Rules & Guidelines

The YMCA of Greater Tulsa has the following guidelines to keep our members and participants safe while visiting the Y and participating in programs. Every member, guest and participant is required to follow these guidelines at all times.

YMCA CHECK-IN  |  YMCA members and community participants are required to have their membership card, app, or photo ID to enter the facility; they must also have their photo taken at the Membership Desk for their account to ensure safety and security for all. Members are required to check in each visit to verify current membership, and community participants must sign a nonmember liability waiver for the Y to keep on file.

USE OF FACILITIES BY CHILDREN

Ages 15+ | Teens of this age may come to the Y without parent/adult supervision. They also have access to the full fitness center, including free weights. 

Ages 12-14 | Children of this age may come to the Y without parent/adult supervision*, and after completion of a teen fitness orientation and passing the safety exam, they are allowed to use the cardio and pin select weight machines without restrictions. Teens under 15 are not allowed in free weight areas. Orientations may be scheduled at the Member Service Desk. 

* At the Herman & Kate Kaiser YMCA and Y@TCC locations, members must be age 16 or older to be on the campus without an adult.

Ages 8-11 | Children can use facilities with parent/adult supervision. When accompanied and supervised by a parent/adult, children may use the treadmills, recumbent bikes, participate in group exercise classes after completing youth orientation, and be present in the appropriate areas of the facility with a parent/guardian in arm’s reach at all times.   The only exception to this would be when children are in YMCA programs such as swim lessons, youth sports, tae kwon do, Play and Learn, etc.

Ages 7 & under | Children must be accompanied and supervised by a parent/ guardian at all times, unless the child is in an organized YMCA program. Children ages 7 and under are not allowed on YMCA of Greater Tulsa fitness floors.

SAFETY | The Y uses these measures and more to ensure your safety:

  • on-site AEDs (automated external defibrillators) and O2 (oxygen) tanks
  • staff certified in CPR, First Aid, AED & O2
  • nationally certified lifeguards on duty
  • frequent and random walk-throughs of locker rooms and key areas
  • background checks conducted on all Y staff and volunteer coaches before allowing them to work with children

WEAPONS |  No weapons or firearms are allowed in YMCA facilities.

SMOKING/TOBACCO PRODUCTS |  This policy covers the smoking of any tobacco product, including electronic cigarettes and the use of smokeless (or spit) tobacco. To protect and enhance our air quality and to contribute to the health and well-being of all guests, members, and employees the YMCA shall be entirely smoke free. The use of all tobacco products, including chewing tobacco, is banned from the YMCA campus.  This shall include all areas in and around shared property including YMCA on and off site sports fields and camps.

DAY PASS PRIVILEGES  |  Community members and guests may utilize YMCA facilities by purchasing a day pass at any location:
adults are $20.00, children are $15.00, children under 3 are free.

NATIONWIDE MEMBERSHIP  |  When you join the Y, you join a nationwide association of people. You’re warmly welcomed by more than 2,000 Ys across the nation. This usage is unlimited; however, it is expected that you join in the community where your home residence is.

As a member of the YMCA of Greater Tulsa, you also have access to all YMCAs in Oklahoma. This usage is unlimited; however, it is expected that you join in the community where your home residence is.

INSURANCE STATEMENT  |  The YMCA of Greater Tulsa does not provide accident insurance for injuries sustained during YMCA activities. Members and community participants participate in programs and use the facility at their own risk, and are encouraged to have personal medical insurance coverage.

EXPECTED BEHAVIOR  |  The YMCA is an inclusive, family-friendly organization. We expect all members and guests to model four core values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility-in their conduct and language (including on digital and/or social media platforms). Any public displays of affection not meeting the above criteria will result in a warning. The YMCA reserves the right to suspend or cancel a membership at our discretion if actions or behaviors are not deemed in the best interest of the organization.

PERSONAL TRAINING  |  Personal, partner, and group training are member services. Outside trainers are not allowed in YMCA facilities, this will result in a termination of membership privileges for these individuals. 

ATTIRE | The YMCA is a family-friendly facility; please dress appropriately. Athletic shoes must be worn on gym floors. Proper swimsuits must be worn in pool areas. Shirts and closed-toe shoes are required in the fitness centers and group exercise classes.

