Village of Shorewood YMCA Facility Policies

Please scroll down to review policy and etiquette signage located throughout the Village of Shorewood YMCA. To translate sign content into your preferred language, please use your device’s translation service or select your language using the button in the bottom right corner of your screen.

ACTIVITY CENTER

Activity Center Guidelines

The Activity Center is designed for children ages 7-years-old and up.

ACTIVITY CENTER USAGE

Seven-year-old children must be signed in and out of the Activity Center by a parent or guardian who remains on YMCA property. Seven-year-old children will not be allowed to leave the Activity Center unattended.

Children, ages 8-9, must sign in with the Activity Center attendant and must have a parent or guardian in the building at all times.

Children, ages 10 and up, must sign in with the Activity Center attendant, but do NOT need to have a parent or guardian in the building.

During unsupervised hours, families are welcome to use the Activity Center. During this time, children, ages 17 and under, will need to be supervised by an adult over the age of 18.

BEHAVIOR

Members must abide by the YMCA Character Values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility when visiting the Activity Center.

All members are responsible for keeping track of their personal items while using the Activity Center. The YMCA is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

The YMCA reserves the right to suspend Activity Center privileges and limit usage of equipment to members who do not abide by YMCA policies and guidelines.

COMPUTERS AND EQUIPMENT

Members must sign in when using YMCA computers in the Activity Center.

There is a 30 minute limit on all computers when others are waiting.

Food and drinks are not allowed by the computers or other gaming equipment in the Activity Center.

Websites or games depicting violence or inappropriate content will not be allowed to be viewed or played on YMCA computers and tablets.

Only YMCA staff members are allowed to download new games onto YMCA electronics.

GYMNASIUM AND INDOOR TRACK

Gym and Track Etiquette

For a pleasant workout experience, we offer the following reminders:

BE RESPONSIBLE

Please check with your physician before beginning any exercise program.

Look both ways before crossing the track.

For the safety of all members, ALL bags, coats and other belongings MUST be stored in a locker. The Village of Shorewood YMCA is not responsible for lost, stolen, or broken items.

Belongings are NOT allowed on the track or gym floor.

During Open Gym, all members are allowed to use court space. Children under the age of 8 years old MUST be accompanied by an adult.

BE RESPECTFUL

Please avoid pushing the curtains onto the track area; this is a safety hazard.

Full-court basketball games are not allowed while classes are in progress or during peak business hours.

Please do not bring any food or drinks, other than water, into the track and gym area.

ONLY instructors may bring sound equipment into the gym.

Hanging on the basketball rims is not allowed.

Appropriate attire is required. Shirts and gym shoes are mandatory. Anyone without the proper attire will be required to leave the track and gym area.

Please walk or run clockwise on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Please walk or run counterclockwise on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Runners please use the outside lanes.

Walkers please use the inside lanes.

Foul language and roughhousing will NOT be tolerated.

Please be cautious when walking on and off the basketball courts.

Do not bounce balls on the track.

Walking or running on the outside lane is 15.6 laps per mile. The inside lane is 16.4 laps per mile. Distances are calculated from the center lane.

LAP POOL

Pool Policies

SWIM TEST POLICY

Children under 15 years of age will be swim tested by the lifeguard on duty and will be required to wear the appropriate wristband for the duration of their visit. Testing must be done at every visit. Children under the age of 10 must have a parent/guardian present on the pool deck at all times regardless of wristband color.

BLUE WRISTBAND SWIMMERS:

Can swim in any open area of the lap pool independently.

BLUE WRISTBAND TEST: Blue swimmers must be able to jump in the deep end, tread water for 10 seconds, and swim to the shallow end of the pool using a rudimentary front crawl stroke without stopping or having assistance.

YELLOW WRISTBAND SWIMMERS:

Can swim in the shallow end of the pool up to the Orange Starfish independently. A parent/guardian must remain on the pool deck at all times.

YELLOW WRISTBAND TEST: Yellow swimmers must jump into the pool from the Orange Starfish and swim to the shallow end without stopping or having assistance, and without the use of a flotation device.

RED WRISTBAND SWIMMERS:

May swim in the shallow end of the lap pool up to the Orange Starfish, provided a parent/guardian is in the water and within arm’s reach at all times.

Prolonged or repetitive breath holding activities are not permitted due to risk of hypoxic black out.

Mermaid tails that bind the legs higher than the knee are not permitted. Mono-fins or devices that bind below the knee are allowed only for lap swimmers and in supervised YMCA classes.

In the case of a thunderstorm, the pools and pool decks will be cleared of all members until 30 minutes after the last observed occurrence of lightning or thunder.

