Kickboards, water running belts, pull-buoys, hand paddles, mats, and toys are available. 

 

Q: Are water fountains available? 

A: Yes!