Dog Swim Day at the Access Communication Water Park on August 13, 2023

The Access Communication Water Park (ACWP) is approaching shut down for regular maintenance and facility upgrades. The Water Park closes to the human public on August 12th and it goes to the Dogs – literally. Bring your furry pooch family member down to the pool on Sunday, August 13 and make a splash at our first ACWP Dog Day. Below is some important information to help better prepare you and your pooch for this event.

Date, Location, Time & Cost

  • When is the Dog swim?
    • The Dog Swim will be on Sunday, August 13, 2023
  • Where will the Dog Swim take place?
    • The Dog Swim will take places at the Access Communications Water Park in the Gallagher Centre. The Dog Swim will be taking place in the Wave Pool ONLY. No other areas of the Water Park will be available for use.
  • I heard that the sessions are based on size/weight. What are the specific sessions?
    • Yes, the dog swim has been divided into sessions based on a dog's weight so that each session accommodates similar sized dogs. The sessions are as follows:

      • Large Dogs - 60 pounds and over
      • Medium Dogs - 25-60 pounds
      • Small Dogs - under 25 pounds
      • Service Dogs - any weight and size *as identified by the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission*
  • How much does it cost to register?
    • The cost to register your dog is $10.
Registration Information
  • When does registration open?
    • Registration opens on July 28 at 8 a.m.
  • When does registration close?
    • Registration closes on August 9 at 9 p.m.
  • How many dogs can be registered and participate in each session?
    • 30 dogs can be registered in each session.
  • Do I need to create an account for my dog on XplorRecreation?
    • No. Simply log in to your account and register using your own personal name.
  • Can I register on the day of the event?
    • No. You cannot register on the day of the event. Pre-registration is mandatory and walk-ups will not be permitted. Registration can be done online at cityofyorkton.perfectmind.com, in-person at Gallagher Centre Guest Services or by calling 306-786-1740.
  • I have more then one dog. Can I register all of them?
    • One dog, one adult per registration. There will be no exceptions. Owners with more than one dog must have another adult complete the registration and accompany the additional registered dog to the dog swim.
  • Does the registered owner of the dog have to be the one registering for the dog swim?
    • No. However, the person registering must provide the dog's license number and name at the time of registration. More information on dog licenses is available below.
  • I don't live in the city of Yorkton, but I still want to register my dog in the swim. Is that allowed?
    • Dogs must have a valid City of Yorkton dog license in order to participate in the dog swim. Dog licenses from other communities will not be accepted under no circumstances. Please purchase a dog license prior to registering.
  • My dog does not have a current City of Yorkton license. Can I still register?
    • No. You must have a current City of Yorkton dog license in order to register. If you do not have a current license, you must purchase one before registering.
  • Will I need to provide my dog's license number at the time of registering?
    • Yes. Please have your pet’s license number ready at the time of registering.
  • My dog has a current license but I do not have the number with me. Can I still register in person or over the phone in this case?
    • No. You need to have the valid license number with you at the time of registration.
  • I misplaced by dog license number. What do I do?
    • If you misplaced your dog license number, please contact Bylaw Services by calling 306-786-1725 and they will gladly look up your dog license number for you.
  • I am ready to register and I forgot my dog's license. Can you hold my spot until I find it?
    • No, unfortunately not. You must provide all of the information required at the time of registration. Spots will not be held while you gather/verify the required information.
Dog Licenses

Dogs in the city of Yorkton must have up-to-date vaccinations, a current dog licence and should wear their dog tag issued by the City of Yorkton. When dogs are licensed, it is much easier for Bylaw Enforcement Officers and the Yorkton Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) to return a dog to its owner if lost.

For more information on the different dog license available, rates and where to purchase a dog license, please visit our Dog Licenses page.

