New Britain – Berlin YMCA

Safe pools have rules!

  • A lifeguard must be on duty in order for the pool to be open to the public.
  • An adult (18+) must be present on the swimming pool deck or in the water for those children 13 years of age and under who wish to swim.
  • Any child 5 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult (18+) in the water.
  • Those 14+ years of age and older may use the lap lanes but must perform laps to remain in them. Lap lanes are strictly for lap swimmers.
  • A non-swimmer must be within arm reach of an adult (18+).
  • Adult/children who must use the aid of a swim belt will not be allowed in the water greater than 5 feet.  An adult/child must be able to swim 25 yards comfortably without the assistance of an aid (swim belt, noodle, etc) in order to be allowed in the water greater than 5 feet (swim lessons excluded).
  • All swimmers shall bathe with warm water and soap before entering the pool.
  • Any persons known or suspected of having a communicable disease shall not use the pool.
  • Spitting or nose blowing in the water is prohibited.
  • Although the YMCA staff recommends that bathing caps be used, if a person's hair is longer than the neckline; his/her hair must be tied back.
  • Regulation bathing suits must be worn. Male bathing suits must be worn above the knee. No t-shirts, no jeans and no cut-offs. Underwear and sports bras are not acceptable for bathing suits.
  • No gum is allowed in the pool facility.
  • No swimming aids or boats, etc. are allowed. (swimmies, inflatables, boats, etc.)
  • Children are not allowed to bring masks, fins or snorkels. Masks can be worn if the nose is not covered. Adults (18+) may bring in their own masks,fins and snorkels.
  • No repetitive breath holding (competitive/non-competitive)
  • A 1:25 lifeguard to swimmer ratio is strongly enforced. The ratio may be lessened if the attendance of swimmers warrants it.
  • No diving is permitted off the deck into the pool.
  • Diving blocks are not to be used during public swims.
  • STORM POLICY: At the first sight and or sound of a thunder and lightening storm; the lifeguards are to clear the pool immediately for 30 minutes. Within those 30 minutes, if the lifeguards do not hear or see anything storm related; swimmers will be allowed back in the swimming pool. If the lifeguards do see lightning and/or hear thunder within those 30 minutes, the lifeguards must start the 30 minute time period all over again.