Pool Rules

Please review these rules with your family before visiting Gardner Pool. If you have any questions about any of these rules, please contact the Pool Manager on Duty.

Closing Policy

The City has the right to close the pool early in the event of severe weather, with no refunds due to the customer. The pool will close if the air temperature is 66° or below, or at the manager’s discretion based on inclement weather, attendance, or a fecal incident. Please check your email on inclement weather days for updates on pool operations.

General Rules

  • Running at the pool can cause accidents, please walk at all times.
  • No prolonged breath holding or underwater swimming.
  • It is illegal to carry a firearm, deadly weapon, or dangerous ordnance anywhere on these premises.
  • Alcohol, tobacco or e-cigarette use is strictly prohibited.
  • Diving from the sides of main pool is not permitted.
  • Toys are only to be used in the “zoo” area.
  • U.S. Coast Guard approved floatation devices can be used in “zoo” area and main pool only.
  • Baby floats are allowed only in main pool during rest break.
  • 18 years of age & older are only permitted in the lap lanes. Kickboards may only be used in the lap lanes.
  • Patrons may not swim in “street clothes”.
  • Rollerblades, scooters, skateboards & bikes are not permitted in the pool area. Bike racks are located at Shafor Park.
  • Glass containers are prohibited.
  • Rest breaks are held 15 minutes before each hour. Water use is for anyone 18 years of age or older. Children age 5 and under may be in the water during rest breaks if accompanied by their parents.
  • For everyone’s safety, no inflatables, no balls, no pushing and no “tossing” of children into the air or placing them on your shoulders is allowed.
  • Toddlers MUST wear swimmer diapers and/or plastic pants.
  • Proper and acceptable conduct is expected by users of the pool at all times.
  • The minimum age for a child to attend the pool without a parent or guardian is 12 years of age.

Diving Rules

  • One person on the diving board at a time.
  • Walk straight out, no hanging on the bars and only one bounce on the board.
  • Back or inward dives are not permitted.
  • No prolonged breath holding or underwater swimming.
  • No swimming or swim activity is permitted in diving well when diving boards are open.
  • Swimmers with masks, goggles, lifejackets, etc. are not permitted on the diving boards.
  • Parents are not permitted in the water to “catch” their children off the boards. (only guards at break time can “catch” if available)
  • Swimmers may be asked by staff to first do a swimming test before being permitted to use the diving board.
  • For your safety, please dive straight off the end of the boards and do not jump to the sides.
  • After diving off the boards, swim away from the boards to the closest ladder and exit the pool.

Baby Pool Rules

  • No lifeguard is on duty at the baby pool.
  • All children must be accompanied by a parent.
  • The baby pool is reserved for children 5 years & under.
  • Swimmers diapers and/or plastic pants MUST be worn by all toddlers.
  • No inflatables or floating devices permitted in the baby pool.
  • The baby pool is closed during all home swim meets.

Lap Lane Rules

  • If a lap swimmer is waiting for a lane, limit your workout to 30 minutes.
  • Ask before entering into a lane with someone.
  • When possible share the lap lane (circle swim)
  • Approved lap lane equipment: goggles, kick board, pull buoy, paddles, and fins.

Rest Periods

Youth rest periods are called 15 minutes before each hour (15 minutes in length); adults 18 and older may remain in the water. Children five and under may go in the pool with an adult on a one-to-one basis.

Disclaimer: Members, their families, and guests must adhere to these rules and policies. The City may suspend or revoke membership privileges for a violation of these rules and policies. If action is taken to suspend or revoke such privileges, there will be no refund or partial refund of any season pass cost or daily admission fees. Parents are responsible for the action of their children and a family membership can be revoked or suspended in its entirety for a violation of these rules and policies if, in the opinion of the City or the pool personnel, the parent has not provided appropriate supervision in enforcing these rules and policies. Any decision by the City to suspend or revoke pool privileges may, at the request of the member, be reviewed by the City Manager or her designee. Any decision by the City Manager or her designee shall be final. By applying for and accepting membership in Gardner Pool, you agree to adhere to these pool rules and policies, and you agree to the City’s right to suspend or revoke such privileges as set forth herein.

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