Bathing suits, bathing caps or tied-back shoulder length hair and soap showers are required before using the swimming pools. A lifeguard must be on duty before entry into the pools or pond is allowed. Members must follow lifeguard instructions on pool and pond use at all times. Inflatables, noodles, kickboards & beach toys are not permitted for recreational swim. Anyone wearing a flotation device, approved by aquatics staff, must be accompanied in the water, by a parent or guardian. Jumping or diving off the blocks is prohibited during recreational swim. Children in strollers are not permitted on pool decks without adult supervision at all times. All private lessons must be set up through the aquatic office. All instructors must be currently employed by the Riverbrook Regional Y Aquatic Department. It is not permitted for members to bring independent swim instructors/lifeguards to provide instruction during any open pool time. Children under 12 may not use lap lanes in the pools without prior permission from the Aquatic Staff. Lap swimmers must circle swim. Long breath holding and swimming under the bulkhead are prohibited.
DO NOT ENTER AQUATIC AREAS UNLESS AUTHORIZED STAFF IS PRESENT. Failure to comply may result in loss of membership privilege.
Indoor/Outdoor Aquatic Weather / Storm Policy
WIND POLICY FOR OUTDOOR AREAS:
This policy aims to ensure the safety, functionality, and preservation of the outdoor pond area during periods of strong winds or adverse weather conditions.
Wind Thresholds and Actions:
• Mild Winds (0-15 mph): Normal operations may continue. Visitors should be mindful of potential breezes affecting loose objects.
• Moderate Winds (16-30 mph): Any temporary structures (e.g., umbrellas, tents) must be secured or removed. Pond maintenance personnel should inspect for debris accumulation.
• Strong Winds (31-45 mph): All unsecured objects must be removed. Visitors should exercise caution. Maintenance teams should assess the pond and surrounding area for potential damage.
• Severe Winds (46+ mph or official wind advisories issued): The pond area will be closed to the public. All maintenance activities will cease until conditions improve. Emergency inspections are required post-event.
INCLEMENT WEATHER POOL CLOSURE POLICY
Visibility Due to Heavy Rain:
For the safety of all members and guests, the Wilton Y will temporarily close its pool during periods of heavy rain when visibility is compromised.
Specifically, if rain conditions prevent our lifeguards from being able to clearly see the bottom of the pool, the facility will suspend pool operations until visibility is fully restored.
This policy is in place to ensure our lifeguards can respond immediately and effectively in the event of an emergency. Pool access will resume as
soon as the rain subsides and safe visibility levels return.
THUNDER AND LIGHTNING POLICIES FOR AQUATIC AREAS:
1. Immediate Closure Upon Thunder or Lightning – All outdoor aquatic areas will be cleared and closed immediately upon the first sound of thunder or sighting of lightning. This is a mandatory precaution to protect the safety of all patrons and staff.
2. 30-Minute Rule – The aquatic area will remain closed for a minimum of 30 minutes after the last observed lightning or sound of thunder. Each occurrence resets the 30-minute timer.
3. Safe Shelter Requirements – During closures, patrons must move to a safe, enclosed shelter such as the main facility building or their personal vehicles. Shelters like pool pavilions or open gazebos do not provide adequate protection.
4. Resuming Activities – Aquatic activities will resume only when staff have confirmed that the 30-minute safety window has passed without any additional thunder or lightning.
5. Communication and Enforcement- Staff will communicate closures promptly and clearly. Reentry into the pool area during an active closure is strictly prohibited and may result in removal from the facility.
POND CLOSURE POLICY:
To ensure the health and safety of all swimmers, we test the pond water every week for bacteria and other contaminants. These routine tests help us monitor water quality and determine if it’s safe for recreational use.
If test results indicate bacteria levels above the acceptable threshold, we are required to temporarily close the pond. This step is taken out of an abundance of caution to protect everyone from potential illness or infection.
We understand that closures can be disappointing, especially on warm summer days, but the safety of our members and guests is always our top priority. The pond will reopen as soon as the water quality returns to a safe level.
Pool / Pond Closings
Call before coming to be sure the pools are open. When the 25 or 50M pools are closed for special events such as swim meets, signs will be posted in the building a week prior to notify members. Other sudden unanticipated closings due to mechanical problems, children vomiting or defecating in the water, etc. will be posted on the front door, website and communicated by phone to class participants as soon as possible.
To minimize the number of pool closings due to children vomiting or defecating in the water, we ask parents to observe the following rules:
1. Do NOT feed your child before swimming.
2. Do NOT bring your child swimming if they have a cold, congestion, upset stomach, or digestive problems.
3. Be sure your child goes to the bathroom right before swimming.
4. Ask your child if they feel well before going in the pool.
5. While swimming ask your child periodically if they need to use the bathroom.
6. Watch the amount of water your child swallows when in the pool.
If your child vomits or defecates in the pool the following action will be taken:
First offense – a $75 fine will be assessed to compensate for loss of services and cost incurred.
Second offense – a $250 fine will be assessed.
Third offense – a $500 fine will be assessed and you will be suspended from using the pool for 30 days.
Swim School Policies and Procedures
- Items for class: bathing suit, towel, flip flops, goggles ( only if you would like, please no goggles with nose pieces)
- When dropping your swimmer off, please sit to watch on the bleachers or on the deep end of the pool. No parents/guardians will be allowed to sit where classes begin.
- Make sure you/your swimmer wear an appropriate bathing suit. If you/your child would like to wear a shirt, no problem, please make sure it is a swim shirt and not a cotton shirt. Cotton shirts are dangerous to swim in and weigh a swimmer down, if your swimmer attends class with a cotton shirt on we will ask that it is removed for their safety.
- For those with hair longer than ear length please make sure to have it tied back.
- Please allow the instructor to teach, if we are having any issues we will be sure to call you over and ask for assistance. With new swimmers at any age, it does sometimes take a class or two to get comfortable in a new environment and/or new people.
- 1 make up with prior written (email) missed notification will be allowed per session. If the swimmer misses multiple sessions, they will be able to make up 1 for the session. If the YMCA needs to cancel due to a closure, a make up or a credit on the session will be offered.
- No credit or refund will be given after the second class of the session, for those that cancel.
- All of our instructors will have face shields on for your swimmer and our protection. If you are sitting on pool deck, please make sure to sit socially distanced. For those unvaccinated as well as under the age of 5 years old please make sure to wear your mask at all times.
SWIM BAND POLICY> See tab below
Splash Pad
Water shoes must be worn at all times. Swim diapers are also necessary if a child is not potty trained.
Dock Test at the Pond
Any child under the age of 18, must complete the YMCA swim skills assessment and will be assigned a green, yellow or red swim band prior to swimming in the pools & pond. Dock Tests at the Pond are also required during the summer months. Please see below for more information on the Swim Band Policy.
