General Rules & Regulations
Revised June 2020 as a result of COVID-19 (updated May 2021)
These rules are subject to change based on guidance from the state of Massachusetts and the Acton Board of Health
The pool rules are intended to increase safety and enjoyment of everyone using the pool. The lifeguards will strictly enforce them. The guards may expel anyone from the pool area who refuses to comply with their instructions. Parents are requested to assist the lifeguards by keeping an eye on their children and ensuring that they comply with the lifeguards.
All persons using the pool do so at their own risk. The corporation assumes no responsibility for personal injury or loss or damage to personal property. The cost of all damage will be charged to the responsible member
The pool community is managed by volunteers and relies on the cooperation of its members in order to operate smoothly and safely for the enjoyment of everyone using the pool. Members, the Board of Trustees, and staff are expected to treat one another with respect and consideration.
All members are expected to complete their assigned work detail on time and in a thorough manner.
When the pool is closed, the gate will be locked. No swimming or any other use of the pool area is permitted.
The gates from the wading pool to the main pool area must remain closed and securely latched at all times; they must never be propped open.
Per Massachusetts State Law, a shower must be taken before entering the pool.
Any person with a communicable disease is prohibited from using the pool. Anyone experiencing Covid-19 symptoms is not allowed on the property.
Children who are not yet toilet trained must wear a swim diaper accompanied by a rubber/plastic diaper covering in the pool.
Lifeguards need to focus on the swimmers; do not socialize with the lifeguards on duty and congregating around or sitting in the lifeguards’ chairs is prohibited.
When the lifeguard determines that an emergency situation exists, they will blow the whistle three times. At this signal, everyone must leave the pool immediately. Any adults present are encouraged to assist in clearing the pool, leaving the guard free to deal with the emergency.
Member families are required to keep up-to-date emergency contact information on file at the pool.
Thunderstorm Safety: The pool will be cleared when the guard on duty hears thunder and will remain cleared for 20 minutes before swimmers are allowed to re-enter. Each time thunder is heard, the 20 minute timer is reset.
Members are required to use the sign-in binder or online tool to sign in, record arrival and departure time, write full names of all family members and provide a phone number.
Walk; do not run in the pool area.
The pool ladders and entry areas should be kept clear; hanging on the ladders is prohibited.
Hanging, sitting, or standing on the rope that divides the shallow and deep ends is prohibited.
The following behaviors are prohibited: dunking, splashing, pushing, rough housing, hitting with noodles, slamming kickboards, throwing people into the pool, jumping off one another’s shoulders, chasing, bullying, teasing, using inappropriate language, or any behavior that disturbs others or is deemed unsafe. The lifeguard’s judgment is final and they have complete discretion to ensure safety for members and guests.
Only USCG (United States Coast Guard) approved floatation devices are allowed.
Diving is not allowed in the shallow end of the pool. Back dives and flips are prohibited anywhere.
Bicycles, skateboards, and scooters must remain outside the pool area.
Ball playing, tag, Frisbee throwing, or any other similar games, are permitted in the grassy area only. No such playing is permitted on the pool deck or near the restrooms. Beach balls are permitted in the pool at the discretion of the lifeguards.
Alcohol, smoking, tobacco chewing, and gum chewing are prohibited on pool property.
Graffiti and writing on pool property is prohibited.
Bandages (Band-Aids) are prohibited in the pool.
Conducting business or soliciting on pool property is prohibited.
Glass of any kind is prohibited in the pool area; this includes glass diving masks. In addition, many ordinary items may damage the pool’s filtration system. Members are asked not to bring these items into the pool area: balloons, diving sticks, rocks and food items such as watermelon seeds, etc..
Wading Pool will be open for the 2022 season.
During adult swim, children must be completely out of the water and away from the pool. A lifeguard is not on duty during these 15 min. sessions. The wading pool will be NOT be available during adult swim for children ages 5 and under.
Adults must accompany all non-swimming children in the main pool. Children who appear unsafe in the shallow end may be required to take a Shallow End Test. The lifeguard’s judgment is final and they have complete discretion to ensure safety for members and guests.
An adult must accompany any child under 5 years old child in the deep end at all times. Children ages 5-12 years old must pass the Deep End Test each year before they are allowed to swim unaccompanied in the deep end of the pool. The Deep End Test requires that a child swim two lengths of the pool and then tread water for one minute without stopping or holding on. The lifeguard’s judgment is final and they have complete discretion to ensure safety for members and guests.
31. Members under the age of 9 and non-swimmers must be accompanied by an adult or member 13 years of age or older.
32. When a member turns 9 and has passed the Deep End Test, they may come to the pool unaccompanied by an adult during the day (until 6 p.m.) ONLY IF emergency information and permission is on file at the pool. A parent must remain locally and be reachable at the telephone number listed on the emergency contact information filed at the pool. This privilege may be revoked by the lifeguard or the Board, if rules are not followed.
33. After 6 p.m., each member under the age of 13 must be signed in and supervised by a member 18 years of age or older.
34. Guest Policy: Each household is permitted to bring 6 guests per day to the pool.
35. Party Policy: Adult members may schedule parties for more tant 6 guests with special permission from the Board. Please contact the Head Guard for details.