Swimming Pools & Lessons

Swimming lessons are now closed for the season. Check back next summer for booking information.

Doggy Dip Frequently Asked Questions

The 2023 Doggy Dip events are scheduled for Sep 23, 2023, at Buffalo Pound, Cypress Hills and Pike Lake Provincial Parks.

*Dangerous/aggressive/unruly animals are prohibited, and their owners will be required to leave with their pet without exception. Park staff will determine what constitutes aggressive unruly behaviour.

How much does the Doggy Dip cost?

  • The event is free of charge with valid Park Entry Permit. You must pre-register online before attending.

I heard the sessions are based on size/weight. What are the specific sessions?

  • Yes, the dog swim has been divided into sessions based on a dog's weight, so that each session accommodates similar sized dogs.
  • The sessions are as follows:
    • Large Dogs - Over 20 lbs
    • Small Dogs - Under 20 lbs

How many dogs can be registered and participate in each session?

  • We have a limit of 50 dogs per session.

Can my child register and attend with our family dog?

  • Each dog must be accompanied by an adult (18 years and older). Children may attend with adults but not without an adult.

Can I register on the day of the event?

  • No. Registration closes at 1 p.m. on Friday, Sep 22, 2023. All vaccination records must also be submitted by this time by sending a copy of your dog's vaccination record to parks.info@gov.sk.ca and indicate which location you would like to attend (Pike Lake Provincial Park, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, or Buffalo Pound Provincial Park).

I have more than one dog. Can I register them all?

  • We have a limit of one dog and one adult per registration (no exceptions); owners with more than one dog must have another/alternate adult complete the registration and accompany the additional registered dog to the dog swim.

How old does my dog have to be to take part?

  • Dogs must be at least four months old. Puppies that are younger than four months are likely not fully vaccinated. Due to their very young age and vaccination status, it is more likely that they get sick, which is why we ask those puppies not to participate.

Does my dog need to be spayed/neutered

  • All participating dogs must be spayed/neutered.

What vaccinations does my dog require?

  • Dogs are required to be up to date on their core booster vaccinations (DHPP or DA2PP) and their Rabies vaccine. The Bordetella vaccine is recommended but not required.

What are core booster vaccinations?

  • Core vaccines are a combination vaccine that is administered yearly. The vaccine includes: Distemper, Hepatitis, Adenovirus, Parvovirus and Parainfluenza. If you give your dog a yearly booster vaccine, your dog should be covered.

What is the Bordetella vaccine?

  • Bordetella is a vaccine for Kennel Cough, which although not required, is recommended when a dog spends time in contact with other dogs.

What if a dog demonstrates aggressive behaviour?

  • Dangerous/aggressive/unruly animals are prohibited, and their owners will be required to leave with their pet without exception. Park staff will determine what constitutes aggressive unruly behaviour.

What happens if it rains?

  • The event will procced as scheduled if it rains, please see the question below regarding thunderstorms.

What happens if there is thunder and lightning?

  • In the event of thunder and lightning, all dogs will need to exit the pool and wait until the storm passes. This is for everyone's safety. Lifeguards will announce when it is safe for dogs to go back into the water.

Will humans be able to swim with the dogs?

  • No. Only dogs are allowed to swim in the pool at this event.

Can I bring dog toys?

  • Dog toys are not allowed at the event.

Can my child attend the dog swim with me?

  • Yes. This is a family event and so children can be there to observe the dog swim. Please note that children 12 and under must be supervised by an adult who is not focused on the dog. Every dog participating needs to attend with an adult.

Will a lifeguard be on duty?

  • Lifeguards will be on duty but will assist if a person falls into the pool and requires help. Lifeguards will not rescue dogs.

I'm not sure if my dog can swim well. Will there be dog life jackets there?

  • Dog life jackets are not provided; please bring one if you are unsure of your dog's swimming abilities.

What will happen if a dog is in distress?

  • Dog owners will be responsible to take care of their own dog in distress should this occur. Park staff and lifeguards are not responsible for rescue of dogs.

What will happen if my dog fouls the pool or the area around?

  • Dog owners will be responsible to clean up after their dogs.

What will happen if my dog drinks the chlorinated water in the pool?

  • The water in the pool is potable and there is no concern with dogs drinking some of the water in the pool.

Swimming Pools

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Swimming Lessons

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Park Visitor Programs Authorization Form

Before the start of Swimming Lessons, please complete the following steps:

  1. Download the Park Visitor Programs Authorization Form.
  2. Fill in the necessary information within the form. Note: each child will need a separate form filled out.
  3. Print the form.
  4. Bring the form with you on the first day of swimming lessons and present it to the Swimming Pool staff for their records.