Cincinnati Recreation Commission

SWIMMING POOL RULES AND REGULATIONS
 

The Cincinnati Recreation Commission has the responsibility to provide a clean, pleasant, and safe environment for public swimming. Rules and regulations have been developed with that responsibility in mind. Situations may occur that require immediate corrective action. Lifeguards are expected to exercise their best judgment in those situations and have full authority to act in order to ensure the safety of all swimmers. To help us, we ask that all pool patrons follow these rules.

The following rules pertain to the swimming pools, bath houses, wading pools, grass areas, entrance ways and pool decks of the Cincinnati Recreation Commission:

Pool memberships (annual or daily user) are required for all patrons entering the facility, including infants and adults who are supervising children.

In situations where the police are called for a patron who is breaking a rule, the patron’s CRC pool/center membership may be revoked and the patron(s) will be removed from all CRC pools’ property for the remainder of the membership period or pool season without a refund. Managers are to notify the pool supervisor and nearby pools and centers.

 

HEALTH CODE
 

Any person suspected of having an infectious or communicable disease or any person with an obvious infectious wound, head lice (CRC has a no nit policy) or ringworm shall not be permitted to use the pool. However, these persons may be granted entry upon verification of a written statement from a physician that the condition is not infectious.

Reason: Keep the chance of spreading infectious disease to a minimum.

· Any person experiencing diarrhea or vomiting shall not be permitted to use the pool. This is especially important for children in diapers.

Reason: Diarrhea can contain disease.

· Please don’t swallow pool water.

Reason: Help educate children and protect yourself against Recreational Water Illnesses.

· Please wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet or changing diapers.

Reason: Keep yourself and others from getting sick.

· Please take your children on bathroom breaks every 30 to 60 minutes.

Reason: Reduces the chance fecal contamination and the amount of urine in the pool.

· Please change diapers in the restroom and not at poolside.

Reason: Reduces germs on benches and pool area surfaces.

· Please wash your child thoroughly (especially the rear end) with soap and water before swimming.

Reason: Reduces the amount of fecal matter in the pool.

· No person who is observed passing feces, urine or blood into a pool shall be permitted to use the pool until the condition is controlled.

Reason: Body fluids may contain infectious pathogens and contaminate the water.

· Patrons are asked to shower before entering the water.

Reason: To reduce sweat, other body fluids and lotions in pool which affect the water chemistry.

 

GENERAL FACILITY RULES
 

· Criminal trespass charges will be filed on individuals refusing to comply when asked to leave the pool area and CRC property.

· Children’s safety and their behavior are the responsibility of parents or group leaders, not the lifeguards.

Reason: Lifeguards are not babysitters. Lifeguards are busy watching their zones of coverage.

· Children 17 and under must be registered for the annual membership by a parent or guardian.

Reason: In case of emergency, information on minor children should be available. Parents should know where their children are.

· Lifejackets are available free of charge and encouraged for non-swimmers*. It is important for swimmers to equip the proper sized lifejacket (snug to the shoulders), as wearing a lifejacket too small or too large poses a safety risk.

Reason: Those children who cannot pass the ARC level 3 swim test in deep water may be safe in a lifejacket while in deep water (water over their heads). Managers may decide to keep lifejacket swimmers away from the deeper end of the pool (5ft) if crowded, or extremely weak swimmers.

*Non-swimmer: Someone who does not meet the water competency sequence to pass the facility’s swim test.

· Children age 8 must be accompanied and supervised by a parent, legal guardian, or adult age 18 or older during open swim hours.

Reason: Children should have supervision during open swim.

· Children aged 9 to 17 must be accompanied and supervised by a parent, legal guardian, or adult age 18 or older during open swim hours; or, have a Minor and

Open Swim 9-17 Release Form signed by a legal guardian on file at the facility (a participant would need a separate form at each pool).

Reason: Guardians are responsible for their children’s health and behavior and must give consent and contact information in the case of an emergency.

· Children 7 years and younger must be accompanied and actively supervised with touch supervision at all times in groups of three or less by a parent, legal guardian, or adult age 18 or older. Parents with more than three children under age six should make arrangements to have another adult assist with supervision.

Reason: Highest incidences of drowning occur in this age group. Active adult supervision is mandatory.

· Arrangements by established childcare providers can be made in advance to accommodate ratios of one adult to 8 pre-school children (age 4 & 5); one adult to 10 elementary age children (age 6-9); and one adult to 15 elementary-age children (age 10-12). Childcare providers must actively supervise children age 7 & younger with touch supervision.

Reason: Must be approved by Pool Supervisor or Pool Manager.

