Valleycrest Frequently Asked Questions
This page will be updated as questions arise.
(In no particular order).
Q: Who do I contact about memberships and fees?
A: Please contact Cindy Charles at 514-696-3482.
Q: How do I volunteer for an activity or event?
A: The pool registration package you receive will contain a volunteering sign-up sheet. There will also be frequent updates about events on the vycpool.com website, as well as on the club mailing list.
A: Can my child compete on the different aquatic teams?
Q: Yes! In fact, Valleycrest encourages everyone to participate, no matter his or her skill level. Everyone gets to learn – everyone gets to compete, at this club.
Q: What happens if I do not pay my share maintenance fee?
A: Your share will become NULL and VOID and default back to Valleycrest if your fees are left unpaid for two consecutive years.
Q: Can I bring my pet to the pool?
A: No pets are allowed at any pool in the province of Quebec.
Q: What is available for adults?
A: Valleycrest offers Aqua Fit classes Monday through Thursday. Adult swimming lessons can be arranged. Certain time periods at the pool are set aside for adults only.
Q: What are the qualifications of the lifeguards?
A: All Valleycrest lifeguards are certified and affiliated with the Lifesaving Society. They are hired for their expertise in water sports, skills as instructors and their potential as positive role models for our children.
Q: Are visitors allowed at the pool?
A: There are free-swim hours available — consult the schedule to verify availability and entrance fees. Guests of members are also welcome during free-swim hours.
Q: What is the minimum age that my child can enter the pool area alone?
A: He or she has to be at least 12 years old to enter and stay at Valleycrest unsupervised However, appropriate behaviour is required (at lifeguards’ discretion).
Q: How is my membership fee used?
A: The membership fees are used to pay for maintenance and upkeep of the club property, as well as the salaries of lifeguards. Committee members and members helping during special events and day-to-day activities at the pool all volunteer their time and knowledge.
Q: Are there activities for my pre-school children?
A: Swimming lessons can begin as soon as parents feel their children are ready. They can also join the pre-swim team, “Guppies“, which is for children under the age of 6. Valleycrest also has a wading pool, sand box, basketball court and a beach volleyball court where spontaneous play occurs. In addition, Valleycrest also organizes barbeques and special events for member families.
Q: Who will look after my children if I wish to participate in adult aquatic instruction and aqua fit?
A: There are always lifeguards, members and other children and teenagers on deck and at hand. Don’t worry! Things have a way of sorting themselves out when everyone pitches in.
Q: What extra fees am I expected to pay during the summer?
A: Generally, there are no extra fees. All lessons and aquatic team instructions are included with your membership fee. However, your child might need to purchase a team swimsuit, if he or she is to compete in organized synchronized swimming competitions. Barbeques and family events are free to attend, but Snack Shack food and beverages are extra. The end-of-season adult dinner and dance has a cover charge, which pays for the dinner, disk jockey and liquor license etc.
Q: Whom do I contact if I have a sponsor for the pool?
A: Please see the sponsorship page for contact information and other details.
Q: How do I make this summer pool experience the best for my children?
A: Simply come and join in everything the pool has to offer. It’s a supportive and positive environment. Do consider volunteering, to help keep operating costs down and the pool running smoothly. It’s also a great way to meet and get to know other members.
Q: Is the Valleycrest pool a non-profit organization?
A: Yes, it is. All money raised by Valleycrest and its members goes back into the club.
Q: How many times per week are lessons provided?
A: Swimming lessons are available, Monday to Thursday. NOTE! Lessons are also available on weekends. Read on…
Q: Are weekend swim lessons offered to my children?
A: Yes. Morning hours are set aside on weekends for children of working parents. Lessons and instruction are only available to members and member’s children.
Q: Are pool toys allowed at Valleycrest?
A: There is a “rubber ducky swim” on weekends from 12pm to 2pm where floaties and other pool toys are allowed in the water (at the lifeguards’ discretion).
Q: How many competitions are there per year?
A: The Valleycrest swim team competes weekly (Wednesday evenings) against other pools in the division (5 club meets, starting July 1). There is also a Time Trial and a Big Meet where the best swimmers from all 18 North Shore Aquatic Association clubs qualify and later compete in the finals. In addition, there is a “Summer Meet” for swimmers who only attend competitive swimming instruction during the summer months. The Valleycrest diving, synchro and water polo teams also have a set schedule, which is available on the individual team pages on this website.
Q: What kind of food and beverages are available in the Snack Shack?
A: Availability of items changes throughout the summer and with different events.
Q: Can I bring my own food and beverages to the pool?
A: Yes, of course! There are picnic tables and umbrellas available, and Valleycrest members are welcome to use the barbeques at the pool (members do need to bring their own gas and fuel when cooking privately.)
Q: I have a pool in my backyard… Why should I join Valleycrest?
A: It is a social environment for adults and kids alike. Ask your children — many of their friends will be going to Valleycrest this summer. Summers of structured lessons and instruction will have a huge impact on water skills, safety, conditioning and maturity. The main point? It’s fun!
Q: Is there anything else I should know?
A: Yes! You will have a great time! Come meet your neighbours and make new friends! Your kids will have a blast and make new friends all summer long!
If you consider the family membership fee (see here) and all it gives you and your family — it’s an amazing deal!
Please do explore the website for more information and pictures.
Have a great summer and hope to see you at Valleycrest!
Club de Natation Valleycrest Swimming Club
