Pool Policies
Please adhere to the following when using Aquatic facilities:
- Lifeguards hold the ability to stop unsafe activity if policies are not being followed and/or if safety is compromised. Lifeguards have the final say on all safety matters.
- There must be a minimum of 2 lifeguards on deck for the pool to open.
- Unauthorized swim lessons and swim instruction are not allowed. Swim lessons and instruction may only be provided by UNC Campus Recreation Swim Instructors.
- Static extended breath holding or hyperventilating in the water is prohibited to avoid Underwater Hypoxic Blackout.
- Showering before entering the pool is required.
- Infants are required to wear plastic swim covers with elastic leg bands over swim diapers at all times.
- All personal flotation devices (PFDs) must be Coast Guard approved and must fit properly.
- Children who are non-swimmers must wear PFDs or remain within arm’s reach of a parent or guardian at all times. All minors must be accompanied by an adult.
- Starting blocks may only be used during a coached practice or a UNC Campus Recreation swim lesson.
- Diving is only permissible if the water is a minimum of 9 feet deep. In Bowman Gray Memorial, this is in lanes 2-7 of the deep end. There is absolutely no diving in Kessing Outdoor Pool.
- Photography on deck must be approved by the Assistant Director of Aquatics and requires the consent of all present patrons.
- Valuable items should be secured in a locker or left at home. Aquatics is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
- Inclusive Swimwear Policy: Appropriate swim attire must be worn at all times. Allowed: Swimsuits, swim trunks, speedos, swim skirts, burkinis, t-shirts, wet suits, transtape, water socks, rashguards, clean workout attire. Not allowed: undergarments (with exception of sports bras), underwear, nudity, denim, sweatpants, sweatshirts, street clothing, soiled clothing, excessively baggy or loose clothing
The following is prohibited:
- Glass on the pool decks
- Inflatable rafts or innertubes (unless provided by Campus Recreation for a special event)
- Running, pushing, shoving, or horseplay on the decks or in the water
- Chewing gum in the pool
- Foul or abusive language
- Static extended breath holding in the water
- Hanging on lane lines
- Band-Aids in the pool
- Eating in the pool or at the pool wall
- Diving from the deck into less than 9 feet of water
- Rigid diving sticks
- Bikes on the pool decks or balcony
- Pets on the pool decks (with exception of Service Animals)
Weather Policy
Lightning is monitored using a radar system. If lightning is detected within 10 miles of the pool and/or if thunder is heard, the pool will be closed for 30 minutes after the last strike has been detected within the 10 mile radius or the last thunder has been heard.
Guest Policy
Members who have a valid Campus Recreation membership may bring up to 2 guests per person per day. Guest passes are $10.00 per person per day and may be purchased online by the Campus Recreation Member, by visiting the StayActive Portal. Guest passes are not transferable. Guests must adhere to all established facility rules and regulations and must sign a waiver form upon purchasing the guest pass. Sponsors are responsible for the conduct of their guests and must accompany them at ALL times in the pool area. Children must always be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. A guardian must sign the waiver on behalf of any child under 18 years old. Guest passes are valid for the day of the guest pass purchase only.