Forbert Memorial Pool and Workout Centre

The City of Kawartha Lakes operates two indoor aquatic facilities and provides public swimming, swimming lessons, aquafit, leadership and lifeguard programs.

Spark a plan for a better connection! To learn more about our winter aquatic programming please view pages 16 through 42 in our Winter 2025 Kawartha Lakes Community Guide.

Winter programs being offered are available for viewing through our Online Program Registration website and in the winter edition of the Kawartha Lakes Community Guide beginning Thursday November 28, 2024.

Municipal staff in partnership with The Lifesaving Society worked closely together to develop the Kawartha Swim programs which have been set to replace The Canadian Red Cross aquatics programs which were previously offered.

Kawartha Swim offers three Parent and Tot levels which are designed to spend quality time with your child while you both have fun, learn and socialize. Children progress through the Parent and Tot program based on age.

Parent and Tot 1 introduces babies and their parent/caregiver to buoyancy and movement in the water through play and songs. Participants in this level must be able to hold their head up and be 4 months to 12 months of age. Parents/caregivers will learn age-specific water safety and first aid skills.

Parent and Tot 2 introduces toddlers and their parent/caregiver to movement and active play in the water through games and songs. Participants in this level must be 13 months to 24 months of age. Parents/caregivers will learn age-specific water safety and first aid skills.

Parent and Tot 3 introduces toddlers and their parent/caregiver to basic swimming movements including floats, glides, and kicks in a safe water environment using fun and games. Participants in this level must be 25 months to 36 months of age. Parents/caregivers will learn age-specific water safety and first aid skills. Progression to the next level is based on age.

Become a little fish and learn to swim through our Pre-School programs. Designed for children ages 3 to 6 years old, the following six levels develop an appreciation and healthy respect for the water.

Mitchell Minnow participants will gain confidence in the water by learning how to safely enter, move through, and exit shallow water, and develop basic swimming movements including floats and glides. Participants will learn to put their face in the water and blow bubbles.

Pigeon Perch participants will begin demonstrating their swimming skills, including 3 metres front and back glides, without the assistance of an instructor of buoyant aid. Participants will learn how to pick up an object from the bottom of the pool in waist-deep water and how to safely jump into deep water wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD).

Balsam Bass participants will build on their independence in the water and will be introduced to side glide as well as treading water. Participants will increase the length of their front and back floats to 7 seconds and will begin learn side glide.

Canal Catfish swimmers will compile the foundational skills they have learned in the previous levels to attempt front crawl and back crawl for 5 metres while wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or being supported by a buoyant aid. Participants will continue to work on their side glide and will demonstrate side glide with kicking for 5 metres.

Cameron Carp swimmers will begin working on advanced skills, such as whip kick, while continuing to develop their front crawl and back crawl for 5 metres. Participants will learn how to roll into deep water, tread for 20 seconds, and swim for 10 metres wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) to demonstrate their readiness for a fall into water.

Have questions or need assistance determining the appropriate level to register for? E-mail our aquatics team or call 705-324-9411 extension 1557 or 1558.

Kawartha Swim offers School Age programs designed for children 5 to 14 years of age, which focus on making sure your children learn how to swim before they 'get in too deep'.

Swimmer 1 participants will begin working on the foundational skills of swimming including front and back floats, glides (3 metres), and kicking (5 metres), with the assistance of a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or buoyant aid. Participants will be introduced to treading water and will gain confidence to jump into chest-deep water.

Swimmer 2 participants will learn how to safely enter and exit deep water, recover an object for the bottom in chest-deep water, and will be introduced to side glide. Participants will begin to work towards 5 metres of front crawl and 5 metres of back crawl with a buoyant aid.

This class is for participants aged 5 and older who have attempted Balsam Bass or Canal Catfish as well as participants who have successfully completed Swimmer 1, Pigeon Perch, or Balsam Bass. 

