Youth Guidelines

To provide a safe and positive experience for the youth of our community, the following guidelines related to facility use by YMCA members and guests will apply.    

Exemplifying the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, YMCA employees work with members every day to help them realize their potential. We promote and expect the same behavior from our youth members to create a safe, fun, inclusive and nurturing place for all. Our Code of Conduct outlines these expectations.  To ensure the safety and well-being of everyone, we request that all participants follow our Youth Behavior Policy.

As a family organization we encourage members and guests to maintain an appearance that is not disruptive, distracting, nor offensive in any regard. Therefore we have adopted a modest Dress Code Policy. This policy aligns with the Y’s mission and core values so that everyone is comfortable when they come to the Y. Staff may ask a member or guest to change because of inappropriate attire.  

 

WELLNESS CENTER GUIDELINES:

Age 10-12: Can use the Cardio and Circuit Rooms – with their parents – after an orientation with fitness staff. Can take Group Exercise classes with an adult, excluding cycling classes.

Age 13-15: Can use the Cardio, Circuit and Weight Rooms on their own after an orientation with fitness staff. May attend Group Exercise classes on their own.

Age 16 & up: Free access to the entire Wellness Center.

YOUTH/TEEN WELLNESS ORIENTATIONS: (Ages 10-15)
Youth/teen orientations demonstrate how to work out safely and effectively within the Y Wellness Center (2nd floor). It introduces exercise concepts and guidelines, gym etiquette and safety practices.

  • Parent/Youth Wellness Center Orientation: Ages 10-12 
  • Youth/Teen Wellness Center Orientation: Ages 13-15

GENERAL YOUTH GUIDELINES:

In order to provide a safe and positive experience for the youth of our community, the following guidelines related to facility use by YMCA members and guests will apply. ”Supervising individuals” are defined as persons 18 years or older. The following general guidelines apply to all youth who are not participating in a supervised, structured program while at a YMCA location.   

  • Age 7 and under must have direct supervision at all times by a supervising individual or be signed into Kid’s Corner.   
  • Age 8 and older are not required to be accompanied by a supervising individual but are subject to the age restrictions for specific areas as outlined below. The youth must follow the age restrictions posted for specific rooms and activities.   

POOL GUIDELINES:

  • 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.

WELLNESS CENTER GUIDELINES:

  • Age 7-9: May use track, with parent.
  • Age 10-12: Welcome to use select cardio equipment and track after the Wellness Center policy agreement is signed, with an adult next to them. Take Group Exercise classes with an adult excluding cycling classes.
  • Age 13-15: Allowed to use the Wellness Center independently after orientation and waiver is signed by a parent. Can also use Free Weight area after an additional orientation. Group exercise classes also available to this age group.
  • Age 16 & up: Free access to the entire Wellness Center.