Guest Policies & Procedures

The Columbia Aquatics & Recreation Center is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for all visitors. To maintain order and ensure the safety of all patrons, the following access policies apply:

Children under the age of 11 must be accompanied and directly supervised at all times by a parent, legal guardian, or an authorized chaperone who is at least 18 years of age while in any part of the facility;

Children ages 11 and 12 are permitted to be in the facility as long as a responsible adult remains somewhere in the facility;

Patrons 13 and older are permitted to use the facility without direct adult supervision, however, a consent waiver must be signed by a parent or legal guardian before access to the facility can be granted;

Patrons aged 18 and older may use all areas of the facility independently without additional restrictions;

All visitors must adhere to the posted facility rules and regulations to ensure a positive experience for all patrons.

Aquatics Area Policies

The aquatic areas, including all swimming pools, splash pads, and water features, are subject to the following policies to promote a safe and sanitary environment:

Proper and or approved swim attire is required at all times while using the pools. Street clothes, cut-off-shorts, and non swim apparel are not permitted, as they introduce contaminants into the water;

All swimmers aged 14 and under must pass a swim test before they can be in the pool area without direct adult supervision. The swim test requirements are listed on this page;

If a swimmer under age 12 passes the test, their parent or guardian must remain on-site at the pool.

Swimmers ages 13 and older who pass may use the pool without direct supervision.

Swim Test Requirements

All swimmers aged 14 and under must pass a swim test before they can be in the pool area(s) without direct adult supervision. The swim test assess basic swimming ability and consists of the following steps:

1. Jump Entry - The swimmer must jump into the pool, fully submerge, return to the surface, and immediately begin swimming without pushing off the wall;

2. 25-Yard Swim - The swimmer must swim 25 yards in a horizontal position using a forward crawl with full arm extension. They must maintain consistent strokes throughout, with brief pauses allowed only for breathing;

3. 1-Minute Float - The swimmer must demonstrate the ability to float or tread water for one full minute to ensure they can stay afloat if they become tired;

4. Pool Exit - The swimmer must exit the pool unassisted using the pool wall.

Pool Rules for Non-Passing Swimmers

Swimmers who do not pass must stay within arm’s reach of an adult in water that is no deeper than their armpit level;

If a non-passing swimmer wears a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device, their parent or guardian may supervise from another area of the pool;

Non-passing swimmers may not use pool slides or diving boards, even if a parent is present or if they are wearing a flotation device;

Lifeguards will conduct all swim tests and determine whether a swimmer has met the requirements;

Children under the age of 6 must remain within arm’s reach of a supervising adult at all times while in the water. This ensures the safety of young swimmers and prevents potential accidents;

Children aged 7 to 11 are required to have an adult present within the aquatic area, even if they are competent swimmers;

Running, roughhousing, horseplay, or any other form of disruptive behavior is strictly prohibited within the pool area. These behaviors pose a risk to both the individual and others around them;

Food, beverages, and glass containers are not allowed inside the aquatic area. Hydration stations are available for water consumption;

The use of flotation devices, such as life jackets and pool noodles, must be approved by facility staff to ensure they meet safety requirements.

Fitness Room & Gymnasium Access

To ensure the proper use of fitness equipment and maintain a safe workout environment, the following guidelines apply:

Patrons must be at least 16 years old to use the fitness equipment without supervision;

Youths between the ages of 13 and 15 may access the fitness area only after completing an orientation session with a certified staff member and obtaining a signed waiver from a parent or guardian;

Proper athletic attire, including closed-toe athletic shoes, must be worn at all times in the fitness area;

Misuse of equipment, including dropping weights, failing to wipe down machines after use, or disregarding posted instructions, may result in the suspension of facility privileges.

Conduct & Safety

To ensure a welcoming and safe environment for all guests, the following conduct expectations are in place:

All patrons must follow the instructions of facility staff and adhere to posted signage at all times;

Disorderly conduct, including the use of foul language, harassment, or any form of inappropriate behavior, will not be tolerated;

The use of tobacco products, vaping devices, alcohol, and illegal substances is strictly prohibited within the facility and on facility grounds;

Any accidents, injuries, or unsafe conditions should be reported to facility staff immediately so that appropriate action may be taken.

Weather & Emergency Closures

To ensure the safety of all patrons and staff, the following weather and emergency policies are in effect:

The aquatic area will close for a minimum of 30 minutes following each instance of thunder or lightning. The closure period will reset if additional thunder or lightning is observed;

Outdoor activities, including aquatic programs, may be canceled or postponed if the temperature falls below 70 degrees Fahrenheit or in the case of severe weather conditions;

In the event of an emergency, all patrons must follow staff instructions regarding evacuation or shelter-in-place procedures. Emergency exits are clearly marked throughout the facility.

Membership & Guest Policies

The Columbia Aquatics & Recreation Center offers membership programs as well as single-visit guest passes. The following policies apply to all patrons:

All members must present valid identification or a membership card upon entry;

Daily guest passes are available for non-members but are subject to facility capacity limits;

Refunds for unused memberships or guest passes will not be issued, except in extenuating circumstances as approved by facility management;

By entering the Columbia Aquatics & Recreation Center, all patrons agree to abide by these policies and procedures. Failure to comply with these rules may result in removal from the facility and/or suspension of membership privileges. The facility management reserves the right to amend these policies as needed to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all guests.