Membership Handbook

Welcome to the Skagit Valley Family YMCA! We're excited you've joined our Y community.

Here at the Y, we believe a strong community can be achieved when we invest in our kids, our health, and our neighbors. Our programs, services, and initiatives enable youth to realize their potential; offer families ways to have fun together; empower people to be healthier in mind, body, and spirit; welcome and embrace newcomers; and help foster social responsibility.

Permissions, Policies, and Agreements

What all members and drop-ins agree to

Members

In consideration of being permitted to utilize the facilities, services, and programs of the Skagit Valley Family YMCA (“YMCA”) for any purpose including, but not limited to, observation or use of facilities and equipment, participation in any program, or receipt of any service affiliated with the YMCA without respect to location, I, on behalf of myself and my family members, hereby agree to the following:

  1. Medical Treatment:
    1. I give permission for YMCA staff or volunteers to provide me and my dependents with emergency first aid until EMS arrives to transport to an emergency center for medical treatment.
  2. Photo Release:
    1. For my participation in activities to be conducted by the YMCA, and collaborating third parties, I consent, now and for all time, to the making, reproduction, editing, broadcasting, or rebroadcasting of video film or footage of me, soundtrack recordings of me, photo reproductions of me, and any narrative account of my experience.
    2. My consent includes a perpetual license to the YMCA and collaborating third parties for the use of the materials for publication, display, sale or exhibition in promotions, advertising, education, and commercial uses.
    3. I agree that my consent is irrevocable. I hereby release and discharge the YMCA and collaborating third parties, from all claims, actions, lawsuits or demands of any kind arising out of my consent, license grants, uses, or the shared uses of any works or materials referenced herein.
  3. Property Loss
    1. I understand that the YMCA is not responsible for personal property lost, damaged or stolen while using YMCA facilities, including parking lots, or while participating in YMCA programs.
  4. Insurance
    1. I understand that the YMCA carries no health and accident insurance for its members or participants and further understand it is my responsibility to provide such coverage.
  5. Liability Release
    1. I am an adult age 18 or older and wish to participate in YMCA activities. In addition, if applicable, I give permission for my minor dependents to participate in YMCA activities. I understand accidents can sometimes happen. Therefore, in exchange for the YMCA allowing me, and if applicable, other adults and youth on my membership to participate in YMCA activities, I understand and expressly acknowledge that I release the YMCA, its employees, its board members, volunteers or guests from all liability for any injury or illness to myself or my children, loss or damage connected in any way whatsoever to participate in YMCA activities whether on or off the YMCA premises, including virtual programming. I understand that this release includes any claims based on ordinary negligence, action or inaction of the YMCA, its employees, board members, volunteers or guests.

The Skagit Valley Family YMCA is committed to providing a positive atmosphere that is safe and inclusive to all in our community. The YMCA has adopted the following policies to as guidelines and expectations for all members and guests who visit YMCA spaces or participate in YMCA programs.

Code of Conduct

The YMCA is committed to providing a welcoming, safe, and enjoyable experience to everyone who enters our doors, regardless of age, color, religion, sexual orientation, language, gender expression, or nationality. Therefore, we ask all members and guests to exhibit behavior that follows our values of care, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Individuals who experience or observe negative or dangerous behavior are encouraged to promptly report their concerns to YMCA staff. Every effort will be made to ensure that reports are investigated and resolved promptly, confidentially, and effectively.

The actions listed below are behaviors considered inappropriate in our facilities or programs and will not be tolerated:

  • Using or possessing alcohol or illegal chemicals on YMCA property
  • Smoking and vaping in the YMCA facility
  • Carrying or concealing a weapon or any device or object that may be used as a weapon
  • Use of any video/picture-taking equipment (including cell phones) in YMCA’s shower rooms, locker rooms
  • Harassment or intimidation by words, gestures, body language, or any type of menacing behavior
  • Physical contact with another person in an angry, aggressive, or threatening way
  • Verbally abusive behavior, including angry or vulgar language, swearing, name-calling, or shouting
  • Sexually explicit conversation or behavior: any sexual contact with another person
  • Inappropriate or sexually revealing attire
  • Theft or behavior that results in the destruction or loss of property
  • Loitering within or on the grounds of the YMCA
  • Not adhering to YMCA staff requests to follow the rules

The YMCA conducts regular sex offender screenings on all members, participants, and guests. If a sex offender match occurs, the YMCA reserves the right to cancel membership, end program participation, and remove visitation access.

