General Info
The Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre is located next to the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena and a few minutes walk from the Merritt Civic Centre. The Facility is also fully accessible and staff welcome all to visit.
Features
- 6 lanes 25 metre Main Pool
- Rope Swing
- Lazy River & Vortex
- Leisure Pool
- Sauna
- Whirlpools (2)
- Tot’s Pool & Water Sprays
- Viewing Deck
- Fully Equipped Fitness Room
The Aquatic Centre is available for rentals for Birthday Parties and Swim Meets. View our page on Facility Rentals.
Regular Pool Hours
Monday
to Friday
| 6:00am – 8:15am
| 9:00am – 1:45pm
| 3:30pm – 7:30pm
Saturday
| 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday
| 12:00pm – 4:00pm
*Pool closed on statutory holidays.
*CAPACITY MAY BE LIMITED: 40 patrons (as required)
* HOURS & PROGRAMS may be affected anytime without notice.
Fitness Room Hours
Monday
to Friday
| 6:00am – 7:30pm
Saturday
| 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday
| 12:00pm – 4:00pm
*CLOSED all statutory holidays.
*Annual Pool Shut Down: September
CONTACT
PO Box 189, 2040 Mamette Avenue
Merritt BC V1K 1B8
(250) 378-6662 Phone
pool@merritt.ca
Admission Fees changing January 1, 2025
| Admission Fees 2025 | Drop-In | 10 Punch Card | Monthly | 6 Month | Annual |
| TOT (under 2 yrs) * | Free | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
| CHILD (2-12 yrs) * | $3.25 | $32.50 | $32.50 | $175.50 | $331.50 |
| YOUTH (13-18 yrs) | $3.75 | $37.50 | $37.50 | $202.50 | $382.50 |
| ADULT (19-59 yrs) | $5.50 | $55.00 | $55.00 | $303.00 | $561.00 |
| SENIOR (60+) | $3.75 | $37.50 | $37.50 | $202.50 | $382.50 |
| FAMILY (2 adults + UP TO 2 children) | $13.00 | n/a | $130.00 | $702.00 | $1326.00 |
| SUMMER SPLASH PASS | $60 child | $70 youth | ALL SUMMER (June 28 – August 30) | ||||
| PARTY | FUN LEADER | $100 FUN LEADER | ||||
| SENIOR FREE SWIM | WEDNESDAYS | 9-10 AM | |||||
| PUBLIC FREE SWIM | THIRD SATURDAY | 1-5 PM | |||||
* All children 6 and under must be accompanied at all times by a supervising guardian aged 16+ years.
* Punch cards expire 1 year after the date of purchase.
Family Fun Night at the Pool
Aquatic Fitness Programs
AQUAFIT
This class combines running, interval training and a variety of exercises designed to decrease body fat, increase cardiovascular efficiency, improve strength, and help people get into a routine of regular exercise.
LOCATION: Main Pool
FEE: Regular admission + $1.50
*No registration needed. Drop-in welcome.
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
11:00am – 11:45am
Tuesdays
5:45pm – 6:30pm
STRETCH & STABILITY
Want to increase your muscular strength, balance, stretch and flexibility? This class will build on maintaining proper form by keeping a well-aligned spine and stable core.
LOCATION: Leisure Pool
FEE: Regular admission + $1.50
*No registration needed. Drop-in welcome.
*NOTE: The Merritt Senior’s Centre is sponsoring the “Stretch & Stability” Aquafit class at 10AM on Wednesdays, after the Free Senior’s Swim at 9AM on Wednesdays. (60+)
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
10:00am – 10:45am
Tuesdays & Thursdays
7:00am – 7:45am
AQUABOARD
Challenge your balance to the core focusing on your strength and cardio on an anchored floatation mat.
LOCATION: Main Pool
FEE: $50 for 5 sessions
*Minimum 4, Maximum 6 participants
* Pre-Registration Required
REGISTER: merritt.ca/registration
(250) 378-6662 | pool@merritt.ca
POOL BOILER REPAIRED
Parent & Tot Lessons
Recommended age: 4 months to 3 years old. The Lifesaving Society Parent & Tot lessons structure in-water interaction between parent and child to stress the importance of play in developing water-positive attitudes and skills. Activities and progressions are based on child development allowing parents to register in the level appropriate for their child’s age: 4-12 months, 12-24 months, or 2-3 years.