LOCKER ROOMS AND LOCKERS  |  Lockers are available for monthly rental through the member services desk.  Members and guests should provide their own lock, and remove it daily. Locks left on unrented lockers overnight will be removed and contents placed in the Lost & Found. Must be 18 years and up to use of men’s and women’s locker rooms. 

TOWEL SERVICE  |  Towel service is available for a small monthly fee.  Facilities that offer towel service are the Downtown Y and the Tandy Family Y. Towel service is available for the monthly or daily rate; contact the member services desk for more information. 

LOST AND FOUND  |  The YMCA of Greater Tulsa is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Lost and found items are kept for two weeks. Inquiries about lost items must be made in person; items not claimed after two weeks will be donated to a local charity.

CELL PHONES  |   Use of electronic devices, cameras or video recording devices is prohibited in ALL locker rooms and restrooms. Using electronic devices in the locker room for the above use will result in a termination of membership and expulsion from YMCA property. Any filming in the facility must be approved by the branch executive director prior to filming.

EMAIL  |  The Y collects email addresses to communicate electronically with members and program participants. If you do not wish to receive YMCA electronic communications, choose the “unsubscribe” option when you receive your first email.

PHOTO NOTICE  |   The Y photographs and videotapes various activities for promotional use. Please let the photographer/videographer know if you do not wish to be included in pictures.

SCHEDULES  |  Current pool, gym, programs, and fitness class schedules are available at the member services desk at our YMCA’s, or online at ymcatulsa.org/classes. Schedules are subject to change.

SUGGESTIONS  |  Share your comments and suggestions at any YMCA or online by emailing [email protected] 

MEMBERSHIP REFUND | Membership fees are non-refundable except in the case of members who paid a full year in advance and are dealing with an injury, major illness or who are moving from the Tulsa metro area. Account credits expire after one year. 

BANK DRAFT/CREDIT CARD CANCELLATION POLICY (RETURNED PAYMENTS) | The monthly draft payment plan is a continuous membership or program payment plan and will continue unless the YMCA is NOTIFIED 30 DAYS PRIOR TO YOUR NEXT DRAFT. Cancellations are accepted in person, by completed cancelation form, letter, or via fax with handwritten signature. The YMCA reserves the right to change bank draft fees with a 30-day written notice to members. 

These guidelines are in place for the safety and enjoyment of our members and guests.

SCHEDULES 
Current pool schedules are available at the member services desk at our YMCAs, or online at ymcatulsa.org/pool. Schedules are subject to change.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION
In the event of an evacuation of the pool area, lifeguards will notify all swimmers to exit the pool. Swimmers must adhere to lifeguard instructions and vacate the pool immediately. Any swimmer who does not comply with lifeguard instructions will be dismissed from the pool area.

AGE GUIDELINES
Swimmers under the age of 16 are allowed in the pool during Family Swim times, or during the program in which they are registered. Our Family Swim times are posted on the pool schedules. The times when swimmers under the age of 16 are not allowed in the pool are reserved for swim lessons, aqua classes, lap swimming and other YMCA programs. 

FAMILY SWIM RULES
During scheduled Family Swim times, children under the age of 16 are allowed in the pool, and for their safety, the following rules take effect:

Ages 6 & Under  |  Must have parent or guardian 18 years of age or older in the water with them and within arm’s reach at all times. There may be no more than 2 children per 1 adult swimmer. If a child passes the swim test, then the parent/guardian may be on the pool deck and not in the water.

Ages 7-11  |  If a child cannot pass the swim test, child must be in a lifejacket or be within arm’s reach of a guardian 18 years of age or older. There may be no more than 2 children per 1 adult swimmer.  If child passes swim test, they are allowed in designated deep area. Parent must remain in the swimming area at all times the child is in the pool. 

Ages 12-16  |  If a child cannot pass the swim test, they must be in a lifejacket or within arm’s reach of a guardian 18 years of age or older. There may be no more than 2 children per 1 adult swimmer. They may be in the facility without parents, if they are members.* Non-members must adhere to the YMCA’s guest policy.

*At the Herman & Kate Kaiser YMCA, members must be age 16 or older to be on the campus without an adult.

SWIM TEST
Our swim test is given to ensure the safety of our swimmers by judging their ability to swim and self-rescue. Each swimmer must take the swim test each day they visit a YMCA pool. Swim tests are administered by qualified staff. Any child who does not complete a swim test must either wear a lifejacket or be within arm’s reach of a parent at all times.

