POOL RULES AND FAQ

YOUR SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY

The Summit Area YMCA operates two outdoor pool facilities for the 2025 summer season. The rules and regulations detailed below are implemented to ensure the safety of all members, guests, and staff. Your safety remains our top priority. In accordance with guidance from the Governor and the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH), we have introduced several updated policies to provide a safe and enjoyable experience throughout the pool complex.

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

Membership Fees

Membership fees are determined by the estimated cost required to run and operate the entire facility. For more information on membership types, please click here.

Access ID Cards

All members (over 18 months old) are required to scan in with their access ID card upon entrance to our facilities. Access ID cards are issued to members individually and are not transferrable. To receive your access ID card and take your photo, visit the membership desk at our main indoor facilities, the Berkeley Heights YMCA or Summit YMCA, during business hours:

MON, WED, FRI: 5:00 AM-2:00 PM & 5:00 PM-9:00 PM
TUE, THU: 5:00 AM-9:00 AM

A government-issued photo ID must be presented for anyone over the age of 18. All members and visitors must complete our participation waiver online at www.thesay.org/waiver. After receiving your access ID card, you may use the SAY Mobile App to scan in for convenience.

Refunds and Cancellations

A refund request for the cancellation of full season memberships must be made in writing by the participant. A full refund will be provided for full season memberships if canceled on or prior to the pool’s opening day. Cancellations after opening day do not qualify for a refund but will be issued a credit valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

Cancellations within the first 7 days will receive a system credit of 75%, and within the first 14 days, a system credit of 50%. Credits may be used at any branch of the Summit Area YMCA. Programs canceled by the YMCA will be made available for a full refund or credit.

Guests

Guests who are two years old or younger are admitted at no cost. All guests must be accompanied by a BHCP/SCP member or be a member of the Summit Area YMCA.

We offer one-day trial passes for purchase during the season for any non-member over the age of 18.

We have a flat rate for guest passes: $20 for general admission, Monday through Sunday.

Guest passes will become available when the season begins.

HEALTH, HYGIENE, AND SAFETY

Health Guidelines

Any person showing evidence of skin disease, sore inflamed eyes, colds, cough, anal or ear discharge, or any communicable disease, excessive sunburn, open blisters, cuts or bandages, may be refused admission to the pool area. Individuals who have experienced episodes of diarrhea and/or vomiting should refrain from entering the pool for at least 48 hours since their latest episode to protect the general population.
Children not fully toilet trained must wear a specific manufactured swimming disposable diaper and remain in the Kiddy Pool or Red Zone of the Main Pool at all times.
Any person that has had a temperature, cough, or has displayed cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms must be symptom free for at least 48 hours prior to entering the facility.
Our facilities are alcohol and smoke-free. This includes vapes and e-cigarettes. Smoking or alcohol use is not permitted on the grounds. Failure to adhere to this requirement will result in suspension of membership with no refund.
It is required that all members rinse off in a shower prior to entering our pools.
All touched surfaces including door handles, pool equipment, restrooms, etc. will be frequently disinfected.
Sanitizing Stations: Frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizer is encouraged. There are numerous stations around the pool complex for your convenience.
Cleaning will be scheduled ongoing throughout the day with high touch surfaces being prioritized including outdoor shower handles, bathrooms, lifeguard stands, railings, umbrellas, check-in desk, etc.
Members and staff are expected to stay home if they are feeling unwell.
All staff members will continue to be trained on health and safety protocols.

Clothing and Attire

Appropriate swim attire must be worn at all times while in the pool. Non-swimwear is not permitted in the pool at any time. Additionally, swimwear must appropriately cover swimmers, so as to maintain a family-friendly environment. Failure to adhere to this policy may result in suspension of the membership.
Children who are not toilet trained MUST wear a special swimming diaper underneath a bathing suit.
Any change of clothing, diapers, or bathing suits may not occur on the deck area of the pool.

POOL RULES

General Pool Rules

The “pool area,” for the purpose of these rules, means the fenced-in area enclosing the pool facility and the parking area.
Swimmers are only permitted to enter the facility when lifeguards are on duty.
Diving is allowed only off the diving boards in the Dive Tank. The only exception made is for swim lessons, swim team practices, and swim meets when swimmers are under the direct supervision of coaches and instructors.
Safe jumping (into the pool) is permitted. The Pool Management may make exceptions to this rule by limiting jumping to designated areas at specific times of the day. For your safety, head-first diving is not allowed in any area except in deep water where the diving boards are located.
No skateboards, rollerblades, scooters, or “Heely Shoes” are permitted in the pool area at any time.
Music devices may be used only with headphones.
No balls or throwing toys will be allowed in the pools at any time.
Non-alcoholic beverages are allowed but glass containers/bottles are not permitted.
Large coolers are subject to be checked at the discretion of the management.
Members must maintain a clean area at all times.
Beverages may not be drunk in the pool water or at the water’s edge.
Members are encouraged to bring their own chairs for every visit. A limited number of chairs will be available on the premises.
BHCP and SCP do not store personal equipment (swimming boards, flippers, goggles, beach chairs, etc.). Items left behind are not the responsibility of the Summit Area YMCA and are subject to disposal or donation to a charitable organization.
All persons using the pool facilities do so at their own risk. The Summit Area YMCA will not be responsible for any accident or injury or loss of personal property.
Members who damage, misuse, or abuse pool property or other property on pool premises will be liable for the cost of the damage involved and may be subject to permanent suspension from the pool and/or criminal prosecution.
Pool Management may close all or any portion of the pool facility at any time for necessary reasons including, but not limited to: inclement weather, swim meets, social functions, or for reasons of health and safety of the members and staff of the BHCP and SCP.
Only trained certified service animals are permitted at the facility. No other animals are permitted on premises.
Any misunderstandings or objections should be brought to the attention of the pool management staff. Interpretation and enforcement of all rules shall be at the discretion of the pool management staff.

