Lifeguard chair in beach

Beaches, outdoor pools, and splash pads in HRM

As the summer season kicks off, so does the opening of beaches, outdoor pools, and splash pads across HRM. We are lucky to have so many great spots so close for us to enjoy in our community and neighbouring ones as well.

The Halifax Commons Pool located on the Halifax mainland commons between Cogswell Street and Bell Road is now open. The space features a 25m five lane pool, 3 climbing walls, beach entry with play features and large universal changerooms. The pool offers a variety of activities such as lane swimming, swimming lessons, and open swims.

When heading out to the pool it’s important to remember there are age guidelines to follow when swimming.

  • Children 6 years old or younger must have a parent or guardian (18 years or older) within arms reach at all times.
  • Children between the ages of 7 and 11 must have a parent or guardian (18 years or older), at the facility while in case of emergency.
  • Youth between the ages of 12 and 17 can use the facility on their own but cannot act as a guardian for children 11 and under.

The pool will also offer the following adaptive equipment at the commons pool:

  • lifejackets
  • pool lift
  • aquatic wheelchair

Pools in HRM offer many levels of swimming lessons and activities, for all ages and abilities. Browse the various programs on halifax.ca/myREC which include complete descriptions, levels, and availability.

As part of the Halifax Park and Recreation programs, lifeguard supervision and water quality testing are done at all municipal beaches starting July 1st and end for the summer season August 31st each year.

You can find the full list of supervised beach locations, outdoor pools, and splashpads here.

The municipality monitors supervised beaches for fecal bacteria, blue-green algae, and other waterborne contaminants. If a suspected blue-green bloom is observed at one of our supervised beaches, the beach is closed immediately, and water samples are analyzed for toxins. You can find a list of potential blue-green algae blooms online here.

The beach is not reopened until analysis confirms toxin levels are within safe limits for recreation. When a bloom is reported to the province in a lake where the municipality supervises a beach, municipal staff conduct follow-up monitoring to ensure water quality is safe for recreational use. You can read more on blue-green algae and ways to identify it here.