Recreation Policies and Guidelines

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is committed to providing a safe, comfortable, and inclusive environment within our recreation facilities for all patrons and staff to enjoy. SCRD staff reserves the right to enforce reasonable rules and guidelines for patron conduct within its facilities.

Respectful Workplace Code of Conduct

RESPECT the staff  |   RESPECT each other   |   RESPECT the facility

  • Abusive behaviour or language towards staff or patrons
  • Sheltering or loitering
  • Theft, vandalism, or property damage
  • Indecent exposure
  • Engaging in inappropriate sexual conduct
  • Alcohol and drug use or intoxication
  • Smoking and/or vaping
  • Breaking a program or facility rule
  • Committing a criminal offence

SCRD Recreation reserves the right to refuse service to anyone where it is deemed reasonable and justifiable.

  • When coming for a drop-in activity, check in at the front desk and pay drop-in admission or use your pass before attending the drop-in activity.
  • The use of cameras or recording equipment in change rooms is strictly prohibited.
  • Unfortunately theft happens. Use the lockers provided to keep personal items safe. Lockers are for day use only. Lockers will be emptied each night
  • Alcohol is not permitted in SCRD facilities unless a Special Occasions license has been applied for through the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB).
  • No smoking: the use of tobacco, vapour devices, and marijuana is not permitted in and around facilities.
  • Facilities are scent-free spaces. Avoid using perfumes and scented products.

Facility Guidelines

The SCRD operates three pools on the Sunshine Coast: Gibsons Pool, Sechelt Aquatic Centre and Pender Harbour Aquatic & Fitness Centre.

  • The use of cameras or recording equipment in change rooms is strictly prohibited.
  • Only water is permitted on the pool deck, no food or glass containers.
  • Those who are not toilet trained must wear a swim diaper, which may be purchased at reception.
  • In consideration of those waiting, use change areas efficiently.
  • Children under 7 years must be within arms’ reach of a responsible person 16 years or older in all pool areas including change rooms.
  • Those 7 years and older must use the change room of their identified gender or the universal change room.
  • Remove outside shoes before entering pool deck.
  • Please shower before entering the pool and wet areas.

This is a shared space. Please keep clothing/swimsuit on in common areas.

A steam room and sauna are available at Sechelt Aquatic Centre. A sauna is available at the Pender Harbour Aquatic & Fitness Centre.

  • Users must be 16 years and older.
  • Recommended maximum length of stay is 10 minutes.
  • Pregnant women and persons with medical conditions should consult a doctor before use.
  • Shower, drink water, and allow 5-10 minutes to cool down between uses.
  • If feeling unwell after use (dizziness, fatigue, nausea), report to staff immediately.

A hot tub is available at Gibsons Pool, Sechelt Aquatic Centre and Pender Harbour Aquatic & Fitness Centre.

  • Children under 12 years must be supervised by a responsible person 16 years or older.
  • Recommended maximum length of stay is 10 minutes.
  • Pregnant women and persons with medical conditions should consult a doctor before use.
  • Remove bathing caps prior to use and keep head out of the water to prevent overheating.
  • Shower, drink water, and allow 5-10 minutes to cool down between uses.
  • If feeling unwell after use (dizziness, fatigue, nausea), report to staff immediately.

A big waterslide is available at the Sechelt Aquatic Centre.

  • Children under 7 years must be supervised by a responsible person 16 years or older at the slide exit.
  • Sliders must be at least 48” to ride.
  • Walk slowly on stairs.
  • One person on the slide at a time.
  • Wait for the lifeguard’s signal before sliding.
  • Exit the slide chute quickly after your ride.
    * Slide rules are set by the manufacturer.
  • The waterslide is not always open, and we want to help you catch it at the right time! Here is what to know:
    • We do not open the waterslide while programs, like Swim Lessons and Aquatic Fitness Classes are taking place.
    • For everyone’s safety, we must have enough lifeguard staff on deck in order to open the waterslide. If we are a bit short-staffed, we may not be able to open the slide. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding about this.