All members and community members are expected to treat our staff with respect. Each member of our staff is thoroughly trained and skilled at their work. It is a safety concern when members ignore or disregard directions from employees, particularly those given by our lifeguards. In order to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone at the Y, we ask that you please listen carefully and abide by any rules or instructions given to you by our staff. Please be aware that we take harassment of our staff seriously and hold the right to take disciplinary action.

The YMCA conducts regular sex offender screenings on all members, participants, and guests through the Background Investigations Bureau. If a sex offender match occurs, the YMCA reserves the right to terminate membership, end program participation, and remove visitation access. 

  • All staff and volunteers are required to participate in prevention of child abuse training, which includes identifying the signs of abuse and reporting suspected abuse incidents. Members and guests can help keep an eye out for suspected abuse incidents, too. The four major categories of abuse are:
    • Physical (non-accidental physical injury inflected by another person with intent to hurt)
    • Sexual (when an adult uses a youth for sexual stimulation or gratification)
    • Neglect (neglect of treatment, lack of treatment, or maltreatment of the child by the person responsible for their welfare)
    • Psychological or Emotional (any abuse that is not physical or sexual) 
  • Reporting abuse and neglect is very important and can help:
    • Prevent further harm to the child
    • Save other children from abuse or neglect
    • Contribute to the safety of our community
    • Bring policy and practice gaps to attention
    • Avoid civil litigation and criminal charges 

Members and guests should report suspected abuse to YMCA staff immediately. 

  • Be considerate of others.
  • Use of any electronic device with a camera or recording capabilities is prohibited in the locker rooms. Failure to follow this rule could result in suspension or termination of your membership.
  • Children 6 and over must use gender-specific locker rooms or the Universal/Gender Neutral locker rooms with a parent/guardian.
  • The YMCA prohibits any inappropriate behavior as referenced in the Code of Conduct. Please report any such behavior to a staff person.
  • Please dry off in the shower area to prevent tracking water through the rest of the locker room.
  • Secure all items in a locker with a lock. The YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • Lockers are for day use only. Items left in lockers overnight may be removed and donated to charity.
  • Please alert a staff member if the locker room needs attention.

The policy of the Skagit Y is to allow each individual to self-identify their gender.

I understand that my membership will be billed as part of an ongoing payment plan, and I must pay by automatic draft by using an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) or by credit/debit card. I authorize the Skagit Valley Family YMCA to initiate payment transfers each month. Draft days are typically on the 1st and 15th of each month. Memberships in good standing (and not owing a balance) automatically renew at the end of the 30-day membership cycle. (If you would like to adjust your draft date, you will be charged a pro-rated amount based on the day difference between your original draft day and your new draft day.)

I understand that it is my responsibility to provide the YMCA with correct credit card/bank information throughout the term of my membership. Should the YMCA be unable to process my monthly payment, it could result in the termination of my membership.

If your payment fails to process on your draft day, we will re-draft one additional time within 30 days of the first failed payment. If the re-draft fails to clear our system, your membership will be terminated prior to your next draft date. If the re-draft clears the system, your membership will continue as normal. See below for examples:

  • If Draft Day is 1st of the month:
    • Payment draft on January 1 (fails) –> Payment re-draft attempt (fails) –> Termination Set for January 31
  • If Draft Day is 15th of the month:
    • Payment draft on January 15 (fails) –> Payment re-draft attempt (fails) –> Termination Set for February 14

Drop-Ins

In consideration of being permitted to utilize the facilities, services, and programs of the Skagit Valley Family YMCA (“YMCA”) for any purpose including, but not limited to, observation or use of facilities and equipment, participation in any program, or receipt of any service affiliated with the YMCA without respect to location, I, on behalf of myself and my family members, hereby agree to the following:

