Recreation and Programs

All registration is now being done through our recreation software; RecDesk! Visit our RecDesk portal to explore and take advantage of all the exciting features at your ﬁngertips!

Brussels, Morris & Grey Community Centre

Brussels, Morris & Grey Community Centre (BMG) hosts a range of activities, including indoor walking, karate, pickleball, volleyball and zumba. BMG has something for everyone to meet the needs of health and well-being within the community.

Indoor Walking

BMG offers daily indoor walking in the auditorium.

Monday to Friday: 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

No need to register, this is a drop in program and everyone is welcome!

Karate

GoJu Karate classes instructed by Doug Avery are available for children, teens and adults.

Wednesday: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Saturday: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

To register, please call Doug Avery 519-357-4475 or email.

Pickleball

Pickleball has become one of the fastest growing sports. It is a combination of tennis, ping pong and badminton, played on a badminton size court with a net a couple of inches shorter than a tennis net. It can be played as singles or as doubles. It is easy on the body and very easy to pick up and learn. Pickleball is a great workout and is fun for all ages and skill levels!

No need to register, this is a drop in program and everyone is welcome.

Visit our RecDesk Portal for program scheduling!

Pool & Swimming Lessons

Brussels outdoor pool is now closed for the season. Keep an eye on our website for any seasonal updates!

Yoga

There are currently no scheduled classes. If you're interested in the program, please call 519-887-6621 or email.

Seaforth and District Community Centre

We are happy to provide the community with spaces to play and enjoy social activities. We offer pickleball, daily indoor walking, shuffle board and fitness classes.

Pickleball

No need to register, this is a drop in program and everyone is welcome.

Visit our RecDesk Portal for program scheduling!

Shuffle Board

Indoor shuffle board takes place in the Main Hall.

No need to register, this is a drop in program and everyone is welcome!

Wednesday: 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Cost: $2.00

Vanastra Recreation Centre

25 meter indoor pool, sauna and fully equipped fitness room. Open all year round providing recreational aquatic activities and programs for everyone.

Swimming

Swimming lessons are offered in partnership with the Swim for Life Lifesaving Society. Please Contact the facility if you are unsure what level to register your child in.

Registration

Registration is now done through RecDesk! CLICK HERE to visit our RecDesk Portal for details.

Private Lessons

Private lessons can accommodate a maximum of 2 participants, at one time. Time slots are once a week for eight (8) weeks on Tuesday evenings.

Each lesson is 30 minutes long.

Contact facility at 519-482-3544 or vrc@huroneast.com to register for private lessons.

How do I pay for my Registration?

Payments can be made through our RecDesk Portal upon registration!

In person payments via cash, debit, and cheque are also accepted.

Swim for Kids:

Partial subsidy is available for swimmers (ages 5-14). This program is designed to allow swimmers who face financial barriers the opportunity to start their learn to swim experience.

Swim for Kids was implemented to ensure young children have the basic skills and confidence when they are in, on, and around water.

Fill out the application to apply.

Missed a Lesson?

If a lesson is cancelled by the facility, a make up lesson will be scheduled. Unfortunately, make up lessons are not available due to a participant's absence.

Conversion Charts

Below is the Conversion chart for Red Cross to the Lifesaving Society Swim for Life

	Red Cross Level	Lifesaving Society Swim for Life
Preschool Baby	Duck/Sea Turtle	0 to 2 years old
Preschool Parented	Duck/Sea Turtle	2 years to 3 years old
Preschool Unparented	Salamander	3 years to 5 years old
	Level 1/2 (ages 5+)	Swimmer 1
	Level 3/4	Swimmer 2
	Level 5	Swimmer 3
	Level 6	Swimmer 4
	Level 7/8	Swimmer 5
	Level 9/10	Swimmer 6

PA Days and Snow Days

An open swim will be scheduled on PA Days based on the Avon Maitland District School Board (AMDSB) calendar. Regular swim admission standards and rates will apply unless stated on our Events Calendar as a sponsored swim.

Open swim will be from 2:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.

Snow Days (Closed schools):

We will do our best to provide an open swim, as long as staff can safely arrive to the facility.

Open swim will be from 2:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m..

Healthy Swim Etiquette

Photo Devices

The use of any device that is capable of rendering a photographic image is prohibited in the showers, change rooms and washrooms.

Food-Free Zone

Only water is permitted on the pool deck, in a non breakable container (no glass).

Wear Appropriate Footwear

Bring clean flip flops or sandals to wear on the pool deck. Street shoes are not permitted.

Shower Before You Swim

Please shower, with soap and water, before entering the pool. Personal body products such as deodorant, lotions, oils, and hair care products are damaging to the water and air quality.

Lifeguard, First Aid and Youth Training

Lifeguard

Lifeguard Courses Schedule

Bronze Medallion (Must be 13 years old)
Bronze Medallion challenges the candidate both mentally and physically.

Judgement, knowledge, skill and fitness - the four components of water rescue - form the basis of Bronze Medallion training.

Candidates acquire the assessment and problem-solving skills needed to make good decisions in, on, and around the water.

Bronze Medallion is a prerequisite for assistant lifeguard training in Bronze Cross.

