Pool Policy and Rules

I. General Rules / Admission Policies

  1. Fees: Admission fees are required for everyone aged 3 and above for daily admssion.
  2. Entry: All individuals entering the pool area must pay the fee, have a valid membership, or program registration.
  3. Lifeguard Supervision: No one is allowed in the swimming area unless the pool is officially open and a lifeguard is on duty and present on deck.
  4. Proper Attire: All swimmers must wear appropriate swimming apparel.
  5. Unauthorized Entry: Entering the pool outside of public operating hours is prohibited and may involve law enforcement.
  6. Disability Accommodations: Contact the pool manager for special accommodations if needed.
  7. Rule Enforcement: Lifeguards and the manager have the authority to enforce all pool rules. Repeated violations may lead to expulsion.
  8. Service Animals: Only service animals (dogs) are allowed on the premises. They are not permitted to enter the water.
  9. No Refunds: Refunds for general admission or programs are not available.

II. Facility Rules

  1. Food and Beverages: Outside food and drinks are allowed only in designated picnic/pavilion areas. All trash must be disposed of properly. Bags, baskets, and coolers are subject to inspection. No food or beverages (except plastic water bottles) are allowed on the pool deck within 6 feet of the pool's edge.
  2. No Grills: Grills or cooking devices are not allowed on the premises.
  3. Prohibited Items: Glass containers, alcoholic beverages, smoking, vaping, drugs, and weapons (including knives) are strictly prohibited.
  4. Restricted Areas: Only authorized personnel are allowed in the staff room, filter/mechanical room, and storage shed.
  5. Area Monopolization: Single groups cannot monopolize pool areas, limiting access for other patrons.
  6. Chair Placement: Chairs are for adults only and must be kept 6 feet away from the pool's edge.
  7. Life Jackets: Children with life jackets/flotation devices must stay in the shallow end and within arm's reach of an adult.
  8. Supervision: Children must be supervised at all times. Swimming alone is not recommended.
  9. Adult Swim Break: The pool will be cleared for a 15-minute adult swim break (18+) every hour. All patrons 17 years and younger must exit the pool during this time.
  10. No Tents: Tents or shade devices are not allowed.
  11. Headphones: Headphones are required when using entertainment devices.

III. Attire Rules

  1. Appropriate Swimwear: All swimmers must wear proper swimming attire.
  2. No Street Clothes: Street shoes and clothing are not allowed in the pool.
  3. Prohibited Clothing: Cutoffs, gym shorts, and underwear are not permitted as swimwear.
  4. Material: Swimwear must be colorfast and made of lightweight material suitable for swimming (e.g., Lycra, Spandex, or nylon).
  5. T-shirts: T-shirts worn for modesty or medical reasons must be approved by the pool manager.

IV. Restroom Rules

  1. No Recording Devices: The use of phones, cameras, or any recording devices is strictly prohibited in restrooms and changing facilities.
  2. No Food: Food is not allowed in restrooms.
  3. Changing Facilities: Children 6 years and older must use the designated restroom/changing facility for changing clothes.
  4. Intended Use: Restrooms and showers are for their intended purposes only.
  5. Valuables: Leave valuables at home. Lost and found items will be purged weekly.

V. Behavior Rules

  1. No Distracting Staff: Socializing with or distracting pool staff is prohibited.
  2. Safety First: All behavior must prioritize the safety and health of oneself and others.
  3. Unacceptable Behavior: Abusive language, profane language, and actions jeopardizing safety are grounds for expulsion.
  4. No Loitering: Loitering is not permitted.
  5. Prohibited Activities: Running, rough play, pushing, acrobatics, dunking, wrestling, splashing, yelling, diving, jumping haphazardly, snapping towels, and any other disruptive or dangerous activities are prohibited.
  6. Bodily Fluids: Spitting, spouting water, blowing nose, urinating, or defecating in the pool is strictly prohibited.
  7. No Gum: Gum chewing is not allowed within the fenced pool area.
  8. Public Displays of Affection: Keep public displays of affection minimal.
  9. Supervision of Young Children: Children under six must have a responsible person (14 years or older) within arm's reach in the water at all times.
  10. No Unattended Children: Children cannot be left unattended.

VI. Health and Safety Policies

  1. Medical Consultation: Consult a physician before participating in strenuous pool activities. Participants assume inherent risks and hazards.
  2. Swim Diapers: Non-toilet-trained individuals and incontinent adults must wear snug-fitting disposable swim diapers. If soiled, they must immediately leave the pool, shower with soap, and put on a new diaper.
  3. Intoxication: Individuals under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not permitted in the pool complex.
  4. Injury Reporting: Report any injury in the pool area to the pool manager immediately.
  5. Cleansing Showers: All patrons must take a cleansing shower before entering the pool.
  6. Rinsing: Sunbathers should rinse off perspiration, lotions, etc., before entering the water.
  7. Infections/Conditions: Individuals with skin diseases, infections, sore eyes, colds, nasal or ear discharge, communicable diseases, open wounds, or bandages are not permitted in the pool.
  8. Diarrhea: Anyone experiencing diarrhea, even mild cases, is not allowed to use the pool.

