Aquatics Rules & Guidelines​

Pool Area Specific Ages 0-7:
• Adult or YMCA swim instructor must be in the pool with youth and in direct supervision.
• The youth must pass the Y swim test to swim in the main pool.
• Children who wear diapers must wear swim diapers.

Ages 8-9:
• Can be in the small pool (Eau Claire Downtown specific), but adult must be in building.
• Must pass swim test to be in the main pool.

• If youth cannot pass swim test, adult must be in the main pool with them and they must stay in the shallow end.

Ages 10+:

• Can be in the pools without an adult but must pass the swim test in order to be in deep end of the main pool. Any individual, any age may be asked to perform a swim test to evaluate skills.

 

Aquatics General Rules - For your safety and the safety of others, we ask for you to follow the guidelines below:

• Swimming without a lifeguard present is prohibited.

• Prolonged Breath-holding activities are not permitted.

• No diving at the Chippewa Falls branch.

• Proper swim attire, swimsuits or trunks, must be worn at all times.

• Shower before entering the pool and after use of toilet facilities.

• Diaper changing on pool deck prohibited. Individuals not toilet trained are required to wear swim diapers.

• Running on deck, in locker rooms, showers or hallways is prohibited.

• Food, beverages, gum, candy or tobacco are not permitted.

• Glass and shatterable items are prohibited in the pool area.

• Rough play of any kind will not permitted.

• Some Y equipment is available to use for a designated purpose. Please ask staff before use.

• Children must pass a swim test before permitted in the deep end.

• Starting blocks are only used with a Y coach or Instructor.

• Only Y staff may teach any aquatic instruction; outside training is prohibited.

• Enter the water feet first, facing forward.

• Do not enter pool if you have a communicable disease or open cut.

• Mermaid tails and monofins are prohibited.

• All decisions in the pool area are at the discretion of the Lifeguard(s) on duty.  Please respect their authority.

 

Age Guidelines for Aquatics

• Swim Test Policy -  Jump into deep water; swim 25 yards in a horizontal position while maintaining a strong stroke, without the use of goggles, fins or other equipment. The swimmer must occasionally put face in the water then breathe to the front or to the side. Upon completion, the lifeguard may provide you with a colored wrist band. This test may be given at each visit to the pool for swimmer’s safety.

• Youth, ages 10 and under, must be accompanied by an adult in the pool area at all times.

• Those who cannot swim must be accompanied by an adult in the water at arms reach.  Coast guard approved life jackets are available for use.

• Any safety related decisions in the pool area, including those relating to the age use policy, are at the discretion of the lifeguard(s) on duty.

 

Small Pool Rules (Eau Claire Downtown Branch)
• Enter or jump feet-first into the water, no diving or head-first entries.
• Share facility toys.

• Running, aggressive or rough horseplay are prohibited.
• Play inside of the pool.

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Please no running or playing on the pool deck.

 

Diving Board Rules (Eau Claire Downtown Branch) - No diving is allowed at the Chippewa Falls Branch.

• One person allowed on diving board at a time.

• No running on diving board.

• Only straight forward dives; no flips, twists, backward or reverse.

• One bounce only before diving.

• Swim immediately to the side of the pool after diving.

• Diving area must be clear prior to diving.

• No goggles, masks, flotation devices on diving board.

• Swimming in diving area prohibited while board is in use.

 

 

Lap Swim Etiquette

When we work together, lap swimming can be a wonderful experience for all levels of need and fitness and enhance the aquatic experience for all patrons. Be welcoming when a swimmer decides to join your lane.

• It is courteous to wave or temporarily stop a nearby swimmer to notify them of your presence in a lane.

• Lane designation: Choose a lane compatible with your speed, then notify the others in the lane you are joining them.

• Lane splitting: Two swimmers within one lane. One swimmer swims on the right side of the lane, and the other swimmer swims on the left side of the lane.

• Circle swimming: Two or more swimmers within one lane, by swimming in a counter clockwise fashion on the right side of the lane following the swimmer in front.

• Passing: Pass on the left. Tap the foot of the person in front of you before passing. If you are being overtaken at the turn, stop and wait until the other swimmer has pushed off the wall.

 

All YMCA Lifeguards are certified professional rescuers in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED, and First Aid.