Pool Rules

For Your Health and Safety

1. Take a shower before entering the pool.
2. Take a towel with you to the pool/ wet room area.
3. No running, pushing, or rough play.
4. A responsible adult observer, in pool attire, must accompany all children under 8 years of age and be in the pool within arm's reach of them at all times.
5. No gum, food, or glass containers.
6. No cut-offs or t-shirts allowed. Shorts are permitted for both men and women but must be made of nylon and/or cotton blend and be appropriately hemmed (no frayed shorts will be permitted).
7. Flotation devices must be attached to the body.
8. No diving off the side in the shallow end of the pool.
9. Small balls and/ or toys are permitted in the tot dock area only. No air mattresses or large toys will be allowed during busy times. Lifeguards will be allowed flexible judgment on these items but should communicate with the patrons that different usage levels will dictate whether they are allowed or not. The Recreation Center assumes no responsibility for injury or accidents related to the use of such equipment. Any and all injuries or accidents relating to such equipment are the responsibility of the supervising parent or adult.
10. Equipment may only be checked out by adults. The only exception is if a child wants to use swim fins, kickboard, etc. to swim laps. In this case, the child must remain in the lap lanes with these items and use them for their intended purposes.
11. No hanging on the ropes or lane lines.
12. Noncompliance with any rules can result in loss of building use privileges.

Diving Rules

1. Only one person on the diving board at a time. The next in line should be at the bottom of the ladder.
2. No double bounces.
3. No back flips, gainers, or back dives of any kind. Forward facing dives only.
4. Lifejackets are not permitted on the diving board.
5. Swim out of the diving area after dive.
6. Must dive straight out, no diving off the side.
7. No cartwheels off the diving board.
8. No handstands on the diving board.
9. Only standing dives will be permitted.

WIBIT Obstacle Course Rules

At least four lifeguards are required for the WIBIT, one stationed on each side. If there is an extra guard they should be stationed in the shallow end by the family dressing area. The extra guard should also administer swim tests, fit lifejackets, and do chores. If there is not an extra guard all other guards should share in these responsibilities. Any time a guard leaves their station all other guards must move to include that guard's zone in their surveillance.

Every hour lifeguards will clear the pool for a five to ten-minute break. One lifeguard will remain in the pool area to make sure all patrons stay out of the water while the others go on a quick break. The lifeguard who remains in the pool should ask everyone to move to the shallow end, sit behind the brown line, and/or sit on the benches to ensure everyone is completely out of the water and in eyesight. The first lifeguard finished with their break will relieve the guard who remained in the pool so they can go on a break as well. Lap swimmers may remain in the water during breaks.

1. Only two patrons can be on the WIBIT at any given time. All other patrons must form a line and wait on the ground rather than on the ramp. A lifeguard will signal when the next two can go.
2. No locker keys are allowed on the WIBIT. Anyone wearing a key will be asked to take it off and place it in a secure location. Lifeguards should not accept a patron's locker key to keep on their person and will not be held responsible for misplaced locker keys.
3. No swimming underneath any section of the WIBIT.
4. No climbing back on after falling off the side.
5. No hanging on the ropes.
6. Slight shaking of the WIBIT, deemed safe by lifeguards, is acceptable. However, if any patron doesn't want it shaken for them all others must comply.
7. Guardians of red bands must follow the child as they cross the WIBIT to remain within arm's reach of them. Even with a guardian, it is highly recommended that red bands wear a lifejacket if they wish to play on the WIBIT.
8. Green bands must be followed by a guardian or wear a lifejacket if they want to go all the way across the WIBIT, which ends in the deep end of the pool. If they do not have a guardian and do not want to wear a lifejacket they will be asked to jump off early, into water that is still chest deep.
9. One lap lane will remain open. The orange slides and the diving board will be closed.
10. No Flips off any part of the WIBIT
11. Feet first ONLY over the bridge. No head first dives.

Wibit Hand Rules

At least two lifeguards are required at all times during hand float. One other float can be put in at the same time (tubes count as one). Floats need to be kept in separate areas of the pool. Close orange slides and diving board. Patrons must take turns playing on structure

1. No pushing or shoving.
2. To lower risk of injury to patrons, minimize rough housing and wrestling.
3. No backflips from anywhere on the float.
4. No swimming under the float. No hanging on ropes.
5. No more than 6 patrons on hand float at a time.

Float Time Rules

At least two lifeguards are required at all times during float time if the log, turtle or both are in. If just the clear tubes are in, and usage levels allow, only one guard is required. Lifeguards will be allowed flexible judgment on which floats to put in. Patron usage levels may dictate whether lifeguards only put in the log and turtle, put in all floats, or only put in the clear tubes.

