Frequently Asked Questions (Y Etiquette & Rules)
For those of you who need quick answers, here is an offering of some more popular questions posed to H20 Adventure + Fitness Centre staff.
About H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre
Oops, I forgot my Card…
The H20 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
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 communtiy…and at affordable prices.
About the Facility & Drop-Ins
Where are you located?
The H20 Adventure + Fitness Centre is located next to the Capital News Centre at 4075 Gordon Drive, in the Lower Mission community of Kelowna.
View Map & Driving Directions. Location Click Here
View Public Transit Information ( Route #1)
I have never been to the H20 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 H20 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 H20 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.
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 15 children. Group Rate Information
Can I register for programs over the phone?
Yes. We do, however, require credit card payment at the time of registration as we are unable to 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. Locker keys are provided to H2O members for the pool change rooms. Lockers are available for public use in the pool change rooms ( women, men, and family) at a cost of $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 H20 Centre provide towels?
To reduce the H20 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.
Are all children able to use the high diving board?
For safety reasons only children 8 or older are allowed to use the high diving board.
What temperature are your pools & features?
The temperature of our pools and features may vary, but we aim to keep them at the following:
Olympic 50 m pool: 28C 82F
Wave pool: 30C 86F
River Run: 30C 86F
Adult hot tub: 40C 104F
Family hot tub: 39C 102F
Steam room: 42-44C 1110-115F
Who can ride the FlowRider?
You must be a minimum of 107 cm tall to ride on your stomach or knees and 132 cm tall to stand-up on the FlowRider. Measure yourself against the surfboard in our lobby to see if you are tall enough to ride. Anyone wishing to stand on the FlowRiders 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 or 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 part of the H20 admission.
What should I wear on the FlowRider?
Girls-We recommend a one-piece swim suit. If you choose to wear a two-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 might lose them.
Can my child sit on my lap going down the waterslide?
In order to ride the waterslides you must be 107cm or taller. Unfortunately the height regulations are not set by the Y or the City of Kelowna. Waterslides are regulated by the BC Safety Authority and the height regulations have be set to ensure maximum rider safety. We have done our best to inform patrons of these regulations before entrance into the facility by posting signs in the front lobby and multiple signs in the Aquatic area. We rely on both the staff and the child’s guardian to be accountable for the safety of all children while in the facility. For more information about the BC Safety Authority, visit www.safetyauthority.ca
Can I bring my own floatation device in the pool or does the H20 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 H20 Centre and have them evaluated by an instructor. It is highly recommended that you phone first and check on instructor availability.
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 H20 Centre. For the most accurate schedule information and the steps to becoming a lifeguard, visit lifeguardokanagan.com. To check if the H20 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 12+ years. Youth 12-16 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 to be booked through Member Services . Drop by or call the Fitness Desk at 250-764-4040, 426 to sign up.
Is everyone required to take an orientation?
Only users 12-16 years old are required to take a fitness orientation. It is recommended if you have never used fitness equipment or are new to the H20 Centre to participate in an orientation session. This informative 30 minute orientation is free to members and is available to non-members for the same rate as a facility drop-in. Orientation is available by appointment which can be made at Member Services.
How old can you be to participate in fitness classes?
Participants as young as 10 & 11 can participate in class with a parent/guardian.
What are the age ranges that can use your childminding services?
Children can be 6 weeks to 10 years old.
Is there a time limit I can leave my child in childminding?
AM – up to 1.5 hours | PM up to 2 hours