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
- Hot Tubs (2)
- Tot’s Pool & Water Sprays
- Viewing Deck
- Fully Equipped Fitness Room
REGISTER ONLINE > MERRITT.CA/REGISTRATION
* NOTE: Limited Swimming Lessons available due to staffing shortages.
Annual Pool Shut Down
LAST DAY | Friday, September 1
CLOSED | Sept 2 – Oct 2, 2023
REOPENING | Oct 3, 2023
*Due to possible unforeseen staffing challenges, facility hours and programs may be affected.*
Pool Hours | Summer 2023
Mon-Fri | 6am-7:30pm
Sat | 10am-5pm
Sun | 12pm-4pm
Pool Hours | Fall 2023
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 area closed between 8:15am-9:00am and closed between 1:45pm – 3:30pm Monday – Friday
Fitness Hours | Fall 2023
Monday
to Friday
| 6:00am – 7:30pm
Saturday
| 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday
| 12:00pm – 4:00pm
*CLOSED for statutory holiday, Thanksgiving, Monday, October 9, 2023
CONTACT
PO Box 189, 2040 Mamette Avenue
Merritt BC V1K 1B8
(250) 378-6662 Phone
(250) 378-3504 Fax
pool@merritt.ca
Admission Fees
Category |
Drop-In |
10 Punch Card |
Monthly |
6 Month |
Annual |
| Tot (0-2 years) |
Free |
n/a | n/a | n/a |
n/a |
| Child (3-12 years) |
$2.40 |
$21.60 | $25.90 | $142.50 |
$259.20 |
| Youth (13-18 years) |
$3.00 |
$27.00 | $32.40 | $178.20 |
$324.00 |
| Adult (19-59 years) |
$4.00 |
$36.00 | $43.20 | $237.60 |
$432.00 |
| Senior (60+) |
$3.00 |
$27.00 | $32.40 | $178.20 |
$324.00 |
| Student |
$3.20 |
$28.80 | $34.60 | $190.10 |
$345.00 |
| Fitness Room |
$3.00 |
$27.00 | $32.40 | $178.20 |
$324.00 |
| Family First Person |
$3.00 |
n/a | n/a | n/a |
n/a |
| Family Additional |
$2.20 |
n/a | n/a | n/a |
n/a |
|
Family Pass |
n/a | n/a | $140.00 | $570.00 |
$900.00 |
*Please note punch cards expire 1 year after the date of purchase.
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
*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
*No registration needed. Drop-in welcome.
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
10:00am – 10:45am
Tuesdays & Thursdays
7:00am – 7:45am
AQUA BOARD | JULY + AUGUST 2023
Challenge your balance to the core focusing on your strength and cardio on an anchored floatation mat.
LOCATION: Main Pool
FEE: $40 for 4 sessions
*Minimum 4, Maximum 6 participants
* Pre-Registration Required
REGISTER: merritt.ca/registration
(250) 378-6662 | pool@merritt.ca
Tuesdays 6:45 – 7:15 pm
July 11 – August 1, 2023
August 8 – 29, 2023
Fridays 12:00 – 12:30pm
July 14 – August 4, 2023
August 11 – Sept 1, 2023
POST-REHAB AQUATIC CLASS | JULY 2023
Oh, My Aching Body
POST-REHABILITATION AQUATIC CLASS | 2-WEEK TRIAL
An aquatic post rehabilitation class for those wanting to exercise in spite of pain and hoping for pain relief. Refresh your body in the healing environment of our therapeutic leisure pool’s warm caressing water, with some instruction to facilitate body exercise and stretch in a class setting. The pool has a gentle slope walk-in-entrance to a circular path ideal for gait training which will be part of the class. There is a stand- alone protected area that has benches in the centre of it for those who want to participate on their own terms.
Come and honour your own range of motion while expecting fitness maintenance and gains.
Tuesdays + Thursdays
JULY 4+6+11+13 | 2023
11:00 am – 12:00pm
Cost: Drop-in | Regular Admission
LOCATION: Leisure Pool
FEE: Regular Admission
Annual Pool Shutdown | Sept 2 – Oct 2
Annual Pool Shutdown SEPTEMBER 2 TO OCTOBER 2, 2023 The entire Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre, including pool and fitness centre,…
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Swimming Lessons
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 | FALL 2023
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.
Tuesday / Thursdays
10:00 – 10:30 am
| SESSION | SCHEDULE | FEE | |
| Tuesday & Thursdays | October 17 – November 16 | 10:00 – 10:30AM | $40.50 (10 classes) |
* Due to potential staffing challenges, programs may be affected.
PARENT & TOT: GOLDFISH (12-24 Months) | SCHEDULE + FEES | FALL 2023
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.
