Group of children swimming in an indoor pool

Pool Policies

To ensure a safe facility with safe programs for our members, the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region has created and will uphold the following guidelines for the Aquatics Center. Lifeguards have final discretion regarding all rules and policies.

  • Always walk in the pool area.
  • All swimmers must shower before entering the pools.
  • Appropriate swim attire must be worn at all times. Cotton fabrics and string bikinis are not allowed. No exceptions.
  • Diving is prohibited, except in areas of water that are 9 feet or deeper.
  • Food, drink (except water), and chewing gum are not permitted in the pool areas. No glass containers are permitted.
  • Band-Aids, bandages, and members with open wounds will not be permitted in any pool or hot tub.

The Y is committed to providing safe, fun aquatic environments to our communities.

We follow the aquatic industry standards of test, mark, and protect. Every child seven years or older will take a swim test, earn a swim band, and will need to wear the appropriate band every time the use our pool facilities. Below, are our association-wide swim guidelines.

Swim Testing
Safety is our highest priority. Everyone between the ages of seven and twelve needs to take a swim test. Children six and under will automatically receive a red band.

A Family Who Swims Together, Stays Together
Adult supervision of kids is important as it allows our lifeguards and aquatic safety staff to focus on the water, and keeping everyone safe. Children ages six and under must be accompanied by an adult. Children ages seven to ten must have a parent or caregiver in the facility.

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SWIM BAND REQUIREMENTS

The Y is committed to providing safe, and fun aquatic environments to our communities.

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LIFE JACKET POLICY

A parent/caregiver may not have more than two red band children in their care. One child will be required to wear a life jacket. Each pool has a limited supply of life jackets. You are welcome to bring your own life jacket(s). Life jackets must be Coast Guard Approved.

WATER SAFETY

Facts

  • 3,700+ people drown each year, of which 1,500 are children.
  • Drowning remains the second-leading cause of injury-related death for children ages one to14 years.
  • Over 500 drownings take place in guarded pools every year.
  • Most aquatic incidents happen in shallow (three - five feet) water.

Best Policies

  • Protect non-swimmers, especially younger children, by restricting them to the shallow end and adding additional layers of protection.
  • Swim test and designate swim areas based on participants' swimming abilities.
  • Supervise every non-swimmer actively, within arm’s reach of a parent or caregiver.

SAFE POOLS HAVE RULES

  • Always walk in the pool area.
  • Food, gum and glass containers are prohibited.
  • Swimsuits are required. Swim diapers must be worn for non-potty-trained children.
  • Horseplay, wrestling, roughhousing and foul language are not permitted.
  • Children ages six and younger must be within arm’s reach of a parent or caregiver.
  • A parent/caregiver may only supervise two red band children at a time. One of the children must remain in a life jacket at all times.
  • All flotation devices must be Coast Guard approved.
  • Underwater distance swimming and breath-holding are not permitted.
  • Swim equipment shall be used during lap swimming and aquatic programs only.
  • Diving is permitted only in areas with at least nine feet of water.
  • For patron safety, lifeguards have final discretion.

Want to learn more about our Member Handbook Policies? Explore the links below!

kids playing ball

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