Summer Swimming Information: The Big Splash – Outdoor Pool Now Open!
Rates for The Big Splash – Outdoor Pool, in effect starting August 10, 2026
Issued August 5, 2026:
A big part of enjoying summer is going for a swim – Region of Queens Municipality is excited that The Big Splash – Outdoor Pool at Queens Place Emera Centre is now open, and that residents and visitors to the area have been enjoying the pool on it’s first day open (opening day was August 4!). To celebrate opening week, all public lane swims, and afternoon and evening swims are free of charge! Have you been for a swim yet?
The rate sheet shows the different ways users can add swimming at The Big Splash to their recreational activities – whether you want to swim occasionally, frequently, as part of an “All Access” facility pass, or added to your annual or monthly Queens Place Emera Centre membership – there are lots of options to choose from!
Click this link for a PDF of the rate sheet or refer to the poster below. ** PLEASE NOTE: the rates listed begin on August 10, 2026.
Entrance to The Big Splash is through the lobby at Queens Place Emera Centre, 50 Queens Place Drive, Liverpool. Please check in at the Customer Service Desk.
Times of Free Swims During Opening Week (August 4 – 7, 2026)
originally posted August 4, 2026
TODAY is the day you have been waiting for!!! Region of Queens Municipality is thrilled that as of today, the wait is over, and people will be able to enjoy the Municipality’s newest recreation facility, The Big Splash at Queens Place Emera Centre.
To celebrate the opening of The Big Splash, public lane swims as well as afternoon and evening swims will be FREE from August 4 to August 7, 2026.
Come for a swim, cool off and enjoy the beautiful new pool!!
Swim times this week include:
Tuesday, August 4th:
• Lane Swim: 10:00am-1:00pm
• Afternoon Public Swim: 2:00pm-4:00pm
• Evening Public Swim: 5:00pm-6:30pm
Wednesday, August 5th:
• Lane Swim: 12:00pm-1:00pm
• Afternoon Public Swim: 2:00pm-4:00pm
• Evening Public Swim: 5:00pm-6:30pm
Thursday, August 6th:
• Lane Swim: 12:00pm-1:00pm
• Afternoon Public Swim: 2:00pm-4:00pm
• Evening Public Swim: 5:00pm-6:30pm
Friday, August 7th:
• Lane Swim: 9:00am-11:00am
• Afternoon Public Swim: 2:00pm-4:00pm
• Evening Public Swim: 5:00pm-6:30pm
For complete details on this amazing new outdoor pool, please visit www.regionofqueens.com or call us at 902-354-4422.
A BIT of INFORMATION ABOUT THE NAME
This project wouldn’t have been possible without contributions from the Province of Nova Scotia and private donor who made an anonymous contribution to help see the pool project come to fruition. As part of the anonymous donation agreement, the donor was invited to select a name for the new pool – they chose The Big Splash, which conveys the fun, energy, and excitement we know that swimmers of all ages will feel when they arrive at the facility and get to experience their first swim.
Stay tuned for more news in the next week or so as we unveil the date for our celebratory Grand Opening Pool Party event!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
originally published August 4, 2026:
Now that The Big Splash has opened, we have compiled a list of answers to some questions people have asked or may be wondering about before going to the new pool. 
Go – swim – have fun!! 
How early can I arrive for a public swim or swimming lesson?
– Please arrive no more than 5 minutes before your scheduled swim or lesson. This helps us manage the number of people in the change rooms and ensure everyone has enough space. It also allows participants in the swimming lesson or program before yours to leave the water and pool deck before you enter, reducing congestion and creating a safer, more comfortable environment for everyone.
Where is the facility entrance?
– All guests using The Big Splash Outdoor Swimming Pool must enter and exit through the main lobby at Queens Place Emera Centre. Please check in at the front desk before entering the pool area.
Are lockers available?
– Yes. Day-use lockers are available for your convenience. Please bring your own lock, as locks are not provided.
What footwear is allowed on the pool deck?
– Outdoor footwear is not to be worn on the pool deck to help keep the area clean. Clean flip-flops, sandals, or other clean pool-safe footwear are recommended.
What should I bring?
– Please arrive ready to enter the pool wearing clean swimwear. Guests are also required to bring their own towels and sunscreen, as these items are not provided. Water bottles are permitted; however, they must be stored in a non-glass container for the safety of all guests. There is a water bottle filling station at the pool to refill water bottles. Please note that food and gum are not permitted on the pool deck.
