If you live in Greater Vancouver, you will be happy to know that Westminster Savings sponsors free public swims at select recreation centres (see the list below). In addition, the City of Vancouver sponsors a free public swim twice a week at Britannia Pool in East Vancouver. Until April 26, 2015, Britannia offers free swimming between 3pm to 4:55pm every Tuesday and Thursday.
Yes, you read that correctly. Free swimming!
Last Sunday, my husband suggested checking out the free public swim at Eileen Dailly Pool. Unfortunately, the free swim conflicted with the little man's need to nap after having too much fun at Burnaby Central Railway (read about our visit here).
From the viewing area, the pool looked busy but not overly packed. We will have to try again as this looks like it would be a great family activity especially if you have young children.
UPDATE: August 2, 2015
We went to the free swim hosted by Westminster Savings on Sunday, August 2nd (aka the first Sunday of the month). Since the free swim was at 12:30, we arrived 15 minutes prior and lined up at Eileen Dailly. We could tell this was a popular event by the crowds who were scattered throughout the viewing area.
Here are some tips for those of you wanting to visit:
- Arrive early (at least 15 minutes).
- Bring a quarter to rent a locker for the locker room. There are a limited number of large lockers for rent; great for those with little ones.
- Supervise your children. With the number of people who attend these free swims, you want to ensure their safety and the safety of others.
- Be considerate of others. The showers in each of the washrooms are for you to quickly rinse off; not to spend 15 minutes lathering up. So please, be quick with it and do your full hair conditioning at home.
- Lastly, thank Westminster Savings for their generosity! You can follow Westminster Savings on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram. Even better, go thank them in person at any one of their fourteen branches in the lower mainland.
**Please note that the free swims are subject to change. Please call before you go and arrive early.**
Free Swimming in Greater Vancouver
| Location | Start | End | Location | Address | Phone | When |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burnaby | 12:30pm | 2:30pm | Eileen Dailly Leisure Pool | 240 Willingdon Ave, Burnaby | 604-298-7946 | First Sunday of every month |
| Burnaby | 7:00pm | 9:00pm | Bonsor Recreation Complex | 6550 Bonsor Avenue, Burnaby | 604-297-4597 | First Wednesday of every month |
| Coquitlam | 7:00pm | 9:00pm | Poirier Sports & Leisure Complex | 633 Poirier Street, Coquitlam | 604-927-6027 | First Sunday of every month |
| Coquitlam | 7:00pm | 9:00pm | City Centre Aquatic Complex | 1210 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam | 604-927-6999 | Third Friday of every month |
| Langley | 2:00pm | 4:00pm | WC Blair Recreation Centre | 22200 Fraser Highway, Langley | 604-533-6170 | Second Sunday of every month |
| Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows | 2:00pm | 3:30pm | Maple Ridge Leisure Centre | 11925 Haney Place, Maple Ridge | 604-467-7322 | Last Saturday of each month |
| New Westminster | 2:30pm | 4:30pm | Canada Games Pool | 65 East 6th Avenue,New Westminster | 604-526-4281 | First Wednesday of every month |
| Port Coquitlam | 1:00pm | 3:00pm | Hyde Creek Recreation Centre | 1379 Laurier Ave, Port Coquitlam | 604-927-7946 | First Sunday of every month |
| Surrey | 2:00pm | 5:00pm | North Surrey Recreation Centre | 10275 City Parkway, Surrey | 604-502-6300 | Last Saturday of each month |
| Surrey | 6:00pm | 8:00pm | Newton Recreation Centre | 13730 72 Avenue, Surrey | 604-501-5540 | Second Sunday of each month |
| Surrey | 3:00pm | 5:00pm | Surrey Sport & Leisure Complex | 16555 Fraser Hwy, Surrey | 604-501-5881 | Third Sunday of each month |
| Surrey | 1:00pm | 4:00pm | South Surrey Indoor Pool | 14655 17 Avenue, Surrey | 604-502-6220 | First Saturday of each month |
| Vancouver | 3:00pm | 4:55pm | Britannia Pool | 1661 Napier St | 604-718-5800 | Tuesdays and Thursdays* until April 26, 2015 |
Please let me know via the comments form below if there are more recreation centres in Greater Vancouver that offer free swims! :)
Source: Westminster Savings and City of Vancouver
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