Floats may be put in during unscheduled times if requested. However, several factors (such as current usage levels, other pool activities, average patron age, and if patrons are behaving well) may have some influence on whether or not lifeguards put floats in during unscheduled times. Floats may be taken out whenever lifeguards see fit during unscheduled float times.

1. No standing on the clear tubes, log, or turtle.
2. To lower the risk of injury to patrons in the event of a fall, the log and turtle must be kept away from all walls.
3. No stacking the clear tubes on top of one another.
4. No flipping the turtle over on its back.
5. No slamming the log and turtle together.
6. All floats must be kept out of the lap lanes.
7. The yellow slide will be closed during float time.
8. The log and turtle are not allowed in the deep end of the pool. The clear tubes are only allowed in the deep end if the orange slides and diving board are both closed.

Pool Slide Rules and Guidelines

1. One person on the yellow slide at a time. The only time two people can go on the orange slides at the same time is if they are going down opposite sides. The next in line should be at the bottom of the ladder.
2. Lifejackets are allowed.
3. Watch rope at five-foot section carefully. No hanging on the rope.
4. Swimmers need to clear the area immediately.
5. No stopping in the middle of the slides.
6. No hanging on the slides while in the water.
7. No swimming under the slides.

Lifejacket Use Rules

1. Once a child puts on a lifejacket they may not take it off unless they are leaving the pool for the day. The only exception is if the child is accompanied by a guardian who is in the pool with them. In this case, the guardian can take off and put on the child's lifejacket at will. If at any point the staff feels the child is not being supervised. Staff can ask for the child to put on a lifejacket or leave the pool. Exceptions do not apply during field trips. 
2. All lifejackets need to be checked out and fitted by a lifeguard. This includes buckling each of the buckles before the patron enters the water. Parents may buckle their child's lifejacket, but a lifeguard must check that it is properly secured and fitted correctly before the child can enter the water.
3. It is recommended that the patron stays where the water is shallow enough for them to stand up, even with a lifejacket.
4. Patrons cannot use the diving board while wearing a lifejacket. They can jump off the side and go down the slides, but it is recommended that the patron holds the top of the lifejacket to keep it from putting pressure on the neck area when entering the water.
5. Lifejackets are not allowed on the iceberg but are allowed on the WIBIT.
6. Lifejackets cannot be used in the hot tub.
7. All lifejackets need to be washed off with the hose when they are returned and then hung on the drying rack to dry. When they are dry then they can be returned to the shelf.
8. It is the responsibility of the lifeguards to watch the condition of the lifejackets and report any damage to the Head Lifeguard or Recreation Supervisor.
9. Do not hand out a lifejacket that is damaged.
10. All lifejackets that are brought in by patrons need to be U.S. Coast Guard approved. Lifeguards must check to see if it is approved before the patron enters the water.
11. Inflatable tubes, water wings, play toys, etc. that are not U.S. Coast Guard approved should not be used as a lifejacket. Please advise the patron that they are welcome to use them, but they are only allowed in the shallow end of the pool.
12. If a patron brings in their own lifejacket the same rules apply.

Swim Test

The swim test consists of jumping into the deep end so that the head fully submerges, resurfacing without trouble, treading water for one minute with the head above the water the entire time, and swimming front crawl stroke to the other end of the pool without stopping, grabbing the rope or side, or touching the bottom. A brief push off the side to begin swimming the front crawl stroke is acceptable. If a child does not pass the swim test the first time, they may only take it one more time that day. If a second test is necessary, the child must wait at least 15 minutes before taking it a second time to rest and practice.

It is the lifeguard's discretion whether or not a child passes. Lifeguards are authorized to retest any child who has previously passed if they feel the child's swimming abilities may be putting them in danger. If the child does not comply with or does not pass a retest their name will be removed from the blue band book and they will be given a green band. If the child refuses to remove the blue band an Incident Report will be filed, they will be asked to leave the facility, and parents will be contacted.

Lifeguards must always have a rescue tube with them when giving the swim test. The swim test should always be given in the first lap lane. If there is someone in the first lane, ask them to either wait at the end of the lane until the test is finished or to move to the second lane. When the pool is busy lifeguards should not give swim tests. Instead, they should call the front desk, using the non-emergency portion of the pool phone, to get a trained shift supervisor to give the test. When trained shift supervisors are giving a swim test, a lifeguard must be near them at all times in case of an emergency. However, the lifeguard should keep their eyes on their entire zone of surveillance rather than watching the test. After the test is completed, the shift supervisor and lifeguard should discuss how the child performed to determine whether or not they successfully passed the test.

