Circle C Aquatic Facilities Pool Standards, Policies, and Rules: click HERE!
Violation of any of the following rules, policies, codes of conduct, or procedures may, with the discretion of Aquatics Staff, result in ejection from the Aquatics Facility for the day and may result in a suspension of membership to the Aquatics Facilities for an extended period of time. As always, play safe and have fun!
- Persons age 13 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian age 18 or older at all times.
- Facility entry is not permitted within 15 minutes of scheduled closing time.
- Capacity limits are enforced. Residents are encouraged to call the facility prior to arrival to verify if space is available. Pool hours, addresses, and phone numbers can be found HERE.
- There will be 10-minute pool Safety Breaks every hour. During safety breaks, all patrons age 17 and younger must exit the water. Lap swimming is allowed during Safety Breaks.
10-Minute Safety Breaks
At the top of every hour during Recreational Swim, we call a Safety Break to clear the recreational swim areas of the pools. But whose ‘safety’ is it for? Actually – everyone!
These 10-minute breaks serve several important purposes:
- Safety First: Young swimmers can get tired and dehydrated, and these breaks give them a chance to take a break from the water, grab a drink, and use the restroom. This helps to prevent accidents and ensures everyone has a safe and enjoyable pool experience.
- Reduced Closures: Unfortunately, even small accidents can lead to pool closures for cleaning and sanitation. Safety breaks have proven to minimize these incidents by encouraging kids to use the restroom outside of the pool.
- Sun Safety: Reapplication of sunscreen is crucial for sun protection, especially for children. Safety breaks provide a perfect opportunity for everyone to reapply sunscreen and avoid sunburn.
- Enhanced Vigilance: During these breaks, our lifeguards have a clearer view of the pool, allowing them to scan the entire area for any potential hazards without as many patrons in the water. This proactive approach helps to ensure a safe swimming environment.
- Relaxation for Adults: These breaks also provide a brief period for those adults without children to enjoy the pool in a quieter environment, allowing them to relax and unwind in the rec swim areas.
We understand that these breaks might cause a short interruption to your pool time. However, they play a vital role in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for everyone at the pool.
Lap Swimming Etiquette
Proper lap swimming etiquette is essential to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and efficient swimming experience for everyone sharing the pool lap lanes. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Lane Selection: The lanes marked with a GREEN cone are open for lap swimming.
- Circle Swimming vs Lane Splitting: If all lanes are occupied and you need to share a lane with another swimmer, be courteous and try to match your pace to the other swimmer’s speed. Communicate and agree on a comfortable way to share the lane. Swimmers share lanes by either circle swimming or lane splitting. It is important that you communicate with other swimmers in your lane to determine the method of lane sharing desired.
- Circle Swimming: This means staying to the right side of the lane and swimming in a counter-clockwise direction. Swimmers will “circle” around the lane as they swim. If you are a faster swimmer, and approaching a slower swimmer, gently tap their feet to signal that you’d like to pass. The slower swimmer should stop at the end of the lane and allow you to pass before continuing.
- Lane Splitting: This is usually a sharing method used when there are only two swimmers in the lane. When lane splitting, you and the other swimmer will determine which side of the lane you each will swim on. You will swim on the designated side of your lane when swimming in both directions. If there are more than two swimmers in the lane, then Circle Swimming is a better sharing method.
- Resting: If you need to rest during your lap swim, move to the corner of the lane to allow others to continue swimming. Hanging onto the wall for an extended period can disrupt the flow of other swimmers.
- Entering and Exiting: When entering the pool, look for an appropriate gap in the lane and enter without disrupting other swimmers. Similarly, when exiting the pool, make sure you do so at the end of your lap and don’t interfere with other swimmers.
- Personal Hygiene: Shower before entering the pool to remove excess oils and lotions. This helps maintain water quality. Also, avoid spitting, blowing your nose, or urinating in the pool.
- Respect Space: Give fellow swimmers plenty of space. Avoid swimming too close to others to prevent collisions.
- Awareness: Be aware of your surroundings and the swimmers in your lane. Avoid sudden stops or changes in direction that could surprise others. Pay attention to lifeguard signals and instructions.
- Communication: If you’re sharing a lane with another swimmer, communication is key. Be polite and respectful, and make sure you’re both on the same page regarding your swimming plans.
- Children and Beginners: Lap lanes are open for swimmers of all abilities, including beginners, children, or those learning to swim. If you’re an experienced lap swimmer, be patient and understanding if sharing the pool with less experienced swimmers.
Remember, the goal is to create a positive swimming environment for everyone. Following these etiquette guidelines will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable lap swimming experience for you and others at the pool.