· Horseplay, rough or boisterous play, such as running, pushing, dunking, or splashing, is not permitted.

Reason: These are hazardous, a patron could be injured.

· Profanity, improper behavior, intoxication and use of illegal substances, drugs and weapons are not allowed.

Reason: It is unlawful to possess weapons, illegal substances and/or alcohol on CRC property.

· Sexual harassment or harassment of any kind towards anyone is not tolerated. Sexual harassment includes inappropriate staring, sexually inappropriate comments, unwelcome touch, gestures, and speech. If behavior occurs, the pool manager will ask patron (s) to discontinue the behavior. If the harassment continues, patron(s) will be asked to leave the facility and grounds.

Reason: Harassment will not be tolerated.

· Food, drinks, alcohol, gum, and chewing tobacco are not permitted inside the pool facility. Food and drinks may be allowed on sites with designated food areas.

Reason: Trash can cause problems with insects, ants, and bees. Gum and candy can be a choking hazard. Alcohol impairs judgement which can lead to severe injury.

· Smoking, vape pens, and electronic cigarettes are not permitted within 50 feet of the pool fence, building or inside the pool facility.

Reason: CRC facilities are smoke free.

· All swimmers should wear proper swimwear. Underwear is not to be worn under swimsuits. Swimsuits with sewn-in floatation are restricted to the wading pool or require one-on-one constant touch supervision by an adult.

Reason: Improper swim attire can be unsafe and can contain detergent residue.

· T-shirts, basketball/thick mesh shorts, cut-off shorts, shorts with zippers, baggie shorts that expose the buttocks, and thongs are not permitted in the pool. In case of severe sunburn, children should be out of the sun, not at the pool.

Reason: The loose fringe from shorts clog filter basket. Shorts with zippers or metal accessories scrape the slides. Soap in clothing affects water chemistry residual. T-shirts worn for over-exposure to sun do not protect them adequately and are a potential safety hazard; they can come up over a person’s face.

· Only specific, UV protective snug fitting, rash guard shirts are permitted in the pool.

Reason: To help contain body fluids.

· All incontinent swimmers (adults or children) must wear swim diapers/non-biodegradable diapers made for swimming.

Reason: To help contain body fluids.

· Only adults supervising children are permitted inside pool areas wearing street clothes, and must remain back near the fence, not up by the pool.

Reason: Pool area is for those actively participating in pool activities. Patrons are too tempted to push in bystanders.

· Glass objects, including beverages, are not permitted in pool facility (deck, entry way, office, or restrooms).

Reason: Glass can cause injury if broken.

· The city is not responsible for left, lost, or stolen articles.

Reason: Staff cannot take responsibility for watching patron’s valuables. Lockers are available at several pools.

· Inappropriate displays of affection are not permitted.

Reason: Improper public behavior is not allowed.

· Patrons are not to socialize with lifeguards or climb on guard chairs.

Reason: This distracts from lifeguard’s primary responsibility of surveillance.

· Personal-space music (i.e.: phones, i-Pods, MP3 players, headphones) is allowed on deck by patrons only. Each pool site without a speaker system may have one sound system controlled by staff. Music is to be “family friendly” and not to include profanity, sexually explicit or racially offensive language.

Reason: Some patrons do not like loud music. Staff may not hear someone yell for help.

· Patrons may be in the office with staff personnel for emergencies only.

Reason: Office is for CRC business.

· The phone is for emergency and CRC business use only. No personal calls. This applies to staff and to patrons.

Reason: Phone must always be available for an emergency, incoming as well as outgoing.

· Cell phones, video cameras, and electronic devices are not permitted in restrooms or locker rooms.

Reason: Restrooms and locker rooms are private areas for changing and showering.

SWIMMING POOLS

Absolutely no diving into water of five feet or less in depth.

Reason: Head or spinal injury could occur.

· No back dives or flips from the sides of the pool.

Reason: Chance of injury is great.

· Ball playing, frisbee and football tossing are not permitted in the pool facility.

Reason: Patron can be hit by object resulting in injury.

· During open swim, nerf balls, beach balls, foam logs (noodles) are permitted. Rubber rafts, tubes and other inflatable items are permitted at the discretion of the manager.

Reason: During crowded conditions floats can interfere with swimmers as well as the lifeguard’s line of sight. Clear floats are acceptable.

· Kickboards are to be used only in lap areas or during lessons.

Reason: Can cause injury if used improperly.

· Swimmers using lap lanes must move continuously.

Reason: To avoid swimmers running into each other.

· Ladders, handrails, and chair lifts are to be used only for entering or exiting the pool. Playing on ladders, handrails and chairlifts is not permitted.

Reason: High incident of accidents can occur here.

