Aquatic Center Policies

General Building Rules

• Cameras and video equipment are not allowed in the Aquatic Center without prior approval.
• Abusive/misuse of the equipment is prohibited.
• Physical abuse or use of vulgar, profane, or abusive language is prohibited.
• Food and drinks are not allowed on the pool deck. Water in plastic bottles is welcomed.
• Glass containers of any kind are not allowed in the building.
• The Aquatic Center is a smoke-free facility.
• Alcohol, tobacco products, illegal drugs, firearms, and other weapons are strictly prohibited.
• Individuals under the age of 16 must be supervised by and in the company of a parent/guardian/adult chaperone at all times, except when participating in a structured Palo Alto College program/service.
• Pets other than service animals are not allowed in the facility.
• Bicycles must be parked in the designate areas. Bicycles, roller blades, skates, or skate boards are not permitted in the building.
• Organized/group activities should be approved in advance by the Aquatic Center administration or will be subject to the discretion of the on-duty manager.
• Neither Palo Alto College nor the Aquatic Center staff is responsible for lost or stolen items. Please secure all belongings in a locked locker for the safety and security of members and guests.
• Guests and spectators are allowed to use the lockers temporarily while visiting, to keep the locker they have purchase a locker for the current semester from the Aquatic Center office.
• Each semester, lockers are available to rent for $35. The locker fees are paid once each semester. The fees expire the last day of each semester.
• Lockers are free to Alamo Colleges District students, faculty, and staff with current Alamo Colleges District identification.

Membership and Eligibility Rules

• Pool Pass Membership: once a Pool Pass has been purchased online or in the office, you will need to visit the office to take your picture for the Aquatic Center at Palo Alto College Pool Pass ID.
• Present your Aquatic Center Pool Pass to the cashier in the office or on the pool deck, and a pool pass ID will be printed for you.
• At the start of each new month, you can renew at the Aquatic Center office or use the Online Payment Center.
• Members accept full responsibility for the behavior of all guests.
• All guests must show a valid ID and sign the Patron Sign in Sheet.

Pool Rules

• No one may enter the pool area/water unless an Aquatic Center at Palo Alto College lifeguard or supervisor/instructor/coach is present on the pool deck.
• Visitors must obey the lifeguards at all times.
• Only one person on the diving boards at a time. Divers should look before diving and dive straight. Take only one bounce and swim to the nearest ladder.
• Proper swim attire is expected. Do not wear gym shorts, cut-offs, cotton shorts, t-shirts, undergarments (sports bras or underwear), leotards, etc.
• Due to a choking hazard, gum and candy are prohibited in the mouth while in the water or on the pool deck.
• Food and drinks are not allowed on the pool deck. Water in a plastic bottle is welcomed.
• Glass containers of any kind are not allowed in the building.
• The Aquatic Center is a smoke-free facility.
• If a child under the age of 16 is swimming, a parent or guardian must be present.
• No running of rough play is allowed in the lobby or on the pool deck.
• Diving is welcomed in the diving well and competition pool only.
• The starting blocks are to be used by competitive swimmers when a coach is on the pool deck.
• Equipment is reserved for the lap swimmers.
• For safety, inflatable objects (rafts, buoys, etc.) are not allowed in the pool. Only United States Coast Guard approved life jackets are permitted. If a child is wearing a life jacket, an adult or guardian must be within arm’s reach in the water at all times.
• Visitors at the Aquatic Center for a class, party, special event, or practice, may not enter the water until the instructor or coach is present on the pool deck or the activity begins.
• Neither Palo Alto College nor the Aquatic Center staff is responsible for lost or stolen items.

Rules Pertaining to Minors

• Individuals under the age of 16 must be supervised by and in the company of a parent/guardian/adult chaperone at all times.
• Caution must be exercised when supervising children participation in Palo Alto College activities, ensuring that activities are age and skill appropriate, and safe relative to other activities and users within specific spaces. NOTE: Aquatic Center Staff may restrict activity for an individual for safety considerations.
• Individuals ages 16-18 must be prepared to show proof of age when requested.