Swimmer 3 participants will continue to increase the distances of their front crawl and back crawl to 10 metres, treading water for 15 seconds, and will learn how to demonstrate their side glide with kicking for 10 metres. Participants will be challenged to put their skills together to demonstrate a jump into deep water, tread for 30 second, and swim 15 metres wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD).

This class is for participants aged 5 and older who have attempted Cameron Carp as well as those who have successfully completed Swimmer 2 or Canal Catfish.

Swimmer 4 participants will be introduced to seated dives and forward roll entries. Participants will attempt to tread for 30 seconds and will learn how to whip kick on their back. Participants will be challenged to increase their front crawl and back crawl distance for 15 metres.

Swimmer 5 participants will begin to work on more advanced skills including whip kick on their front for 5 metres as well as the arm movements for breaststroke. Participants will learn how to do a kneeling dive and will increase their treading water for 45 seconds. Swimmers will increase their front crawl distance to 25 metres and will attempt a front crawl sprint.

Swimmer 6 participants will learn how to complete a standing dive into deep water. Swimmers will increase the distance of their whip kick to 15 metres and their back crawl to 25 metres. Participants will be challenged to put their skills together to demonstrate a roll into deep water, tread for 60 seconds, and a 50 metre swim.

Swimmer 7 participants will increase their front crawl and back crawl distances for 50 metres and combine their whip kick and arm movement skills to demonstrate breaststroke for 15 metres. Participants will be introduced to elementary back stroke and a stationary eggbeater kick. Participants will be challenged with treading water for 2 minutes as well as a 25 metre back crawl sprint.

Swimmer 8 participants will be introduced to advanced swimming skills such as vertical and horizontal dolphin kick and head up front crawl. Participants will continue to increase the distances of their front and back crawl to 75 metres, and will learn how to complete a shallow dive into deep water.

Swimmer 9 participants will be introduced to new skills that will be used in the lifesaving courses, including scissor kick, stride entries, and compact jumps. Swimmers will increase the distances of their front and back crawl to 100 metres, and will work towards a 50 metre breaststroke swim.

Swimmer 10 participants will continue to develop their strokes with 50 metre swims of front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke. Participants will be introduced to lifesaving sport skills including a 25 metre obstacle swim and 15 metre object carry. Participants will have a first aid component which will focus on assessment of conscious victims, contacting EMS, and how to treat for bleeding.

Swimmer 11 participants will continue to learn more lifesaving skills including searching for a recovering an object, supporting an object for 1 minute, and removing a conscious victim from the water. Participants will expand their first aid knowledge by learning a primary assessment, how to care for a victim in shock, and how to assist a conscious person with an obstructed airway.

Swimmer 12 participants will be challenged to complete a 300 metre swim in under 9 minutes. Participants will continue to develop their lifesaving skills as they learn the ready position, the defense methods, and how to remove an unconscious victim from the water. Participants will learn how to care for a bone or joint injury, and respiratory emergencies.

Have questions or need assistance determining the appropriate level to register for? E-mail our aquatics team or call 705-324-9411 extension 1557 or 1558.

Our Adult and Teen programs are open to individuals 15 years of age or older and are suitable for all fitness levels. Participants should be comfortable in waist deep water. All Aquafitness and Therapy classes will be 45 minutes in length.

In Adult One, you will work towards a 10 to 15 metre swim on your front and back. You will do jump entries from the side and recover an object from the bottom in chest-deep water. Improve your fitness and your flutter kick with four by nine to twelve metre interval training. This class is for participants aged 15 years and older.

In Adult Two, you will increase your swimming ability with two interval training workouts, work on dive entries, and demonstrate breaststroke arms and breathing over 10 to 15 metres. You will be supporting yourself at surface for one or two minutes, and showing off your handstands in shallow water. This class is for participants aged 15 and older.

In Adult Three, you will learn eggbeater, stride entries, and compact jumps. You will be doing a 300 metre workout and sprinting 25 to 50 metres. In this level, you will master your front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke. This class is for participants aged 15 years and older.

Aquafitness classes provided an active workout incorporating a variety of exercises which will build cardiovascular, muscle strength and endurance without the impact.