VII. Equipment and Toys

  1. Deep End Toys: Only diving toys are allowed in the deep end. Inner tubes and inflatable rafts are not permitted. Small toys in the shallow end are allowed at the pool manager's discretion.
  2. Eyeglasses: Wearing eyeglasses in the pool is discouraged unless necessary.
  3. Masks: Snorkels and scuba masks are prohibited. Only swimming goggles are allowed.
  4. Specialized Equipment: Kickboards, exercise equipment, fins, and paddles are for adult use only.

VIII. Rules for Swimmers

  1. Non-Swimmers: Non-swimmers must remain in shallow water (chest deep or less).
  2. Deep Water Test: A deep-water test is required for swimming in the deep end, administered once per day per swimmer. Access to the deep end is at the lifeguard's or manager's discretion.
  3. No Diving: Diving is prohibited in water less than nine feet deep. No flips, back dives, or "flops" are allowed.
  4. Underwater Swimming: Prolonged underwater swimming is not permitted.
  5. Breath-Holding: Competitive or repetitive breath-holding is prohibited.
  6. Flotation Devices: Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices are allowed, but wearers must be accompanied by an adult within arm's reach. No flotation devices are permitted in the deep end.

IX. Swimming Lessons

  1. Authorized Instructors: Only authorized Vermilion Community Pool staff can provide swimming instruction. No private instruction for profit is allowed.
  2. Parents/Guardians: Parents/guardians cannot stay during lessons unless specified in the class description.
  3. Arrival Time: Participants can enter the pool area 10 minutes before class. Direct any questions to the instructor or manager after the lesson.

X. Weather Policies

  1. Rain Checks: Rain checks may be issued if the facility closes due to inclement weather or equipment malfunction within 60 minutes of admission.
  2. Storm Closure: The pool will be closed during storms, and everyone must evacuate.
  3. Lightning: The pool will reopen 30 minutes after the last lightning strike or thunder.
  4. Cool Weather: The pool may not open during cool weather (below 70 degrees) at the manager's discretion.

XI. Healthy Swimming Habits

  1. No Diarrhea: Anyone with diarrhea in the past two weeks should not swim.
  2. Bathroom Breaks: Use the restroom before swimming, take frequent bathroom breaks, and check diapers often.
  3. Showering: Shower before entering and after using the toilet.
  4. Diaper Changing: Change diapers in the bathroom, dispose of them properly, and wash hands thoroughly.
  5. Avoid Swallowing Water: Do not swallow pool water or get it in your mouth.
  6. Non-Toilet-Trained Children: Children who are not toilet trained must wear snug-fitting plastic pants over a swim diaper and a bathing suit over the plastic pants.

XII. Emergency Action Plan

  • Emergency Numbers:
    • Vermilion Police: 440-967-6116 (non-emergency)
    • Vermilion Fire: 440-204-2470 (non-emergency)
    • EMS: 440-967-1733 (non-emergency)
  • Additional Contacts:
    • Mercy Hospital: 440-960-4000
    • Poison Control Center: 800-222-1222
    • Public Health Dept: 419-626-5623
    • Columbia Gas (Emergency): 800-282-0157
    • Ohio Edison (Emergency): 800-633-4766
  • Pool Information:
    • Outdoor pool constructed in 1962
    • Size: 35' x 80' (2800 square feet)
    • Depth: 1.5' to 10.5'
    • Water Capacity: 140,000 gallons
    • Swimmer Capacity: 200
    • Equipment: 6 stationary ladders, 1 portable stairs
    • Electric Panel: Located in men's restroom

XIII. Emergency Procedures

  • Fire: Evacuate the facility, call 911, and use fire extinguishers if necessary.
  • Natural Gas/Hazardous Materials: Report the incident, assess evacuation needs, and consult material safety data sheets.
  • Severe Thunderstorm/Tornado: Clear the pool and deck, evacuate if possible, and take shelter in designated areas.
  • Bomb Threat: Prolong the call, gather information, and evacuate if necessary.
  • Armed Person: Call 911, evacuate if possible, and take shelter if evacuation is not possible.
  • Fecal Accidents/Vomiting: Clear the pool, follow proper cleaning and disinfection procedures, and document the incident.
  • Rescue Procedures: Follow established protocols for recognizing emergencies, rescuing victims, providing first aid, and activating EMS.

XIV. Backboarding Spinal Trauma Victims

  • Follow specific procedures for backboarding, including stabilizing the victim, placing the backboard, and extracting them safely.
  • Ensure adequate rescuer support and follow local medical direction and EMS protocols.

This comprehensive set of policies and rules aims to ensure the safe and enjoyable use of the Vermilion City Pool for all patrons. Please follow these guidelines and the instructions of the pool staff to help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

 

 

 

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