The following rules and regulations have been established for the benefit of all users of Wickwire Pool to assure the safe operation and to provide enjoyable recreation for all. Patrons are requested to cooperate in observing these rules and to obey the instructions of the Aquatics staff. Patrons violating swimming rules and operating guidelines are subject to the cancellation of their swimming membership. The Cortland Youth Bureau reserves the right to refuse admittance into any aquatic facility when the capacity has been reached or when otherwise deemed necessary for the health, welfare, or safety of the patrons.
Pool Membership Requirements
• All members must reside within Cortland County.
• All children 10 and under must be registered under a parent or guardians membership and will not receive a membership card. Children 10 and under must have a parent or guardian with a valid membership card at the pool with them at all times.
• All children age 11 to 17 must have a parent or guardian register them, and that parent or guardian must be present when the membership card is issued.
General Guidelines and Admission Policies
• No one will be allowed on the pool deck unless the pool is officially open, and a ready-to-rescue lifeguard is on duty and present on deck. Patrons may enter the water only when lifeguards are in their chairs.• All patrons on the pool deck must be attired in swimming apparel.
• All persons entering the pool deck must display a valid membership card.
• Entering the pool when it is not open for public use is punishable by fines and/or imprisonment.
• Guards have authority to enforce all pool rules. Patrons who repeatedly violate the rules will be ejected by the Head Guard and may have your swim pass revoked for the season.
• Bringing any animal, other than a service animal (dog) onto the pool deck is prohibited. Service animals may not enter water.
Group Admission Policies (Camps)
• Groups must contact the pool management before coming to the complex.• A group of five or more children entering the pool must be directly supervised at poolside by an adult in swim attire.
Facility Rules
• Food or refreshments are not permitted on the pool deck.• No grills, gas or electric cooking devices may be brought into the park. Charcoal grills are located throughout the parks for public use.
• Glass containers, alcoholic beverages and drugs are not permitted in the parks.
• Weapons are not permitted.
• Smoking (tobacco or electronic), vaping, and marijuana is not permitted anywhere in the facilities, buildings, grounds or parking lots.
• Employees are the only persons allowed in the staff rooms, filter room, mechanical room, storage room and offices.
• Chairs are not permitted within 6 feet of the pool side.
• The City of Cortland, Cortland Youth Bureau and its staff are not responsible for personal property or valuables at any time.
• If a child has a life jacket on, he/she must be within arm’s reach of an adult. Life jackets are available at all facilities.
• Headphones must be worn when listening to entertainment devices.
• Picnic baskets/coolers are permitted in the grass area or pavilions. All bags, baskets and coolers are subject to inspection.
• Tents or shade devices are not allowed. Umbrellas are available by asking a lifeguard.
Attire
• All patrons on the pool deck must be attired in swimming apparel.• No street shoes or clothing allowed on the pool deck, unless worn by a parent or guardian of a child.
• Pool users must wear swimming suits or swimming trunks upon entry into the pool.
• Clothing such as cut-offs, gym shorts, and underwear is not permitted as swimwear.
• Swim attire should not have been worn for exercising immediately prior to pool use and must be colorfast and of lightweight material suitable for swimwear, such as Lycra, Spandex, or nylon.
• Clean T-shirts may be worn in the water for modesty or medical reasons but first must be sanctioned by the Head Lifeguard.
Locker Rooms
• Children 6 years of age or older must change in the appropriate locker room or see the Head Guard for alternate arrangements.• Lockers are available at the pool. Leave valuables at home. Lost & Found will be disposed of weekly.
• Food is NOT permitted in locker rooms.
• The use of cell phones, cameras, video cameras or any device containing recording equipment of any kind is prohibited in all locker rooms, bathrooms and changing facilities, and pool deck.
• Patrons are not permitted to leave locks on lockers overnight. Locks will be cut off and locker contents will be placed into Lost & Found.
• Use of locker room facilities is limited to patrons for the purpose of changing.
Behavior
• Socializing with or distracting the on duty lifeguards is prohibited.• No person within the facility shall behave in such a manner as to jeopardize the safety and health of him/her and/or others. Such behavior, including abusive or profane language, shall be grounds for expulsion.
• Loitering will not be permitted at any CYB facilities.
• Running, boisterous or rough play, pushing, acrobatics, dunking, wrestling, splashing, yelling, diving or jumping haphazardly, snapping of towels, improper conduct causing undue disturbances on or about the pool area or any acts which would endanger any patron are prohibited.
• Spitting, spouting water, blowing nose, urinating, or defecating in the pool is prohibited.
• Gum chewing is not permitted anywhere in the pool complex.
• Persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted into the facilities.
Age Restrictions
• Children, under 10 years old, entering the pool deck must be accompanied by a responsible person 18 years old or older, in swimming attire. Children 10 an under must be registered under a parent or guardians membership and will not receive their own card.• Children under 6 years old must always have a responsible person (14 yrs. old or older) in the water with them and within arm’s reach.
• Children age 11 to 17 must have a parent or guardian register them for a pool membership.
Equipment/Toys
• Toys, balls, inner tubes, inflated boats, and rafts are not permitted.• Specialized equipment, such as kick boards, fins, or paddles, is only permitted in the lap lanes.
Rules for Swimmers
• Non-swimmers must remain in shallow water (chest-deep or less).• Diving is only permitted in the deep end.
• No prolonged underwater swimming for time and/or distance. Competitive and/or repetitive breath holding can be deadly and is not permitted. Hyperventilation is absolutely not permitted.
• Coast Guard approved and labeled personal flotation devices, such as vests designed to provide vertical support, may be worn with permission of the Head Guard. Everyone wearing a personal flotation device must be accompanied by an adult in the pool, within arm’s reach. • No back floats, bubbles, rings, or one-sided flotation devices are permitted.
Weather
During storms, all facilities will be closed, and the entire area cleared of patrons. Due to limited cover, patrons are encouraged to leave the facility. Others must remain within the shelter of the bathhouse or their car. The pool will open thirty (30) minutes after the last lightning strike or sound thunder. When lightning is within 10 miles of the pool, the pool will close.