A low impact exercise program designed to re-educate weak muscles and to build strength and range of motion. Classes take place in the small pool at the Forbert Memorial Pool and Workout Centre in Bobcaygeon.

This gentle exercise class focuses on strengthening and maintaining muscles and joints required for normal daily activities including muscle endurance, balance, flexibility and range of motion to help minimize chronic pain.

A low impact exercise program designed to re-educate weak muscles and to build strength and range of motion. Classes take place in the small pool at the Lindsay Recreation Complex.

Get certified for a job you will love and launch your aquatic career. We are pleased to offer Lifesaving Society leadership courses that will certify you to become a lifeguard and swim instructor.

After completing your Red Cross Swim Levels you will move into Bronze Star. The suggested age for this course is 11 to 14 years of age and the suggested pre-requisite is Swimmer 12.

Candidates in this level support a 10 pound object at the surface for 3 minutes, swim a 400 metre fitness swim, learn CPR, rescues and the immobilization of the spinal victim on land.

This award teaches an understanding of the lifesaving principles; judgement, knowledge, skills and fitness. Rescuers learn tows, carries, defences and releases. They must also swim 500 metres in 15 minutes or better.

After completing your Bronze Star you will move into Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid. The pre-requisite for this course is 13 years of age and older or completion of Bronze Star. 

This award teaches an understanding of the lifesaving principles; judgement, knowledge, skills and fitness. Rescuers learn tows, carries, defences and releases. Participants must also swim 400 metres in 12 minutes or better.

After completing your Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid you will move into Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid with CPR-C. The pre-requisite for this course is the completion of Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid.

This award develops more advanced training including the introduction to safe supervision in Aquatic Facilities, as well as immobilization of a spinal victim in deep water and underwater searches. Participants must swim 400 metres in 11 minutes or better.

Current Standard First Aid (SFA) holders may re-certify their Lifesaving Society SFA certification just once on a Lifesaving Society SFA Re-certification Course not more than 3 years from the Standard First Aid date of issue. To renew SFA certifications subsequently, award holders must repeat the full SFA Course. Thereafter, individuals may renew by alternating re-certifications and original courses.

Holders of Standard First Aid certificates from other agencies may not re-certify their certificate on a Lifesaving Society Re-certification Course. They may only re-certify only with the original certifying agency.

After completing your Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid you can move into National Lifeguard to become a Lifeguard. The pre-requisite for this course is the completion of Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid with a minimum age of 15 years of age.

This Certification is designed to develop the judgement, knowledge, skills and fitness required by lifeguards. Some of the fitness items required include: swimming 400 metres in 10 minutes or better, swimming 15 metres underwater, swimming 50 metres of head-up front crawl or head-up breaststroke in 1 minutes or less. This course emphasizes lifeguarding skills, principles and practices and the decision making process to develop effective safety supervision in pool environments.

After completing your Assistant Instructor you will move into the LSS Swim Instructor course. The pre-requisite for this course is the completion of Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid with CPR-C and a minimum of 15 years of age.

The Lifesaving Society Instructor course prepares the instructor to teach and evaluate swimming strokes and related skills found in the Lifesaving Society Swim for Life program. Candidates acquire proven teaching methods, planning skills, and a variety of stroke development drills and corrective techniques.

Completion of the Lifesaving Society Assistant Instructor program is strongly recommended as a pre-requisite for this course. 100% attendance is required.

The pre-requisite for this course is the completion of Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid with CPR-C, LSS Swim Instructor or Red Cross Water Safety Instructor and 15 years of age by the end of the course.

This course will provide specific training in examination methodology through the Lifesaving Society program standards. Examiner candidates must must have taught or co-taught at least one course in the stream(s) in which they are seeking Certification as an Examiner. Certification as an Examiner is a three-step process:

Prerequisites: National Lifeguard or Lifesaving Society Instructor (Swim or Lifesaving) Certification (need not be current), and 100 hours of experience as a Lifeguard and/or an Instructor.

For deck level supervisory staff, this course provides the knowledge and skills beyond National Lifeguard Certification, to manage a safe aquatic environment.

