Pool Rules

Swimming Pool Rules
Wading Pool Rules
Spa Rules
Splashdown Rules
Inclement Weather and Pool Closings
Pool Policies

All Persons using the pool do so at their own risk and responsibility. Please abide by the following pool rules:

Please walk at all times while in the pool area.
We require children 7 years or younger to be accompanied by a responsible supervisor 14 years of age or older. If children 8 to 12 years of age pass the Safety First test administered by pool staff, they will be permitted to use the area without a responsible supervisor.
For your safety, only United States Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices (life vests) may be used in the pool. Person’s using such devices are required to be accompanied, within arm’s reach, of a responsible supervisor.
For your safety and the safety of others, admission to the pool will be denied to all persons having infectious diseases, inflamed eyes, colds, nasal or ear discharges, or any communicable disease of any kind. Persons with excessive sunburns or open sores will also be restricted from using the pool.
Members are responsible for the actions of their guest
Extended breath holding and other hypoxic workouts are not permitted.
Spouting water and other unhygienic actions will not be permitted in the pool area.
Inner tubes, water wings, or play equipment may not be used in the Main Pool. Wading Pool toys must be able to fit (fully inflated) into a 30”x30”x30” box.
Unruly or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Profane, loud or abusive behavior is prohibited.
The Columbia Association cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to personal property of any kind. Please keep a close watch on personal items and report any suspicious behavior.
Obey the lifeguards. Violators will be asked to leave the facility immediately without a refund.
The Pool Manager is responsible for the strict enforcement of the rules and insuring the facility is operated in a safe and peaceful manner for all to enjoy. The Pool Manager has the authorization to temporarily deprive any member or guest use of this facility and may use discretion in the enforcement of these and other rules and regulations.

Additional Information and Rules are listed in our safety pamphlet. Ask for one at the Front Desk.
Lifeguards are on duty to enforce rules and regulations, respond to emergencies, and prevent as many problems as possible, however you are ultimately responsible for the safety of your child. There is no substitution for close, active, parental supervision.

Lap Etiquete Click here for more information on Lap Lane Etiquette

Wading Pool Rules

All children using the Wading Pool MUST be accompanied and closely monitored by a responsible supervisor.
The Wading Pool is for children six (6) years of age or younger.
All diaper changing must be performed in the changing facilities provided in our facility bathrooms.
Wading Pool toys must be small enough to fit, fully inflated, into a 30”x30”x30” box.
No Diving allowed
Protect our water: take a cleansing shower before entering the pool and after using the toilet.
All bathers who are not toilet trained shall wear a tight fitting swim diaper.
Disposable cotton diapers are not permitted in the pool.
If your child has or has had diarrhea in the last two weeks, please do not use the pool.

Lifeguards are on duty to enforce rules and regulations, respond to emergencies, and prevent as many problems as possible, however you are ultimately responsible for the safety of your child. There is no substitution for close, active, parental supervision.

Spa Rules

The Spa is for the use of adults sixteen (16) years of age or older.
Members utilizing the Spa should only do so for a maximum of 15 minutes at a time.
Pregnant women and people suffering from heart disease, diabetes, high or low blood pressure should not enter the Spa without prior medical consultation or permission from their doctor.
Enter and Exit slowly.
Check the temperature of the Spa prior to entering.
Do not use the Spa if you have consumed alcoholic beverages.
Protect our water
Take a cleansing shower before entering the Spa and after using the toilet.
If you have had diarrhea in the last two weeks, please do not use the Spa.

There is no lifeguard on Duty. Use at your own risk.

Splashdown Rules and Regulations

The following rules and regulations have been established for the benefit and protection of all users of the Columbia Swim Center to assure safe operation and to provide enjoyable recreation for all members and their guests.

All persons using the splashdown at the columbia swim center do so at their own risk and responsibility.