PARENT & TOT: JELLYFISH (4-12 Months) | SCHEDULE + FEES
Recommended age: 4-12 months. Parent & Tot 1 provides an orientation to water for infants and their parent/caregiver. Parents/caregivers will learn how to swim safely with their infant in the pool through instruction of holds and supports. Infants will be introduced to getting their face wet, blowing bubbles and floating with the help of their caregiver.
Tuesdays + Thursdays April 1 – 24 10:00 – 10:30AM $50 (8 Classes) May 6 – 29 10:00 – 10:30AM $50 (8 Classes)
PARENT & TOT: GOLDFISH (12-24 Months) | SCHEDULE + FEES
Recommended age: 12-24 months. Parent & Tot 2 teaches toddlers how to play in the water safely! They’ll learn how to enter and exit the water with help from their parent/caregiver and will play games to encourage them to get their face wet and blow bubbles in the water. Toddlers will also develop floating and kicking skills with the support of their parent/caregiver.
| Tuesdays + Thursdays | |||
| April 1 – 24 | 10:00 – 10:30AM | $50 (8 Classes) | |
| May 6 – 29 | 10:00 – 10:30AM | $50 (8 Classes) | |
PARENT & TOT: SEAHORSE (2-3 Years) | SCHEDULE + FEES
Recommended age: 2-3 years. Parent & Tot 3 teaches toddlers how to safely enter the water wearing a PFD. They’ll develop underwater skills such as submersion and opening their eyes underwater. ‘Starfish’ floats, ‘pencil’ floats and kicking skills are taught using songs and games.
| Tuesdays + Thursdays | |||
| April 1 – 24 | 10:00 – 10:30AM | $50 (8 Classes) | |
| May 6 – 29 | 10:00 – 10:30AM | $50 (8 Classes) | |
Preschool Lessons
Give your child a head start on learning to swim! The Lifesaving Society Preschool lessons develop an appreciation and healthy respect for the water before they get in too deep. With a progression-based approach, instructors work to ensure 3-5 year olds become comfortable in the water and have fun while developing a foundation of water skills. Water Smart education is included in all Preschool levels. Preschoolers enter Swimmer 1 once they turn five or six years old and can enter Swimmer 2 once they’ve completed Preschool 5.
PRESCHOOL 1: OCTOPUS (3-5 years)
Recommended age: 3-5 years. Preschool 1 is a transitional level which transfers the preschooler to the care of the instructor. Preschoolers will have fun learning to get in and out of the water. They’ll learn how to put their face in the water, blow bubbles in the water, and how to float and glide.
| OCTOPUS | PRESCHOOL 1 | |||
| MONDAYS + WEDNESDAYS |
March 31 – Apr 28 | 4:00 – 4:30PM | $50 (8) |
| TUESDAYS + THURSDAYS |
April 1 – 24 | 9:00 – 9:30AM | $50 (8) |
| SATURDAYS | april 5 – may 31 | 10:00 – 10:30AM | $50 (7) |
| MONDAYS + WEDNESDAYS |
May 5 – May 28 | 4:00 – 4:30PM | $50 (7) |
| TUESDAYS + THURSDAYS |
May 6 – May 29 | 9:00 – 9:30AM | $50 (8) |
| SPRING BREAK CRUNCHER
MON – FRI |
March 17 – 21 | 9:00 – 9:30AM | $0* (5) |
| March 24 – 28 | 9:00 – 9:30AM | $25 (5) | |
* FREE SWIMMING LESSONS: Part of instructor training. NO BADGES GRANTED.
