Aquatics and Water Safety
We follow Y of the USA guidelines, American Red Cross, and local Health Department Guidelines. All Y lifeguards are trained to prevent aquatic emergencies and conduct emergency and rescue care whenever necessary.
Your family’s safety in the water is our top priority.
- Swimming without a lifeguard present is prohibited.
- Please shower before entering pool and after use of toilet facilities.
- Proper swimming attire must be worn at all times.
- Any children not fully toilet trained must wear a swim diaper under a snug fitting swimsuit.
- Diaper changing on the pool deck is prohibited.
- Glass and shatterable items are prohibited in the pool area.
- Only feet first, forward facing entries are permitted when entering the water. Diving is only allowed at the deep end of the competitive pool.
- Only USCG approved floatation devices or devices supplied by the YMCA are permitted. (No water wings, floatation suits, etc.)
Please Do Not:
- Run or engage in rough play in the pool area.
- Enter the pool if you have a communicable disease or an open cut.
- Sit, stand, climb or hang on lane/life lines, railings and dividing wall.
- Wear face masks that cover eyes and nose in the family pool; goggles are allowed.
- Bring food, drink, gum or tobacco into the pool area.
- Bring animals into the pool.
- Wear street shoes.
New Aquatics Age Guidelines
Effective August 11th, 2025, we are implementing a new wristband system for our youth swimmers. Wristbands can be obtained at the Member Service Desk upon your arrival at the Y or if taking the swim test, from the lifeguard.
Ages 0-7:
- Parent/Guardian (age 16+) must be in the water with the swimmer. If the child is not wearing a lifejacket, the parent/guardian must be within arm’s reach. Swimmers at this age do not need to wear a wristband.
Ages 8-9:
- A Parent/Guardian (age 16+) must be on the pool deck actively supervising with no distractions or be in the water with the swimmer.
- The parent/guardian may be asked to be in the water with an inexperienced swimmer at the lifeguard’s discretion.
- ALL swimmers at this age will wear a yellow wristband.
All swimmers age 10-17 must take a swim test and must wear the appropriate wristband according to the guidelines below:
Ages 10-11:
- If PASSED the swim test:
- May swim without a parent/guardian on the pool deck.
- Swimmers at this level will wear a green wristband.
- Please have your picture taken at Member Services with your wristband so you do not have to retake the swim test.
- If NOT PASSED the swim test:
- Parent/Guardian (16+) must be on the pool deck actively supervising with no distractions or be in the water with the swimmer.
- The parent/guardian may be asked to be in the water with an inexperienced swimmer at the lifeguard’s discretion.
- Swimmers will wear a yellow wristband.
Ages 12-17:
- If PASSED the swim test:
- May swim in any water without restrictions.
- Swimmers at this level will wear a pink wristband.
- Please have your picture taken at Member Services with your wristband so you do not have to retake the swim test.
- If NOT PASSED the swim test:
- May only swim in water up to chest deep. This includes the whirlpool, family pool, lazy river, and catch pool.
- Swimmers will wear a black wristband.
During periods of high usage, lifeguards may be unable to provide swim tests. To save time and get a head start on your swim test, you can schedule a swim test with one of our Head Lifeguards during designated time frames as early as August 5th. Click Here to Schedule a Test
About the Swim Test:
- Individual must jump into water over their head, resurface, and swim 15 yards with a strong forward stroke on their stomach. Arms must come out of the water. Swim without stopping or touching the bottom, turn around, and swim back to the wall.
- Tread water for 30 seconds keeping head above water the entire time.
- Climb out of the pool.
Waterslide Guidelines
- You must be at least 48 inches tall to ride on the water slide.
- If you meet the height requirement and are 7 or under, you must ride the slide with a parent/guardian.
- Do not use the slide while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- For your safety, please carry tube at your side. Refrain from wearing the tube around your body while climbing the steps.
- No standing, kneeling, rotating or stopping in the slide. Must slide feet first.
- Leave the plunge area immediately.
- WARNING: Water depth is 3.5 ft.
- Please follow the instructions of the Lifeguards.
Whirlpool Guidelines
- Whirlpool use is not recommended immediately after intense physical activity or after sauna use.
- No one under 12 yrs of age permitted in the whirlpool.
- Aerobic exercise in the whirlpool is prohibited.
- Enter the whirlpool slowly and cautiously.
- Pregnant women, patrons with cardiovascular or respiratory problems or epilepsy are not permitted in the whirlpool.
- Elderly persons and persons suffering from heart disease, diabetes, or high or low blood pressure should not enter the whirlpool.
- Persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs may not use the whirlpool.
- Limit use to 10 minutes. Lengthy exposure may be hazardous to your health and may result in nausea, dizziness or fainting.
- Jumping, diving and underwater submersion is prohibited.
- Food and drink are prohibited in the whirlpool.
- Shower before entering the whirlpool.d