Programs being offered are available for viewing in the Spring edition of the Kawartha Lakes Community Guide starting Thursday February 13, 2025 at 9am.

We’re excited to bring our Kawartha Swim Programs to you this summer at three local beaches within the City of Kawartha Lakes; Sandy Beach on Balsam Lake, Birch Point on Balsam Lake and Four Mile Lake in Burnt River. To learn more and to register please email the Aquatics Coordinator or call 705-324-9411 extension 1558. 

Semi-Private Lessons are available for all ages and swim levels. Lessons are two participants to one instructor ratio. Semi-Private Lessons are useful where a special need exists and/or individuals working on a specific skill.

The municipality has implemented pool rules and safety protocols for all aquatic facilities as well as for all programming to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants and patrons.

Please note, pool rules and safety protocols are subject to change. For questions, call 705-324-9112 extension 1557 or 1558 or e-mail the aquatics team.

Please note, pool rules and safety protocols are subject to change. For questions, call 705-324-9112 extension 1557 or 1558 or e-mail the aquatics team.

All participants in all of our Aquatic Programming will be required to register through our Online Program Registration website. Pre-registration is required for all aquatic programs.

Summer programs being offered are available for viewing through our Online Program Registration website and in the Summer edition of the Kawartha Lakes Community Guide beginning on Thursday May 30 at 9am.

Once registration is open for the session, existing clients can simply visit our Online Program Registration website at: https://kawarthalakes.perfectmind.com to register for all aquatic programs.

In order to register online for any of our aquatic programs new clients will be required to create an account for our Online Program Registration website. Once an account has been created and registration for the session is open clients will be able to register for programs online.

4. Check your e-mail and look for an e-mail from us.  Click on the link in the e-mail and use the username and password provided in that e-mail to log in.

Once you click the 'Save' button, a notification will appear that your password has been successfully changed.  Then log in using your username and updated password.

If you have any questions or require assistance setting up an account e-mail the Parks and Recreation Division or call 705-324-9112 during business hours.

Once an account has been created and registration for the session is open, you will now be able to register for all Aquatic Programs online through our Online Program Registration website.

2. Once logged in, you will be required to Select an Activity. Under the 'Aquatics' category, select the appropriate program category for the program that you wish to register for.

3. Under the program category, find the program you wish to register for and click on the 'Show courses' down arrow to expand and view the available courses for the program.

5. The next screen will ask who you would like to book for the program. Select the individual you wish to register for the program and then click 'Next' button.

9. You will wait for a confirmation screen to appear confirming you have been successfully registered for the program. You will now receive a confirmation e-mail to confirm your registration as well as a copy of your receipt.

2. Follow the registration process by selecting "Register" and selecting an activity. If you are unsure how to register, visit the section above that provides step-by-step details on how to register for a program.

3. Add the first registration to your cart by following the prompts. Once you see the checkout screen, do not add a payment, instead click the "Continue Shopping" button under the payment section.

Participants are encouraged to pre-register to reserve a swim space in advance using our Online Program Registration website. Walk in reservations and payment will be accepted on site when space allows.

To confirm the schedule contact the Facility by calling the Lindsay Recreation Complex at 705-324-9112 or the Forbert Memorial Pool, Bobcaygeon at 705-738-5858.

Please note, pool rules and safety protocols are subject to change. For questions, call 705-324-9411 extension 1557 or 1558 or e-mail the aquatics team.

Please note, pool rules and safety protocols are subject to change. For questions regarding the Lindsay Recreation Complex Public Swimming Pool Rules and Safety Protocols please call 705-324-9112 or e-mail the aquatics team.

Participants are encouraged to pre-register to reserve a swim space in advance using our Online Program Registration website. Walk in reservations and payment will be accepted on site when space allows.

Participants are encouraged to pre-register to reserve a swim space in advance using our Online Program Registration website. Walk in reservations and payment will be accepted on site when space allows.