PRESCHOOL 2: CRAB (3-5 years)
Recommended: Completed Preschool 1. Preschool 2 teaches preschoolers how to safely jump into chest-deep water and how to swim wearing a PFD. They’ll learn submersion skills and continue to work on floats, glides, and kicking with buoyant objects.
| CRAB | PRESCHOOL 2 | |||
| MONDAYS + WEDNESDAYS |
March 31 – Apr 28 | 4:30 – 5:00PM | $50 (8) |
| TUESDAYS + THURSDAYS |
April 1 – 24 | 9:30 – 10:00AM | $50 (8) |
| SATURDAYS | april 5 – may 31 | 10:30 – 11:00AM | $50 (7) |
| MONDAYS + WEDNESDAYS |
May 5 – May 28 | 4:30 – 5:00PM | $50 (7) |
| TUESDAYS + THURSDAYS |
May 6 – May 29 | 9:30 – 10:00AM | $50 (8) |
| SPRING BREAK CRUNCHER
MON – FRI |
March 17 – 21 | 9:30 – 10:00AM | $0*(5) |
| March 24 – 28 | 9:30 – 10:00AM | $25 (5) | |
* FREE SWIMMING LESSONS: Part of instructor training. NO BADGES GRANTED.
PRESCHOOL 3: ORCA (3-5 years)
Recommended: Completed Preschool 2. Preschool 3 teaches preschoolers how to enter deep water safely wearing a PFD. They’ll learn how to submerge and exhale underwater, retrieve objects underwater, and will continue developing their floating, gliding and kicking skills.
| ORCA | PRESCHOOL 3 | |||
| SPRING BREAK: MONDAY – FRIDAY | MARCH 24 – 28 | 10:00 – 10:30AM | $25 (5) |
VIEW LATEST PROGRAM INFORMATION AT MERRITT.CA/REGISTRATION
PRESCHOOL 4: SEA LION (3-5 years)
Recommended: Completed Preschool 3. Preschool 4 teaches deep-water entries and treading water wearing a PFD. Preschoolers will become skilled at retrieving objects from the bottom of the pool in chest-deep water and performing front and side glide. Front crawl wearing a PFD is also introduced.
SPRING BREAK: MONDAY – FRIDAY MARCH 24 – 28 10:30 – 11:00AM $25 (5)
PRESCHOOL 5: NARWHAL (3-5 years)
Recommended: Completed Preschool 4. Preschool 5 teaches Swim to Survive® skills wearing a PFD. Front crawl and back crawl are introduced as well as interval fitness training. Preschoolers will also learn how to tread water and perform vertical whip kick with a buoyant aid. Once complete, preschoolers can register into Swimmer 2.
VIEW LATEST PROGRAM INFORMATION AT MERRITT.CA/REGISTRATION
Not currently scheduled
Contact NVAC
Swim for Life Lessons (Child)
Recommended age: 5 to 12 years. The Lifesaving Society’s Swimmer program makes sure your children learn how to swim before they get in too deep. Each level challenges school-aged children to develop safe entries, deep water support, underwater skills, and swimming strokes. Kids learn healthy habits by getting and staying fit in the water. Swimmer levels include fun, hands-on activities that focus on teaching water safety – lessons that will last a lifetime!
*NOTE: The Red Cross is no longer offering swimming lessons. Now lessons are offered by the Lifesaving Society.
SWIMMER 1 (5-12 Years) | SCHEDULE + FEES
| SWIMMER 1 SCHEDULE | |||
| MONDAYS + WEDNESDAYS |
March 31 – Apr 28 | 5:00 – 5:30PM | $50 (8) |
| SATURDAYS | April 5 – May 31 | 11:00 – 11:30AM | $50 (7) |
| MONDAYS + WEDNESDAYS |
May 5 – May 28 | 5:00 – 5:30PM | $50 (7) |
| SPRING BREAK CRUNCHER
MON – FRI |
March 17 – 21 | 10:00 – 10:30AM | $0* (5) |
| March 24 – 28 | 9:00 – 9:30AM | $25 (5) | |
| March 24 – 28 | 10:00 – 10:30AM | $25 (5) | |
* FREE SWIMMING LESSONS: Part of instructor training. NO BADGES GRANTED.