  1. Medical Treatment:
    1. I give permission for YMCA staff or volunteers to provide me and my dependents with emergency first aid until EMS arrives to transport to an emergency center for medical treatment.
  2. Photo Release:
    1. For my participation in activities to be conducted by the YMCA, and collaborating third parties, I consent, now and for all time, to the making, reproduction, editing, broadcasting, or rebroadcasting of video film or footage of me, soundtrack recordings of me, photo reproductions of me, and any narrative account of my experience.
    2. My consent includes a perpetual license to the YMCA and collaborating third parties for the use of the materials for publication, display, sale or exhibition in promotions, advertising, education, and commercial uses.
    3. I agree that my consent is irrevocable. I hereby release and discharge the YMCA and collaborating third parties, from all claims, actions, lawsuits or demands of any kind arising out of my consent, license grants, uses, or the shared uses of any works or materials referenced herein.
  3. Property Loss
    1. I understand that the YMCA is not responsible for personal property lost, damaged or stolen while using YMCA facilities, including parking lots, or while participating in YMCA programs.
  4. Insurance
    1. I understand that the YMCA carries no health and accident insurance for its members or participants and further understand it is my responsibility to provide such coverage.
  5. Liability Release
    1. I am an adult age 18 or older and wish to participate in YMCA activities. In addition, if applicable, I give permission for my minor dependents to participate in YMCA activities. I understand accidents can sometimes happen. Therefore, in exchange for the YMCA allowing me, and if applicable, other adults and youth on my membership to participate in YMCA activities, I understand and expressly acknowledge that I release the YMCA, its employees, its board members, volunteers or guests from all liability for any injury or illness to myself or my children, loss or damage connected in any way whatsoever to participate in YMCA activities whether on or off the YMCA premises, including virtual programming. I understand that this release includes any claims based on ordinary negligence, action or inaction of the YMCA, its employees, board members, volunteers or guests.

The Skagit Valley Family YMCA is committed to providing a positive atmosphere that is safe and inclusive to all in our community. The YMCA has adopted the following policies to as guidelines and expectations for all members and guests who visit YMCA spaces or participate in YMCA programs.

Code of Conduct

The YMCA is committed to providing a welcoming, safe, and enjoyable experience to everyone who enters our doors, regardless of age, color, religion, sexual orientation, language, gender expression, or nationality. Therefore, we ask all members and guests to exhibit behavior that follows our values of care, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Individuals who experience or observe negative or dangerous behavior are encouraged to promptly report their concerns to YMCA staff. Every effort will be made to ensure that reports are investigated and resolved promptly, confidentially, and effectively.

The actions listed below are behaviors considered inappropriate in our facilities or programs and will not be tolerated

  • Using or possessing alcohol or illegal chemicals on YMCA property
  • Smoking and vaping in the YMCA facility
  • Carrying or concealing a weapon or any device or object that may be used as a weapon
  • Use of any video/picture-taking equipment (including cell phones) in YMCA’s shower rooms, locker rooms
  • Harassment or intimidation by words, gestures, body language, or any type of menacing behavior
  • Physical contact with another person in an angry, aggressive, or threatening way
  • Verbally abusive behavior, including angry or vulgar language, swearing, name-calling, or shouting
  • Sexually explicit conversation or behavior: any sexual contact with another person
  • Inappropriate or sexually revealing attire
  • Theft or behavior that results in the destruction or loss of property
  • Loitering within or on the grounds of the YMCA
  • Not adhering to YMCA staff requests to follow the rules

The YMCA conducts regular sex offender screenings on all members, participants, and guests. If a sex offender match occurs, the YMCA reserves the right to cancel membership, end program participation, and remove visitation access.

All members and community members are expected to treat our staff with respect. Each member of our staff is thoroughly trained and skilled at their work. It is a safety concern when members ignore or disregard directions from employees, particularly those given by our lifeguards. In order to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone at the Y, we ask that you please listen carefully and abide by any rules or instructions given to you by our staff. Please be aware that we take harassment of our staff seriously and hold the right to take disciplinary action.

The YMCA conducts regular sex offender screenings on all members, participants, and guests through the Background Investigations Bureau. If a sex offender match occurs, the YMCA reserves the right to terminate membership, end program participation, and remove visitation access. 