For questions regarding Public Swimming contact the Lindsay Recreation Complex at 705-324-9112, Forbert Memorial Pool at 705-738-5858 or e-mail the aquatics team.

This is an active, high activity and noisy swim time for all ages. The diving board will be open during Fun Swims. Public equipment is available. Personal equipment is permitted in the shallow end of the large pool and in the small pool. No equipment is allowed in the deep end of the large pool at any time. Snorkels are permitted. No length swimming.

This swim provides the opportunity for those 15 years and older to chat, relax and complete their personal fitness programs. This is a quiet swim. Lanes are available for swimming lengths, there will be public equipment available. Exercise/length swimming equipment will be available. Snorkels are permitted.

This swim is for all ages wishing to swim lengths in the large pool and complete exercise goals in the small pool. Exercise/length swimming equipment will be available for use, no toys permitted. Snorkels are permitted. Pool Admission Standards must be maintained at all times.

This is an active swim time for all ages where swimmers can choose to swim lengths or relax. The diving board will be open. Lanes will be adjusted based on demand. Public equipment will be available. Personal equipment is permitted in the shallow end of the large pool and in the small pool. No equipment is allowed in the deep end of the large pool at any time. Snorkels will be permitted.

Participants are encouraged to pre-register to reserve a swim space in advance using our Online Program Registration website. Walk in reservations and payment will be accepted on site when space allows.

Participants are encouraged to pre-register to reserve a swim space in advance using our Online Program Registration website. Walk in reservations and payment will be accepted on site when space allows.

Schedules are subject to change. Contact the Lindsay Recreation Complex at 705-324-9112, Forbert Memorial Pool at 705-738-5858 or e-mail the aquatics team to confirm schedule.

Schedules are subject to change. Contact the Lindsay Recreation Complex at 705-324-9112, Forbert Memorial Pool at 705-738-5858 or e-mail the aquatics team to confirm schedule.

Participants are encouraged to pre-register to reserve a swim space in advance using our Online Program Registration website. Walk in reservations and payment will be accepted on site when space allows.

For questions regarding Public Swimming please call the Lindsay Recreation Complex at 705-324-9112, Forbert Memorial Pool at 705-738-5858 or e-mail the aquatics team.

Participants are encouraged to pre-register to reserve a swim space in advance using our Online Program Registration website. Walk in reservations and payment will be accepted on site when space allows.

All new clients will be required to set up an account on our Online Program Registration website prior to being able to register online for a Public Swim time.

In order to register online for any of our aquatic programs or Public Swim new clients will be required to create an account for our Online Program Registration website.

4. Check your e-mail and look for an e-mail from us.  Click on the link in the e-mail and use the username and password provided in that e-mail to log in.

Once you click the 'Save' button, a notification will appear that you password has been successfully changed. Then log in using your username and updated password.

If you have any questions or require assistance setting up an account e-mail the Parks and Recreation Division or call 705-324-9112 during business hours.

Once an account has been created for our Online Program Registration website, participants will then be able to register themselves or their family members for Public Swimming and Aquatic Programs.

6. On the next screen you will be asked who you would like to book for the swim? Select the individual you wish to register/book for the swim and then click 'Next' button.

10. You will wait for a confirmation screen to appear confirming you have been successfully registered for the swim. You will now receive a confirmation e-mail to confirm your registration as well as a copy of your receipt.

For questions regarding registering online for a Public Swim please call 705-324-9112 during business hours or e-mail the Parks and Recreation Division.

Existing clients can simply visit our Online Program Registration website at: https://kawarthalakes.perfectmind.com to register for the Public Swimming.

Pool Admission Standards assist lifeguards in maintaining adequate surveillance over the whereabouts and activities of young bathers while they are inside the pool enclosure.

Children 6 years of age and under must be directly supervised (within arm's reach) of a responsible person 15 years of age or older at all times regardless of swimming ability. The ratio of swimmers to guardians for this age group is 2:1.

Children 7, 8 and 9 years of age who are non-swimmers must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or group leader who is at least 15 years of age and responsible for their direct supervision.