· Hanging on or swimming under safety lines is not permitted. Hanging on lane lines is not permitted.

Reason: Can be a false security for non-swimmers.

· Spouting or spitting of water in pool or on deck is not permitted.

Reason: Not a healthy practice.

· U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket Types I, II, and III are suggested for non-swimmers and are available for use at all pools at no cost. Absolutely no water wings or personal inflatables allowed in large pool. These items are permissible in the wading pool only.

Reason: Water wings can deflate or slip off causing a dangerous situation for a non-swimmer.

· Swim GOGGLES are acceptable. Face masks covering eyes and nose, fins, and snorkel are permitted only during organized swim class, Discover SCUBA program, or underwater hockey games.

Reason: Masks can fill with water or slip over mouth and nose causing a potentially dangerous situation. Snorkels can flood, causing choking.

· During rest periods, only those 18 years and older are permitted to swim. Children 7 years and younger are permitted in the pool at this time when one parent or adult accompanies each child. If there are no adults, this could be teen time, water game time, or eliminated altogether at the discretion of the pool manager.

Reason: Allows younger swimmers a chance to rest and use the restroom.

DIVING AREAS

To be permitted to go off the board, patron must successfully pass the deep water
competency test.

Reason: All diving rules and regulations are for the safety of our patrons.

Children under 7 are not permitted to go off the board, individuals 8-14 must successfully pass the deep-water swim test and properly display the appropriate wristband.

· One person on a diving board at a time (including steps of the ladder). The next person should wait on the deck until the person on the board goes off.

· Diving and jumping are permitted in a forward direction from the end of the board only. Make sure the area underboard is clear.

· Immediately after the dive, leave the water using the nearest ladder.

· Free swimming is not permitted in the diving area. The only exception to this is during supervised programming, and during rest periods at the manager’s discretion. During open swim, no diving from the sides of the pool.

· One bounce on the board. This refers to a hurdle step and one bounce, not two.

· Hanging on boards is not permitted.

· Inward dives and sit dives are not permitted.

· Lifejackets are not permitted to be used to jump off the diving board during open swim (only allowed during supervised programming).

Reason: The board is for swimmers who have passed the deep-water swim test and can swim unassisted. Lifejackets may also come off due to the force of the jump.

· Goggles are not permitted for use when jumping off the diving board.

Reason: The pressure/force of impact on the water can bruise or cut the participants eyes.

· Children are not permitted to jump from the board to other patrons or staff.

· Swimming under or between boards is not permitted.

WADING POOLS

· Only children 7 years and younger with a parent or adult age 18 and older are permitted. One adult may supervise up to a maximum of three children in the wading pool.

Reason: Children younger than 7 have a high incident of water related accidents or injury.

· Parents and adults must actively supervise their children while in the wading pool area.

Reason: For the safety of all patrons, Lifeguards must be able to monitor the entirety of the pool, rather than just one child or several children.

· Prior arrangements by established childcare providers can accommodate ratios of one adult actively supervising up to 8 children. This does not apply to zero-depth, non-wading pool sites.

Reason: Pool Supervisor or Pool Manager should approve this.

· Dives from deck are not permitted.

Reason: In shallow water the possibility of injury is too great.

· Running is not permitted in the wading pool water or on the deck.

Reason: Falls and injury can occur on wet surfaces.

· Swim diapers are required for those in need of diapers. Regular disposable diapers absorb water and disintegrate and are not permitted in CRC pools.

Reason: To help contain body fluids and help keep disease from spreading.

· Climbing on or over wading and shallow pool dividing walls is not permitted.

Reason: Falls are likely, and depths of water are different.

· Adults supervising children are not permitted in the wading pool in their street clothes. They may be in the wading pool area, but not in the water.

Reason: Residual laundry detergents upset the pool water chemistry.

SLIDES

· Slide riders should meet the minimum height posted at the slide.

Reason: So users can stand up in the splash-down area to get to the side of the pool.

· Slide users 8 to 14 years old must successfully pass competency swim test and properly wear appropriate wristband.

Reason: Swimmers must adhere to the CRC swim test policy.

· Lifejackets or other floatation devices are prohibited.

Reason: Slide users should not need a lifejacket and should be able to stand up in the splash-down area. Straps or buckles on lifejackets can damage slide surfaces.

· Slide users shall follow directions from the dispatcher.

Reason: Safety, so one person at a time goes down the slide.

· One user per slide on the starting platform at the top of each slide at a time.

Reason: Only one user can ride at a time.

· Always check to see if the splash-down area is clear before entering the slide.

Reason: For safety reasons so users do not collide.