  • All staff and volunteers are required to participate in prevention of child abuse training, which includes identifying the signs of abuse and reporting suspected abuse incidents. Members and guests can help keep an eye out for suspected abuse incidents, too. The four major categories of abuse are:
    • Physical (non-accidental physical injury inflected by another person with intent to hurt)
    • Sexual (when an adult uses a youth for sexual stimulation or gratification)
    • Neglect (neglect of treatment, lack of treatment, or maltreatment of the child by the person responsible for their welfare)
    • Psychological or Emotional (any abuse that is not physical or sexual) 
  • Reporting abuse and neglect is very important and can help:
    • Prevent further harm to the child
    • Save other children from abuse or neglect
    • Contribute to the safety of our community
    • Bring policy and practice gaps to attention
    • Avoid civil litigation and criminal charges 

Members and guests should report suspected abuse to YMCA staff immediately. 

  • Be considerate of others.
  • Use of any electronic device with a camera or recording capabilities is prohibited in the locker rooms. Failure to follow this rule could result in suspension or termination of your membership.
  • Children 6 and over must use gender-specific locker rooms or the Universal/Gender Neutral locker rooms with a parent/guardian.
  • The YMCA prohibits any inappropriate behavior as referenced in the Code of Conduct. Please report any such behavior to a staff person.
  • Please dry off in the shower area to prevent tracking water through the rest of the locker room.
  • Secure all items in a locker with a lock. The YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • Lockers are for day use only. Items left in lockers overnight may be removed and donated to charity.
  • Please alert a staff member if the locker room needs attention.

The policy of the Skagit Y is to allow each individual to self-identify their gender.

 

I understand that by paying for a drop-in fee, I’m paying for day use only and that I’ll need to pay for an additional drop-in fee on any subsequent days myself or my family members visit the YMCA.

I understand that I may pay for a drop-in session by cash, check, or credit card. In the event my drop-in session at the YMCA were to be cut short due to unforeseen circumstances, I understand that I will not be refunded; rather, I’ll receive credits to apply towards a future visit.

MEMBERSHIP ESSENTIALS

Information regarding your YMCA membership

If you’d like to make adjustments to your membership, please connect with our Welcome Center team. Examples of things we can help with include:

  • Adding additional family members to your account
  • Removing family members from your account
  • Changing your membership type
  • Update your billing information

You can connect with our team by stopping by the Welcome Center in person, emailing [email protected], or calling 360-336-9622. (Please do not call to update your billing information – this should be done online or in-person)

When you join the Y, you will receive a single scan card that must be scanned every time you visit the Y. If you would like to be issued a digital scan card, our Welcome Center team can help set you up. (Apple, Android, and Email compatibility.) If you forget your scan card, please have photo ID with you. Replacement scan cards are $5.

All new members/visitors are required to show a hard copy of their ID to be entered into our system. Have a physical ID handy when you first arrive.

I understand that I can change my payment and account information myself via my online account or in person at the Welcome Center. Please do not call the Y to make adjustments to your payment method.

The Y may, at its discretion, adjust the monthly rate applicable to my membership category. I understand that I will receive at least 30 days’ notice prior to such change.

I understand that if I wish to terminate or change my membership in any way, I may do so by giving the YMCA a two-week written notice by emailing [email protected]. 

  • Refunds are only permitted when there are extenuating circumstances that prevented you from notifying the YMCA of your termination request. Refund requests will need to be accompanied by proper documentation (i.e. doctor’s note).

    • For membership refunds, a full refund will only be given if there is zero attendance within the first 30 days of membership and an email is sent to the Y requesting a membership termination.
      • Barring extenuating circumstances, if you’ve been a member for one month or longer, no refunds are given if you decide to terminate your membership.
    • For program refunds, a full refund will only be given if an email request is sent to the YMCA 14 days prior to the program start date.
      • Partial refunds may be awarded on a case-by-case basis.
      • Refunds requested after the completion of a program session will not be honored.
      • If the YMCA cancels a class or program, whenever possible we will offer members the opportunity to make up that class: If a make-up cannot be accommodated, a member may request a credit for that class. All credit requests must be submitted in writing.
      • Camps have their own refund policy. Please refer to the policy listed in camp paperwork.

The Skagit Valley Family YMCA does not impose contracts on our members; members are free to cancel their membership at any time.

If you choose to cancel your membership, you must notify the YMCA in writing at least two weeks prior to your draft date so that we can process your request. If you fail to provide a written request or submit one under 14 days before your draft date, you may be charged for an additional month. 