Pool Safety and Conduct

No inflatable toys and/or water paraphernalia are allowed in the pool area. Pool Management may designate a time when swimmers may use balls and other water play items (during special events or by management discretion).
Running, pushing, towel snapping, profane language, horseplay, or other dangerous behaviors are prohibited.
Member Code of Conduct: Please review our code of conduct. Any violation of this code of conduct may result in loss of membership and subject to no refund.

Grills at BHCP

Grills may be used during pool hours only. The hours to use the grills are Monday-Friday 4 PM-7 PM and Saturday and Sunday 11 AM-7 PM.
Grills must be turned off 30 minutes before closing.
Adults only may operate grills.
Grills must stay 10 feet from the building.
Grills must be always attended.
Keep children at least 3 feet away.
Clean up all grease, food, and trash.
Bring your own food and supplies.
Leave the grill in good condition.

SWIM EVALUATIONS

Safety is our top priority. All swimmers ages 14 and younger are required to take a swim evaluation test which is administered daily by Y staff. Swimmers are evaluated on their current swimming abilities regardless of whether the swimmer may have taken a swim test in a previous season. Swim bracelets are distributed to swimmers ages 3-14 based on current swimming ability (not age) and must be worn at all times.
Swimmers who decline to take the Swim Evaluation must wear a red bracelet, which limits them to the shallow end of the pool.
All decisions regarding Swim Evaluation are at the discretion of the management and are not subject to question. Swim Evaluation results will be kept on file electronically.

The Swim Evaluation Test Includes

PART 1 – Yellow Bracelet

Swim length of shallow end on front continuously (maintaining horizontal body position)
Touch the bottom of the pool in the yellow area
Swim length of shallow end on back continuously (maintaining horizontal body position)

PART 2 – Green Bracelet

Swim 2 lengths of diving tank freestyle with proficient rotary breathing (approximately 25 meters distance)
Swim 1 length of diving tank backstroke (approximately 15 meters distance)
Tread water for 1 minute
Finish 1 length of freestyle to exit the pool

Swim Bracelet Colors Denote the Following:

Green Bracelet

Proficient swimmer who successfully passes Parts 1 and 2 of the Swim Evaluation.

Swimmer must demonstrate proficiency in both front crawl and backstroke through consistent forward motion and rotary breathing
Swimmer must be able to tread water for a minute
Stamina and efficient body motion must be demonstrated through the duration of evaluation
Swimmers who earn a Green Bracelet are permitted to use the entire pool facility.

Yellow Bracelet

Non-swimmer who does not need flotation. Limited to the shallow end of the pool unless accompanied by an adult.

Swimmer can demonstrate forward locomotion in the water but cannot maintain it consistently.
Struggles to keep body at surface of the water while swimming and/or treading.
Does not display the stamina necessary for deep-water swimming.
Swimmers who earn a Yellow Bracelet will be limited to the shallow end of the pool up to the Yellow Safety Line.

Red Bracelet

Non-swimmer that requires constant parental company while swimming. Coast Guard Approved flotation devices are highly recommended.

Swimmer is not able to stay at the surface of the water without flotation.
Swimmer shows signs of tiredness soon after beginning the evaluation.
Swimmers who earn a Red Bracelet will be limited to the shallow end of the pool up to the Red Safety Line. Swimmers wearing a Red Bracelet must be within arms reach of a parent at all times.

DIVING BOARD/SLIDE

The dive tank must be clear before diving off the diving board or using the slide.
Divers may only take one bounce on the board. Only forward selection dives permitted. Dives which propel a person towards the board are prohibited (including gainers and back flips).
Only Swimmers with a Green Bracelet are allowed to use the Diving Boards or the slide.
No one is permitted in the Diving Tank to “catch” a person going off the board or the slide.

