Boston University Fitness & Recreation Center
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Aquatics Policies

Pool Guidelines

These guidelines and regulations are designed for your safety, health, and comfort as mandated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Health Code and Boston University. Those who do not adhere to the guidelines, or who fail to cooperate with the lifeguard staff may be asked to leave and may be denied the privilege of access into the Aquatic Center.

  1. Swimmers must take a cleansing shower before entering the pool or spa.
  2. A lifeguard must be on duty before swimmers may enter the water.
  3. Appropriate swimsuits are required attire for all swimmers. T-shirts, cut-offs, or under garments are not allowed.
  4. Swimmers with hair longer than one half inch long buzz cut must wear a swim cap. It is up to the lifeguard on duty's discretion to determine if the length of hair requires a swim cap. Long hair must be tucked up inside the swim cap. Children under the age of 13 do not need to wear a swim cap.
  5. Please walk on the pool deck. No running.
  6. Photography and the use of cell phones is prohibited.
  7. Any person with a skin disease, open sores, bandaged wounds, boils, inflamed eyes, discharging nasal or ear passages, or any communicable disease is prohibited from using the pool. If you have a bandage on a minor cut, dispose of the bandage before entering the pool area.
  8. No glass on the pool deck, seating area or locker rooms. Only water in an enclosed, unbreakable container is allowed on the pool deck.
  9. No food or chewing gum is allowed in the pool or on the pool deck.
  10. Street shoes are prohibited on the pool deck.
  11. Spitting and otherwise contaminating the pool, pool deck, walkways, aisles or dressing rooms is prohibited.
  12. Diving is prohibited in the Recreation Pool.
  13. Diving board use is prohibited except for participants in diving classes.
  14. No walking across bulkhead or swimming under bulkhead.
  15. Please do not leave bags, street shoes or clothes on the pool deck or benches. Use the day lockers in the pool hallway. You may use your own lock, but must remove it and all of your belongings within two hours.
  16. The maximum number of swimmers in each lane is six. Please be aware of how many people are already in the lane that you are selecting.
  17. Lanes are designated "slow", "medium" and "fast" in the Competition Pool. Please select the appropriate lane for your ability. Aqua joggers must jog in the designated lane and must abide by the spliting and circling rules below if a swimmer is present. Aqua joggers will be given priority in the aqua jogging lane.
  18. One or two swimmers may split a lane (each swim on a single side of the lane). When a third person wants to enter the lane, the swimmer must notify both swimmers that they must circle swim (stay to the right, like driving a car) before starting to swim. Slower swimmers should stop at the wall and allow faster swimmers to pass.
  19. Do not swim in a lane or area that is marked off for a class or swim team. Only swim in designated lap lanes (marked with the yellow lane marker). If you are unsure of open lanes, please ask the lifeguard.
  20. During open lap swim hours in the Competition Pool, one of the on-duty lifeguards will be available to administer boating swim tests for those who require them for boating registration. Testing must take place in the Competition Pool and a photo ID and U# must be presented. Swim tests will not be administered during the last 15 minutes of open swim hours.
  21. Kickboards and pull-buoys are available for lap swimmers. Please return them to the storage bin after use.
  22. When the lifeguard signals the end of open swim, please leave the pool area promptly.
  23. Language and behavior should be appropriate for a family setting.
  24. The use of oils and body lotions is prohibited.
  25. Children under the age of 16 must pass a swim test to swim without an adult in the water. If the child passes the swim test, a supervising adult must remain on deck at all times. If the child does not pass the swim test, the parent must be in the water within arm's reach of the child. Parents should not leave children unsupervised in the pool area for any reason. To pass the swim test, the child must swim with their face in the water for 20 yards. The swim test must be performed at the beginning of every visit to the pool and the lifeguard will make the final decision regarding swimming ability.
  26. Please note that only lap swim takes place in the Competition Pool unless otherwise posted. The lifeguard may ask a child to leave lap swim if he or she is unable to continuously swim laps.
  27. Strollers are not allowed on the pool deck, in the locker rooms or in the hallway near the pool. Please park strollers in the designated stroller parking areas outside of the locker rooms. Please secure valuables in the day lockers available in the pool hallway.
  28. An adult must directly supervise infants and children not swimming at all times.
  29. The basketball hoop may be set up during open recreation hours in the Recreation Pool. Participants must be courteous of others while playing and may be asked to stop by the lifeguard at any time. No dunking or horseplay is permitted.
  30. Disposable diapers are not allowed in the pool. Children who are not toilet trained must wear a cloth, washable and reusable swim diaper with tight fitting, elastic waist and leg openings. Disposable swim diapers are not permitted as they disintegrate in the warm water. Cloth, reusable swim diapers are available for sale at the Pro Shop.
  31. No swim aids such as "water wings", Styrofoam bubbles, or floats sewn into swimsuits are allowed. Only Coast Guard approved life jackets are allowed. A life jacket does not substitute for direct supervision of a non-swimmer.
  32. If a lifeguard feels your swimming level is not adequate for the Competition Pool (7'-13.5' deep), you may be asked to leave or use the shallow Recreation Pool.
  33. Private lessons may not be given by non-BU Aquatics staff at any time.

Spa Rules

  1. The spa is only open during posted open swim hours in the Recreation Pool. A lifeguard must be on duty.

  2. No children under the age of 13 are allowed use of the spa. Children may not sit on the stairs or on the edge of the spa.

  3. It is recommended that elderly persons, pregnant women and persons suffering from heart disease, diabetes, high or low blood pressure should not use the spa until they consult with their physician.

  4. Do not use the spa when the water temperature is greater than 104 F.

  5. Individuals should observe a reasonable time limit in the spa (10 minutes). Long exposures may result in health complications such as dizziness, nausea or fainting.

  6. Individuals may not completely submerge themselves in the spa.

 

 

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