Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim is advocating for free swimming lessons for every non-swimmer in the city, a comprehensive review of aquatic infrastructure, and a return to pre-pandemic operational hours and drop-in access at Kitsilano Pool. The initiative is framed as a core public safety policy.
Motion for Universal Access
Sim has introduced a motion calling for universal access to basic swimming lessons and an expansion of aquatic facilities. The motion directs city staff to collaborate with the Vancouver Park Board to implement free beginner swimming lessons and explore partnerships with the Vancouver School Board, community organizations, and senior government levels. A report on pool infrastructure and capacity is expected by 2027.
Support from Lifesaving Experts
Phil Skinder, director and head coach of the Pacific Lifesaving Club, praised the mayor for recognizing swimming as a life-saving skill. "Swimming is not simply recreation. In a coastal city like Vancouver, it is a life-saving skill," said Skinder. He noted that the motion represents one of the most positive public conversations about aquatic access in years and supports the proposed school partnerships. "We have been actively advocating for exactly this type of collaborative approach and have already completed much of the groundwork," he added. Skinder emphasized that if children do not learn to swim by the end of elementary school, many never acquire those skills later in life.
Aquatic Infrastructure Challenges
The motion also calls for an update to the VanSplash aquatics strategy, a 25-year plan guiding the renewal and development of pools, spray parks, and beaches. The strategy focuses on shifting from small neighbourhood pools to larger destination facilities offering leisure, wellness, and fitness. The last such facility built in Vancouver was Hillcrest, which opened in 2011. Since 1980, the city has closed several outdoor neighbourhood pools, including Sunset, Hastings-Sunrise, Marpole, and Mount Pleasant. Vancouver now has only five outdoor pools, significantly fewer than Montreal (12 times as many) and Toronto (10 times as many), despite having a population that is proportionally smaller.
Controversy Over Aquatic Centre Replacement
The proposed replacement of the Vancouver Aquatic Centre's aging 50-metre pool, a key priority in the VanSplash plan, has faced controversy. The park board swapped the $175 million rebuild for a 25-metre pool and increased leisure space, citing financial and site constraints. A legal challenge has been launched by the Protecting Our Vancouver Aquatic Centre Society.
