Nishna Valley Family YMCA Building Rules:

• Youth in 2nd grade and under must be in the nursery, or accompanied by an individual 14 years or older (must be in same room and level) or be in a supervised program while at the YMCA, including the pool.
• Participants in 7th grade and older are allowed to use the fitness area, including the track. Seventh and eighth graders must complete an orientation prior to use.
• Youth in grades 4-6 may use the track with staff approval and badge identification. Children 3rd grade and below may use track only with an adult (unless in a YMCA program) and be within arms length.
• Whirlpool users must be 16 years old or older and follow posted rules.
• Water slide users must be 48 inches tall or taller or be able to swim the length of the pool unassisted. Adults may not ride down with children or catch them at the bottom.

The YMCA Board with encouragement from the YMCA of the USA and the national leader in aquatic safety has voted to include the following addition to our age/grade policy. Those of you who have children 2nd grade and under who use the pool please pay special attention.

Youth in 2nd grade and under who want to use the pool must be accompanied in the water by an individual 14 years and older and the child must be within a reasonable distance so the caregiver can maintain constant visual supervision and be able to provide immediate support if needed. (The lifeguard and YMCA staff have final say when there is a question on safety and what is a reasonable distance.)

Exception 1: if a child is able to pass the deep water swim test they may be in the water alone, however the responsible individual must remain on the deck and keep a constant watchful eye on them.

Exception 2: a child 2nd grade or under who cannot pass the deep water test can be supervised by an individual 14 years or older from the deck as long as the child is wearing a Coast Guard approved life jacket which is available in the pool area. The responsible adult must remain on the deck and keep a constant watchful eye on them.

Swim groups such as childcare providers, mothers with several children, schools, camps etc. will follow the following recommended guidelines for child to staff ratios. These ratios are guidelines staff and parents should use to carry out due diligence in ensuring the safety of all children. Situations, ages and swim abilities are huge variables so aquatic and YMCA staff may relax or strengthen these ratios as the situation dictates and to ensure swimmer safety.

Caregivers, teachers etc. renting the pool will be reminded and sign the rental agreement stating that they are responsible for covering these ratios and they are responsible for supervision and discipline of their children. Lifeguards are there to enforce rules and prevent and respond to emergencies, not supervise children.