Aquatics Rules and Regulations

COLD WEATHER POLICY

• The pools will not be open any time the outside temperature for the City of Bellaire is 45 degrees or below.

AQUATIC FACILITY RULES

It is the primary responsibility of the aquatic staff to respond to emergency situations, enforce rules, policies, and procedures for your safety. Any activity deemed unsafe by Aquatic Staff will be prohibited. Non-compliance with the listed rules or any instruction from the Aquatic Staff may result in ejection from the pool.  

Pool Rules

• No running or diving.
• No glass or animals in the fenced pool area. Service animals are allowed.
• No long-breath holding underwater.
• Coolers bigger than 16 qt. are not allowed,
• All individuals entering the pool must pay the daily entrance fee, regardless of whether or not they are getting in the water.
• Only Coast-Guard approved Personal Floating Devices are permitted.
• No outside inflatable devices of any kind are allowed.
• Children should NOT use the pool without adult supervision.
• Swimmers must wear appropriate swim attire, no jeans, tank tops, cotton shirts or cut-offs permitted.
• All infants are required to wear swim diapers. Diapers must be changed in the restroom.
• Children must be at least 14 years old to enter facility by themselves.
• Children under 14 must be accompanied by an individual 18 or older to enter the facility.
• Chewing gum, flower seeds, and chewing tobacco are not allowed in the pool area
• Outside food is not allowed. (Only exception of a table or private rental.)
• No food or beverages allowed in the pool
• Individuals with a cold, open sore or cut, or an infectious or communicable disease are restricted from entering the swimming pool area.
• Running, Shoving, Screaming, Cursing, or Horseplay, Chicken Fighting, throwing balls will not be allowed in or around the pool area.
• The City of Bellaire prohibits the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages inside any buildings, facilities, and park. Violations could result in fines, penalties, and/or arrests.
• The City of Bellaire buildings, facilities, and parks are “Smoke Free” areas Violations could result in fines, penalties, and/or arrests.
• Lap lanes are only use for lap swimming & swim lessons.

Diving Rules

• Only One Bounce and no running on the board.
• Invdividuals must jump straight off the diving board and immediately swim to the nearest ladder to exit the pool.
• No inward, reverse or back dives & flips shall be permitted.
• Divers must wait until the person in the water has completely exited from the water before going up the ladder.
• The minimum height requirement for the High Dive is 48 inches.
• No flotation devices may be used in the diving well.
• Only one person allowed on the diving apparatus (including the ladder) at a time.
• No general swimming permitted in the diving area or diving well.
• Waiting in the water at the end of the board is not permitted.
• Goggles must be removed when using the diving boards.

Waterslide Rules

• All riders must be at least 48” tall.
• Only one rider at a time.
• Goggles and eyewear are not permitted on this ride.
• All riders must ride feet first while lying on their back with arms crossed across their chest.
• Going down the slide head first or on your stomach is prohibited.
• Riders must wait for the lifeguard start signal before going down the slide.
• Do not propel yourself into the ride.
• No horseplay on the stairs, platform or slide.
• No floating devices, mats, or lifejackets are permitted on the waterslide.
• Rider assumes all risk of injury due to misuse of this slide or failure to follow these rules.
• Failure to follow rules and you will not be permitted to ride the waterslide.

Swim Tests

• Ages 16 and under must pass a swim test to be able to go off the diving board. (The high dive requirements: 48 inches tall and must have a wristband for passing the swim test.).
• The guard at the diving well will radio in for the head lifeguard or lifeguard to come out and administer a swim test in the competition pool.
• Swim Test
  1. Enter the Water.
  2. Fully submerge and return to the surface without touching the bottom of the competition pool.
  3. Float or tread water on the surface of the water without touching the floor for 20 seconds.
  4. Swim 15 yards.
  5. Exit the pool.
• If the patron passes the swim test they will receive a wristband indicating that they are cleared to use the diving board.

Safety Breaks

• The City of Bellaire will be conducting Safety Breaks for 15 minutes at the end of each hour & 45 minutes.
• Safety Breaks are a 15-minute period where Lifeguards clear the pools for Rest and Rehydration.
• Why do we do these?
  • Safety Breaks help prevent fatigue in young swimmers by providing a break for rest, recovery, and rehydration. Swimming for a long period of time can be strenuous on the body and often swimmers forget to rest and rehydrate. 
  • 15 minutes breaks also allow for management to ensure the proper function of the pumps, adjust the chemicals from heavy bather loads, restock/clean the restrooms, straighten pool deck chairs, and clean up trash around the pool to maintain hygienic measures.

Therapy Pool Rules

• No lap swimming when there are 2 or more people in the therapy pool.
• Lifeguard must be present before entering the water.
• The Therapy Pool is heated to a range of 87 - 91 degrees. Caution overheating or dehydration can occur.
• CHILDREN SHOULD NOT USE POOL WITHOUT ADULT SUPERVISION.
• No running, dunking, rough play, or throwing objects in or around the pool area.
• No glass containers or animals in the fenced pool area. (Service animals are allowed).
• No Diving.
• Only Coast Guard-approved Personal Floating Devices are permitted.
• No outside inflatable devices of any kind are allowed.
• Swimmers must wear appropriate swim attire, no jeans, tank tops, or cotton material.
• A swim diaper is required for children who are not toilet trained. A bathing suit must be worn over the swim diaper.
• Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult to enter the facility.
• Chewing gum, flower seeds, and chewing tobacco are not allowed in the pool area.
• The Therapy Pool is reserved for therapeutic relaxation, water aerobics & swim lessons only, no free swim.
• Outside food is not allowed.
• No food or beverages allowed in the pool.
• Individuals with a cold, open sore or cut, or an infectious or communicable disease are restricted from entering the swimming pool area.
• No profane language.
• Possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited.
• The City of Bellaire buildings, facilities, and parks are “Smoke-Free” areas.

For questions or concerns, please contact the Bellaire Recreation Center at 713-662-8280.