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The University of South Alabama
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Division of Student Affairs
     
   
     
  Student Recreation Center Aquatic Policies  
     
  Facility Rules and Regulations  
 
  • Please shower before entering indoor pool, outdoor pool, or hot tub
  • No glass containers permitted on decks or in locker rooms.
  • Help keep our pool water healthy. Please wait two weeks after a diarrheal illness before swimming in our pools.
  • Smoking is prohibited at all facilities.
  • You must be 14 years of age to use the hot tub.
  • Appropriate lined swim attire only. No cut-offs or thong swimwear.
  • Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Swimming is only allowed when lifeguards are on duty.
  • No outside group exercise or training is allowed during open swim hours.
    Please see Aquatic Coordinator to schedule group events.
  • The Student Recreation Center is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. Please put all valuables in a locker,
    not on the pool deck.
  • Lap lanes must be shared during high demands hours.
  • All patrons must follow all rules and regulations given by student lifeguards.
  • All other state and local health codes apply.
 
  Dependent Rules and Regulations  
 
  • All dependents under the age of 15 must pass a swim test administered by a Campus Recreation Lifeguard. (Swim 1 length of the Open Recreation Area or 1 Lap of the indoor pool without touching the bottom or going to the side.)
  • All children who pass the swim test must stay in the same pool as the parents/guardian. All non-swimmers must stay within arms-length of the parent/guardian.
  • Children under 10 may only enter the Vortex if the parent/guardian is in the Vortex with them.
    The parent may not watch from the outside.
  • All children 5 and under must have a swim belt on in the Vortex. Noodles or swim belts recommended for children under 15.
  • Children 3 and under must wear swim diapers.
  • Children under the age of 14 are not allowed in the Sauna.
  • Water Wings are not allowed.
 
     
  Severe Weather Policy  
 

The National Lightning Safety Institute recommends waiting 30 minutes after the sound of thunder is heard before resuming aquatic activities. After each sound of thunder or sight of lightning, lifeguards will wait 30 more minutes from that time.

 
     
 

In the event of thunder or lightning, lifeguards will:

  1. Clear everyone from the water at the first sound of thunder or first sight of lightning.
  2. All patrons will be required to clear the water and pool decks in the outdoor and indoor pools.
  3. Water and metal can conduct electricity therefore patrons should not enter showers when thunder is heard or lightning is seen.

In the event of heavy rain, hail, or high wind lifeguards will:

  • Clear the outdoor pool if visibility is impaired due to heavy rain or high winds.
  • Clear the outdoor pool and pool deck in the case of hail. Move everyone inside.
 
  Locker Room Policy  
 

Children five years of age and older will not be permitted in the locker rooms of the opposite sex. Please use the family locker room.

 
     
  Open Swim Guidelines  
 

Certain areas of the facilities may be closed for programming during open swim hours. Admittance is by membership or daily use fee. All persons entering the pool deck must pay a fee. Children 14-and-under must be accompanied by an adult at least 16 years of age.

 
     
  Lap Swim Guidelines  
 

Two lap lanes are guaranteed during all pool hours. Watch for signs or call for lap pool status. Lap swimmers are expected to circle swim to the right when there are more than two swimmers per lap lane.

 
     
  Lap Lane Rules  
 

For the safety and comfort of our lap swimmers, lap swimming is available for patrons 16 and older, or patrons who are able to demonstrate the following skills:

  • Rhythmic breathing
  • A structured stroke as determined by the American Red Cross
  • Continuously swim 100 yards using one of the following structured strokes (front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke, butterfly)
  • These rules are for the safety and comfort of our lap swimmers.
 
     
     
University of South Alabama Department of Campus Recreation