We must make reasonable accommodations so that disabled patrons can safely take the test as well. Ex: the child can swim on their back instead of swimming front crawl, but they must still jump in, resurface properly, tread water for one minute, and swim all the way to the end.

Children under the age of eight can only take the swim test for practice, and a guardian must swim beside them in the water. They still will not be able to receive a blue band, be in the water unsupervised, or have their name put in the blue band book until their eighth birthday.

Banding Policy

All patrons under the age of sixteen (16) will be banded at the front desk before they enter the pool. If patrons enter the pool without a band, send them to the front desk to be banded. This safety measure will allow staff to easily identify all swimmers' ability. Performing this at the front desk will allow the guard to maintain proper surveillance of the pool.

Red bands are for children that are under the age of eight and the adults that will be in the water with them. The adult must be within arm's reach of the child at all times. The red bands should be given out at the front desk when the patrons check-in.

White bands are for patrons that cannot pass the swimming test. They will not be allowed to go into water that is over chest deep by themselves. If accompanied by an adult; the child may go anywhere in the pool as long as they remain within arm's reach of the adult at all times. However, if wearing a lifejacket the child may go anywhere in the pool without an adult.

Blue bands are for patrons that can pass the swimming test. They will be allowed to go anywhere in the pool. Lifeguards must always check the blue band book for each patron's name before giving them a blue band. Since they have proven that they do not need one to swim, blue bands will not be given lifejackets. They are safety devices, not toys. Any blue bands that request a lifejacket may be asked by a lifeguard to retake the swim test.

Additional Regulations

• Lifeguards have the final authority on all matters concerning safety management and emergency situations in the pool until relieved by proper authorities.
• The Universal Emergency Action Plan is three short whistle blasts. Upon hearing this, lifeguards must clear the pool immediately with one long whistle blast. In a non-emergency situation, two short whistle blasts should be used to get the attention of another lifeguard.
• The use of the aquatic facility is prohibited unless supervised by a certified City of Green River lifeguard.
• Appropriate swim attire is required. For females, appropriate swimwear is that which covers the breasts, buttocks, genitals, and pubic regions. For males, appropriate swimwear is that which covers the buttocks, genitals, and pubic region. Specifically, street clothes, thong underwear, and see-through swimwear are prohibited. Only clean slip on/off footwear is permitted on deck.
• Swim masks with glass lenses are prohibited. Shatter-proof masks or competitive swim goggles are allowed.
• Eyeglasses may be worn in the pool only if they have plastic or safety glass lenses and are worn with a safety strap.
• Sinking aides such as rubber bricks and rings are acceptable with proper use during open swim, provided the patron can prove they are capable of retrieving said object if it should sink to the bottom, as determined by the lifeguard(s) on duty. 
• Throwing hard objects is prohibited.
• Patrons may bring own equipment and use at lifeguard's discretion.
• Demonstration of swimming ability must be performed at the request of a lifeguard.
• Swim diapers are required for small children.
• Swim fins are to be checked out to lap swimmers only. Otherwise, they are only used for swimming lessons.
• Kickboards, pull buoys, and swim fins are not to be used as toys and should be used in the lap lanes for fitness training only.
• When two people share a lane, swimmers should circle swim unless they have agreed to split the lanes. If three or more people share a lane, swimmers must circle swim.
• Diving deemed unsafe in the judgment of the lifeguard will not be permitted.
• The diving board will be closed during water fitness classes and/or special pool activities utilizing this area.
• No throwing children.
• Any equipment used by open swim patrons should be approved and handed out by the lifeguard on duty. The equipment should be returned to a lifeguard once the patron is finished with it.

Power Outage

During the day the pool will remain open until it is unclear to see the bottom of the pool or chemical levels become unsafe. Pool checks will be performed every 4 hours to ensure a safe environment for patrons. If at any point the chemical levels become unsafe the pool will immediately close.

During the evening or darkness, the pool will be closed if the bottom of the pool is unclear.

Lightning

The pool will remain open during any lightning conditions. The pool is an indoor pool, therefore, there isn't a need to close it due to lightning. The practice of clearing indoor pools during outside thunderstorms does not keep people safe and, in many cases, may put them in higher-risk situations. When people leave the facility and run across the parking lot to their car, they are exposed to a direct strike. Car accidents increase as well during thunderstorms due to hazardous road conditions. No death has been recorded to date (January 1, 2008) from lightning during indoor swimming activities (Information from aquatics international).

