Facility Rules

Our #1 goal is to maintain the safety of patrons and staff members at all times. The list below is meant to serve as a guide for our patrons during their visit to our facility.

If you have any questions about our rules, please contact aquatics@pwcs.edu.

All Pool Areas

  • All patrons must be at least 12 years old or accompanied by a responsible person 16 years or older
  • These are the child to adult ratios for in water supervision:
    • 15:1 for ages 10-16
    • 10:1 for ages 5-9
    • 5:1 for ages 3-5
    • 1:1 for ages 2 and under
  • Swimming is only permitted when a PWCS Aquatics Center lifeguard is present
  • Proper swim attire is required
  • Please shower before entering the pool
  • Children under 48 inches must pass a swim test or be within arm's reach of a responsible person (16+) who is also in the water
  • The lanes in the competition pool shall be used for lap swimming only (free swim is not permitted)
  • Eating or drinking on the pool deck is prohibited (water is permitted)
  • Gum chewing is prohibited
  • Glass bottles and containers are prohibited on the pool deck
  • Diving is permitted in areas that are deeper than 6 feet
  • Use of the competition starting blocks is restricted to instructional use or swim team practices
  • Running on the pool deck is prohibited
  • Roughhousing, horseplay, pushing, and shoving are all prohibited on the pool deck and the entirety of the Aquatics Center
  • Patrons appearing to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be asked to leave the Aquatics Center
  • Individual and/or group instruction may only be conducted by PWCS staff or approved rental groups
  • Diaper dependent patrons must wear a swim diaper or other snug fitting attire under swim suits
  • "Mermaid" type fins are prohibited
  • Masks with a nose piece are prohibited except during approved instructional sessions
  • Training fins may be used but must be made of a soft material
  • Non-swimmers in life jackets must be within arm's reach of a responsible person 16 years or older
  • Pool toys will be permitted in the water at the discretion of the Aquatics Center staff
  • Only USCG-approved flotation devices may be used in the water
  • Groups up to 15 are permitted
    • We ask larger groups to provide us with at least 72 hour notice via email to ensure adequate staffing;
    • We reserve the right to refuse entry to larger groups not providing advanced notice
  • No outside food or drink is permitted in the facility (scheduled birthday party rentals are exempt)

Diving Board

  • Only one person at a time on the diving board
  • Each diver must wait the previous diver reaches the side of the pool
  • Only front dives and flips are permitted straight off the end of the board
  • Hanging off the end of the diving board is not permitted
  • Running dives are not allowed
  • Only one bounce per dive is permitted
  • Goggles, masks, or flotation devices may not be worn when using the diving board
  • Cartwheels or handstands are not permitted on the diving board
  • Swimming in the diving area is not permitted when the boards are open

Swim Test

  • The swim test consists of two events: a 25 yard swim and 30 seconds of treading water
  • The 25 yard swim must be continuous and the swimmer must demonstrate forward progress at all times (doggy paddle is not permitted)
  • The treading event must also be continuous, and the swimmer's head must remain above the surface throughout the event

Locker Rooms

  • The use of cellular telephones or cameras is prohibited in PWCS locker rooms, family changing rooms, and bathrooms
  • Please secure your valuables in a locker or bring them onto the pool deck -- PWCS is not responsible for the loss, damage, or theft of any personal property
  • Please be considerate of other patrons and limit your shower to a reasonable amount of time
  • Children six years and older must use the gender-appropriate locker room -- family changing rooms are also available
  • Lockers are for day use only -- locks left on lockers after closing will be cut off and the contents will be placed in lost and found

Water Slide

  • Water slide users must be at least 48 inches tall or have passed a swim test
  • The water slide may only be used during allotted times or at the discretion of Aquatics Center staff
  • Only one person may use the water slide at a time
  • Proceed down the slide only after the dispatch guard indicates it is safe to do so
  • Lie flat with arms and feet crossed
  • Hands and feet must remain inside the slide tube at all times
  • No life jackets may be worn on the slide
  • No loose clothing, water shoes, goggles, suits with metal clasps, or loose jewelry may be worn on the slide
  • Due to manufacturer guidelines, the weight limit for the slide is 300lbs
  • At the bottom of the slide, leave the discharge area

Bathing Suit Policy

  • Appropriate swimwear has some type of lining (mesh or otherwise) on the inside
  • The following items are not considered appropriate swimwear and will not be permitted in the pool:
  • "Everyday" clothing, cutoffs, gym shorts, jeans, or long pants
  • Undergarments are not permitted to be worn as a swim suit or under bathing suits
  • Cotton undershirts or bras are not permitted as swimwear
  • Thongs or provocative swimwear

Swimwear