General Policies | Program Area Policies

The mission of the YMCA of Dane County, Inc., is to respond to needs of families through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The YMCA principles include honesty, responsibility, caring and respect. They are the basis for all we do as an organization. Using them as a guide, we have developed the following Code of Conduct to ensure that all who enter our facility enjoy a safe, welcoming and comfortable environment.

Code of Conduct
We ask individuals to act in a manner that upholds these principles at all times when they are in our facility or participating in YMCA programs. We expect those using the YMCA to behave in a way that shows respect and caring for others, which includes not using any language or engaging in any action that can hurt or frighten another person or that falls below a generally accepted standard of conduct. Actions not showing respect for others and are not permitted include:

• Wearing inappropriate attire. Attire must include swimsuits only in the pool area; shoes, shorts and shirt or leotard in other areas of the facility. Clothing with vulgar or profane writing or pictures is not allowed.

• Using angry or vulgar language; swearing, name calling or shouting.

• Making physical contact with another person in an angry or threatening way.

• Engaging in sexual activity or contact with another person.

• Harassment or intimidation with words, gestures, or body language. Behavior which is
• inappropriate, threatening or offensive in nature.

• Stealing or behavior which results in destruction of property.

• Carrying or concealing devices or objects which may be used as weapons.

• Using or possessing illegal chemicals or alcohol on YMCA property or in vehicles.

• Smoking. All YMCA facilities and grounds offer a smoke free environment.

The YMCA reserves the right to deny access or membership to any person who has been accused or convicted of any crime involving sexual abuse, is or has been a registered sex offender.

Members and guests are encouraged to be responsible for their personal well-being. Feel free to ask any person to refrain from any activity that threatens your comfort. If the situation needs additional assistance, YMCA staff are always available.

The Branch Director will investigate all reported incidents. If the Branch Director determines a violation of this Code of Conduct has occurred, suspension or termination of YMCA membership privileges as stated in YMCA policy may result.

Emergency and Accident Procedures | top
Emergency: In an emergency-fire, dangerous weather, mechanical failure - the staff will implement emergency procedures. Members are asked to follow directions of the staff.

Accident: In the event of an accident or injury please alert the desk. An accident report will be completed and kept on file. The YMCA does not provide personal medical insurance for members. Participation accidents are the responsibility of the member.

Food and Beverages
Please keep all food and beverages in the vending areas, and out of the program and gym areas.

Lost and Found
Lost items may be claimed at the desk. Wallets, watches, rings etc. will be secured. Items are held for four weeks then donated to local non-profit organizations. The YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Merchandise Sales | top
The YMCA sells a variety of swimming accessories and seasonal apparel at the desk.

No Smoking
By action of the Board of Directors, a no smoking policy has been adopted for YMCA facilities, childcare sites and properties.

Participation
The YMCA of Dane County encourages all participants to consult with a physician before beginning any form of exercise.

Supervision of Children | top
The YMCA requires that all children under the age of seven have adult supervision of someone 18 years or older at all times. Children cannot be left at the YMCA later than closing time. If the child is left after closing time, the police will be called to take the child home. We urge you to have a system in place for picking up your children.

Program Area Policies

Gymnasium
- Appropriate gym attire is required at all times.
- Children are not permitted in the gym during times scheduled for adult classes.
- Please follow the gym schedule for each session. Schedules are subject to change without advanced notice. Schedules are available at desk.
- Food or drink is not permitted in the gym.
- Family Prime Time is open to families only. One parent must be in the gym with their children at all times.
- Dunking or hanging on the rims is not permitted.
- During open gym, full court basketball will be up to the discretion of the YMCA staff.
- The gym supervisor and the Manager on Duty have full authority to enforce policies.
- Designated times are set-aside for members only.

Lifestyle Center | top
The lifestyle center is open during regular building hours. Lifestyle center orientations are free and encouraged for all members. Members under the ages of 13-15 are required to take the Teen 1-on-1 class. Youth 12 and under are not allowed in the lifestyle center.