Wait for the lifeguard’s signal to start the ride.
One rider per tube.
Riders must ride feet first on a tube.
Hold the handles of the tube. Do not attempt to steer through the turns.
Do not stop, or attempt to stop, in the slides.
Exit the catch pool immediately after leaving the slides.
Riders will experience a “roller coaster-like” experience, including drops and turns and speed up to 15 miles an hour.
Riders will exit the slides into a catch pool approximately 3.5 feet deep.
Riders MUST be 42 inches or taller to ride Splashdown, or pass the Safety First Test.
Pregnant women; people with contagious diseases, open sore, known heart ailments, or prone to seizures should not ride Splashdown without prior medical consultation or permission from their doctor.

Obey the lifeguards. Repeated violators will be ejected from the facility. Goggles, shoes, sandals, shirts, cut-offs or corduroy shorts, or suits with exposed metal parts are allowed on the slides. Wearing glasses is not recommended.

Inclement Weather and Pool Closings

Normal Operations Sunny summer days. Pools open as usual.
Limited Operations When it’s cold and dreary with light rain or thunder showers predicted. The following pools will remain open (except on their closed days): Dorsey Hall, Hopewell, Kendall Ridge, River Hill, Steven’s Forest and Swansfield.
Inclement Operations Rainy inclement days: Steven’s Forest and Swansfield remain open (unless very inclement or on their closed day). All other pools closed. Please call 410-715-3154 for weather related operations and updates.
Electrical Storms: For your safety, the pool may be closed at any time because of weather, operational difficulties, or other conditions at the discretion of the management

During electrical storms, the pool will be closed for a period of one half hour after the last report of thunder or lightning.
If the rain becomes heavy enough that the bottom of the pool cannot be observed clearly the pool will be cleared until the bottom can be clearly observed from the lifeguard stand.
During periods of lightning, members and guests will be cleared from the facility, as soon as reasonably safe.

Pool Policies

Persons wishing to enter water deeper than the level of their shoulders must be able to swim one length of the pool remaining in a horizontal position without stopping or repelling from the sides or the bottom.
Protect our water

Take a cleansing shower before entering the pool and after using the toilet.
All bathers who are not toilet trained shall wear a tight fitting swim diaper.
Disposable cotton diapers are not permitted in the pool.
If your child has or has had diarrhea in the last two weeks, please do not use the pool.

Adults have priority on lounge furniture
At quarter of every hour, there will be a 15 minute break at which time all children under sixteen (16) years of age will be required to clear the pool. One child six (6) years or younger may accompany an adult into the pool during this time.
To maintain a safe and family environment, revealing or see-through bathing suits, thongs, shorts with rivets and clothing generally considered offensive will not be permitted.
In consideration of others, amplified music or radios with external speakers will not be allowed.
Illegal drugs and alcoholic beverages or persons under the influence will not be permitted in the pool or on its grounds.
Food and drinks are permitted in the designated areas. Grilling is restricted inside the property. Glass containers of any kind are not permitted.
The Outdoor Pools are a Smoke Free Zone. Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the property and within 50 feet of the entrance gate.
Dogs, cats, or other pets are not permitted in the pool complex.
Masks, fins and snorkels are only allowed in the lap lanes, provided they are being used appropriately.

Volleyball Court Use
The sand volleyball courts at the outdoor pools are to be used only for volleyball or other similar games (nuke ‘em). Its purpose is not to be used as a sand box. Therefore activities, such as digging holes or building sand castles, etc is not permitted. Digging in the sand ruins the court surface and base layer which may cause injury to those playing volleyball.

Cameras (Video & Still)/Camera Phones
The Columbia Association recognizes the desire for individuals to document activities with family and friends; however, this should not infringe on the right to privacy of others. Photographs or videos should not be taken of others without their permission. Cameras (video & still) have no reason to be in the locker rooms or bathhouses. Additionally, camera phones should not be used while in these areas.

Heavy Bather Loads
During periods where staffing requirements exceed available resources the following steps will be taken to ensure the safety of the facility users.

Notify in-coming members/residents of overcrowding.
Extend adult swims to 20 minutes.
Close snack bar to free Team Members to guard.
Run two ten-minute adult swims. Children will not be allowed to swim with their parents during adult swims.
Close pool for 15 minutes every hour.
Close pool for 15 minutes; open for half hour then close again.
No additional admissions to the pool.