Weight rooms are available at Gibsons Community Centre, Sechelt Aquatic Centre and Pender Harbour Aquatic & Fitness Centre. Help make the weight room a pleasant environment for all.

  • Weight room users must be 16 years and older.
  • 13- to 15 –year-olds may use the weight room under close supervision of a responsible adult. (19 years and older)
    • 13- to 15 –year-olds can also complete our weight room orientation which teaches how to use the weight room safely. Once this is successfully completed, 13- to 15 –year-olds can use the weight room on their own.
  • Respect the privacy of others in the weight room if using cameras or recording equipment.  Use of cameras and recording equipment in change rooms is strictly prohibited.
  • Clean shoes help reduce wear and tear on the equipment. We have a shoe brush you can use to remove debris from the bottom of your shoes if you need one. Closed toe and heel shoes are required.
  • Wear clean, appropriate exercise attire that covers chest and buttocks
  • Kindly wipe down equipment after using it.
  • Bring a towel for personal use.
  • Use headphones if you are listening to your own music. Background music in the weight room is set to a level that will not interfere with this
  • Be respectful and courteous of others and the facility:
    • Permit others to “work in” by allowing them to use equipment between sets.
    • Use the cardio sign-up board and limit your use to 30 minutes while others are waiting
    • No dropping dumbbells and weight plates on the floor.
    • Return all equipment to their proper stored location after use.
  • We offer weight-room orientations which teach you about weight room etiquette and how to use the weight room. Register at the front desk.

Arenas are available at the Gibsons Community Centre and Sunshine Coast Arena.

  • Helmets must be worn by children 12 years and younger. We have helmets available free of charge.
  • Children 7 years and under must be supervised by an adult.
  • Do not play hockey or lacrosse outside the playing surface. – respect the facilities.

Squash and racquetball courts are available at the Gibsons Community Centre.

  • Patrons must be 8 years or older to use the courts.
  • Wear footwear with non-marking soles when using the courts.
  • When using the convertible court, patrons must move the wall to leave it as a racquetball court.

Withdrawals, Refunds, Cancellations and Accounting Policy

Withdrawals from a registered program made more than 72 hours before the start of the program will be refunded to account.

Withdrawals made within 72 hours of the start of the program will not be refunded. Exceptions may be granted by the Recreation Coordinator under extenuating circumstances.

All refunds are issued to customer account for use at a later date. Account credits can be used towards program registration, pass purchases and drop-in admissions.

Refund by cheque of a balance on a customer account may be made upon request.

Refund to credit card may be made on a case-by-case basis.

A cancellation by the SCRD may occur when a registered program (whole or in part) is cancelled due to minimal registration not being met, changes from the instructor, or other material changes that make it impossible for the activity to proceed.

Registrants will receive a refund to account for the cancelled portion of the program.

The SCRD does not provide refunds on passes.

When a customer will not be using a facility for which they have prepaid access or for which they have been issued a permit, a cancellation is made.

Notice 14 days in advance is required for one-time events in order to qualify for a full refund. Ongoing users do not qualify for refunds but may choose alternate dates or find an approved substitute user.

The SCRD will remove credits from recreation accounts that have had no financial activity of any kind for at least five years. These are considered Inactive accounts.

Account holders with credits on Inactive accounts will be notified and reminded to either use the credit or request a cheque refund before it is cleared.

Starting in 2026, inactive accounts with credits under $50 will not receive reminder notifications. These credits will be automatically cleared if unused by June 1 of that year.

For credits of $50 or more, the SCRD will continue to attempt to contact the account holder before clearing the credit.

Indoor Pet, Guide and Service Animals

Dogs are generally not allowed in SCRD recreation facilities. However, certified service dogs are permitted. For more information about service dog eligibility and public access rights, please visit the BC Provincial Government website.

Community Poster Boards

SCRD Recreation allows non-profit organizations to display posters on the Community Poster Boards located in our recreation facilities. To have a poster displayed, a member of the non-profit organization must bring it to the front desk for approval and posting.

Contact Us

Recreation Services

Phone: 604-885-6801 

Email: recreation@scrd.ca