SWIMMER 2 (5-12 Years) | SCHEDULE + FEES
| SWIMMER 2 SCHEDULE | |||
| MONDAYS + WEDNESDAYS |
March 31 – Apr 28 | 5:30 – 6:00PM | $50 (8) |
| SATURDAYS | April 5 – May 31 | 11:30AM-12:00PM | $50 (7) |
| MONDAYS + WEDNESDAYS |
May 5 – May 28 | 5:30 – 6:00PM | $50 (7) |
| SPRING BREAK CRUNCHER
MON – FRI |
March 17 – 21 | 10:30 – 11:00AM | $0* (5) |
| March 24 – 28 | 9:30 – 10:00AM | $25 (5) | |
| March 24 – 28 | 10:30 – 11:30AM | $25 (5) | |
* FREE SWIMMING LESSONS: Part of instructor training. NO BADGES GRANTED.
VIEW LATEST PROGRAM INFORMATION AT MERRITT.CA/REGISTRATION
SWIMMER 3 (5-12 Years) | SCHEDULE + FEES
| SWIMMER 3/4 SCHEDULE | |||
| MONDAYS + WEDNESDAYS |
March 31 – Apr 28 | 6:00 – 6:45PM | $60 (8) |
| SATURDAYS | April 5 – May 31 | 12:00 – 12:45PM | $60 (7) |
| SPRING BREAK
MON – FRI |
March 24 – 28 | 11:00 – 11:45AM | $30 (5) |
* Due to potential staffing challenges, programs may be affected.
VIEW LATEST PROGRAM INFORMATION AT MERRITT.CA/REGISTRATION
SWIMMER 4 (5-12 Years) | SCHEDULE + FEES
| SWIMMER 3/4 SCHEDULE | |||
| MONDAYS + WEDNESDAYS |
March 31 – Apr 28 | 6:00 – 6:45PM | $60 (8) |
| SATURDAYS | April 5 – May 31 | 12:00 – 12:45PM | $60 (7) |
| SPRING BREAK
MON – FRI |
March 24 – 28 | 11:00 – 11:45AM | $30 (5) |
* Due to potential staffing challenges, programs may be affected.
VIEW LATEST PROGRAM INFORMATION AT MERRITT.CA/REGISTRATION
SWIMMER 5 (5-12 Years) | SCHEDULE + FEES
| SWIMMER 5/6 SCHEDULE | |||
| MONDAYS + WEDNESDAYS |
May 5 – May 28 | 6:00 – 6:45PM | $60 (7) |
| SPRING BREAK
MON – FRI |
March 24 – 28 | 11:00 – 11:45AM | $30 (5) |
* Due to potential staffing challenges, programs may be affected.
VIEW LATEST PROGRAM INFORMATION AT MERRITT.CA/REGISTRATION
SWIMMER 6 (5-12 Years) | SCHEDULE + FEES
| SWIMMER 5/6 SCHEDULE | |||
| MONDAYS + WEDNESDAYS |
May 5 – May 28 | 6:00 – 6:45PM | $60 (7) |
| SPRING BREAK
MON – FRI |
March 24 – 28 | 11:00 – 11:45AM | $30 (5) |
* Due to potential staffing challenges, programs may be affected.
VIEW LATEST PROGRAM INFORMATION AT MERRITT.CA/REGISTRATION
Canadian Swim Patrol (Youth)
The Canadian Swim Patrol (CSP) is a 3-level pre-Bronze award progression that delivers “work hard/play hard” training for skilled swimmers 8-12 years old. Canadian Swim Patrol is designed to take young swimmers beyond the learn-to-swim program and provide them with basic lifesaving skills. Candidates earn recognition for success in content modules (stickers) and for overall award achievement (badges).
Canadian Swim Patrol (Youth)
The Canadian Swim Patrol (CSP) is a 3-level pre-Bronze award progression that delivers “work hard/play hard” training for skilled swimmers 8-12 years old. Canadian Swim Patrol is designed to take young swimmers beyond the learn-to-swim program and provide them with basic lifesaving skills. Candidates earn recognition for success in content modules (stickers) and for overall award achievement (badges).