Individuals with serious medical conditions, especially seizure disorders, must be accompanied by a person knowledgeable of their condition and directly responsible for their supervision.

For questions regarding Pool Admission Standards by calling the Lindsay Recreation Complex at 705-324-9112 or Forbert Memorial Pool at 705-738-5858 during business hours or e-mail the aquatics team.

We have a Wrist Band Policy to ensure that children have a safe and enjoyable swimming experience. This system allows staff to identify children at greater risk of accidents and ensure adequate supervision when in the pool area.

These children must present their Green Wrist Band on their arm to the front desk to show proof of eligibility. A Swim Test Passed Membership card will be issued. Children can scan the card at the front desk and present it to Aquatics Staff to receive a Green Wrist Band upon entry.

Children ages 10-14 who wish to swim in the deep end of the pool may acquire the same Swim Test Passed Membership to be allowed in the deep end of the pool.

At any time, the Aquatics staff may ask a child to re-take the swim test if they feel the child does not demonstrate the ability to maintain the Swim Admission Standard.

The Lindsay Recreation Complex boasts a 25 metre 6 lane pool, a therapeutic warm pool; both of which host a variety of aquatic programming year-round. The facility also features an on-deck sauna, Change Room facilities and showers; 2 ice pads, 2 international sized Squash Courts, a fully equipped Weight Room and cardiovascular gym. A large, bright Fitness Studio with cushioned maple floors hosts a variety of Fitness programs and classes.

Front Desk Hours: Hours are subject to change. To obtain current hours of operation, please contact the facility directly by calling 705-324-9112 or e-mail the Lindsay Recreation Complex.

The Forbert Memorial Pool and Workout Centre in Bobcaygeon features a 3 lane swimming pool; the fully equipped Workout Centre hosts a variety of free weights, multi-station selectorized equipment, stability balls, tubing, balance boards and more to easily accommodate a full body workout.

The facility hosts a variety of land fitness and aquatic programs for all fitness levels. A variety of Membership options are available for this facility. The pool is available for private rentals.

Hours of Operation: Hours are subject to change. Contact the facility to confirm by calling 705-738-5858 or e-mail the Forbert Memorial Pool and Workout Centre.

Groups and individuals can rent pool time and offer kayaking, scuba, competitive swimming, Dragon Boat team practices or other private rentals such as birthday parties.

Arrangements to rent a pool must be made at least two weeks in advance. Renters must meet all pool supervision requirements. Lifeguards will be provided.

Whether you are looking to gain valuable life and work skills/experience through a fun volunteer experience or through a part-time job, we offer a variety of opportunities.

If you said yes to the above questions then we have the opportunity for you. Come join our Aquatic Volunteer team and gain valuable life and work skills-/experience while completing your community service hours.  Opportunities include assisting with swimming lessons, helping out at fun swims and other special events. 

To register for an upcoming Aquatic Volunteer Program training session or for further details e-mail the aquatics team or call 705-324-9411 extension 1557 or 1558.

Applications for part-time Instructor Guard positions are accepted throughout the year. Applicants will be contacted as the need arises. Hiring usually take place in February and March and again in August and September.

We reserve the right to cancel programs due to insufficient registration. In these cases a full refund/credit will be issued. Refunds/credits for any other reason are subject to approval and a 15% (minimum $5) administration fee.  All requests must be made in writing to the program coordinator via e-mail to: [email protected]. Refunds under $20 will be issued only as credit on account for future Parks and Recreation Division services.

Once a reservation has been made if you are unable to attend your scheduled booking please call 705-324-9112 to cancel your space. Due to limited spaces available, any fees paid will only be refunded as a credit on your account if the cancellation is received a minimum of 48 hours before the booking time. If cancellation is made with less than 48 hours notice fees are non-refundable.

© 2017 - 2023 Kawartha Lakes P.O. Box 9000, 26 Francis Street Lindsay, ON, K9V 5R8 Telephone: 705-324-9411 Toll free at 1-888-822-2225After-hours emergencies: 1-877-885-7337Email Us

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