POOL POLICIES

ROCHELLE & STANLEY FERDMAN FAMILY AQUATIC CENTER RULES AND POLICIES

SAFE SWIMMER POLICY 

• Children 13 years of age and under must be actively supervised by a parent or responsible adult at all times. Children in this age group who have not passed the swim check must always have an adult in the water within arm’s reach.

• Teens ages 14 to 15 are permitted within the pool area without an adult present after successfully passing the swim check.

Age Groups

• Ages 0-4: Children with or without a lifejacket must be within arm’s reach of a parent or responsible adult and actively supervised at all times.

• Ages 5-13: Responsible adults must remain on the pool deck and actively supervise their child(ren). Children who have not passed the swim check must be supervised by a responsible adult in the water and within arm’s reach. Swimmers who successfully pass the swim check annually are permitted to swim without a responsible adult within arm’s reach.

• Ages 14-15: Teens are permitted in the pool area without a responsible adult after successfully passing the swim check annually. Teens who have not passed the swim check must be supervised by a responsible adult on the pool deck.

Swim Check Requirements

• Swimmer must make forward progress using freestyle or breaststroke for the length of the pool, 25 yards. Swimmer must swim with their face in the water using any form of rhythmic breathing. Before exiting, swimmer must tread water in the deep end for 15 seconds using their arms and legs. Swimmer must demonstrate the ability to climb out of the water independently

• If a swimmer becomes vertical in the water, stops, or cannot continue, then the swimmer does not pass the swim check. Swimmers may only attempt the swim check once per day.

• After successfully passing the swim check, the swimmer will receive a wristband that must be worn on the wrist or ankle while in the pool and on the pool deck.

POOL RULES  

• No horseplay, profanity, running or unnecessary roughness.

• No diving in areas less than 8 feet deep. Dive blocks are permitted for programming use only.

• Only U.S. Coast Guard approved lifejackets are permitted.

• Extended breath holding activities are dangerous and prohibited.

• Persons under the age of 14 must not be in the pool area without adult supervision.

• Patrons must stay off lane lanes, safety lines, and lifeguard chairs.

• Smoking, vaping, tobacco, gum, glass or alcohol are not permitted.

• Cutoffs, underwear, or revealing bathing suits are not permitted.

• Food and drinks are not permitted within 8 feet of the pools.

• Patrons should shower prior to entering the pool.

• Do not swim if you have been ill with diarrhea within the past 2 weeks.

• Do not drink the pool water or from the water feature.

• Refrain from entering the pool if you have any open wounds or sores.

• Non-service animals are prohibited.

• All patrons must use the bathroom facilities when changing.

• Children who are not potty trained must wear a swim diaper plus an additional layer.

• Changing diapers on the pool deck is not permitted.

LIFEGUARDS

• Lifeguard audits including simulated rescues and scenarios are conducted frequently. Live individuals may be prearranged by the aquatics management team to participate in audits.
• The aquatics staff are highly trained and responsible for establishing and enforcing Shalom Austin rules and policies, whether written or verbal, to create and ensure a safe aquatic environment. Please always follow their instructions.

LAP SWIMMING ETIQUETTE  

• When only one person is in the lane, they can swim on either side of the lane.
• When two people are in the lane, they can split the lane or circle swim.
• When three or more people are in the lane, they will circle swim.
• Look at the speed of the swimmers in the lanes and select a lane that is compatible with your skill. Notify the other swimmers in that lane that you would like to join them
• When entering the water, never dive, jump, or push off into oncoming swimmers. Wait until they have made the turn and pushed off.
• If you need to pass a slower swimmer, please tap their foot. This alerts them to move further to the right to make room or to stop at the wall, so you may pass. Slower swimmers must yield to faster swimmers.
• If you need to stop while sharing a lane, please move off to the side to avoid interrupting other swimmer(s) in the lane. Do not stop in the middle of the lane.
• Be considerate of your lane partners. Be aware of your space in the lane and the orientation of others.
• Consult lifeguard for assistance.

WATERSLIDE RULES 

• All riders must be at least 48” tall. 
• Maximum rider weight is 300 pounds. 
• WARNING: Water depth is shallow. 
• All riders must ride feet first while lying on their back with arms crossed across their chest. Do not go down the slide head first. Do no sit up while riding the slide. 
• Riders must enter the slide in a sitting position and wait for instructions from the lifeguard stationed at the slide starter tub. 
• Do not propel yourself into the ride. 
• Only one rider at a time. Absolutely no trains or chains of riders are permitted. 
• No running, standing, kneeling, rotating, tumbling or stopping in the flume. Arms and hands must remain inside the flume at all times. Riders should remain in proper riding position until forward movement is terminated. At no time should the rider attempt to stand up while in the slide or prior to coming to a complete stop in the splash out area. 
• No tubes, mats, or life jackets are permitted on the waterslide. 
• No combs or foreign objects are allowed in pockets and no jewelry can be worn while riding the slide. No cut off jeans or swim wear with exposed zippers, buckles, rivets or metal ornamentation; only approved swim suits allowed.  
• The line should form on the deck with one rider on each landing and one rider in the starter tub. Wait until the landing area is clear before entering. 
• Riders must be in good health. Elderly persons, those suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, or persons using prescription medications should consult their physician before using the slide. Individuals with medical conditions including, but not limited to, pregnancy, heart, or back problems should not ride. 
• Do not use this slide while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 
• No diving from the slide 
• Leave the run out area promptly after entering. 

WARNING “Failure to follow rules can result in serious injury”

INCLEMENT WEATHER 

• At the first sign of thunder or lightning, pools will be cleared and remain closed for 30 minutes after the last strike of lightning or clap of thunder. 
• In the event of heavy rain, wind or thick fog, the pools may be temporarily closed if the bottom cannot be clearly seen. 
• At the time of the program, if the temperature is forecasted to be at or near 40 degrees, all programs will be cancelled. Instructor’s will need to notify participants and welcome desk of the cancellation.
• If the temperature gauge on the pool deck reads at or near 32 degrees, the pool will close as a precaution for icy conditions on the deck.