Tuesday / Thursdays
10:00 – 10:30 am
| SESSION | SCHEDULE | FEE | |
| Tuesday & Thursdays | October 17 – November 16 | 10:00 – 10:30AM | $40.50 (10 classes) |
* Due to potential staffing challenges, programs may be affected.
PARENT & TOT: SEAHORSE (2-3 Years) | SCHEDULE + FEES | FALL 2023
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.
Tuesday / Thursdays
10:00 – 10:30 am
| SESSION | SCHEDULE | FEE | |
| Tuesday & Thursdays | October 17 – November 16 | 10:00 – 10:30AM | $40.50 (10 classes) |
* Due to potential staffing challenges, programs may be affected.
Pre-school 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) | SCHEDULE + FEES FALL 2023
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.
| SESSION | SCHEDULE | FEE | |
| Mondays & Wednesdays | October 16 – November 15 | 4:00PM – 4:30PM | $36.55 (9 classes) |
* Due to potential staffing challenges, programs may be affected.
PRESCHOOL 2: CRAB (3-5 years) | SCHEDULE + FEES FALL 2023
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.
| SESSION | SCHEDULE | FEE | |
| Mondays & Wednesdays | October 16 – November 15 | 4:00PM – 4:30PM | $36.55 (9 classes) |
* Due to potential staffing challenges, programs may be affected.
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.
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.
Not currently scheduled
Contact NVAC
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.
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.
SWIMMER 1 (5-12 Years) | SCHEDULE + FEES
| SESSION | SCHEDULE | FEE | |
| Mondays & Wednesdays | October 16 – November 15 | 4:30PM – 5:00PM | $36.55 (9 classes) |
* Due to potential staffing challenges, programs may be affected.
SWIMMER 2 (5-12 Years) | SCHEDULE + FEES
| SESSION | SCHEDULE | FEE | |
| Mondays & Wednesdays | October 16 – November 15 | 4:30PM – 5:00PM | $36.55 (9 classes) |
* Due to potential staffing challenges, programs may be affected.
SWIMMER 3 (5-12 Years) | SCHEDULE + FEES
| SESSION | SCHEDULE | FEE | |
| Mondays & Wednesdays | October 16 – November 15 | 5:00PM – 5:30PM | $36.55 (9 classes) |
* Due to potential staffing challenges, programs may be affected.
SWIMMER 4 (5-12 Years) | SCHEDULE + FEES
| SESSION | SCHEDULE | FEE | |
| Mondays & Wednesdays | October 16 – November 15 | 5:00PM – 5:30PM | $36.55 (9 classes) |
* Due to potential staffing challenges, programs may be affected.
SWIMMER 5 (5-12 Years) | SCHEDULE + FEES
| SESSION | SCHEDULE | FEE | |
| Mondays & Wednesdays | October 16 – November 15 | 5:00PM – 6:15PM | $41.15 (9 classes) |
* Due to potential staffing challenges, programs may be affected.
SWIMMER 6 (5-12 Years) | SCHEDULE + FEES
| SESSION | SCHEDULE | FEE | |
| Mondays & Wednesdays | October 16 – November 15 | 5:00PM – 6:15PM | $41.15 (9 classes) |
* Due to potential staffing challenges, programs may be affected.
Family Fun Night at the Pool
Friday, Aug 18, 2023 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Family Fun Night Come down to the Nicola Valley Aquatic Centre…
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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.
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.
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.
Contact NVAC
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
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
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.
2 day program
$145.00
LOCATION: MERRITT CIVIC CENTRE
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
$395
SWIM INSTRUCTOR COURSE
The Lifesaving Society Swim Instructor course trains candidates on competency Level 1 knowledge, and skills and attitudes needed to teach the Society’s Swim for Life® and Canadian Swim Patrol programs.
LIFE SAVING INSTRUCTOR COURSE
Lifesaving Instructor/Examiners are trained to teach Junior Lifeguard Club, Swim to Survive, Lifesaving for Lay Rescuers, Lifesaving for Backyard Pool Owners, Safeguard, Canadian Swim Patrol (Rookie, Ranger, Star), Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, and Bronze Cross. Candidates are trained in and must demonstrate skills, knowledge, and attitudes at competency Level 1 (Lifesaving Instructor) to include all aspects of learning as well as various approaches required to teach water rescue, First Aid, and related aquatic skills in the Canadian Lifesaving Program.
RECERTIFICATION: NATIONAL LIFEGUARD
Have you already received your Lifeguard Certification? Has it expired? Renew it for another 2 years with this one-day course.
PREREQUISITE: National Lifeguard Certification
$125
LOCATION: NICOLA VALLEY AQUATIC CENTRE
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
$125
LOCATION: Merritt Civic Centre
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 | $60.00
* Add an extra student for $7.20 (ie: 2 people: $67.20; 3 people: $74.40)
* Available upon request.