What are the admission requirements?
– For the health and safety of everyone:
· Children who are not toilet trained must wear a swim diaper.
· Please shower before entering the pool.
· Do not enter the water if you are feeling unwell or have
symptoms of illness.
· Patrons with open cuts or sores should not use the pool until
they have healed or are properly covered.
Do I need to supervise my child during public swims and other pool programs?
– Yes. Children ages 7 and under and non-swimmers must always remain within arm’s reach of a responsible person 16 years of age or older. Children aged 8 – 9 must have an adult (aged 16+) on deck or in the pool supervising. Children ages 10 – 11 must have an adult (age 16+) supervision present at the aquatic centre. Ages 12 and up can swim independently unless a weak/non swimmer. If you are not swimming or supervising someone in the water, please do not remain on the pool deck. This helps us manage deck capacity and maintain a safe environment for everyone.
Will I need to complete a swim test to swim in the deep end without a lifejacket during public or lane swim?
– Yes. Swimmers who wish to use areas of the pool beyond the shallow end are required to complete a swim test. Swim tests help our lifeguards assess each swimmer’s comfort level and swimming ability, ensuring everyone can enjoy the pool safely. The swim test only needs to be completed once per season, during your first public or lane swim visit. After successfully completing the test, swimmers will have access to the appropriate areas of the pool based on their demonstrated swimming ability.
Can parents or spectators stay on the pool deck during swimming lessons?
– Only participants, staff, and those actively supervising a swimmer should be on the pool deck during swimming lessons. Spectators who are not supervising should remain in designated viewing areas, if available, to help manage capacity.
Can I bring my own pool equipment during public swims?
– For the safety of all swimmers, personal equipment such as snorkels, flippers, fins, and mermaid tails is not permitted during public swims.
Why are there maximum capacities for swims?
– Each swim has a maximum number of participants based on the type of program, available lifeguards, and safe supervision ratios. Public and lane swims are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once capacity is reached, additional admissions cannot be accommodated.
At The Big Splash Outdoor Swimming Pool, the number of lifeguards required on deck increases as the number of swimmers increases:
• 0–30 swimmers: 1 lifeguard required
• 31–60 swimmers: 2 lifeguards required
• 61–90 swimmers: 3 lifeguards required
Pool maximums also depend on staffing levels and therefore may be reduced to align with lifeguards on duty.
Any time the beachfront entry and lap pool are open, 2 lifeguards are required.
These guidelines help ensure appropriate supervision; however, the number of swimmers permitted may be adjusted at the discretion of the on-site supervisor or lifeguards based on current conditions, safety considerations, and the ability to effectively supervise all areas of the pool.
New Outdoor Pool to Open to Public August 4, 2026!
originally posted July 31, 2026: Region of Queens Municipality is thrilled to announce that our newest recreation facility, The Big Splash at Queens Place Emera Centre, opens to the public on Tuesday, August 4!
To celebrate the opening of The Big Splash, public lane swims as well as afternoon and evening swims will be FREE from August 4 to August 7, 2026.
Swim times this week include:
Tuesday, August 4th:
- Lane Swim: 10:00am-1:00pm
- Afternoon Public Swim: 2:00pm-4:00pm
- Evening Public Swim: 5:00pm-6:30pm
Wednesday, August 5th:
- Lane Swim: 12:00pm-1:00pm
- Afternoon Public Swim: 2:00pm-4:00pm
- Evening Public Swim: 5:00pm-6:30pm
Thursday, August 6th:
- Lane Swim: 12:00pm-1:00pm
- Afternoon Public Swim: 2:00pm-4:00pm
- Evening Public Swim: 5:00pm-6:30pm
Friday, August 7th:
- Lane Swim: 9:00am-11:00am
- Afternoon Public Swim: 2:00pm-4:00pm
- Evening Public Swim: 5:00pm-6:30pm
For complete details on this amazing new outdoor pool, please visit www.regionofqueens.com or call us at 902-354-4422.
ABOUT THE NAME
This project wouldn’t have been possible without contributions from the Province of Nova Scotia and private donor who made an anonymous contribution to help see the pool project come to fruition. As part of the anonymous donation agreement, the donor was invited to select a name for the new pool – they chose The Big Splash, which conveys the fun, energy, and excitement we know that swimmers of all ages will feel when they arrive at the facility and get to experience their first swim. Stay tuned for more news in the next week or so as we unveil the date for our celebratory Grand Opening Pool Party event!