To request that your membership be terminated, please send an email to [email protected] with the following information:

  • Subject line: Termination, Primary Member’s First Name and Last Name
  • Email: Please include names and dates of birth for all members on the account and the month you wish to cancel your membership

The safety of our members, volunteers and staff is a top priority at the Y. While we make every effort to keep the Y open and programs running to serve our community, we may cancel programs, delay opening, or close the facility because of severe weather, unsafe driving conditions, or power outages. Operating decisions are based on weather alerts, school delays and closures, road conditions, and the ability of Y staff to operate the facility safely. 

Delays and closures will be communicated via updates to the website, social media posts, and/or emails to the Y’s email list.

Childcare Weather Delays and Closures

Most YMCA childcare programs run in conjunction with the school district. If a school district is closed, then the childcare programs in that district will be closed. If a school district runs two hours late, then YMCA programs will also run two hours late. If school is cancelled during school hours children will need to be picked up according to the school procedures for early closing. This also applies to schools cancelling all after school programs and activities. 

We will communicate via email for updates on school closures as updates become available. You can also sign up to receive school closure and delay information.  

In the event that there is a weather issue on a day when school is not in session, but we are planning Y programs (e.g. Y School-Age Program), we will make a decision no later than 6 a.m. the day that the program is scheduled to run and communicate any delays or closures to parents and guardians.

Hoag Road & Bakerview Weather Delays and Closures

A decision on facility hours and program or class cancellations will be made as needed as conditions change. Closures will be determined on a case-by-case basis and announced with as much advance notice as possible. We will do our best to reschedule classes and/or programs that have been canceled. In the event we cannot reschedule a fee-based and in-branch program, we will offer a credit to your account to be used toward future Y programs or membership dues.

  • Power Outages: It is the YMCA’s policy to suspend facility activities if power is out for a period of 30 minutes or more without sign of restoration. We will communicate closures via email and on our website.
  • Thunder and Lightning:  If thunder or lightning is seen/heard, all pools, showers, steam rooms, and saunas will close until 30 minutes after the last reported strike. Outdoor activities may be relocated, delayed, or cancelled due to nearby lightning strikes.

Bakerview will follow the same closure and delays set by the main Y at Hoag Road. In the event that Bakerview is open on a day that the main Y at Hoag Road is not, notifications will be sent via email to the participants who will be affected by any closures or delays.

FACILITY GUIDELINES

Rules for our spaces

  • Athletic footwear required. 
  • Please wipe down equipment after using it.
  • Please re-rack equipment after use and return equipment to the proper place.
  • During peak times, please share equipment with other patrons.
  • Limit cell phone use (please take phone calls in the lobby).
  • No unprotected glass allowed. 
  • Must be 16 or older to use the free weights, stair stepper machine, or Assault Runner machine. 
  • Personal Training:  
    • Cancellation Policy: Clients are responsible for informing their trainer 24 hours in advance if they are unable to make a scheduled session. A make-up session will be given on a case-by-case basis.  
    • Payment Policy: All sessions must be paid for in full in advance prior to the initial session with trainer.
  • Please do not exercise directly in front of the dumbbell racks. Take your weights a couple of steps back so that others can grab their own dumbbells. If it’s too heavy to step back a few steps, grab lighter weight!
  • Be clean and wipe down all machines, free weights, and dumbbells you use.
  • Put equipment back and unload your bars and machines when finished using them.
  • Give people adequate space.
  • Don’t lift heavy without a spotter.
  • Closed-toe shoes are required (no open-toe shoes, flip flops, sandals, etc.).
  • Inappropriate, immodest, or sexually revealing attire is prohibited.
  • No videoing of photographing others working out.
  • Alert staff to any broken equipment or hazardous conditions and don’t use equipment that appears broken.
  • Be mindful and avoid any unnecessary banging or dropping of weights.
  • Keep personal items not being used for exercise in designated areas. Keep gym bags off the weight room floor.

