Our indoor pool at the Katz JCC is a haven for lap swimmers aged 13 and up. Offering dedicated lap swim times throughout the day, our pool schedule provides ample opportunities for members to enjoy the soothing rhythm of lap swimming. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all, please familiarize yourself with our pool rules and etiquette listed below. Your cooperation helps create a welcoming aquatic environment for everyone to enjoy.
JCC Indoor Pool Rules
• The pool cannot be used when the lifeguard is not on duty.
• There shall be no prolonged breath holding or hyperventilating.
• Members are required to observe all health and sanitation rules as prescribed by the Katz JCC.
• Soap showers are required by everyone using the pools.
• No cut-offs, gym shorts or T-shirts may be worn in the pool.
• Bandages and band-aids should be removed before entering the pool.
• No running, pushing or rough play on the pool deck.
• No diving in the shallow end of the pool or in the teaching lanes.
• Members are requested to refrain from splashing and dunking the heads of others. Chicken fighting, horseback fighting or any other rough play in the pool is forbidden.
• No smoking, eating or glass containers of any type are allowed around the pool area.
• Swimmers are not to hang or balance on lane markers.
• Scuba tanks, balls, frisbees, snorkels and any other types of flotation device are permitted only at the discretion of the lifeguards.
• Kickboards, flippers, masks, etc. are permitted only for specific purposes of instruction and workouts.
• Children requiring the use of flotation devices must be accompanied in the water with and adult. Adult must remain within arms reach at all times.
• Lifeguard may restrict the use of the pool from any patron who is not in compliance with the rules, is a danger to themselves or others or is creating an environment contrary to the goals of the Katz JCC.
• Infants and children who are not toilet trained must wear swim diapers in order to use the swimming pool.
Pool Etiquette
• All swimmers must shower before entering the pool for any reason. It is not only the proper thing to do, it is the LAW!
• Please be aware of other swimmers waiting for a lane during busy lap swim hours. Please limit your workout to 30-45 minutes when this occurs.
• Please communicate to another swimmer when you are entering their lane. To avoid head-on collisions, never assume they see you.
• When in doubt, plea se allow the lifeguard to direct you where to swim.
• Never start circle swimming until everyone in the lane has been notified – preferably by the lifeguard.
• When sharing a lane, please refrain from swimming strokes that occupy more than half the lane, such as butterfly. Please try to swim in your half of the lane – remember, you’re sharing.
• Please respect that the “slow” lane is for slow and handicapped swimmers who need to be near the wall, the pool lift or the stairs.
• Should someone become ill while in the pool, please notify the lifeguard immediately.
• Please follow all JCC pool rules and regulations and respect the staff whose job it is to enforce them. The rules will ensure everyone’s enjoyment and safety.
Adult Lap Swim Policies
• Many swimmers occasionally rest at the end of a lane between laps. It is not advisable to stop in the middle of a lane.
• No diving into the shallow end of a lane.
• Non-swimmers and those who want to engage in non-lap swimming activities (holding onto the side of the pool and kicking, kicking half-laps in the shallow end, and water walkers, etc.) are to use the designated slow lane.
• Please put kickboards and pull-buoys back in the baskets where you found them. Do not take a kickboard you find on the deck at the end of a lane, because another swimmer is probably intending to use i t.
• Lane Signs are used to identify what is occurring in each lane.
• Please keep your arms and legs inside your lane. If you kick someone, please have the courtesy to apologize at the earliest opportunity.
• During lap swim only hours, the pool is divided as follows into three sections according to the speed you will be swimming: Lanes 1 & 6 – Slow, 2 & 5 – Medium, Lanes 3 & 4 Fast. When there are few swimmers in the pool, any lane may be used. When 3 & 4 – Fast. When there the pool is busy, the speed designations become important to everyone. If you enter an open lane that is not your speed, you risk being moved if it gets busy and circle swim is necessary.
How to Split Lane Swim
When there are two people in a lane, a lane may be “split,” which means that one swimmer stays on the right and one swimmer stays on the left. Each swimmer must concentrate on leaving enough space for each other and avoid strokes that occupy more than half the lane (i.e. butterfly or elementary back).
How to Circle Swim
• DO NOT ENTER a lane occupied by another swimmer without making sure that the other swimmer knows you are there. Collisions can be painful and frustrating. THE BEST WAY TO GET THE SWIMMER’S ATTENTION IS TO SIT DOWN AT THE END OF THE POOL AND PUT YOUR LEGS IN THE WATER. TAP A SWIMMER ON THE SHOULDER IF NECESSARY.
• If there are THREE SWIMMERS; the third swimmer MUST GAIN THE APPROVAL of the FIRST and SECOND swimmers BEFORE starting a circle swim. If gaining approval is problematic, a lifeguard should be consulted.
• Circle swimming is to be done counter-clockwise.
• During busy times, attempt to join circle swim with swimmers of your own speed. Always defer to the faster swimmer. If someone at your feet is trying to pass, stop at the end of the lap and let them go ahead of you. It is inconsiderate and potentially dangerous to inhibit the workouts of more experienced swimmers. Circle swim is mandatory if the pool is busy. Circle swim is set up by the lifeguard. Waiting does not guarantee you will get your own lane. Waiting does not mean you will not have to circle swim.
• Turning: When approaching the end of the pool, go to the left corner and make your turn and head straight out. This will avoid a collision with the person behind.
• If you want to rest after a lap, stop and rest at the right-hand corner so others have room to turn at the left corner.
• Be aware of what is going on in your lane.
• In case of a collision at sea, both parties are required to apologize, regardless of fault.