MIDDLESEX YMCA

Pool Rules

The lifeguard is the final authority on all actions and discipline within the pool area to ensure and maintain a safe environment. Y members and guests must follow all safety guidelines or may be asked to leave the pool area.

• Pool will only be open when a certified lifeguard is on duty.

• All persons using the swimming pool must take a cleansing shower before entering the pool.

• Any person known or suspected of having an infectious, communicable disease or open wound is prohibited from using the pool.

• Spitting or blowing the nose in the pool is prohibited.

• No running in the pool area.

• Boisterous or rough play (except supervised water sports) is prohibited.

• Appropriate language must be used at all times. Vulgar or offensive language will not be tolerated.

• Proper swim attire is required to swim in the pool (e.g. Bathing suit, swim shirt, swim diaper, other approved attire).

• Long hair must be braided, worn in a pony tails, or restrained under a swim cap.

• Glass containers and food are NOT permitted on the pool deck.

• No playing on or around the stairs, ladders, or on the ramp.

• No hanging on, sitting on, swimming over, or picking up lane lines.

• Diving is NOT permitted in the shallow end. Diving off the starter blocks is ONLY permitted during supervised programs.

• Jumping, using fins, and using kickboards is not permitted in the small pool. Fins may not be worn on the pool deck.

• No extended breath holding, which includes, but is not limited to, breath-holding games or training.

• Members and guests of all ages must change in the appropriate designated locker rooms.

• Children under the age of 12 must have an adult supervising in the pool area at all times, regardless of swim level.

• All children under the age of 14 will be tested and marked according to swim ability (See Swim Testing Policy).

• Aquatic staff reserve the right to deep water test any adult and/or deny any adult with a child, entry into deep water (See Swim Testing Policy).

• Swim tests are valid for ONE YEAR, after which swimmers must retest.

• Children 0 - 5 years of age or any child of 6+ years that is unable to pass the shallow water test (regardless of their age) MUST be accompanied by an actively engaged adult (over 18) IN THE WATER and stay within an arm's reach AT ALL TIMES.

• An adult may not be responsible for more than 4 children in the pool at one time. Of the maximum of 4 children, NO MORE THAN 2 can be non-swimmers (0-5 years or unable to pass shallow/deep water tests).

• Breaking rules will result either in 1 warning and then dismissal/suspension OR immediate dismissal/suspension from the pool area depending upon the severity of the action/inaction.

• YMCA Staff may close the pool at any time for safety reasons, including but not limited to chemical imbalance, mechanical issue, water clarity, pool contamination, & electrical storms.

 

Equipment Usage

•   Personal floatation equipment/toys/objects may not be used without permission from the aquatic staff. Use of USCG approved floatation devices encouraged.

•   No toys, balls, or any outside equipment is permitted for use by patrons. Noodles are permitted for use, one per person.

•   Only adults are permitted to use water workout equipment.

•   Additional equipment may be used during swim lessons, birthday parties, or at discretion of the lifeguard on duty only.

•   Kickboards and fins are not allowed in the small pool. They are only to be used for lap swim. Fins may not be worn on the pool deck.

•   Equipment in the white bins on the large pool deck are for swim team and swim lesson use only.

•   No outside lifejackets are allowed unless they are USCG approved. USCG approved lifejackets are available for use.

 

Flotation Device Policy

All non-swimmers must be in the direct supervision of a legal parent or guardian at all times when in water managed by the YMCA. Direct supervision means a parent or guardian must be within arm’s length of the non-swimmer at all times when in the water.

Flotation devices are designed to assist swimmers and non-swimmers in staying afloat. Only U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices are allowed in YMCA managed pools.

YMCA Lifeguards are employed to provide all aquatics participants with the utmost level of safety while in and around the water. If lifeguards determine that a flotation device is unsafe or being used in an unsafe manner, they will be expected to ask the patron(s) to immediately discontinue this type of behavior or exit the pool.

Close supervision of all non-swimmers is the key in maintaining a safe swimming environment for everyone.

 

Swim Time Descriptions

•   OPEN SWIM - For individuals/families of all ages to enjoy unstructured activities in the pool.

•   FAMILY SWIM- For families with children under the age of 18 to enjoy unstructured activities in the pool.

•   ADULT SWIM- For individuals 18 and older to enjoy unstructured activities in the pool.

•   LAP SWIM - For individuals swimming lengths/laps for exercise - must be 12+ years and deep water test qualified to swim without a parent in the pool area.

 

The lifeguard is the final authority on all actions and discipline within the pool area to ensure and maintain a safe environment. It is the primary responsibility of the lifeguard to scan the pool area, deal with emergency situations, and enforce rules for patron safety.