Facility Access Guidelines

• Children 0Y-9Y may use Y programs and facilities when accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 16Y.
  
  
• To ensure your child's safety, a parent/guardian must remain in the building while the child participates in a program. When the child is not in a program, they must be directly supervised by their parent/guardian at all times.

• Children aged 10Y-12Y may access the facility without a parent, but must complete the free Y Kids Academy program in order to use the conditioning floor unattended. You can learn more about the Y Kids Academy Program on our Child & Youth Programs page.
  
  
• Children 10Y-12Y can participate in pre-teen programs by signing themselves in and out of programs as long as parents/guardians have completed the required paperwork granting permission.  
  
  
• For their own safety and proper development, children 12Y and younger cannot participate in adult programs, regardless of parent/guardian presence.

Ages 0Y-6Y
Children 0Y-6Y must be accompanied in the water by a parent/guardian over the age of 16 who remains within arms’ reach and in the water at all times. Parent/guardian to child ratio is 1:2.

Ages 7Y-11Y - Deep end access 
For increased safety in our aquatic facilities, all swimmers between the ages of 7Y-11Y, must complete a brief swim test prior to entering the deep end.

The swim test includes swimming 1 length of the pool uninterrupted and treading water for 30 seconds.

Children 7Y-11Y who do not successfully complete the swim test may swim in the small pool or shallow end of the main pool with a parent/guardian over the age of 16 who remains in the water and within arms’ reach at all times. Parent/guardian to child ratio is 1:4.

Children 7Y-11Y who successfully complete the swim test may access any area of the pool and will be provided with a green wristband. Only those children with a green wristband are allowed to swim in the deep end. A parent/guardian 16 years of age or older must remain on the pool deck. Parent/guardian to child ratio is 1:8.

The YMCA of the National Capital Region is a place where everyone should feel welcome and included. Our core values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, and inclusiveness influence our actions and decisions and form the foundation of all Y policies and programs.

Our Ys offer three changeroom options to support and respect the needs of all members/visitors:

• A universal changeroom with private changing areas where all genders are welcome.
• A women’s changeroom where those who identify as female (and children 5Y and under with a parent/guardian) are welcome.
• A men’s changeroom where those who identify as male (and children 5Y and under with a parent/guardian) are welcome.

Each of us can help create a better environment for all by being considerate to others. Y members, visitors, staff and volunteers should treat one another with respect and dignity.