Swimming and Aquatics

Offered in partnership with the Lifesaving Society’s Swim for Life program, lessons are available for children, youth, and adults. Private lessons are also available.

Visit the RecDesk portal for times and registration.

BMG pool is pen during summer months, with scheduled public swim times and special events.

Address: 649 Sports Dr, Brussels, ON N0G 1H0
Contact: 519-887-6621

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

Fill out the Subsidy Program Application to apply.

Delivered through the Swim for Life program by the Lifesaving Society. Lessons are available for all age groups, with private lessons accommodating up to 2 participants.

Please Contact the facility if you are unsure what level to register your child in. 

Register for group lessons or view times through the RecDesk portal.

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.

Registration and payments can be made through our RecDesk Portal upon registration!

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

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

Fill out the Subsidy Program Application to apply.

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. 

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.

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 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! 

Why join the 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. 

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. 

 Visit RecDesk to learn more about our Water Exercise Programs!

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

Pool Rentals are based on available space and include lifeguards.  

Contact the VRC at 519-482-3544 or email to reserve the space.