Swimming in the Rideau Canal can present many dangers. In 1923, when the community could finally swim safely in a luxurious swimming pool, it was cause for celebration. The Rotary Club employed two swimming instructors and a lifeguard. The caretaker was employed by the town. Children and adults alike received the benefits swimming can deliver including the self-confidence of progressing through different levels of swimming lessons. Many beautiful childhood summertime memories were born at the Rotary Pool. Opposite the pool were sandboxes, swings, and a playground. Swimming classes took place every morning and a 4-year-old Jean McNeill was likely one of the first students. Her father was Stanley McNeill, manager of the Rideau Theatre, later the Capitol Theatre. Her grandmother was Alice McNeill who lived just down the street at the Keyhole House.

Ron Stronski is a well-known personality who says he grew up at the Rotary Pool. He remembers that the pool had two sections with a concrete divider separating the boys from the girls. “The lifeguards were high school students, and they could walk along the divider,” Ron explained. On several occasions Ron “accidentally” found himself in the girl’s section which resulted in his being sent home for the day, in a state of devastation. He explained that the pool was fed by the Rideau Canal and water entered through steel grates and then discharged into the canal behind the pool. “The pool was tremendously popular with kids. It was extremely well maintained and there were sandboxes, benches and at least 15 swings on the property.” Ron reminisced. He would return at night and sit on the swings facing the Frost & Wood plant. He loved to watch the bright blue flames produced by the forging facilities which would dance and reflect on the Rideau Canal.