With two aquatics facilities, it's always a good time for a swim in Saanich!
Drop-in Swimming
Saanich Commonwealth Place (SCP)
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Check out upcoming Splash Savings Swim Sessions!
Gordon Head Recreation Centre (GHRC)
GHRC Drop-in Swim Schedule: |
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⚠️ Please note weekend service adjustments in the March 31 - June 15 schedules linked above and view Gordon Head's facility status for more information.
Check out upcoming Splash Savings Swim Sessions!
Types of Drop-in Swims
Leisure Swim: The classic swim session: everyone is welcome to enjoy the pools for fitness and leisure. These sessions may share the pools with different programs.
Fun Swim: These high-energy swim sessions may incorporate louder music and pool amenities like climbing walls, slides, waves, diving boards, rope swings, the Wibit obstacle courses and more (some features not available at all centres).
Length Swimming: Enjoy fitness swimming in our 25m and 50m pools. Be sure to check the schedule as our pools commonly share spaces with lessons and high performance programs.
Hot Tub, Sauna and Steam Room: Relax and unwind! Our hot tubs, steam rooms, and saunas are typically open during regular pool hours. Age restrictions apply to these pool features - ask us for more information.
Additional Drop-in Swim Sessions: Additional drop-in swim sessions may be available at individual centres. Check the schedule for details.
Specialty and Culturally Safe Swim Sessions: View the schedules for upcoming specialty swim sessions, including youth swim, sensory swim, women's-only swims, and 2SLGBTQIA+ Pride swims.
Swimming Admissions & Passes
Click here for drop-in admission rates and pass options. Pay with cash, credit or debit, or find and Access Pass that's right for you!
Additional Information
Access during Swim Lessons
When swimming lessons are in progress in our facilities, we may prioritize access to specific pools or areas of pools. We may also cap the number of leisure swimmers admitted to ensure a great experience for everyone.
Aquatic competitions and pool rentals
Appropriate apparel for swimming is defined within the Visitor Code of Conduct in Saanich Recreation Facilities. Personal flotation devices (lifejackets) are available to borrow in a wide range of sizes, and patrons are welcome to bring their own. Inflatables and other personal pool toys are not permitted for safety reasons.
Accessibility features
Learn more about our aquatics facilities' many accessibility features:
Swim for Life
Saanich Recreation swimming lessons follow the Lifesaving Society’s Swim for Life lesson program.
Swim for Life is a nationwide comprehensive program that focuses on the development of fundamental skills for learners of all ages and abilities. It includes fun, hands-on activities that teach Water Smart education for the whole family. Swim for Life also flows seamlessly into the Canadian Swim Patrol program, and then into the Lifesaving Society’s lifesaving and vocational training awards.
Determine your swimmer's level in the Swim for Life program using the chart below:
| Red Cross Level | Swim for Life Level |
| P A R E N T & T O T | |
| Starfish | Jellyfish |
| Duck | Goldfish |
| Sea Turtle | Seahorse |
| P R E S C H O O L | |
| Sea Otter | Octopus |
| Salamander | Crab |
| Sunfish | Orca |
| Crocodile | Sea Lion |
| Whale | Narwhal |
| S C H O O L A G E | |
| Swim Kids 1 | Swimmer 1 |
| Swim Kids 2 | Swimmer 2 |
| Swim Kids 3 | Swimmer 3 |
| Swim Kids 4 & 5 | Swimmer 4 |
| Swim Kids 6 | Swimmer 5 |
| Swim Kids 7 | Swimmer 6 |
| Swim Kids 8 | Swimmer 7 / Rookie Patrol |
| Swim Kids 9 | Swimmer 8 / Ranger Patrol |
| Swim Kids 10 | Swimmer 9 / Star Patrol |
- When a swimmer turns 5 years old, they transition from Preschool levels to Swimmer levels.
- When 5 years old, if a swimmer has completed Octopus, Crab, Orca or Sea Lion, they would register in Swimmer 1.
- When 5 years old, if a swimmer has completed Narwhal, they would register in Swimmer 2.
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