Pool Rules

The following rules and regulations are for the protection and benefit of all members.  These rules have been established to assure safe and sanitary operation of the club facilities.  Parents are requested to caution their children and to observe all rules and to obey the instructions of the Pool Manager and other employees.  IGNORANCE OF THE RULES WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED AN EXCUSE FOR VIOLATION.  These rules will be equally enforced for all members, guests and staff.

A.   POOL HOURS

• Daily 12:30 until 7:00 p.m. (weather and attendance permitting)

• On special occasions, by arrangement with the Social Chairman, these pool hours may be extended.

• The facility will be closed, when necessary, for maintenance, inclement weather, special events, etc. at the discretion of the  Manager On Duty and/or Board of Directors.
• The pool will close at 5:00 p.m. for home swim meets.

B.    ADMITTANCE

• Entrance and exit to the club grounds may be made only through the club property fronting on Ramsey Road.
• Members must enter the pool at the entrance gate and check-in with a staff member (stationed at the checker stand or at the concession stand). 
• Memberships are managed via a card system. Upon entering the club, a staff member will move your membership card from the "OUT BOX" to the "IN BOX" (and vice versa when you exit the club). Members will not be issued tags, tokens or cards. 
• Memberships are not transferrable.

C.    HEALTH AND SAFETY

• Members with communicable diseases of the eye, ear, nose, throat, and skin may not use the pool.  
• Expectorating and blowing of nose in pool is prohibited.  
• Glass containers or any breakable items, such as ceramic, china, etc., are not permitted within the fenced pool area without permission from the Manager on Duty.  
• Social conversation with and/or distraction of the lifeguards on duty is prohibited.
• Swim fins, face masks, and snorkels are permitted in the pools. 
• No toys of any kind are permitted in the main pool without permission from the Manager on Duty; small non-metal toys are permitted in the wading (baby) pool. 
• Toys designed to the support the weight of a child are not permitted in either pool, except at private parties and times designated by the Manager on Duty. Water wings are permitted in the shallow end of the pool under adult supervision. Approved PFDs are permitted with adult supervision and as approved by the Manager on Duty.
• No smoking is permitted within the pool gates. 
• No littering; trash must be placed in receptacles provided.
• Swimmers are permitted in the diving area only at the discretion of the guards.
• Only one person at a time is permitted on each ladder of steps. 
• Jumping off or playing on the pool ladders and/or steps is strictly prohibited.  
• Divers must leave the diving area immediately after diving.  Do not swim under the diving board. 
• No food or drink is permitted on the concrete pool deck.

D.   CONDUCT

• Music players and electronics must be kept at a low volume.  
• Running, pushing, or other boisterous conduct is not be permitted.  
• No one will enter the pool grounds under the influence of drugs or intoxicating beverages. Any persons suspected to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be asked to leave the property. In such cases, said persons will be required to have an escort who is not under the influence, otherwise our staff reserves the right to request assistance from law enforcement.
• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited except at specific Board approved events.
• Climbing on the fence or any structure within the facility property is not permitted. 
• Inappropriate and/or offensive language, advances, touching or harassing behavior is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated.

E.    GENERAL

• Gateway Heights is a family-friendly facility. Our staff reserves the right to prohibit entry, or require removal from the facility, any one (member or guest) who exhibits behavior that threatens our family-friendly environment. (Please be kind and appropriate.)
• All swimmers must be attired in apparel designed for swimming.

• Two lanes shall be reserved for full width, non-stop swimming and water walking only.  Exceptions will be made for special occasions.
• Use of the wading pool will be limited to children seven (7) years of age or younger.
• Children who have not reached their tenth birthday will not be permitted within the fenced pool area unless accompanied by a responsible supervising person.
• Children who have reached their tenth birthday may be permitted within the fenced pool area unaccompanied if they have passed the basic swimming tests established.
• Bicycles and cars must be parked in designated areas only.  Members and guests will drive slowly and carefully on driveways and in parking areas.
• No pets are allowed within the fenced pool area. Pets are permitted in the parking lot, but must be leashed, hand-held or secured in a vehicle, and must be under the control of a responsible handler at all times. Pet owners are responsible for ensuring that the property remains free of pet waste.
• The cost of property damage will be charged to the responsible member.
• Children are not permitted to play with the furniture.  The cost of any damage will be charged to the responsible member.
• Children under the age four (4) will not be allowed in the main pool without an adult 18 or older in the pool with them.  Other supervising persons must be cleared by the Manager on Duty.

F.    GUESTS

• A guest privilege shall consist of admission and readmission to the enclosed pool area and tennis courts for one day.  No rain checks will be issued.
• A member must accompany all guests.
• Guest fees will be $5.00 for each person over 10 years of age attired in bathing clothes and $2.00 after 4:00 p.m.  Guests 10 years of age and under will be charged $2.00 at all times.  Children under 2 years of age get in free of charge.
• There will be no charge for spectator guests over the age of 21 who are attired in street clothes. Non-members under the age of 21 must pay a guest fee. This applies whether the person is in street clothes or not. Exceptions may be made by the Manager on Duty.
• Members are responsible for the conduct of their guests.
• Guests are limited to five visits per summer season and must register with names, phone number and email address upon entering the facility.
•  A season pass for house guests and babysitters (1 per family) is available for an additional charge of $45.  Written requests are to be submitted to the Board.  Upon approval, a pass will be issued.
• The club assumes no responsibility, and members or their guests can have no claim against the club, for loss or damage to the property of members, or any guest, which may be brought into or left in the club building, or on the club grounds.  (By-laws: Articles XIII, Section 6)
• Guests behaving inappropriately will be asked to leave the pool and may be denied admission on other occasions.

G.   CONCESSIONS

• Absolutely no unauthorized persons will be permitted behind the Concession Counter.  
• Littering will not be tolerated.  Parents are cautioned to emphasize that this rule will be strictly enforced.  
• NO credit will be extended. All concession items must be paid for in cash, at point-of-sale.

H.   ENFORCEMENT

• Ignorance of the rules will not be considered as an excuse for violation
• Manager on Duty will be in charge at all times and will have complete authority to enforce the rules.

• Manager on Duty or the Board will resolve situations not covered by the pool rules. 
• Penalties will be as follows:
  • At the discretion of the Manager on Duty or the lifeguards, an offender may be “benched” for a period of time or required to leave the Club property for the remainder of the day.
  • The offender may be required to leave the club property and may be subject to suspension from one (1) to seven (7) days as directed by the Manager on Duty, Board of Directors, or the Certified Pool Operator.
• By decision of the Board of Directors, in accordance with the by-laws, Article XI, Section 2, an offender may be suspended (length of suspension set by the Board of Directors) and assessed a fine according to the following schedule:
  • First Violation - $5.00
  • Second Violation - $10.00
• By decision of the Board of Directors, in accordance with the by-laws, Article XI, Section 3, an offender may be expelled from the club.
• In all cases of violations, the Secretary of the Board of Directors will notify (in writing) an adult member of the violator’s family of the penalty being enacted.
• All complaints by members must be in writing, signed, and presented to the Manager on Duty or a member of the Board of Directors.
• Any violation of the rules should be reported to the Manager on Duty or any member of the Board of Directors.

CHANGES IN THE CLUB RULES WILL BE RECOMMENDED BY THE MANAGER ON DUTY OR CERTIFIED POOL OPERATOR TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AND UPON APPROVAL OF A MAJORITY OF THE BOARD, THE RULES MAY BE ADDED TO OR CHANGED, BUT IN NO CASE WILL THE CHANGES BE RETROACTIVE.

Thank you for your support and understanding...have a GREAT summer!