Building Etiquette & Policies

Building Etiquette

The YMCA is a shared experience for everyone to enjoy.YMCA members,volunteers and staff are expected to treat one another with respect,fairness and dignity.

Policies

Building Policy - Access

Each patron 13+ accessing our facility will be prompted to provide photo ID. This ensures security in our building and the safety of our members in regards to member wellness and support of our YMCA Canada Child Protection policy

Guest Passes

Guests may visit the facility accompanied by a member who has an active membership, up to 3 times at no charge. After that, the guest may join as a member or pay a Day Pass Fee. Guests are required to check in at Membership Services and provide photo identification on each visit.

Lockers

Lockers are available for day-use only; you must bring your own lock. Personal belongings must be locked up for your safety and security. Small key lockers are available, free for day use, in the membership lobby. We recomment leaving any valuables at home or locking them up in the small lobby lockers. The YMCA is not responsible for loss or damage to personal belongings. We suggest you do not leave valuables in your car.

Dress Code

In order to respect the comfort and safety of everyone, proper gym / work out wear is required. Gym/athletic shoes are recommended, along with comfortable tops and bottoms suitable for your fitness regime, and our family environment.

Children in the Building

Children under the age of 10 accessing the facility, must be in a program or directly supervised by a parent or caregiver 16 years of age or older. Chidlren under the age of 10 must be signed in and out of programs by a parent/caregiver; children 10-14 may sign themselves in and out of programs.

Wireless Devices and Cell Phones

Cell phone use is prohibited in change rooms.For the comfort and enjoyment of all members, cell phone use in the YMCA will be limited to discreet use in lobby areas only.

Photography

To ensure the safety and security of all participants and guests there is no unauthorized photography of any kind permitted in our buildings.Therefore no recording or photography devices of any kind are permitted.

Aquatic admissions standards

Aquatic Wrist Band Procedure

In response to recommendations set out by the Coroner of Ontario and YMCA Child Protection protocols, all participants 9 years and under who wish to swim in deep water or unaccompanied in the pool, must complete a brief swim test prior to being admitted to the pool.  They will be required to wear a wrist band in the pool.  Wrist band colours are as follows:   

Children 5 years and under - RED Wrist Band

  • Must be accompanied in the water by a parent/caregiver who is at least 16 years of age who remains within arm's reach.
  • Ratio of children to parent/guardian 2:1

Children 6 - 9 years of age - YELLOW Wrist Band

  • Children who do not successfully complete the swim test may swim with a parent/guardian 16 years or older in the pool who remains within arm's reach.
  • Ratio of children to parent/guardian 4:1

Children 6 - 9 years of age - GREEN Wrist Band

  • Children who complete the swim test may access the pool unaccompanied
  • Parent/guardian 16 years or older must remain within the pool enclosure and directly supervise their children.  i.e must have visual and verbal contact at all times.

10 years and Older

  • Participants 10 years and older may access the pool unaccompanied.
  • Swimmers of any age may be asked to complete the swim test at the discretion of the Lifeguard.
  • Based on swim ability restriction to shallow water may be made.

Admission Swim Test Standard

The Admission Swim Test will consist of:

Part 1:  25m swim.

The following standard must be maintained throughout the duration of the swim:

  • Face in the water (with the ability to breathe out of the water)
  • Overarm recovery (arms consistently out of the water)
  • Horizontal body position (feet near the surface not the bottom)
  • Propulsive forward motion
  • Comfortable in the water

Part 2: Tread water test:

Only delivered to those who successfully complete the 25m swim test:

  • Jump away from the side of the pool
  • Easily surface and begin to tread water   
  • Head/ears maintained above water
  • Completion of required time - 30 seconds

Swim tests ARE required each time a child accesses a recreational swim.

Slide Admission Standard

The slide is governed by the Technical Standards and safety Authority and the Ontarion Amusement devices Act. Riders must be 4 feet tall and complete the swim admission standard test-25 metres (1 length) of a recognizable stroke.

Footwear

Aquatic Centre

In compliance with Health and Safety Standards, to keep our pool deck and shower areas clean and well maintained, outdoor footwear is prohibited in these areas. Blue bootie covers can be purchased at the Membership Services Desk for $0.50/pair. Please no strollers in the shower or on the pool deck.

Workout areas/gymnasium

Appropriate clean, closed toe shoes are required in these areas.

Gymnasium

Please no food or drink in the gymnasium. Bottled water is acceptable. 

Track Use

Children 6-14 years have access to the track with direct parent/caregiver supervision. Members 13 and 14 years of age must complete the Youth Conditioning Course and obtain a shoe tag in order to have unsupervised access.

Perfume, Cologne & Hairspray

Please be respectful of others when using perfumes, colognes and hairspray at the YMCA, we are of the minimalist attitude within our spaces. Some members have severe allergies to these products.