Colony Pool Policies

At the Colony Pool Club, we are committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable outdoor pool experience for all members and guests. Our policies are designed to protect the health, safety, and well-being of everyone at Colony Pool. We appreciate your cooperation and partnership in creating a positive community environment.

Our Commitment

Safe pools have rules — and strong communities follow them.

By working together and respecting these policies, we ensure that Colony Pool remains a safe, fun, and welcoming place for every member and family.

General Safety

  • Swimming is permitted only when lifeguards are on duty.
  • Everyone uses the facility at their own risk.
  • Please walk at all times on the pool deck.
  • Running, shoving, towel snapping, rough play, or disruptive behavior is not permitted.
  • Profane language or behavior creating danger or annoyance to others is prohibited.
  • Members must refrain from distracting lifeguards while they are on duty.
  • Follow all instructions from staff at all times.
  • Approved sports are restricted to designated areas.
  • The Colony Pool Club is not responsible for lost or stolen personal belongings. Please leave valuables at home.
  • NO SMOKING is permitted within the confines of the Club.
  • NO ALCOHOL is permitted within the confines of the club
  • Firearms and weapons are prohibited inside all YMCA facilities, on YMCA grounds, including The Colony Pool Club, and at all YMCA-sponsored programs or events.
  • Firearms and weapons may not be stored in lockers, bags, coats, or personal belongings under any circumstances. The only exception is for law enforcement or authorized security personnel acting in an official capacity and carrying a firearm properly secured according to their agency’s requirements.

Supervision & Age Guidelines

  • Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult (18+) who is responsible for their conduct at the club at all times, other than swim team practice.
  • The YMCA does not supervise children outside of lifeguarded water areas (including parking lots, picnic areas, and playground spaces).
  • Members are responsible for the conduct of their guests at all times.

 

Our Smallest Swimmers

  • Non-swimmers must remain in the shallow end.
  • Non-swimmers must be within arm’s reach of a parent or guardian at all times.
  • All children who are not toilet-trained must wear swim diapers that are covered by a bathing suit. No flotation devices of any kind are permitted.
  • All diapers must be changed in the bath house, no exceptions
  • Flotation devices are not permitted unless approved by staff.

Deep Water Test & Water Features

For the safety of all swimmers:

  • All members and guests aged 15 and under must pass the Deep Water Test each summer to access water over their heads.
  • Deep water tests will be held every hour, on the hour.
  • The Deep Water Test includes:
    • Swimming two full lengths of the pool freestyle, the swimmer must keep the freestyle form for the whole time
    • Treading water for one minute without assistance
  • Upon successful completion, swimmers will receive a deep-water band/badge.
  • If the completion of the deep water test is unsuccessful, swimmers may re-take the test in 24 hours.
  • Only swimmers who have passed the test may use:
    • Diving board
    • Water slides
    • Deep water areas (10+ feet)
  • One person is permitted on the diving board or slide at a time.
  • Diving is only permitted from designated diving areas.
  • No diving anywhere else in the pool.

Health & Hygiene

To protect the health of our community:

  • Shower before entering the pool.
  • Do not swim if you have:
    • Communicable skin conditions
    • Open wounds, cuts, or bandages
    • Inflamed eyes or discharge
    • Gastrointestinal illness within the past 7 days
  • Injuries must be reported immediately to Colony Pool staff.

Food, Beverages & Glass

  • Glass containers are not permitted anywhere on the premises.
  • Use unbreakable containers only.
  • Members and guests are responsible for cleaning up all trash.
  • Please support the Colony Café Snack Bar when possible.

Guests & Parties

  • Members must purchase a guest pass, accompany their guests, and take responsibility for the conduct of their guests while at the Club.
  • Members must accompany all guests, regardless of age.
  • Guest passes are required for guests aged 3 and older.
  • Guests are subject to the same rules and regulations as members. Violation of rules and regulations may result in the loss of guest privileges.
  • Babysitters may use the Club only when accompanying children without parents.
  • Babysitters may not use the Club for their own use.
  • Babysitters must be added to a family membership and be registered with the club using a babysitter permission form.
  • Party hosts are responsible for their attendees and must ensure compliance with all rules.
  • All party attendees under 15 must complete the Deep Water Test if not already on file.

Animals

  • Only registered service animals are permitted on the premises.

Weather & Closings

  • For updates regarding inclement weather or schedule changes, please visit our website.
  • If Thunder is heard or lightning is spotted, all patrons should evacuate the pool. The pool will remain closed until 30 minutes after the last indication of thunder and/or lightning.
  • Staff are trained to monitor weather conditions and make decisions regarding closures based on safety protocols.
  • The pool club may close for the day if, but not limited to, the following conditions exist:
    • If a heavy, steady raid precludes lifeguard visibility
    • If thunder or lightning persists for more than 2 hours.
    • If thunder or lightning exists within 1 hour of closing.