SWIMMER 7: ROOKIE PATROL
Swimmers continue developing front crawl, back crawl and breaststroke. Swimmers develop individual fitness to meet a timed 100m swim and 350m workout. Water proficiency skills include swimming with clothes, ready position, and feet-first/head-first surface dives. Demonstrating the ability to conduct a primary assessment and calling EMS are included as first aid skills. Victim recognition and throwing assists are other key elements of the program.
*Recommended: Completed Swimmer 6.
NOT CURRENTLY SCHEDULED
VIEW LATEST PROGRAM INFORMATION AT MERRITT.CA/REGISTRATION
SWIMMER 8: RANGER PATROL
Ranger Patrol enhances capability in the water including stride entries and underwater, forward and backward somersaults. Swimmers learn lifesaving sport skills with a lifesaving stroke medley, timed object support and a non-contact rescue with a buoyant aid. Eggbeater kick and increased fitness levels are developed to meet a 200m timed swim. First aid focuses on unconscious victims and obstructed airway procedures.
*Recommended: Completed Swimmer 7 – Rookie Patrol.
NOT CURRENTLY SCHEDULED
VIEW LATEST PROGRAM INFORMATION AT MERRITT.CA/REGISTRATION
SWIMMER 9: STAR PATROL
Star Patrol challenges swimmers with a 300m timed swim, 600m workout and a 25m object carry. Strokes are continued to be refined. Lifesaving skills include use of rescue aids, defense methods, victim removals and supporting a victim in shallow water. First aid focuses on treatment of bone or joint injuries and respiratory emergencies. Once complete, swimmers register into Bronze Star.
*Recommended: Completed Swimmer 8 – Ranger Patrol.
NOT CURRENTLY SCHEDULED
VIEW LATEST PROGRAM INFORMATION AT MERRITT.CA/REGISTRATION
Superhero Day
Aquatic Leadership & Lifeguard Programs (13+)
BRONZE MEDALLION
Bronze Medallion, as our flagship certification, teaches an understanding of the lifesaving principles embodied in the four components of water rescue education: judgment, knowledge, skill, and fitness. Bronze Medallion challenges the candidate both mentally and physically. Judgment, 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.
PREREQUISITE: Bronze Star
NOT CURRENTLY SCHEDULED
VIEW LATEST PROGRAM INFORMATION AT MERRITT.CA/REGISTRATION
BRONZE CROSS
Bronze Cross is designed for lifesavers who want the challenge of more advanced training, including an introduction to safety supervision. The Lifesaving Society’s Bronze Cross begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding and prepares 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 a prerequisite for advanced training in the Society’s National Lifeguard and leadership certification programs.
PREREQUISITE: Bronze Medallion
NOT CURRENTLY SCHEDULED
VIEW LATEST PROGRAM INFORMATION AT MERRITT.CA/REGISTRATION
STANDARD FIRST AID (OFA 1)
Standard First Aid is a WorkSafeBC Occupational Level 1 equivalent and can be used in the workplace. This course includes comprehensive training covering all aspects of first aid, CPR and AED use. Whether you need training for employment or simply want to be prepared to respond to life-threatening emergencies, this course will give you the skills and knowledge to act with confidence. In addition to the material covered in Emergency First Aid, candidates will learn how to treat head/neck injuries, soft tissue and musculoskeletal injuries and medical emergencies.
| STANDARD FIRST AID | ||
| SATURDAY + SUNDAY | ||
| SUMMER 2025 | 2 DAYS | $150 |
| MERRITT CIVIC CENTRE | ||
VIEW LATEST PROGRAM INFORMATION AT MERRITT.CA/REGISTRATION
NATIONAL LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION
The National Lifeguard Pool certification is designed to develop the fundamental values, judgment, knowledge, skills and fitness required by lifeguards. The National Lifeguard course emphasizes the lifeguarding skills, principles and practices, and the decision-making processes which will assist the lifeguard to provide effective safety supervision in swimming pool environments.