PEAK HOURS GUIDELINES

  • During peak hours, work out in groups of 3 people or less
    • Large groups (4+ more people) hovering around equipment may be asked to split up.
  • During peak hours, use of multiple machines at once is not permitted.
  • During peak hours, share equipment/benches with others while resting between sets.
  • No food, gum, or unprotected glass products allowed on the court. 
  • Proper closed-toe athletic footwear required (no sandals, heels, or floor-marking shoes). 
  • Sign out all equipment used and return in the same condition. 
  • Y activities & scheduled events have priority over other use. 
  • To prevent loss, damage, or personal injury, jewelry is prohibited.
  • The Y is not responsible for lost or stolen items. 
  • Report all losses, injuries, or issues to Y staff.
  • Please bring your own towel. The Y doesn’t have laundry facilities and as such doesn’t provide towels.
  • Participants are required to take a cleansing shower before entering the pool.  
  • Pool use is permitted only under the supervision of a YMCA Lifeguard.  
  • The Lifeguard has full authority for interpreting and enforcing these guidelines. Failure to abide by pool guidelines may result in the loss of pool use privileges.  
  • Individuals under the influence of alcohol and/or illegal drugs are not permitted to use the pool or to be on the pool premises.  
  • Appropriate swimwear/swimsuits required for all participants. Shirts and tank tops are not allowed unless they are made of polyester, nylon, or spandex. Jeans and cotton clothing are prohibited.  
  • Any person wearing a diaper must have a protective covering (swim diaper) to prevent contamination. Please change diapers at designated diaper changing areas in the locker rooms only.  
  • Individuals with open sores, communicable disease, infections, or who have been ill with vomiting or diarrhea within the last two weeks are not permitted in the pool.  
  • Participants with a history of seizures, heart, or circulatory problems should swim with a buddy if at all possible. Please alert a staff person if you have a specific condition of which they should be aware.  
  • Pool noodles may be used with certain hours at the permission of the lifeguard.  
  • In an effort to keep the pool deck as clean as possible, the use of street shoes is strongly discouraged. Likewise, food, gum, beverages, and tobacco products are not permitted in the pool area.  
  • Running, dunking, diving, and horseplay are prohibited.  
  • Participants must use feet-first entries or ladder-entries when entering the pool.
  • Prolonged underwater swimming or breath holding is prohibited.
  • In the event of an emergency please follow the directions of the Lifeguard on duty.  
  • In an Emergency, press the red alarm panels or call 911  
  • An emergency phone is located in the lifeguard office at the south side of the pool area.  
  • A First-Aid Kit is located in the lifeguard office at the south side of the pool area.  
  • No glass  
  • No food or gum
  • Youth ages 13 and older may the hot tub and steam rooms
  • Please shower before using the hot tub.  
  • Use of body lotions, oils or suntan lotions is not permitted.  
  • Swimsuits must be worn at all times.  
  • Maximum time limit is 10 minutes.  
  • No cell phone use in the steam rooms.  
  • No diving or jumping into the hot tub.  
  • Do not submerge to the bottom of the hot tub.  
  • Cool down at least five minutes after exercising prior to use.  
  • Aerobic exercise in the hot tub or steam rooms is not allowed.  
  • Please do not use the hot tub or steam rooms if you are under the influence of alcohol, anticoagulants, antihistamines, vasoconstrictors, vasodilators, stimulants, hypnotics, or tranquilizers.  
  • Maximum hot tub occupancy is 9 patrons.  

Y Kids @ Hoag is available for both members and community members. This is a FREE service for Family Memberships and is available for $15 per session/child for other membership types and community members. (If you have a non-Family Membership, you’ll pay the fee at the Y Kids Corner, not at the Welcome Center.) Pre-registration is going away, so Y Kids is now drop-in only. If you arrive and our Y Kids Corner is at capacity, you may be asked to wait until a space opens up so that our staff can ensure safety for all the young ones.

  • Available for youth ages 1-10.
  • Y Kids’ is not a state licensed program and has an exemption from childcare licensing. Therefore, there is a 2-hour time limit per child per visit for a maximum of 12 hours per week. Because we are not licensed child care, we are also unable to change diapers. If we suspect a child needs a diaper change, a staff member will locate the parent in the building to notify them. Children using the Kid Zone bathroom must be able to go to the bathroom independently. Staff are unable to assist a child.
  • Children must be signed in and out by a guardian, and that guardian must remain in the building.
  • Children must wear appropriate clothing/shoes.
  • No outside food or drink (water bottles are fine).
  • Y Kids is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • If your child is showing signs of illness, please keep them home.

YOUTH GUIDELINES

What youth can participate in at the Y

In order to provide a safe and positive experience for the youth of our community, the following guidelines related to facility use by YMCA members and guests alike will apply to all youth who are not participating in a supervised, structured program while in the facility.

