Safe Pools Have Rules

Lifeguards may expel any patron who does not conform to the lifeguard’s instructions or pool rules.

Age

• Kids 4’4” and under are welcome in the pool, but must be accompanied by a parent/adult guardian at all times. The parent /guardian must be in the water within arm’s reach of the child. A maximum ratio on 1 adult to 2 non-swimming children will be enforced. Non-swimmers should wear lifejackets. Children wearing lifejackets are not allowed in the deep end unless accompanied by a swimming adult (in this case a ratio is one child to one parent/guardian. If Kids are under 4’4” and can pass the swim test the parent doesn’t have to swim with the child. But does need to be on the pool deck.
• Kids 10 years and under, and taller than 4’4” must have a parent/guardian on the pool deck.
• Kids ages 11+ are welcome to enjoy the pool alone. And do not need to have a parent or guardian present. They must pass a swim test to go to the deep end.

Swim Attire

• You must wear a swimsuit in the pool. No gym shorts, sports bras, cut off shorts or underwear.
• Clothing may be worn over a swimsuit if it is clean and family appropriate.
• Children in diapers or newly potty-trained children must wear a swim diaper. Please change diapers in the locker rooms.

Pool Rules

• Do not enter the pool if you suspect that you have a communicable disease or an open cut/blister.
• Do not engage lifeguards in conversation. This is a distraction. Their job is to keep you safe.
• No goggles that cover the nose for youth under 18 yrs old.
• During open swim lap lanes are only for lap swimmers.
• Lap swimmers may have to share a lane to accommodate all lap swimmers. The number available lanes may vary during scheduled swim lessons. 
• Diving is prohibited in the shallow end.
• Spitting, spouting water from mouth or blowing your nose in the pool is prohibited.
• No breath-holding or hyperventilation. 
• Only U.S. Coast Guard approved lifejackets and wearable flotation devices are allowed. The YMCA isn’t responsible for providing lifejackets. Users must remain within arm’s reach of an adult if child is a non-swimmer. No inflatables.
• Do not run or engage in rough play in the pool area or locker rooms.
• Diaper changing in the pool area is prohibited. Please use locker rooms.
• Equipment is used for YMCA programs. Lifejackets and noodles can be used for open swim.
• No hanging on or going over lane lines. The tension on the lane lines causes them to break.
• None of the following are allowed: flips, spinning, jumping backwards, running jumps or holding hands into the pool.
• Do not bring food, drink, gum or tobacco into the pool area.
• Do not use the pool if you or your child has had diarrhea in the previous 2 weeks.
• Starting blocks are only for use in swim lessons and competitive swim programs.
• No shoes that have been wore outdoors are allowed on pool deck.
• No PDA (Public Displays of Affection). This is a family facility.
• No water guns, balls, mermaid tails or throwing objects. Objects or items deemed to be dangerous or unsafe by lifeguard are not permitted in pool area.
• Please see lifeguard before entering pool. Swim tests are required for deep-water swimming.
• Swimmers 16 yrs and under will be issued a color-coded necklace designating the area in which they may swim. (Red- shallow with Personal Floatation Device, Yellow- Shallow PFD not required, Green-all area).

Lifeguards may expel any patron who does not conform to the lifeguard’s instructions or pool rules.