Aquatic Center Policies & FAQs

Dive into fitness at the YMCA!

For splash-around fun, swim lessons, lap swimming or effective, joint-friendly exercise, the Y is the place to be! We help people of all ages explore a new environment, learn to swim, build self-confidence or get a wet and wonderful workout! Lap swimming and open swim available in the 8-Lane 25-Yard Lap Pool, and the Warm Water Instructional Pool is open at various times throughout the day.

Safe Pools Have Rules

  • 1
    Please shower before entering the pool.
  • 2

    Proper swim attire must be worn at all times. No cotton allowed in pools. (It damages the pool filters.)

  • 3
    Breath-holding activities are not permitted in YMCA pools.
  • 4
    Running on the deck, in the locker rooms, showers, or hallways is not permitted.
  • 5

    Do not enter the pool if you have open cuts, wounds, bandages, or a communicable disease.

  • 6

    Food, soda, gum, candy, animals, diaper changing, glass & shatterable items and tobacco products are not permitted in and around the pool area the pool area:

  • 7
    Horseplay of any kind is not permitted.
  • 8
    YMCA equipment is reserved for instructor use only.
  • 9
    Hanging on the float lines, starting blocks, or lap lines is not permitted.
  • 10
    Starting blocks are only for YMCA coaches and instructors.
  • 11
    Enter the water facing forward.
Aquatic Center Policies & Faqs Img

Lifeguards and Adult Supervision

Our aquatic staff of American Red Cross certified lifeguards strives to maintain the highest standards possible. The goal is to provide patrons with a safe, clean atmosphere in which families can enjoy aquatic fitness and recreation. The purpose of the aquatic staff is not to supervise your child, but to ensure the safety of all facility patrons by preventing and responding to emergencies. Therefore, parents are expected to closely supervise their children and assist in enforcing the policies for the safety and enjoyment of all patrons.

The following guidelines apply to youth not participating in a supervised, structured program.

  • Ages 0-6: A responsible adult is required to always be in the pool with the swimmer.

  • Ages 7-11: Swimmer is required to have a responsible adult in the pool observation area (see below). The adult is required to be in the water if the child cannot pass the deep end test or stand in the pool.
    » Instructional Pool Observations Areas: If not in the water, the adult must remain on the pool deck or sit on the benches in the Instructional Pool viewing area.
    » Lap Pool Observations Areas: If not in the water, the adult must be on the bleachers or the pool deck.

  • Ages 12+: Are subject to the deep end swim test at the lifeguard’s discretion. However, a responsible adult does not have to remain in the pool area.

  • The ratio of children under the age of 8 to one responsible adult should not exceed three children.

The lifeguard or other aquatic staff may require the responsible adult to be in the water within arm’s reach of the swimmer, in the water with the swimmer, or remain in the area regardless of age depending on the skills of the swimmer(s).

DEEP-END SWIM TEST IN THE LAP POOL

Jump in and level off before beginning to swim, swim to the lifeguard chair in the middle of the pool using a front paddling stroke, tread at that spot for 15 seconds, swim to the end, and then float at the start for 15 seconds, without assistance.

DEEP-END SWIM TEST IN THE INSTRUCTIONAL POOL

Jump in and level off starting at the ladder, swim to the ladder on the other side of the pool using a front paddling stroke, float on your back at that spot for 15 seconds, flip on their front swim back to the start without assistance or touching the wall or floor of the pool.

Proper Swim Attire is Required

In the interest of public health and safety, and in compliance with all local and state laws, patrons need to wear appropriate, clean swimwear and shower prior to entering the pool at the Kenosha YMCA Kueny Aquatic Center. Guardians must also be in proper swimsuit attire, so that if necessary, they can enter the pool to assist the patrons for whom they are responsible.

Appropriate swimsuit attire is defined as clothing specifically designed for use in the water. They are designed to be quick drying and are generally made from smooth, nylon material. Examples of appropriate swimwear include: swimsuits with a lining, rash guard shirts, board shorts, and swim trunks with an affixed/sewn inner lining. All swimwear must be appropriate for a public environment. Revealing and see through attire is prohibited as is clothing that was worn for exercise prior to using the pool. Other examples of inappropriate attire include (but are not limited to) basketball shorts, underwear and/or boxer shorts, sports bras, thong bottoms, cotton clothing items of any kind, and lifeguard gear (due to liability issues). Inappropriate attire can damage our pumps and off-set our chemical levels.

Participants that are not toilet trained are required to wear training pants or pool diapers under their swimwear.

Appropriate Swim Attire

At this time, flotation devices and pool toys are welcome at our aquatic facility under the following guidelines:

  • Children under the age of 10 may only use flotation devices with an adult or guardian in the water, supervising the child.
  • Any flotation device or pool toy must be clean and free of any debris (i.e. sand, beach water residue)
  • Flotation devices and/or pool toys will be allowed at the lifeguard’s discretion.