OTHER INFORMATION

The dive tank must be clear before diving off the diving board or using the slide.
Divers may only take one bounce on the board. Only forward selection dives permitted. Dives which propel a person towards the board are prohibited (including gainers and back flips).
Only Swimmers with a Green Bracelet are allowed to use the Diving Boards or the slide.
No one is permitted in the Diving Tank to “catch” a person going off the board or the slide.

FAQ

Membership / Guests

1. What do my membership fees pay for?: The Berkeley Heights Community Pool (BHCP) and Springfield Community Pool (SCP) are overseen and managed by the Summit Area YMCA and is funded solely by membership fees and programming.

2. Is there a joining fee in addition to membership fees?: NO! There are only the specific membership fees for your selected membership.

3. Can I bring outside food?

Outside food is permitted; to the BHCP only however, glass containers and bottles are not allowed on the premises at the BHCP/SCP.

4. I am joining after the pool season started; will my dues be pro-rated?: No. Dues are never prorated.

5. My child is the only one in the family that uses the pool; can he/she join as an individual?: Your child must be 13 years old or an incoming 7th grader to qualify for a teen membership and have ALSO earned a Green wristband after taking the Swim Evaluation to be permitted to be at BHCP and SCP without an adult (18 or older). A Youth Add-on membership may be purchased for children 12 years old or younger but only as an add-on to an adult, family, or senior membership. The youth member must be accompanied by an adult on the membership at all times while visiting the pool regardless of their swimming abilities.

6. Do you have a membership category for a single parent and one child?: There is no special category. A family of two would qualify for a family membership.

7. My niece/nephew is visiting for the summer; can I add him/her to my family membership?: The definition of a family membership does not include nieces, nephews, or grandchildren as they must permanently reside in the household to be included in the family membership. However, you may purchase an additional non-resident youth or non-resident teen add-on membership or a daily guest pass. All youth add-on members or guests must be accompanied by an adult on the membership at all times while visiting the pool.

8. Is my membership refundable?: A refund request for cancellation of full-season memberships must be made in writing by the participant. A full refund will be provided for full-season memberships if canceled on or prior to the pool’s opening day. Cancellations after opening day do not qualify for a refund but will be issued a credit valid for 12 months from the date of issue if the membership is canceled within the first two weeks of the pool opening. A system credit of 75% will be given to members who cancel within the first 7 days, and 50% within the first 14 days. Full-season membership cancellations after 14 days will not be honored and are not subject to credit. Credit may be used at any branch of the Summit Area YMCA. Programs canceled by the YMCA will be refunded or credited. Promotional rates for August & September memberships are non-refundable.

9. Does the Y offer financial assistance?: As a nonprofit, the Summit Area YMCA is committed to enhancing the lives of individuals and families in our community. We offer financial assistance to those with demonstrated need so they may enjoy all the Y has to offer, regardless of their ability to pay. Visit www.thesay.org/FA for more information or to apply.

10. I just registered online. When will I receive my access ID card?: Access cards are issued in person for all members (ages 18 months and above) available at the membership desk during business hours. Each member must swipe their access ID card at the Front Desk every time they enter the facility.

POOL USE

1. Can I try the pool out for a day?: One-day guest passes are available for the summer season for purchase.

2. Can I use the pool the same day I sign up?: Yes.

3. How do I check in to the pool?: Access ID cards are issued in person for all members (ages 18 months and above). Each member must swipe their access card at the Front Desk every time they enter the facility. Members may also use the SAY Mobile App for easy check-in.

4. What are the requirements of the Diving Tank?: Only swimmers who have earned Green bracelets may use the diving tank.

5. Can a child with a green wristband be at the pool without an adult?: Children age 13 and over who have ALSO earned a Green wristband after taking the Swim Evaluation are permitted to be at BHCP/SCP without an adult (18 or older).

6. Are life vests or other forms of flotation permitted in the pool?: Only US Coast Guard approved Life Vests or Puddle Jumpers are permitted in the pool. Other flotation devices such as inflated inner tubes, inflatable floats, boogie boards, kick boards, and noodles are NOT permitted.

SWIM EVALUATIONS / SWIM BRACELETS

1. What is a Swim Evaluation?: All swimmers below the age of 14 are REQUIRED to take a swim evaluation administered by BHCP and SCP management. The test evaluates their swimming abilities. Swim Bracelets will be distributed to swimmers ages 3-14 based on swimming ability, not age.

2. Why do children need to wear Swim Bracelets?: Swim Bracelets indicate your child’s swimming ability and privileges. Children under 14 MUST complete a swim evaluation and wear their designated Swim Bracelet at all times.

3. What if my child does not take the Swim Evaluation?: Swimmers who decline the evaluation will receive a red bracelet, limiting them to the shallow end of the pool.

4. What does my child have to do during the Swim Evaluation?

The Swim Evaluation involves two parts:

Yellow Bracelet: Swim length of shallow end on front and back continuously.

Green Bracelet: Swim length of shallow end on front and back, demonstrating stamina and proficiency.

5. What if I forget my Swim Bracelet?: Swim bracelets will be given to swimmers each day.