Lac La Biche Bold Centre

Admission and Rules

Facility Rules

• Children ages 6 and under must be accompanied in the pool at all times by a responsible person, and remain within arms’ reach of that individual at all times.
• Individuals ages 7-11 must have a responsible person present in the facility at all times. 
• Everyone must take a shower using soap and warm water before entering the pool.
• Diving is not allowed in the wading pool, whirl pool, or in the shallow end of the main pool.
• No food, gum, or drinks other than water are allowed in the change rooms or the pool area.
• Glass containers or bottles are not allowed in the change rooms or the pool area.
• No person shall spit, spout water, defecate, urinate, or otherwise pollute the pool water.
• Anyone with communicable diseases, open sores, or infections are not to use the facility.
• Anyone on medications for high blood pressure, heart conditions, or other medical conditions must speak with a doctor before using the whirl pool or steam room.
• Swimmers must wear clean swimwear intended for use in the pool, and not street clothing.
• Any person with incontinence or diarrhea over the previous two weeks must not enter the pool.
• Please practice proper hygiene when using washroom facilities.
• Street shoes are not to be worn in the viewing area, change rooms, or pool deck area.
• Guests who are intoxicated with drugs or alcohol will be asked to leave.
• Swearing, foul language, racist and/or bigoted language, and bullying are not allowed in the facility.
• Aquafit belts are not allowed to be used by non-swimmers as a substitute for an approved PFD.
• It is strongly recommended that anyone with medical conditions disclose their condition privately to a lifeguard.
• Animals are not permitted in the facility (with the exception of registered service animals).
• Swimmers are not allowed to use the start blocks during lane swim or public swim.
• Children aged 7 and over must use the change room that corresponds with their gender identity; families may change together using the family change room.
• Aggressive play is not allowed on the premises. This includes, but is not limited to pushing, dunking, play-fighting, throwing another swimmer, and sitting on the shoulders of another swimmer.
• Lockers are for day use only and all personal belongings must be removed at the end of your swim.
• Portage Pool is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
• A bicycle rack is available outside the facility, to the right of the accessibility ramp.

This list is not exhaustive and Portage Pool lifeguards will use their discretion in enforcing pool rules to ensure the safety of all guests on the premises. Call the front desk with specific questions about our facility rules and guidelines.

Steam Room Rules

• Pool equipment, including like toys and PFDs, are not allowed in the steam room.
• Children aged 6 and under are not allowed to use the steam room.
• Children aged 7 to 12 may use the steam room under the supervision of a responsible person at least 12 years of age.
• Users should limit time in the steam room to 10 minutes at a time.
• All steam room users should behave quietly and respect others.
• Everyone must wear a bathing suit in the steam room.
• Anyone on medication for high blood pressure, heart conditions, or other medical conditions must consult with a physician before using the steam room.
• Guests paying for showers only are not permitted use of the steam room.
• The maximum number of users allowed in the steam room at one time is 17.

Hot Tub/Whirl Pool Rules

• Swimmers should limit time in the whirl pool to 10 minutes at a time.
• Anyone who shows signs of altered state of consciousness or overheating should exit the hot tub immediately.
• Women who are pregnant, anyone with a heart condition, hypertension, seizures, diabetes, and obesity and those greater than 65 years of age should speak with a doctor before using the hot tub.
• Swimmers must not submerge their head in the whirl pool.
• Pool equipment (including kick boards, toys, and PFDs) are not allowed in the whirl pool or on the tiled whirl pool platform.
• Enter and exit the hot tub using the stairs.
• For health reasons, children under the age of 2 are strongly recommended not to enter the whirl pool.
• Children aged 6 and under are allowed to enter the whirl pool with the direct supervision of a caregiver within arm’s reach in the water.
• Children between the ages of 7 and 11 years of age may use the whirl pool without supervision of a caregiver as long as they meet the height requirement of 36”.
• Guests paying for showers only are not permitted use of the whirl pool.
• The maximum number of bathers permitted in the whirl pool at one time is 25.

Swimming Attire and Diaper Requirements

Children 3 years and under, along with anyone who is incontinent, must wear protective, water-resistant swimwear. Swim diapers are free at Portage Pool’s front desk – one per child per swim. Reusable diapers are available for sale at the pool as well. Toddlers must wear something over the diaper: just wearing a diaper is not adequate protection.