Pool Guidelines and Swim Tests

• Do not enter the pool if you suspect you have or have a communicable disease or an open cut or blister.
• Wear family appropriate and clean swim attire only.
• Shower, using warm water and soap, before entering the pool or after use of toilet facilities.
• Children in diapers must wear a reusable plastic pant with snug elasticized legs and waistband.
• Diving is prohibited in water less than 9 feet deep.
• Spitting, spouting water from mouth or blowing the nose in the pool is prohibited.
• No extended breath-holding or hyperventilation.
• Only U.S. Coast Guard approved lifejackets and wearable foam flotation devices are allowed. Users must remain within arm’s reach of an adult.
• 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.
• Do not bring animals into the pool area.
• Do not bring food, drink, gum or tobacco into the pool area.
• Glass and shatterable items are prohibited in the pool area.

For aquatic staff training, the YMCA does periodic safety drills by simulating emergencies.

Your cooperation in following staff instructions during a drill is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your support in making your YMCA safe.

• Clothing may be worn over a swimsuit if it is clean and family appropriate.
• Clothing must be rinsed off thoroughly in the shower before entering the water.
• Children in diapers must wear reusable plastic pants with elasticized legs and waistband.
• Please see Aquatic staff for details about water depth restrictions when wearing clothing in the water.

For the safety of our members and guests, swimmers under the age of 15 must be within arm’s reach of an adult at all times, or pass a YMCA swim test. Swimmers aged 5-14 may use a U.S. Coast Guard Approved Personal Flotation Device in place of passing a swim test or having an adult within arm’s reach.

Deep Water

To swim in water deeper than the swimmer’s armpits, the swimmer must pass the Deep Water Swim Test.

1. Jump into water
2. Tread water for 30 seconds
3. Transition from treading to a front float for 10 seconds
4. Return to treading for an additional 10 seconds

Shallow Water

To swim without an adult in water shallower than the swimmer’s armpits or in the designated shallow end, the swimmer must pass the Shallow Water Swim Test.

1. Enter water to armpit depth
2. Front float for 5 seconds
3. Transition from floating to standing in water
4. Back float for 5 seconds and return to standing

• Kids ages 6 and under are welcome in the pool, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times—unless they are able to pass an appropriate YMCA swim test. Children who pass the swim test must still have a parent in the pool area. Youth ages 5 and over may be in the pool without a completed swim test while wearing a lifejacket.
• Kids ages 7-9 are welcome in the pool, so long as a parent or guardian is somewhere in the building—if they have not passed a swim test, they must be in a lifejacket.
• Kids ages 10-14 are welcome to enjoy the pool alone—and do not need to have a parent or guardian present, unless they have not passed a swim test, in which case, they must be in a lifejacket.

• Members and guests with children of the opposite sex are requested to use the Family Locker Room.
• The YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen property. Please leave your valuables at home.
• For your personal safety, no cell phones, cameras, video recording devices, or pda’s with camera capabilities may be used in the locker room at any time.
• Please dispose of waste in the receptacles provided.
• Please deposit used YMCA towels in the baskets provided.
• Please advise Member Services of any locker room feature or situation requiring service.

• Shower, using warm water and soap, before entering the whirlpool or after use of toilet facilities.
• Minimum age of 15 is required for whirlpool use.
• Persons with medical conditions should not enter the whirlpool without prior consultation and permission from their physician.
• Persons under the influence of alcohol, tranquilizers or any drugs that can cause drowsiness or raise/lower blood pressure should not enter the whirlpool.
• Observe a reasonable time limit in the whirlpool. Lengthy exposure may result in nausea, dizziness or fainting.
• Family appropriate and clean swim attire only.

• Minimum age to use the sauna is 15.
• Do not exercise in the sauna. Wait at least 5 minutes after exercising to cool your body temperature down before using the sauna. Sustained stretching is acceptable.
• Do not wear rubberized or plastic swimsuits as they can melt. Sweatshirts, sweatpants, and athletic shoes are not allowed.
• Limit your time in the sauna. Long use may result in nausea, dizziness or fainting.
• Pregnant women, elderly persons and persons with heart disease, diabetes or high/low blood pressure should not enter the sauna without prior medical consultation and permission from their physician.
• Do not enter the sauna while under the influence of alcohol, tranquilizers or any other drugs that can cause drowsiness or raise/lower blood pressure.
• Shaving is not permitted in the sauna.
• Gum, food and beverages are not allowed except water in a sealed plastic container.
• After using the sauna, please take a cleansing shower before entering the pools.
• Please take all reading materials with you after use.
• Caution: Due to electrical and fire hazard, do not put water on sauna heater or leave reading material in sauna.