Please visit RecDesk for any upcoming course offering!

Bronze Cross (Must be 13 years old and Completed Bronze Medallion)
Bronze Cross begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding and prepared candidates for responsibilities as assistant lifeguards. Candidates strengthen and expand their lifesaving skills and begin to apply the principles and techniques of active surveillance in aquatic facilities.

Bronze Cross emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication in preventing and responding to aquatic emergencies.

Bronze Cross is the prerequisite for advanced training in the Society's National Lifeguard and leadership certification programs.

Please visit RecDesk for any upcoming course offering!

Lifesaving Society National Lifeguard - Pool (Must be 15years and Bronze Cross + SFA)

National Lifeguard certification is Canada's professional lifeguard standard and is designed for lifesavers who wish to obtain a responsible job and leadership experience. Successful candidates are certified by the Lifesaving Society - Canada's lifeguarding experts.

National Lifeguard - Pool Certification is designed to develop the fundamental values, judgement, knowledge, skills and fitness required by lifeguards. The National Lifeguard course emphasizes the lifeguarding skills, principles and practices, and the decision-making processes that will assist the lifeguard to provide effective safety supervision in swimming pool environments.

Please visit RecDesk for any upcoming course offering!

Visit RecDesk to register!

Why Join our VRC Team?

Lifeguard training builds self development skills and qualities, such as confidence, responsibility, and leadership. These are the "buzzwords" the market is looking for, which paves the way to elaborate applications for post-secondary school, and scholarship applications, as well as future employment.

Turn self-conscious into self-confident! You are a pro! People look to you to teach them how to swim and be safe in a learn to swim program and they rely on you to take the initiative to enforce rules to ensure their safety during recreation swims.

Start Your Training Journey Now!

You can start your lifeguard training as early as 13 years old with getting the Bronze Medallion.

Bronze Cross and Emergency First Aid starts at 13 years old with the Bronze Medallion.

Lifeguard Certifications

Standard First: no age restriction or prerequisite
Swim for Life Instructor: 15 years old; Bronze Cross required
National Lifeguard: 15 years old; Bronze Bronze Cross required

Vanastra Recreation Centre offers up to 100% reimbursement towards lifeguard certifications after the condition of employment for once calendar year. The reimbursement comes at the end of the employment term of condition. The terms of condition for employment entails a one year working commitment to work a minimum of five (5) hours per week, with the option of working more hours, if desired.

Steps to Becoming a Lifeguard

Step 1: Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross: Prerequisite: Must be at least 13 years old and completed the Lifesaving Society Swimmer 6
Step 2: Obtain Standard First Aid
Step 3: Lifesaving National Lifeguard: Prerequisite: Must be at least 15 years old and completed the Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid.

Becoming a Lifesaving Swim Instructor

Lifesaving Swim Instructor: Prerequisites: complete the Bronze Cross or Red Cross Assistant Lifeguard and be at least 15 years old by the end of the course.

Swim Instructor Course 2024: June 14: 5:00-10:00pm, June 15 & 16: 9:00am-6:00pm
Cost : $280+HST

Lifesaving Instructor: Must have Bronze Cross and be at least 15 years of age.

Lifesaving Instructor Course 2024: July 20 & 21 8:30 AM-7:30 PM
Cost: $330+HST

First Aid

Standard First Aid (Full Course)

The cost of the Standard First Aid (Full Course) is $154 + HST

This a blended course with eight (8) hours of independent online learning and eight (8) hours of in-class skill testing. Note: The online learning portion must be 100% completed before attending the in-class skill testing session.

Next Course Date: TBA

Fact Sheet

Standard First Aid (Re-Certification)

The cost of the Standard First Aid (Re-Certification) is $75 + HST

WSIB requires every other re-certification to be a full course.

Fact Sheet

Stay Safe! (Home Alone Course)

Visit RecDesk for program details.

Fact Sheet

Babysitting Course

Visit RecDesk for program details.

Fact Sheet

Indoor Kayaking

Come join the Huron County Paddle Club!

Kayaking in a controlled environment. Whether you are a first time paddler or a beginner, what better place to practice your skills in preparation for the season ahead.

Contact Andrea Hoba for details.

No experience is required.

Water Exercise

Visit RecDesk to learn more about our Water Exercise Programs!

Fitness Room

Visit RecDesk for fitness room hours and details!

Pool and Hall Rentals

Book the pool and/or hall for your own private party!

Pool Rentals are based on available space and include lifeguards.

Visit our RecDesk Portal to reserve the space!

Manager of Parks & Recreation - Dave Meriam
122 Duke Street, Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0
Phone: 519-527-1272
Fax: 519-527-2770
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Director of Community Services - Lissa Berard
72 Main Street South
Phone: 519-527-0160 ext. 35
Fax: 519-527-2561
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BMGCC Facility Manager - Abi Corbett
800 Sports Drive, Brussels, ON N0G 1H0
Phone: 519-887-6621
Fax: 519-887-9980
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Aquatic Facility Supervisor - Robyn McClinchey
26 Toronto Blvd, Clinton, ON
Phone: 519-482-3544
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