Safety is our number one priority at the YMCA. These age guidelines will help to ensure you and your family’s safety while having fun at the Y! Please review the age, dress code, strength & cardio, and gymnasium guidelines below. Youth 8+ may utilize facility including gymnasiums and pools, schedules permitting, without adult supervision as long as used in a respectful manner.
AGE GUIDELINES
POOL (BHSJ & NB)
- Open Swim – Open to all families, adults, & children. Those 7 and under must be accompanied by an adult in the water. All children must be able to stand flat-footed in water at shoulder level or stay within arm’s reach of an adult.
- Lap Swim – Children 13 and over only
- Family Swim (NB Therapy Pool Only) – Open to all families and adults. Anyone under the age of 18 must have an adult in the water with them in order to help keep the family environment.
GYMNASIUM
- Ages 7 & Under: May utilize the gymnasium with adult or sibling ages 13+ supervision.
- Ages 8+: May utilize the gymnasium without supervision.
CHILDWATCH
- BHSJ: 6 weeks–8 years
- NB: 6 weeks–12 years
- OB: 6 weeks-12 years
CARDIO & STRENGTH EQUIPMENT
- Youth & teens ages 11-15 must complete orientation and wear wristbands to use equipment.
- Ages 10 & Under: May walk the track within arm’s reach of an adult. No cardio or weight machines.
- Ages 11+: May use cardio machines and track without supervision.
- Ages 13-15: May use strength equipment when supervised by Y staff or parent/guardian.
- Ages 16+: May use strength equipment without supervision.
GROUP EXERCISE
- Ages 4 & Under: May take Family/Youth Classes with adult or sibling ages 13+ supervision.
- Ages 5-12: May take Family/Youth Classes without supervision if able to follow instructions.
- Ages 13+: May take fitness classes without supervision.
DRESS CODE
- Closed-toe athletic shoes are required.
- Chest, sports bra, and midriff should be covered.
- Buttocks should be covered at all times.
- Due to health risks, plastic clothing is prohibited.
- Clothing with offensive language or pictures is prohibited.
- The YMCA reserves the right to define inappropriate dress when necessary.
STRENGTH & CARDIO GUIDELINES
- Avoid dropping weights. If you can’t control the put-down, decrease your lifting weight.
- Return all equipment to its original location for the convenience of others.
- Wipe off the equipment after each use with provided supplies.
- Do not spit in the drinking fountain.
- Limit your time to 30 minutes on cardio equipment when it is busy.
- When people are waiting, please allow them to work in between your sets.
- All phone calls should be taken in the hallway or lobby.
- Use headphones when playing music on your electronic device.
- Only water and sports drinks are allowed in non-breakable bottles with caps.
- Report any equipment in need of repair to YMCA staff.
- Chalk and powder are not allowed to help maintain a clean facility.
- Non-YMCA personal trainers and athletic coaches are prohibited.
- All video recordings must be approved and supervised by YMCA staff.
- The Y is family-friendly—please use respectful language and behavior.
GYMNASIUM GUIDELINES
- No food is allowed in the gymnasium.
- Only water and sports drinks are allowed in non-breakable bottles with caps.
- Sportsman-like conduct is an expectation.
- The Y is family-friendly—please use respectful language and behavior.
- Dunking and hanging from rims is prohibited for your safety.
- Use equipment properly.
- Disagreements, disputes, and arguments will be settled in a polite and non-violent manner.
- Players are responsible for any damages resulting from misconduct or misuse of equipment and facilities.
- The Y is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. Please keep your items locked up.
- All video recordings must be approved and supervised by YMCA staff.
- Non-YMCA personal trainers and athletic coaches are prohibited.
CODE OF CONDUCT
- Resolve conflicts in a respectful, honest and caring manner; never resort to physical contact, verbal abuse, or threatening gestures.
- Speak in respectful tones and refrain from the use of vulgar/derogatory comments or profanity.
- Respect others by refraining from intimate behavior in public; abstain from contact of a sexual nature.
- Respect the property of others; never engage in theft or destruction.
- Create a safe, caring environment; never carry firearms or weapons on YMCA premises.
- Participate in programs to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body. For participant’s safety, never engage in the use, sale, dispense, possession, or appear to be under the influence of illegal drugs, narcotics, or the unsanctioned use of alcohol on YMCA premises. This includes marijuana.
- Prohibit anyone convicted of a crime involving child abuse or sexual abuse, or anyone listed on the National Sex Offender List to participate under my membership.
- Abstain from the use of tobacco products, including vaping, in the facility or on the property.
EQUIPMENT CHECKOUT
A photo ID, car keys, or phone is required to check out a basketball or any other equipment (anyone 17 and under may use their parent’s ID).
The person checking out the equipment is responsible for returning it. There is a $50 fee for any equipment that is not returned. The fee will be added to the account and must be paid by the next billing cycle. Fees that are not paid are subject to termination of membership. Non-Members must pay for lost equipment before re-entering the facility.
There are balls available gym(s) for use. Please let Member Service know if there aren’t any available.