  • A “supervising individual” is defined as the following:
    • If you’re caregiving for an adult, the supervising individual must be 18 or older.
    • If you’re supervising a minor (ages 12 and under), the supervising individual must be 16 or older.
      • Example: I’m a 15-year-old babysitter for a family with two 10-year-olds. Can I bring them to the Y?
        • No, you must be 16 years old to bring kids 12 and under to the Y.
  • Youth must be 13 years or older to visit/use the Y without a “supervising individual”
    • A parent or legal guardian must sign a waiver for each youth (13-17) before they are allowed to be in the building without supervision.
    • Youth aged 13-17 must have a legal guardian inactive on their membership for emergency contact purposes.
 

Infants ages 1 and under are welcome to accompany their parents/guardians while in a car seat or stroller. A stroller or car seat should not be left in walkways or block access to equipment and may not be in the free weight area. Please place strollers or car seats in a place where nothing could fall on top of them. We recommend using the studios when classes are not in session or finding an open carpeted area so they can be within arms reach.

  • Wellness Center
    • Children may not use the Wellness Center or free weight area; they should be dropped off at Y Kids @ Hoag or be enrolled in other programming if the supervising individual is working out in the Wellness Center or free weight area.
  • Track
    • Children must have direct supervision at all times
  • Gymnasium 
    • Children must have direct supervision at all times
  • Wellness Center
    • Youth must have medical clearance from their doctor and be pre-approved by our Membership Engagement Director, Crystal Bullard
    • Youth must meet height requirements (60”/5’ for Cardio Equipment; 62”/5’2” for Weight Equipment) and attend Wellness 101 before being allowed to use limited equipment
    • Youth must be accompanied by a supervising individual who remains within arm’s length distance
    • Restrictions may apply at the instructor’s discretion (fitness classes only)
    • Stairmaster, Assault Runner machine, and free-weight area is off-limits
  • Track
    • Youth ages 8-9 must have direct supervision at all times
    • Youth Ages 10-12 may utilize the track with a supervising individual in the building
  • Gymnasium
    • Youth ages 8-9 must have direct supervision at all times
    • Youth Ages 10-12 may utilize the gymnasium with a supervising individual in the building
  • Wellness Center
    • Youth may participate in fitness classes and utilize the Wellness Center without supervision
    • Youth must have medical clearance from their doctor and be pre-approved by our Membership Engagement Director, Crystal Bullard to participate in Personal Training.
    • Stairmaster, Assault Runner machine, and free-weight area is off-limits.
  • Track
    • Youth may utilize the Track without supervision
  • Gymnasium
    • Youth may utilize the Gymnasium without supervision
  • Wellness Center
    • Youth may utilize the Wellness Center and Free Weights without supervision.
  • Track
    • Youth may utilize the Track without supervision
  • Gymnasium
    • Youth may utilize the Gym without supervision

AQUATICS CENTER GUIDELINES

Rules for the pool

  • Parents must accompany non-swimming children and swimming in flotation devices. If a child has a flotation device on, the child must be within arm’s reach.
  • Swimmers must be at least 48″ to use the Teaching Pool by themselves.
  • Anyone under the age of 13 will have to pass a swim test to swim in the lap pool. See swim test toggle below for details. Anyone may be asked to pass the swim test if the lifeguard on duty feels it is warranted out of safety concerns.

A swim test is required for any swimmer ages 13 and under and any individual the lifeguard does not feel comfortable with in the lap pool or in the deep end during open swim. Anyone may be asked to pass the swim test if the lifeguard on duty feels it is warranted out of safety concerns. There may be times when the pool is busy enough that a lifeguard may not be able to immediately conduct a swim test, in which case you’ll need to wait until one is available.

  • Swim Test Requirements: The swim test will consist of jumping feet first into the deep end, treading water for 1 minute, and swimming 25 yards using a face in the water/side breathing freestyle technique. If a swimmer needs to stop or grab the lap lanes, they do not pass the swim test and are not allowed in the deep end of the lap pool.
  • Once passed, a wrist band will be given to the swimmer which allows them to swim in the lap pool. On the way out, the swimmer should stop by the Welcome Center to have staff update their account. Welcome Center Staff will give the swimmer a stamp on their hand at all future visits and they will not have to complete the swim test again.