Things to consider before registering
  • How old does my dog have to be to take part?
    • Dogs must be at least four months old. Puppies that are younger than four months are likely not fully vaccinated. Due to their very young age and vaccination status it is more likely that they get sick, which is why we ask those puppies not to participate.
  • What vaccinations does my dog require?
    • Dogs are required to be up to date on their core booster vaccinations (DHPP or DA2PP) and their Rabies vaccine. The Bordetella vaccine is recommended but not required.
  • What are core booster vaccinations?
    • Core vaccines are a combination vaccine that is administered yearly. The vaccine includes:

      • Distemper
      • Hepatitis
      • Adenovirus
      • Parvovirus
      • Parainfluenza

      If you give your dog a yearly booster vaccine, your dog should be covered.

  • What is Bordetella vaccine?
    • Bordetella is a vaccine for Kennel Cough. Although not required, is recommended for dogs to receive this vaccine when your dog spends time being in contact with other dogs.
  • How do I check my dog's vaccination status?
    • Vaccination status and records can be obtained from your veterinarian.
Important information for the day of the swim
  • Will the dog's human be able to participate in the swim?
    • No. Only dog's are allowed to swim at this event. The dog's human is more then welcome to attend future public swimming events that are planned for humans in the future.
  • Can my child attend the dog swim with me?
    • Yes. This is a family event and so human children can be there to observe the dog swim. Please note that human children 12 and under must be supervised by a human adult.
  • Does my dog need to wear his/her collar and license tag on the day of the swim?
    • Yes.
  • Will a lifeguard be on duty?
    • Lifeguards will be on duty but will only be there in the event a dog's human falls into the pool and requires assistance.
  • I'm not sure if my dog can swim well. Will there be dog life jackets there?
    • Dog life jackets are not provided. Please bring one if you are unsure of your dog’s swimming abilities.
  • What will happen in the event that a dog is in distress?
    • Bylaw Enforcement Officers will be present and be able to provide support in the event of an emergency.
  • Will there be drinking water available on site?
    • Yes. There is a water fountain located on the pool deck. Please bring your dog's own water dish as there will be no water dishes provided.
  • What will happen if my dog drinks the chlorinated water in the pool?
    • The water in the pool is potable. The chlorination system will be turned off the day before the dog swim and there is no concern with dogs drinking some of the water in the pool.
After the swim
  • I registered for the dog swim but we are unable to attend. Can I get a refund?
    • This event is non-refundable. Should you withdraw from the event, the fee you paid will be applied as a credit on your account which you can use at any of our facilities for different programs or services we provide.
  • Will the pool be cleaned once the event is over?
    • Yes. The pool will be thoroughly cleaned after the event and then again prior to the pool opening after our maintenance shutdown. This event is being held prior to our bi-annual maintenance shutdown. The pool will be completely drained, cleaned and maintenance work before our reopening in September.
General Guidelines

The following guidelines are to be followed to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for everyone.

  • Participate at your own risk
  • Pick up dog waste immediately
  • Dogs only - humans are not allowed in the pool
  • One owner/handler is required per dog
  • The owner/handler must be 18 years or older
  • Owners/handlers are responsible for any injuries or damages caused by their dog
  • Owners/handlers must supervise and have voice control of their dog at all time
  • Dogs must have a current City of Yorkton license
  • Dogs should be up to date on their core booster vaccinations (DHPP or DA2PP) as well as their Rabies vaccination
  • Dogs must be wearing a collar (no pinch/prong/choke) with license tag at all times
  • Dogs must be at least four months old
  • Dogs must be leashed while entering and exiting the pool area
  • Dogs must be spayed or neutered
  • Well socialized, friendly dogs only
  • Dangerous/aggressive/unruly animals are prohibited and will be asked to leave
  • Dispose of all litter in the garbage bin
  • Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult
  • Lifeguards are on duty but are only there in the event that a person falls into the pool and requires assistance
  • You will be asked to check-in before entering the pool area
  • Dog life jackets are not provided; please bring one if you are unsure of your dog’s swimming abilities
  • Bring your dog’s bowl so that they can have access to drinking water

The Animal Control Bylaw applies to this location. You are responsible for your dog’s actions. Failure to obey could result in fines.