PREREQUISITE: BRONZE CROSS + STANDARD FIRST AID | 15+ YEARS
| NATIONAL LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION | SUMMER 2025 | TBD | $395 |
VIEW LATEST PROGRAM INFORMATION AT MERRITT.CA/REGISTRATION
LIFE SAVING SWIM INSTRUCTOR COURSE & RE-CERTIFICATION
RE-CERTIFICATION
The Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor course trains candidates to the Competency Level 1 knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to teach the Society’s Swim for Life® and Canadian Swim Patrol programs.
| SWIM INSTRUCTOR COURSE | MARCH 17 – 21 | 9:00AM–5:00PM
LESSONS: 9AM – 11AM |
$275 |
VIEW LATEST PROGRAM INFORMATION AT MERRITT.CA/REGISTRATION
RECERTIFICATION: NATIONAL LIFEGUARD
Have you already received your Lifeguard certification? Has it expired? Renew it for another 2 years with this one-day course.
PREREQUISITES:
* Proof of National Lifeguard Certification (need not be current)
* Current Standard First Aid Recommended
LOCATION: NICOLA VALLEY AQUATIC CENTRE
| NATIONAL LIFEGUARD RECERTIFICATION |
April 5, 2025 8:00AM – 4:30PM |
$125 |
| NATIONAL LIFEGUARD RECERTIFICATION |
SUMMER 2025 TBA |
$125 |
VIEW LATEST PROGRAM INFORMATION AT MERRITT.CA/REGISTRATION
RECERTIFICATION: STANDARD FIRST AID
Have you already received Standard First Aid training? Has your certification expired? Renew it for another two years with this one-day course.
PREREQUISITE: Standard First Aid
LOCATION: Merritt Civic Centre
| STANDARD FIRST AID RE-CERTIFICATION | ||
| SUNDAY | ||
| APRIL 27 | 9:00AM – 5:30PM | $125 |
| MERRITT CIVIC CENTRE | ||
VIEW LATEST PROGRAM INFORMATION AT MERRITT.CA/REGISTRATION
Adult & Fitness Swimming Lessons
Whether you’re just starting out or just want help with your strokes, the Adult Swim program is for you no matter your age! Work with certified instructors to learn to swim or improve your current swimming ability & fitness. You’ll develop confidence in the water and be able to set your own goals. Water Smart education is included in all Adult levels.
*MINIMUM AGE: 13 years
ADULT LESSONS 1
Work towards 10-15m swim on your front and back while you learn safe entries into shallow and deep water, develop skills while wearing a PFD, learn breath control and underwater skills. Floats, glides, flutter kick and vertical whip kick are introduced. Your fitness will improve through interval training and learning front crawl and back crawl.
ADULT LESSONS 2
Recommended: Completed Adult 1. Develop your fitness by working on two interval training workouts, sprints and further developing your front crawl and back crawl. You’ll learn Swim to Survive skills and further develop deep water entries/skills while wearing a PFD. Whip kick is further developed along with an introduction to breaststroke.
ADULT LESSONS 3
Recommended: Completed Adult 2. You’ll master front crawl, back crawl and breaststroke. Continue your fitness training with a 300m workout, sprint challenges and interval training. You’ll learn eggbeater, diving and compact jumps. Further develop treading water and underwater skills.
FITNESS SWIMMER
No matter your age, Fitness Swimmer lets you set your own goals to improve overall physical fitness in the water. Fitness Swimmer is a structured approach based on accepted training principles including stretches, interval training, sprints and distance swims.
Private Lessons
Interested in private lessons? Enjoy some one on one instruction! Our private lessons offer flexibility and personalized attention.
Semi-private lessons are available by request, and swimmers must be in similar level or have similar swimming abilities.
PRIVATE: (30 minutes): 4 Lessons
PRIVATE LESSONS
| PRIVATE LESSONS | ||
| FRIDAYS | April 4 – May 2, 2025
FRIDAYS | May 9 – 30, 2025 |
||
| 4:00PM – 4:30PM | 5:00PM – 5:30PM | 6:00PM – 6:30PM |
| 4:30PM – 5:00PM | 5:30PM – 6:00PM | 6:30PM – 7:00PM |
| $108 | 4 LESSONS (or $30 per lesson | $10 per extra participant) | ||
SEMI-PRIVATE LESSONS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
