ActiveSG Pool Rules: A Parent's Guide for Families

ActiveSG Pool Rules: A Parent’s Guide for Families Before your child’s first swim at an ActiveSG pool, you need to know four things: how to get in, what they can wear, how closely you must supervise, and how to share the space politely. Entry is by swim pass bought on MyActiveSG+, swimwear must be proper swimwear, children aged 6 and under must stay within arm’s reach of an adult, and everyone showers first. This guide walks you through each rule in plain words, so your first visit feels calm instead of confusing. OyouguAquatics Build Confidence in the Water Oyougu Aquatics offers children's swimming lessons at ActiveSG pools, with a structured SwimSafer 2.0 curriculum and a 1:6 coach-to-student ratio. Explore swimming lessons Key takeaways Buy a swim pass on MyActiveSG+ and scan its QR code at the gate. Screenshots of passes are not accepted. Children need proper swimwear. Street clothes, shorts without inner lining, undergarments and diapers are not allowed. Children aged 6 and under must stay within arm’s reach of an adult at all times. Shower before you enter, keep food and drinks out of the pool area, and avoid filming other swimmers. Rules can change without notice, so check the ActiveSG page for your pool before you go. Table of Contents How to enter an ActiveSG pool with your children What your child can wear in the pool Safety rules every parent should know Pool etiquette for families Do rules differ between pools? Our perspective: rules are part of learning to swim Lessons at ActiveSG pools with Oyougu Aquatics Before you go: a quick checklist FAQ Sources How to enter an ActiveSG pool with your children Entry now runs through the MyActiveSG+ app and website. You first buy a swim pass on MyActiveSG+ , then enter by scanning the pass’s QR code. Children under 15 can also use their student card at the gate. A few practical points help here: Download and log in before you leave home. Signal near the gantry can be patchy, and a queue forms quickly on weekends. Do not rely on a screenshot. ActiveSG has advised that screenshots of passes are not accepted for entry , so open the live pass in the app. If your older child comes without a phone, they can approach staff, give a parent’s mobile number or NRIC for verification, and show their school student card . By entering and staying on the premises, you agree to the facility’s terms. The ActiveSG rules and regulations state that users accept all terms and conditions, including waiving claims for injury, death or property damage . That is one more reason to follow the safety rules below and to stay close to your child. What it costs to swim Public pool entry is inexpensive. ActiveSG’s individual rates page lists these single-entry rates at normal swimming complexes: Category Citizen or PR, weekday Citizen or PR, weekend and public holiday Standard rate, weekday Standard rate, weekend and public holiday Adult $1.00 $1.30 $1.30 $1.70 Child $0.50 $0.60 $1.30 $1.70 Pools with special features cost a little more. Prices and concessions are updated from time to time, so confirm the current figures on the same page before you go. If you are not swimming yourself Many parents only come to help with a child, not to swim. Caregivers who are not using the pool get a 15-minute complimentary grace period to help children get ready . If you plan to stay for the whole swim class, you need to buy a swim pass. What your child can wear in the pool This is the question parents ask most: can children just wear regular clothes? No. ActiveSG does not allow street wear, shorts without inner lining or undergarments . Translucent materials, G-strings, diapers and attire with hard or metal objects are also prohibited. In practice, this means: Swimsuits, swim shorts with a lining, rash guards and swim leggings are fine. Rash guards are also helpful for sun protection at outdoor pools. Cotton T-shirts and gym shorts are not suitable. They get heavy in water and shed fibres into the filter. Zips, metal buttons, studs and hard decorations should be left at home. Check the swimsuit or trunks your child already owns. Regular diapers are not allowed. If your toddler is not toilet trained, use proper reusable swim nappies made for water and ask staff or the coach where to change your child. If you are shopping for a first pair of trunks, a plain pair such as these basic swim shorts shows the kind of simple, no-fuss cut that suits pool use. Whatever you choose, check that the inner lining and fastenings meet the rules above. ActiveSG also publishes a short guide on what to wear for swimming , which is a good reference if you are unsure. A small kit that makes the visit easier A good pool bag does not need much. Pack goggles, a swim cap for longer hair, a quick-dry towel, rubber slippers for wet floors and waterproof sunscreen for outdoor pools. One local pool guide recommends microfibre towels, rubber flip-flops and waterproof sunblock . Bring a plastic bag for wet swimwear and a change of clothes so your child leaves the pool warm and comfortable. Safety rules every parent should know The most important rules are about supervision. Children aged 6 and under must stay within arm’s reach of an adult . That means close enough to touch, not watching from the pool deck while scrolling on your phone. Young children can slip under the water quickly and quietly, so your full attention is the best protection. Behaviour in and around the water The same rules document prohibits running, dunking and horseplay. Dunking a friend or sibling may look like fun, but it can frighten a child who is still building confidence. Walk on the deck, even when you are excited, and explain to your child that wet tiles are slippery. Before you start, take a minute to walk your child around the pool and show them: Where the shallow end is and where the water gets deeper. Where the lifeguards sit. Which lanes are for lap swimmers and which areas are for casual play. Where the ladders and steps are, and that these are the safe ways in and out. Equipment you should leave at home Giant floats, rafts, flippers, snorkels, masks and hand paddles must not be used in the pool unless ActiveSG has approved them for special needs or for use in a booked lane. Small standard goggles are fine. If your child’s swim coach asks for specific equipment, check with the pool staff first. Diving and starting blocks Diving or using starting blocks is only allowed in a pool at least 1.35 metres deep, and only under the supervision of a qualified coach. Children should never dive in shallow areas. A simple habit helps: always walk in or use the ladder unless your coach says otherwise. Weather, haze and sudden changes If conditions become hazardous, such as lightning, you must leave the pool when staff