retreiving menu...H2O Frequently Asked Questions
For those of you who need quick answers, here is an offering of some more popular questions posed to H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre staff.
About YMCA-YWCA at H2O & Membership
Is the new H2O a YMCA-YWCA?
No, not at this time. The Y and the City of Kelowna have entered into a three-year agreement that will see the Y manage and operate the facility, offer Y value-based programs, events, and high quality service standards.
Will my current Y membership give me access to the new H2O?
The agreement with the City says that memberships from the Kelowna Family Y or Parkinson Recreation Centre will not be valid at H2O. Use of the new centre will be through the purchase of a facility-specific member or drop-in fee, although that may be revisited by the City and the Y in the future.
Oops, I forgot my Card...
The H2O Centre issues photo card memberships. You must present this card each time you come to use the facility. If you forget your card, please approach our Membership Services staff for admittance. If you have lost your card or have failed to provide it three times, on your fourth visit we will require that you purchase a new card for $5.00.
"I am a member of a YMCA and visiting another YMCA in another city/province/country ...."
All YMCAs in Canada recognize and honour memberships from other associations when a member is visiting that community. Therefore, if your work involves travel, or while on vacation, you will be welcomed in another YMCA. Please note exception: This does not apply to the YMCA at H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre in Kelowna as this is a municipal facility operated by the YMCA.
Is the Y receiving payment beyond the costs of operating this facility? The significant costs of operating and staffing the state-of-the-art pool and fitness facility will be covered by user fees and City funds. The City will provide an annual financial contribution to facilitate affordable access and the Y will be providing full operating services on a not-for-profit basis
What if I can’t afford the fees? The Y is a not-for-profit charity organization. We work hard to ensure that everyone can participate by offering a Financial Assistance Program for those in need. In addition to financial assistance, the Y and the City of Kelowna will work together to reduce other barriers to access for all citizens through special programs and events.
I would like to volunteer at the new centre. Is there an opportunity? Yes! The Y relies on and is thankful to our many volunteers who give their time and talent so we are able to offer more programs and services to meet the needs of everyone in our community…and at affordable prices. Click here for current volunteer opportunities and to download a volunteer application form.
About the Facility & Drop-ins
Where are you located?
The H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre is located next to the Capital News Centre at 4075 Gordon Drive, in the Lower Mission community of Kelowna. The nearest cross street is Lexington Drive.
View Map & Driving Directions
View Public Transit information (Route #1)
I have never been to the H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre. Am I able to drop-by and have a look around?
Yes! A knowledgeable staff or volunteer will happily take you around the facility and answer all of your facility and programming questions. Just visit the Member Services desk and ask for a guided tour. Or click here to take a Virtual Tour.
Do I need a membership to use your facility?
No. Public swim, fitness classes and our conditioning rooms are also available at public drop-in rates. If you are planning to use the H2O Centre on a regular basis, it may be to your advantage to inquire about the benefits of membership.
My family of 2 adults and 4 children would like to spend the day at the H2O Centre. Do you offer a family drop-in rate?
Yes, we offer a family of up to 5 people (maximum 2 adults) at a reduced drop-in rate of $25.50. Your 4th child would be charged an additional $5.90.
Are there group rates available?
Yes. We have special group rates for groups of 25+ people. We also have special birthday party packages for parties of up to 20 children.
Can I register for programs over the phone?
Yes. We do, however, require credit card payment at the time of registration and we do not ‘hold’ spots for individuals. Call 250-764-4040 ext 0 to register.
What is the cost to rent a locker?
We are pleased to provide free lockers in the upstairs conditioning rooms for users of the fitness centre. Lockers in the downstairs pool change rooms (women, men and family) cost $0.50 for a small and medium (two quarters) and $1 for a large (one dollar coin or loonie). We urge users of the pool to bring exact change.
Does the H2O Centre provide towels?
To reduce the H2O Centre’s carbon footprint, we do not have a towel service. Please bring your own workout or swim towel when using the facility.
About Aquatics
How old must a child be to swim alone in the water park/facility?
For the safety of all children in the facility, each child under 8 years must have responsible caregiver 16+ years old in the pool, within arms reach. Children 8, 9 years cannot be left unattended in the facility.
What temperatures are your pools & features?
The temperature of our pools and features may vary, but we aim to keep them at the following:
Olympic 50m pool: 28C
Wave pool: 30C
River Run: 30C
Adult hot tub: 40C
Family hot tub: 39C
Steam room: 42-44C
Who can ride the FlowRider?
If you're as tall as our Member Services Desk, you can ride! You must be a minimum of 107cm tall to ride on your stomach or knees and 132cm tall to stand-up on the FlowRider. Anyone wishing to stand on the FlowRider must be 19+ years or have a legal guardian first sign a waiver at the Member Services desk. Download the FlowRider Waiver. Stand-up riders must be 19+ yrs, and present Government issued photo ID or people under 19 yrs must have a waiver signed by a legal guardian also with photo ID.
Read our Flowrider Waivers (for stand-up only)
Riders must be comfortable in turbulent moving water, in good physical condition and free from any physical limitations to participate. Pregnant women and persons with a history of heart, back, neck, shoulder or joint problems should not ride.
Is the FlowRider included in the drop-in fee or with your Y membership?
Yes, the FlowRider admission is included as a part of the H2O admission.
What should I wear on the FlowRider?
Girls – We recommend a one-piece swim suit. If you choose to wear a 2 piece be sure to wear a t-shirt and we recommend board shorts.
Guys – We recommend shorts with a secure drawstring - if the shorts are too loose you may lose them.
Can my child sit on my lap going down the waterslide? Unfortunately due to safety reasons and manufacturer specifications, we only allow single riders down each of the three water slides and all riders must be 107cm or taller.
Can I bring my own floatation device in the pool or does the H2O Centre provide floatation devices/lifejackets?
You are welcome to bring in your own PFD, or ask a lifeguard to borrow one of ours for use in the wave pool. For safety reasons we do not allow blow up toys or mats in the river.
What age can a child start swim lessons and how do I know what level should they be in if they have never taken lessons before?
We start swim lessons for infants (with caregiver) as young as 6 months. If your child has never taken swimming lessons before please feel free to bring them to the H2O Centre and have them evaluated by an instructor. It is highly recommended that you phone first and check on instructor availability.
How big are your swim lesson classes?
The number of children in a class depends on the class, age and level of the swimmers. At times, swim levels or classes may be combined; however, the requirements of each swim level will still be covered. There are also private swimming lessons available to suit individual needs.
Are the age limits on swim lessons adhered to closely?
Yes. As a national program, our swim lessons have set guidelines, which must be followed.
How do I become a lifeguard?
In Kelowna, there are 5 pools training people to be lifeguards, including the H2O Centre. For the most accurate schedule information and the steps to becoming a lifeguard, visit lifeguardokanagan.com. To check if the H2O Centre is currently hiring lifeguards click here.
About our Fitness Centre
How old do I have to be to use your upstairs Fitness Centre?
All users must be 13+ years. Youth 13-16 years are required to participate in a Fitness Centre orientation on their first visit, and upon completion of an orientation must wear a shoe tag all times. This 30 minute orientation is available Friday evenings from 7pm-9pm. Drop by or call the Fitness Desk at 250-764-4040, 426 to sign up.
Is everyone required to take an orientation?
No, but it is recommended, if you have never used fitness equipment or are new to the H2O Centre. This informative 30 minute orientations are free to members and are available to non-members for the same rate as a facility drop-in. Orientation is available Friday evenings from 7pm-9pm.