Pool Etiquette

Showering is required before entering the pool.
Hair that is shoulder length or longer must be restrained with a hair tie or swim cap.
No running under any circumstances.
Bathing suits with a liner are required to enter the pool. Street clothes, gym shorts or thong suits are prohibited.
NO diving in the shallow end.
NO flips, backward jumps/dives, spinning jumps, rough housing, pushing, or throwing of patrons allowed.
Food, gum and glass containers are not permitted.
Do not hang on or around the ladders, stairs or lane lines.
All flotation devices must be U.S. Coast Guard Approved. Water wings, baby boats, inner tubes and other related inflatables will not be allowed. YMCA life jackets are available for use upon request.
Any water fitness equipment or water toys must be approved by the lifeguard on duty.
Non-potty trained swimmers are required to wear a swim diaper under their swim suits. Swim diapers are available for purchase at the front desk.
Strollers are not allowed on the pool deck at any time.
Persons with open sores, lesions, wounds and/or having any infectious communicable diseases may not enter the pool.
The lifeguard is the authority figure in the pool area. Please follow directions when given.

KIDS CORNER

Kids Corner Guidelines

Kids Corner is available to Greater Joliet Area YMCA Facility Members only. To ensure the privacy of all members, please refrain from taking photos in Kids Corner.

SECURITY

Kids Corner is open to children, ages 6 months to seven-years-old. Children may stay in the Kids Corner supervised play area for up to two hours each day.

Parents/guardians must remain on YMCA property while their children are in the Kids Corner area.

For safety and security reasons, members checking a child into Kids Corner must present their membership card as well as one for any child they are checking in. Replacement cards may be obtained at the Membership Desk.

Children are not allowed in Kids Corner unless they have been checked in by a parent or guardian.

For the safety and security of all children in Kids Corner, parents will only be allowed past the Check-In Desk to change a diaper.

BEHAVIOR

If a child begins to cry and cannot be comforted within 10 minutes while they are in Kids Corner, parents will be paged over the intercom system.

In the event that a child is displaying unsafe or inappropriate behavior, Kids Corner staff will use a “timeout” for children two years of age and older, and activity redirection for children under two.

In the event a child hits or bites another child while in Kids Corner, parents will be paged immediately over the intercom system. If this behavior is found to be a continuous problem, that child may be removed from the Kids Corner for a period of time.

We reserve the right to terminate or suspend Kids Corner privileges for any child who exhibits unsafe or inappropriate behavior.

CLOTHING AND DIAPERS

YMCA staff members are not permitted to change diapers. If a child needs his/her diaper changed, parents will be paged over the intercom system. Parents must use their own diapers and supplies.

Children must be fully covered on top and bottom at all times while in the Kids Corner play area. All walking children must wear shoes in Kids Corner; bare feet are not allowed.

TOYS AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES

We ask that children do not bring toys or electronic devices from home to Kids Corner.

SICK CHILDREN

For the safety and well-being of all members and staff, we ask that members do not bring sick children to the Kids Corner. If a child is not feeling well, becomes sick while in Kids Corner, or is showing signs or symptoms of being sick, parents will be paged over the intercom system. We reserve the right to determine whether a child is sufficiently sick to be excluded or removed from the Kids Corner.

FOOD AND DRINK

YMCA staff members are not permitted to feed children while they are in Kids Corner.

Children may bring a labeled spill proof cup/bottle, containing water only, to drink while in Kids Corner.

PLAYGROUND USE

Children must be at least two years old and wear shoes while playing on the playground.

LOCKER ROOMS

Men's/Women's Locker Room Etiquette

We ask for your support in respecting the right of all YMCA members and guests to have an enjoyable experience. Please respect the following guidelines when using the locker room:

Lockers are available for daily use by YMCA members and guests. Members and guests are encouraged to bring locks to secure their belongings while visiting the Y. Items may not be stored in lockers overnight. Locks may be purchased at the Membership Desk.
Children, ages five and younger, may use any locker room when accompanied by their parent or guardian. Private changing rooms are available for all members and guests.
For the security and comfort of all YMCA members and guests, cell phone usage and picture taking is prohibited in all locker rooms.
Food and beverages are not permitted in the locker room.
Members and guests are encouraged to practice modesty when utilizing the locker rooms.
For the safety of all YMCA members and guests, please dry off completely before leaving the shower areas.
Street shoes are not permitted in the shower areas of the locker room.
Members and guests are encouraged to be respectful of others by cleaning up after themselves and removing their personal items, including soaps and shampoos, from the shower areas.
For the safety of all YMCA members and guests, please do not run, throw items, or stand on the benches in the locker room.