instruct. During haze, ActiveSG facilities may put precautionary measures in place, and users are advised to monitor air quality . Follow the staff’s instructions without arguing, and tell your child in advance that leaving the water is normal and not a punishment. Pool etiquette for families Good manners keep a busy public pool pleasant for everyone. ActiveSG asks users to respect others, avoid abusive behaviour or harassment, and not film or photograph people without authorisation . That last point matters for parents. It is natural to want a video of your child’s first kick across the pool, but make sure no other swimmers, especially other people’s children, appear in the frame. Shower first, and keep food out Users must shower before entering the pool, and food and drinks are not allowed in the facility . A quick rinse removes sunscreen, sweat and dirt, which keeps the water cleaner. Make the shower a fun routine for little ones: count to ten together, then go in. Plan snacks for before or after the swim, away from the pool. A hungry child cannot concentrate in a lesson, so a light snack an hour or so beforehand is a sensible habit. Sharing lanes and leisure areas Lap lanes are for swimmers moving steadily up and down. Casual or leisure areas are better for splashing and games. If your child is just learning, do not wander into a busy lap lane to practise. Ask the lifeguard which section is best at that hour. If your child is old enough to swim lengths, teach them the basics of sharing a lane: swim on one side, stop at the wall to let faster swimmers pass, and never grab the lane rope. This guide to lap swim etiquette explains how swimmers can share public lanes courteously. Early practice makes your child a considerate swimmer later on. Illness and hygiene If your child has diarrhoea, an open wound or an infectious skin condition, stay home. It protects other swimmers and helps your child recover. This is common sense rather than a rule we can cite from a single page, but most parents will agree it is the kind thing to do. Do rules differ between pools? The core rules apply across ActiveSG facilities, but details such as operating hours, pool depths, lane layouts and special features differ by complex. ActiveSG can also amend its rules without prior notice . The easiest approach is to check the ActiveSG swimming pools page for the pool you plan to visit, especially after any closure or renovation. If you want to compare complexes before choosing where your child learns, our page on public swimming complexes in Singapore is a good starting point. Our perspective: rules are part of learning to swim We teach children at ActiveSG pools every week, so we see how rules shape a child’s experience. Our view is simple: a child who understands why the rules exist feels safer and learns faster. Three habits make the biggest difference in our classes: Arrive calm and early. Children who rush from the gate to the water arrive stressed. A few quiet minutes to shower and look around settles them. Treat rules as personal water safety. Walking on the deck, entering by the steps, listening for the coach’s whistle: these are foundational skills, not extras. Keep your encouragement gentle. Pressure from the side of the pool can make a nervous child tense. Praise effort, not speed. Our classes follow the national SwimSafer 2.0 curriculum, and they are developed in-house and never outsourced. Our coaches are full-time, NROC and SwimSafer certified, and we cap every class at six students so each child gets real attention. A small group also makes it easier to teach rules like staying within reach, waiting for the coach and sharing space. You can read more about how class size affects learning and about the parent’s role in lessons . — Oyougu Aquatics Lessons at ActiveSG pools with Oyougu Aquatics If you would like your child to learn in a structured, supportive class, we teach at ActiveSG pools including Bishan, Delta, Jalan Besar and Teck Ghee. Our children’s swimming lessons and toddler swimming lessons are each S$130 per month, with no registration fees or deposits, and class sizes of no more than six. Not sure yet? A trial lesson costs S$32.50 one-off, so your child can try a class, meet the coach and see the pool before you commit. You can also see all class formats on our fees page , or find your nearest pool at Bishan or Teck Ghee . Before you go: a quick checklist Buy or check your swim pass on MyActiveSG+ and log in on your phone. Pack proper swimwear, goggles, a towel, slippers and sunscreen. Leave food, drinks, giant floats, snorkels and masks behind. Decide who stays within arm’s reach of any child aged 6 or under. Shower before entering the pool. Check the ActiveSG page for any notices about your pool. If your child is new to swimming, our guide to the ideal age for swimming classes and lessons needed to pass SwimSafer can help you plan the next step. FAQ Can children wear regular clothes in an ActiveSG pool? No. Street wear, shorts without inner lining, undergarments and diapers are not allowed . Choose a proper swimsuit, lined swim shorts or a rash guard with swim bottoms. Avoid anything with hard or metal fittings. How close must I stay to my young child? Children aged 6 and under must be within arm’s reach of an adult. Stay in the water or right at the pool edge, with your eyes on your child at all times. Older children may swim more independently, but still need a responsible person nearby who knows the pool. Do I need a pass if I only help my child get ready? Not for a short visit. Caregivers who are not swimming have a 15-minute complimentary grace period to help children get ready. If you stay for the whole swim class, you need to buy a swim pass . Can I bring snacks or take photos at the pool? Food and drinks are not allowed in the facility, so keep snacks for outside the pool area. Filming or photographing others without authorisation is also not allowed. If you take a video of your child, make sure no other swimmers appear in it. Can my child use a snorkel or flippers to practise? Not in general. Snorkels, masks, flippers, giant floats and hand paddles are prohibited unless ActiveSG has approved them for special needs or for use in a booked lane. Ask the pool staff or your coach before bringing any equipment. Sources About MyActiveSG+ ActiveSG Rules and Regulations ActiveSG individual rates ActiveSG swimming pools What should I wear for swimming? (ActiveSG) ActiveSG users unhappy over switch to new booking platform (CNA) 11 Swimming Pools In Singapore (The Smart Local) Recommended Bishan Swimming Complex for Kids: A Parent’s Guide Jalan Besar Swimming Complex for Kids: A Parent’s Guide Delta Swimming Complex for Kids: A Parent’s Guide The Parent’s Role: Supporting and Encouraging Your Child’s Swimming Lessons in Singapore