Aquatics

YMCA of Broome County Aquatics

 POOL RULES AND GUIDELINES

· The lifeguard has sole authority over the entire pool area. He/she must be obeyed if a rule interpretation is made or deemed an activity to be unsafe.

· No prolonged or repetitive breath holding.

· Diving is only permitted in 9 feet of water – no diving permitted at the West Family Y pool.

· Jumping forward, feet first is permitted (not backwards nor twisting)

· No inflatable floatation devices be used. Life vests and puddle jumpers are permitted. In addition, we have life jackets and approved flotation belts at each pool for your usage.

· Children requiring a flotation device must have an adult in the water with them within arm’s reach

· Proper bathing attire is always required: swimsuit /swim trunks (see more below)

· Children not yet potty trained must wear a swim diaper.

· Persons with open wounds or any infectious communicable diseases are not allowed in the pool.

· Show respect: no running, rough horseplay, dunking, throwing, or pushing into the water, ‘chicken fights’ and wrestling are not permitted.

· Profanity is not tolerated and may lead to expulsion.

· Deep Water Testing: All swimmers under the age of 16 years of age shall be tested by the lifeguard on duty prior to entering deep water. (see signage)

· Please refrain from playing on the stairs, railings, ladders, lane lines & ropes

· The following is not permitted in our pool: SCUBA gear, mermaid tails, full facemasks, inflatable devices.

· Always remember to be caring, honest, respectful and responsible when using our facility.

Acceptable swim attire:

· Only attire designed specifically for swimming can be worn in the pool, including attire specifically designed for religious purposes. Acceptable swim attire at our facility includes:

· Traditional bathing suits or swim trunks

· Clothing that is water repellant, swim wear material, lightweight

· Modest suits designed for the Islamic culture for swimming. Most are 3 pieces – pant, long t-shirt and head cover

· Latex or lycra running tights and shirts

· Football type jersey (holes)

· Nylon jersey

· Rash guards, commonly used under scuba wear but can be used as swimwear

· Swim cap

· Head scarf no longer than shoulder length

· All swim attire must be clean, non-revealing and in good repair.

· The following is not permitted: clothing with exposed metal, cotton or other heavy weight materials, and head scarves longer than shoulder length.

Lap Swim

· Lap Swim time is for any individual who wishes to swim laps consecutively at his or her own pace.

· Lap lanes are first come first serve, there is no set speed for any lane. Two swimmers can fit in our lap lanes comfortably.

· When three or more swimmers are in one lane, they must “circle swim” staying to the right of the lane. Passing may be done in the middle of the lane. Swimmers may ask the lifeguard for assistance in setting up the “circle swim”.

· Acceptable equipment for lap swim time may be swim caps, goggles, pull buoys, hand paddles, noodles, water jog belts, fins, snorkels, masks and resistance chutes – swimmers may use Y equipment or bring their own. 

Open Swim

· Open Swim is for any person wishing to use the pool for recreational purposes. Activities may be allowed at the discretion of the lifeguard.

· Use of full-face masks, snorkels, fins, mermaid tails, inflatable devices and other outside equipment is prohibited during open swim.

· Outside equipment (toys) must be approved by the aquatic’s director prior to use in our pool

Locker Rooms

· Children 6 and older should use gender appropriate Locker Rooms if able to do so independently*

· Children or adults who cannot use their gender appropriate locker room independently should speak with the Welcome Desk and may be permitted to use the lobby bathrooms to change, and then either walk through the gender appropriate locker room or may be given another access way to the pool area.