Lifestyle Center Policies
- Be respectful of other members using the lifestyle center equipment.
- Please use cardiovascular equipment for a maximum of 30 minutes.
- Please wipe down equipment after use.
- Please wear appropriate attire including clean, dry athletic shoes, shirt and shorts. Sandals are not allowed.
- Use of a water bottle is encouraged. Food and other beverages are not allowed into the lifestyle center.
- Work out bags are not allowed in the lifestyle center.

Locker Rooms
Each time you use the facility bring a lock to secure your clothes and valuables in a locker. Lockers are for daily use only. Please take your lock with you when you leave so others can use the locker. The YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen articles. We recommend that you leave valuables at home or place in security lockers. Children are asked to use gender appropriate youth locker room. No children are allowed in the adult locker areas. The family locker rooms are available for adults with young children or individuals with special needs.

Swimming Pool | top
The swimming pool is open during regular business hours and there is always a lifeguard on duty. Pool temperature is 82-84°F. Programs in the swimming pool include open swim, lap swim, family swim, swimming lessons for all ages, water exercise and swim team programs for youth and adult.

Pool Policies
- Soap showers must be taken before entering the pool or whirlpool.
- Proper swimsuits must be worn. Gym shorts and T-shirts are not allowed.
- Spitting, spouting of water, blowing the nose or otherwise introducing contaminates into the pool is not allowed.
- Running on the deck is not allowed.
- Keep off lane lines.
- Gum, candy, food, drink, tobacco and glass are not allowed.
- Diving into water 8 feet deep or less or off the diving blocks is not allowed.
- Jumping backwards and flips are not allowed.
- Equipment may be used at the discretion of the lifeguard.
- Non-swimmers are to remain in the shallow area.
- Safety rope dividing the shallow and deep water shall be up when patrons are in the pool.
- Lifeguards have full authority to enforce all policies.
- Rough play, chicken fights: shoulder rides, pushing, pulling, or dunking is not allowed.
- Soap, lotion or other substances are not permitted in or around the pool area that might interfere with efficient operation of the swimming pool.
- During family swim, children must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian in the pool.
- Diapers are not to be worn in the pool. Children who are not toilet trained must wear plastic pants, swimming diapers, or other swimming suits that have snug, elastic fitting leg and waistbands.
- Floatation devices must be kept in the shallow end. Only coast guard approved floatation
- devices may be worn.
- Inflatable devises are not allowed.

Lap Swim
- Participants age 16 and over may participate in adult lap swim.
- During lap swim the pool is divided into sections.

Slide
The slide is available at East YMCA during family and open swim for swimmers who have passed the deep water test.
- One swimmer on the slide at a time. Second swimmer must wait at the bottom of the steps of the slide.
- Swimmers should go down the slide feet first in a sitting position.
- Swimmers should not catch other swimmers going down the slide.

Deep Water Test
- Swimmers under the age of 18 must take a deep-water test to be in the deep end of the pool.
- Deep-water test consists of swimming one length of the pool without stopping.
- Members can pick up their deep water bracelet at the desk, after successfully passing the test.

Whirlpool
- Available at East & West YMCA.
- Whirlpool temperature is 102-104° F.
- Participants entering the whirlpool must be 16 years of age.
- Participants should avoid overheating by removing bathing caps and by keeping your head above the water.
- Shampoo, body oils or shaving is not allowed in the whirlpool.
- Showers must be taken before entering the whirlpool.
- Pregnant woman and persons with cardiac, resperatory or blood pressure conditions should not use the whirlpool without first consulting a physician.
- 5-10 minute limit in the whirlpool is recommended.
- After exercising allow your pulse to return to normal before using the whirlpool.

Sauna
- Available at East & West YMCA.
- See above whirlpool policies, applicable to sauna.