· Ride slide feet first, laying down flat at all times.

Reason: Headfirst entry into shallow water can cause injuries.

· Stopping, changing positions, and forming chains are prohibited.

Reason: For safety reasons, only one user at a time.

· Only one user sliding down the slide at a time.

Reason: For safety reasons, so no one collides.

· Users must exit the landing area, or splash-down area, immediately to the nearest side.

Reason: For safety reasons, to get out of the way of the next user.

 

 

AQUACLIMBS

· Aquaclimb users 8 to 14 years old must successfully pass competency swim test and properly wear appropriate wristband.

Reason: Swimmers must adhere to the CRC swim test policy.

· Lifejackets or other floatation devices are prohibited.

Reason: Slide users should not need a lifejacket and should be able to stand up in the splash-down area. Straps or buckles on lifejackets can damage slide surfaces.

· One user on the Aquaclimb at a time.

Reason: Only one user can climb at a time.

· Climbers must start from the water and not from the pool deck.

Reason: To prevent injury when starting their climb on the wall.

· Climbers must use the climbing holds and not the sides of the wall.

Reason: Climbers can scrape their hands or get their hands caught on the side while dismounting the wall.

· Climbers must dismount feet first only. Diving, Cannonballs, flips, etc. Are NOT allowed.

Reason: Climbers may hit the wall on the dismount if not jumping off properly which could cause injury.

· The next climber must wait out of the water by the side of the wall until the climber before you has finished their climb and exited the water.

Reason: This way the previous climber will not land on the next person when dismounting.

· There is no Open Swim allowed in the deep end when the Aquaclimb is in use.

Reason: The climber is at risk of landing on other patrons when dismounting.

 

 

SPRAYGROUNDS

 

Safety First:

· Remember, there is no lifeguard on duty!

· In an Emergency call 911.

· Children should be actively supervised and accompanied by a responsible adult.

· Children’s safety and behavior are the responsibility of parents/caretakers.

· Glass or other hazardous objects are not permitted.

· Do not climb on spray features.

· Be courteous to others – the following are not permitted:

1. Smoking/tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, alcohol, food or gum

2. Offensive or inappropriate public behavior

3. Running, climbing or rough play

4. Bikes, skates or skateboards

5. Animals of any kind

 

Health and Sanitation are important

· Children who are not toilet trained must wear a swim diaper.

· Do not urinate or change diapers in aquatic spray area.

· Take regular restroom breaks and change children’s diapers frequently.

· Wash hands after using restroom or changing diapers.

· Individuals with diarrhea should not use the aquatic area.

· Any person with an infectious wound or communicable disease should not use aquatic area.

· Do not drink aquatic area water – water recirculates.

 

To report sprayground problems, please call 513.352.4000.

WRISTBAND/SWIM TEST POLICY

The following policy applies to all swimmers 14 years and under. All swimmers must be
clearly identified with the appropriate colored wristband to their swimming ability. Swimmers
will be issued the appropriate color wristband upon completion of the initial swim test and
upon arrival each visit thereafter from the gate monitor or swim test administrator.

Swim Test Administration

• Swim tests will be conducted at a designated and scheduled time during open swim hours.
• Tests will be administered by a certified lifeguard at each location.
• No more than three swimmers will be tested at one time.
• All test takers will be tracked on a tracking sheet and kept onsite at each location in a binder.
• Once swimmers complete the test, the results will be recorded and kept on file at the
front desk at the pool.
• Member information cards will also be marked with the appropriate wristband color to assist with the distribution of wristbands upon arrival each visit.
• Swimmers must complete a swim test if swimming at a different CRC pool location.
 

Wristband Color Descriptions

RED BAND: This applies to all swimmers age 7 years & younger.

“Red Band” swimmers require active adult (18 years & older) touch-supervision at all times while
swimming, regardless of swimming ability. Active or Touch-supervision means the adult must be
in the water within arm’s reach at all times (1 adult per 3 children ratio). The use of Coast Guard
approved lifejackets is also recommended for “Red Band” swimmers. The use of red bands applies
to ALL CRC POOLS.

GREEN BAND: This applies to any swimmers 8-14 years who wish to go off diving boards.

“Green Band” swimmers have successfully completed the deep water swim test and are therefore
permitted to swim in all pool areas (with the exception of the “7 years & under” wading pools)
at the following pool facilities: Bond Hill, Bush, Camp Washington, Dickman, Filson, Hartwell,
Lincoln, Madisonville, McKie, Millvale, Mt. Auburn, Mt. Washington, *Oakley, Pleasant Ridge, Ryan
and Winton Hills.

ORANGE BAND: This applies to swimmers at least 8 years old and 48" tall who wish to ride the water slides
at CRC pools.