Wet Area Rules

1. Whirlpool capacity at any one time is no more than 13 persons.
2. No person suffering from a communicable disease transmittable via water or under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drug shall use the pool.
3. All children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult observer while in the whirlpool, sauna, and steam room.
4. No person shall run or engage in horseplay in or around the whirlpool.
5. Elderly persons and those suffering from heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure should consult their physician before using the whirlpool.
6. Pregnant women should not use the whirlpool without consulting their physician.
7. Persons should spend no more than 15 minutes in the whirlpool at any one session.
8. No cut-offs or t-shirts allowed. Shorts are permitted for both men and women but must be made of a nylon and/or cotton blend, and are appropriately hemmed (no frayed shorts will be permitted).
9. No lifejackets in the whirlpool.

Gymnasium Rules

1. Active participation in the Gymnasium requires that the patron be dressed in traditional exercise attire. Traditional street clothing is not acceptable. Only authorized tennis shoes or jogging shoes will be permitted. No street shoes, rubber or metal cleats, turf shoes, Heelys (roller skate shoes), or black-soled shoes (unless manufacturers guarantee shoes will not mark) will be allowed.
2. Unless otherwise designated, the Gymnasium will be scheduled for "drop-in" activities. "Drop-in" activities include basketball, volleyball, and jogging/walking. Please check with the Front Desk or Recreation Center personnel for permitted usages.
3. Recreation Center Rules of Conduct apply to the gymnasium.
4. On occasion, spectators will be allowed in the facility to observe special events. Spectators are required to stay in the specific area of the event. If a spectator wishes to use the facility for recreation, he must return to the Front Desk and pay the admission fee.

View our Gym Schedule for availability and activities.

Cardio Hall Rules

1. No one under the age of 12 may be in the Weight Room or Cardio Hall. No Exceptions!
2. Patrons 12 to 16 may use the Weight Room and Cardio Machines with a Parent close by or have a weight card on them.
3. Wear proper athletic shoes and clothing. Bare feet or socks are prohibited!
4. Wipe down equipment after each use.
5. Ask for assistance if you do not know how to use the equipment.
6. If someone is waiting for equipment; be respectful and try to limit your time to 30 minutes.
7. If many waiting on one machine; sign-up sheet, can't sign up more than 1 hour ahead of time. Ask the front desk for a sign-up sheet.
8. No horseplay allowed in the weight room or cardio hall area.
9. Clean up after yourself.
10. Turn the TV off when you are done with it.
11. Only water in the cardio hallway.
12. No additional equipment in the cardio hallway; keep clear for emergencies. Return equipment into the designated area.
13. Do not pull on the face display of the cardio machines, use the provided handle rails.
14. Respect each other; if there is an issue, talk it out.
15. Please do not move the cardio equipment; please ask the front desk.
16. Avoid making loud noises. Individuals within the confines of the facility will not be permitted to use any "electronic devices" that broadcast sound. Music systems, when used in conjunction with headphones, are permitted, provided other individuals cannot hear the sound.
17. Something wrong with the equipment? Please let the front desk know, there is a procedure for the staff to follow.

Weight Room Rules

1. For your safety, please replace weight to the appropriate racks when you are finished. Re-rack your weights in order. Return equipment to the designated area.
2. Wear proper athletic shoes and clothing. Bare feet or socks are prohibited!
3. No one under the age of 12 may be in the Weight Room or Cardio Hall. No Exceptions!
4. Patrons 12 to 16 may use the Weight Room and Cardio Machines with a Parent close by or have a weight card on them.
5. Do no Drop or Bang free weights, machine weights, or dumbbells (unless an injury is occurring)!
6. Be aware of other lifters whom you are around. No horseplay allowed in the weight room or cardio hall area.
7. Wipe down equipment after each use.
8. Ask for assistance if you do not know how to use the equipment.
9. Avoid making loud noises. Individuals within the confines of the facility will not be permitted to use any "electronic devices" that broadcast sound. Music systems, when used in conjunction with headphones, are permitted, provided other individuals cannot hear the sound.
10. Something wrong with the equipment? Please let the front desk know, there is a procedure for the staff to follow.

Weight Room Technique

1. Learn/Use proper lifting techniques. If needed, ask the front desk about our personal trainers.
2. Always wear a weight belt when the lower back is being stressed in a lift.
3. Exhale on exertion when performing any lift.
4. Execute lifts using proper form, controlled speed, and a full normal range of motion after you have warmed up.
5. Never bounce, jerk the weight, or arch your back in an attempt to lift a heavy weight.
6. Only use the amount of weight you are prepared to lift properly.
7. Never attempt "one-shot" lifts you haven't trained or warmed up for.
8. Spotters should always have their full attention on the lifter.
9. A spotter should be in the ready position to either help or free the lifter of the bar.