We ask parents and guardians to enforce appropriate behavior to ensure their children’s safety. As a reminder, the Y is not responsible or liable for lost, stolen, or damaged belongings.

Private Locker Room Etiquette

We ask for your support in respecting the right of all YMCA members and guests to have an enjoyable experience. Please respect the following guidelines when using the locker room:

Lockers are available for daily use by YMCA members and guests. Members and guests are encouraged to bring locks to secure their belongings while visiting the Y. Items may not be stored in lockers overnight. Locks may be purchased at the Membership Desk.
Children, ages five and younger, may use any locker room when accompanied by their parent or guardian. Private changing rooms are available for all members and guests.
For the security and comfort of all YMCA members and guests, cell phone usage and picture taking is prohibited in all locker rooms.
Food and beverages are not permitted in the locker room.
Street shoes are not permitted in the shower areas of the locker room.
Members and guests are encouraged to be respectful of others by cleaning up after themselves and removing their personal items, including soaps and shampoos, from the shower areas.
For the safety of all YMCA members and guests, please do not run, throw items, or stand on the benches in the locker room.

We ask parents and guardians to enforce appropriate behavior to ensure their children’s safety. As a reminder, the Y is not responsible or liable for lost, stolen, or damaged belongings.

SAUNA

Sauna Etiquette

Use of the sauna increases pulse rate, body temperature, and changes blood pressure. The individual effects are unpredictable and could be physically hazardous. Please consult your physician prior to using the sauna.
If you have a medical condition such as heart disease, diabetes, high or low blood pressure, respiratory problems, or are pregnant, avoid exposure to high heat and humidity. Please consult your physician for information on how exposure to high heat and humidity might affect you.
Members and guests under the age of 18 are not permitted to use the sauna.
Do not use while under the influence of alcohol or medication that your physician has determined to be dangerous when used under high heat and humidity conditions. If you feel drowsy, leave immediately and ask for help.
Please do not exercise in the sauna.
Wait at least one hour after eating before entering the sauna. The stomach needs an abundant supply of blood after eating and heat draws blood to the body’s surface.
Do not wear rubberized or plastic clothing in the sauna.
It is recommended not to use the sauna alone.
Sauna use should be limited to 10-15 minutes per use. Participants should shower and cool down, prior to returning for another brief stay. Long exposure may result in nausea, dizziness, or fainting. Do not fall asleep in the sauna.
Food and drinks are not allowed in the sauna. Water is permitted. No glass containers.
The sauna is a dry sauna. Please do not add any water to the rocks or set any other items on top.
Shaving is not allowed in the sauna.

MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE
Sauna: 170 °F

WELLNESS CENTER

Wellness Center Rules

The Wellness Center is for members, ages 16 and up. Teens (ages 13-15) who have completed the Wellness Center Certification class may also use the Wellness Center.

Teens who have completed the Teen Certification MUST wear their wristband when using the Wellness Center and MUST sign in on the Teen Usage Log when entering.

Members under 16 MAY NOT use free weights or be in the free weight area.

For a pleasant workout experience for all we offer the following reminders:

BE RESPONSIBLE

Please check with your physician before beginning any exercise program. The Y is not responsible for any pre-existing conditions or injuries sustained while using the Wellness Center.

Always use a spotter and collars.

Please report any problems with equipment to the Wellness Attendant or Membership Desk Staff.

Do not drop or throw the weights.

Return all equipment to designated areas.

BE RESPECTFUL

Appropriate attire is required. Shirts and closed-toe athletic shoes are mandatory. Crocs are not permitted.

When doing multiple sets, please allow others to use the equipment during periods of rest.

After completing your workout, we kindly ask that you use the provided wipes to clean the fitness equipment.

Please refrain from using chalk in the Wellness Center.

Please place all personal belongings in the lockers located along the wall. The Y is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.

Out of respect for other guests, please do not talk on the phone or take photos or videos in the Wellness Center.

Please wear headphones when listening to music, podcasts, or watching TV.

Please use respectful voice volume and refrain from using profanity when using the Wellness Center.

Please do not bring or eat food in the Wellness Center.

BE HONEST

All personal training is to be done exclusively by YMCA staff.

The Wellness Center is for Facility Members and their guests, and adults who have paid a daily fee to use the facility.

All members and guests must follow the above rules. To ensure safety and positive experiences for all of our guests, management reserves the right to revoke usage privileges from individuals who consistently disregard the rules.

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

Village of Shorewood YMCA Policy and Etiquette Signs