The swim test criteria includes jumping into the water, resurface, and swim 25 yards without touching the bottom, a wall, a lane divider, or holding onto anything. Swimmers must maintain a horizontal position in the water and maintain forward momentum. A swimmer’s ability to pass the swim test is at the lifeguard’s discretion.

ATTIRE
The YMCA is a family-friendly facility; please dress appropriately. Proper swimsuits must be worn in pool areas. No jeans, pants, sweat pants or frayed material will be allowed in the pool. Swim diapers are required for any individuals not potty-trained.

POOL TOYS
Kickboards, paddles, training equipment, noodles and other toys are allowed at the lifeguard’s discretion. No water guns or mermaid tails are allowed in YMCA pools. 

FLOTATION DEVICES
Any flotation devices must be marked with a manufacturer’s instructions that list the device as approved by the United States Coast Guard. NO other flotation devices are allowed.

PERSONAL HYGIENE
All swimmers must take a warm water shower before entering the pool area. Open wounds are prohibited in the pool area, and bandages are prohibited in the pool area.

BREATH HOLDING
For the safety of our swimmers and to prevent shallow water blackout, any form of breath holding practice is not allowed in YMCA pools. Swimmers may utilize correct rotary breathing during their swim activities. Any swimmer who violates this rule will be warned. A second violation will result in dismissal from the pool area.

BEHAVIOR
Running, pushing, shoving or other horseplay is not allowed in the pool area. Sitting or hanging on, or crossing over the lane dividers, is not allowed. Cursing and derogatory language are not allowed. The YMCA is an inclusive, family-friendly organization. We expect all members and guests to model four core values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility in their conduct and language (including within digital and/or social media). Any public displays of affection not meeting the above criteria will result in members being warned; should the behavior not stop, termination of YMCA membership may result. The YMCA reserves the right to suspend or cancel a membership at our discretion if actions or behaviors are not deemed in the best interest of the organization.

WATER SLIDE RULES
All water slides have posted rules at the entrance to the water slide. All riders must be at least 48” tall and must pass a swim test before riding the waterslide. Maximum rider weight is 300 pounds and no lifejackets can be worn on the waterslide. All riders must ride the slide one at a time, lying on their back, feet first, with their arms crossed over their chest. The line forms on the pool deck, and riders will climb the stairs one at a time to ride the slide. The next rider must wait for the previous rider to exit the slide before climbing the stairs. A swimmer who violates these rules will receive a warning. After the warning, the swimmer will be dismissed from the pool area.

CURRENT CHANNEL (LAZY RIVER) RULES
Any swimmer in a lifejacket must be within arm’s reach of a parent to enter the current channel. Swimmers are advised that the water in a current channel can be swift, and all swimmers should be aware of the current channels location. 

SAFETY
The Y uses these measures and more to ensure your safety:

  • Nationally certified lifeguards on duty
  • On-site AEDs (automated external defibrillators) and O2 (oxygen) tanks
  • Staff certified in CPR, First Aid, AED & O2
  • Frequent and random checks of lifeguard rescue skills
  • Background checks conducted on all Y staff and volunteers

FOOD, DRINK AND SMOKING/TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Food, drinks, gum, tobacco products, vapor inhalation products, alcohol and glass containers are all prohibited in the pool area. 

LOST AND FOUND
The YMCA of Greater Tulsa is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Lost and found items are kept for two weeks. Inquiries about lost items must be made in person; items not claimed after two weeks will be donated to a local charity.

PHOTO NOTICE
The Y photographs and videotapes various activities for promotional use. Please let the photographer/videographer know if you do not wish to be included in pictures.

FACILITY CLOSINGS 
Pool areas may be closed and cleared of people on short notice for inclement weather including lightning, emergency cleanings due to contamination, or mechanical failure of operating systems. Pools that are closed due to unforeseen circumstances will be reopened in the shortest timeframe possible, and members will be kept apprised of developments through social media. During pool closures, members and guests may continue to use other areas of the facility or another YMCA location.

Our Story

The YMCA is so much more! For more than 110 years, the YMCA of Greater Tulsa has served the Tulsa metro area in various ways through Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.