“Orange Band” swimmers have successfully completed the slide competency swim test. They also
meet the minimum height requirement and age guidelines. They are permitted to swim in all pool
areas and ride the water slides at the following pool facilities: Dempsey, Dunham-Otto Armleder,
Evanston, Hanna-Otto Armleder and Hirsch-Otto Armleder and *Oakley Pools.

BLUE BAND: This applies to swimmers 8 to 14 years who wish to use the diving board and ride the deep
water slide at Oakley pool.

“Blue Band” swimmers meet the minimum height requirement (48”), age guidelines and successfully
complete the deep water swim test. They are permitted to use the diving board and ride the deep
water slide.
 

NOTES:
• Only swimmers wearing a green band are permitted to swim in the diving area of the pool.
• Only swimmers wearing an orange band are permitted to ride the slides.

*Oakley pool is the only CRC pool that has Deep water and Slide competency requirements; swimmers fulfilling all requirements must wear a blue wristband.

Intentionally wearing the wrong color wristband or refusing to adhere to the wristband policy results in immediate removal from the pool.

It is recommended that non-swimmers and beginner swimmers stay in water armpit-deep or less.

Non-swimmers are strongly encouraged to wear a United States Coast Guard approved flotation device.

Remember, shallow water is in relationship to the swimmer. For small children, the shallow
end of the pool still may be deep water to them.

Final competency includes having the swimmer or parent read all pool rules.

SWIM TEST PROCEDURE
 

RED BAND (Ages 7 years & younger/Swimmers Requiring Active Adult Supervision)
Swimmers wishing to ride the deep water slide at Oakley Pool must meet the following
guidelines and successfully complete the “Blue Band” slide/swim test:
• Swimmer must be 8 years or older
• Swimmer must be 48” tall to ride slides.
• Swimmer must successfully complete the deep water competency test.
 

This applies to Oakley Pool ONLY.
 

NOTES:
• Only swimmers wearing a green band are permitted to swim in the diving area of the pool.
• Only swimmers wearing an orange band are permitted to ride the slides
(Blue band at Oakley Pool).
• Intentionally wearing the wrong color safety band results in immediate removal from the pool.
• It is recommended that non-swimmers and beginner swimmers stay in water armpit deep or less.
• Non-swimmers are strongly encouraged to wear a United States Coast Guard approved
flotation device.
• Shallow water is in relationship to the swimmer. For small children, the shallow end of the pool
still may be deep water to them.
• Final competency includes having the swimmer or parent read all pool rules.

RED BAND swimmers require active adult supervision at all times while swimming, regardless
of swimming ability. This applies to all swimmers age 7 and under. Active supervision means
the adult must be in the water within arm’s reach at all times (1 adult per 3 children ratio).
The use of Coast Guard approved lifejackets is also recommended for “Red Band” swimmers.
The use of red bands applies to ALL CRC POOLS.

GREEN BAND (Ages 8 to 14 years/Deep Water Competency)
The “Green Band” deep water test consists of the following:
• Patron is asked to swim across the shallow end of the lap pool (approx. 12 yards).
Must swim proper front crawl with face in the water.
• Swimmer must jump into water that is over his/her head and return to the surface, then
swim proper front crawl with face in the water along the rope, unassisted and without rest.
• He/she must swim completely across diving area, tag wall/without rest and return ¾ back
stopping shy of the wall and then tread water for 1 full minute while being able to speak.
• Swimmer must then float on his/her back for 10 seconds then swim safely on front or back
and climb out of the pool unassisted.
“Green Band” swimmers are allowed in all pool areas of the following pools: Bond Hill, Bush,
Camp Washington, Dickman, Filson, Hartwell, Lincoln, Madisonville, McKie, Millvale, Mt. Auburn,
Mt. Washington, Oakley, Pleasant Ridge, Ryan & Winton Hills.

ORANGE BAND (Ages 8 to 14 years/Slide Competency)
Swimmers wishing to ride water slides at shallow water facilities must meet the following
guidelines and successfully complete the “Orange Band” slide/swim test:
• Swimmer must be 48” tall to ride slides.
• Swimmer is placed in a horizontal position on his/her back by the testing guard.
• Swimmer must then stand up (regain a vertical position).
• Swimmer is then placed in a horizontal position on his/her front by the testing guard.
• Swimmer must again stand up (regain a vertical position).
This applies to the following pools: Dempsey, Dunham-Otto Armleder, Evanston, Hanna-Otto
Armleder and Hirsch-Otto Armleder.

BLUE BAND (Ages 8 to 14 years/Deep Water Slide Competency)