YMCA Policies

The YMCA is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all members and guests. We ask all persons to act maturely, behave responsibly, and to respect the rights and dignity of others at all times when in our facilities, on our property or participating in our programs or events.

YMCA Behavior Standards outline prohibited behaviors. This list is not all-inclusive, and the YMCA reserves the right to deny, suspend or revoke membership/access privileges to any person if, in the YMCA’s sole discretion, the actions/inactions of a person are detrimental to the health, safety, or enjoyment of its employees, volunteers, members, or participants.

  • Unlawful, abusive, derogatory, harassing, unwelcome, obscene or violent language or behavior towards others or themselves.
  • Actions based on an individual’s sex, race, ethnicity, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation or any other legally protected status.
  • Openly carrying or concealing of any weapons, devices or objects which may be used as a weapon at a YMCA location or at a YMCA sponsored event or activity. All YMCA facilities have §30.06 and §30.07, Texas Penal Code signage posted.
  • Smoking, the use of tobacco, or the use of products intended to mimic smoking or tobacco products while in, on, or around YMCA property, program or events.
  • Using or possessing alcohol or illegal chemicals on YMCA property, in YMCA vehicles, or at YMCA-sponsored programs/events.
  • Theft or behavior that results in the destruction or loss of property.
  • Sexually explicit conversation or behavior.
  • Non-adherence to dress code guidelines as posted in the Wellness Center, and throughout the facility
  • Use of cell phones in locker room or bathrooms.
  • Loitering within or on the grounds.
  • Personal fitness instruction (paid/unpaid) by anyone not certified and employed by the YMCA.
  • Soliciting or conducting business on the premises including but not limited to personal fitness instruction, coaching, advice, demonstration, of fitness activities with or without compensation. The YMCA of Central Texas has full discretion to determine whether a member or guest is engaged in personal training or personal fitness instruction.
  • Accessing or permitting access to the YMCA facility not in compliance with YMCA security policies. This includes card sharing, presenting false identification, sneaking friends into the facility, failure to provide a photo ID and photo for access, etc.
  • Using equipment for other than its intended purposes or not following safety instructions. Equipment orientations are available at no cost to all members and guests upon request.

The YMCA conducts regular sex offender screenings on all members, participants and guests. If a sex offender match occurs, the YMCA reserves the right to cancel membership, end program participation and remove visitation access. In addition, the YMCA reserves the right to deny access or membership to any person who has been arrested for or convicted of any crime involving weapons, violence, sexual abuse, or the sale, possession and/or transportation of illegal drugs.

Please notify a YMCA staff person immediately if there is an accident, injury, unusual incident or you believe that that this Code of Conduct is being violated.

Suspension or termination of YMCA membership may result from a violation of this Code of Conduct. While an incident is being investigated, the membership of the person(s) accused of violating this Code of Conduct may be temporarily suspended pending a final decision.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY 

Personal photography and videography are strictly prohibited in YMCA locker rooms, restrooms, changing rooms, and ChildWatch areas.  Personal photography and videography are only permitted in public spaces of the YMCA, including YMCA sponsored events and activities and must:

  • Only include individuals within the members’/participants’ family or party
  • Not disrupt the experience of others at The Y
  • Not include other individuals without prior express consent
  • Not be shared on social media without prior express consent of any individual whose likeness is being shared. The YMCA reserves the right to request any photos or videos shared online be taken down.
  • Not include the use of professional equipment (camera, video camera, tripod, lighting, etc.)Professional and commercial photography and videography are strictly prohibited on YMCA property or at YMCA affiliated activities and events without prior written consent of YMCA’s Association Marketing and Communications Department. Professional and commercial photography is defined as any photography or videography taken for profit, professional gain, or any commercial purpose.

Photos/Videos taken at YMCA pools or at YMCA swimming events/activities must only be taken from the side of the pool.  Photos/Videos taken from either end of the pool are prohibited.

View our privacy policy here.

You’ll need to visit the Member Services Desk in person to cancel your membership.

If MEMBER wishes to terminate MEMBER’S Y membership, MEMBER must submit a signed “Membership Cancellation” to the Y and all membership cards must be returned. If I wish to terminate my membership in any way, I am required to notify the Y at least 5 days before the 1st day of the next month. It is the responsibility of the MEMBER to notify the Y of any bank account or credit card changes at least 5 day prior to the 1st day of the next month. It is the responsibility of the MEMBER to notify the Y of any address changes. If MEMBER’S account balance is not sufficient to cover the transfer, or if a rejection results due to a change in the account of which the MEMBER has not notified the Y in writing at least 5 days before the 1st of the next month, the membership information will be forwarded to collections and MEMBER must pay the Y the monthly membership fee(s) before the first of the following month. MEMBER will be restricted from use of the Y’s facilities and its programs until MEMBER’S membership account is current. If any item is returned unpaid, the Y will assess a $30 service charge.

YMCA of Central Texas Youth Policy

The Central Texas YMCA believes that the path of health and wellness starts at a young age and that youth should have access to healthy living opportunities in their daily lives. Parents may choose for their child(ren) to visit the YMCA without adult supervision in accordance with the following youth policy.

AGES 0–8

  • Households/Families are welcome to stay together and use the facility under the supervision of a responsible guardian 18+ years old. The Wellness Center is off-limits for ages 8 and below even with a guardian of age.

AGES 9–11

  • Youth have full use of the gymnasium/pool* during open times with youth orientation, band access, and Y supervision (lifeguards, gym attendants, facility monitors). Swim time capped at 2-hour max per day.

AGES 12 and Older

  • Youth have full use of the gymnasium/pool* during open times. Swim time capped at 2-hour max per day.
  • Youth can participate freely in Group Exercise classes.
  • Youth can use the fitness center after completing required orientation through age 14. Once age 15, free usage as member as applies.

Free ChildWatch is available to those on a household membership. Please reference your local YMCA for ages served and time limits.

Facility usage is subject to following all posted and communicated information including but not limited to behavior standards, pool rules, ChildWatch policies and fitness floor/weight room policies.

*Use of pool contingent upon passing a YMCA Swim Test.

CHILD PROTECTION – KNOW, SEE, RESPOND

Ensuring children are safe from abuse and able to learn, grow and thrive is the highest priority of the YMCA. We are committed to creating programs that protect children from abuse but we are also committed to providing our families and community with information to keep kids safe everywhere. It is the power of our community knowing, seeing and responding which will make it more difficult for offenders to abuse.

  • One in 10 children will experience contact sexual abuse in the U.S. before age 18[iii]
  • In as many as 93 percent of child sexual cases, the child knows the person that commits the abuse. [xiv]
  • 60% of children who are sexually abused do not disclose[xvi] [xvii] [xviii]
  1. Know
    • How to recognize boundary violations and how offenders operate
    • Teach your child rules about their bodies
    • Learn about YMCA Child Protection Policies and let us know if someone is not compliant
  2. See
    • ​​​​​​​Warning signs of abuse
    • Emotional boundary violations
    • Physical boundary violations
    • Behavior boundary violations
  3. Respond
    • Whether you suspect abuse, observe policy violations, or just have an odd feeling about someone or their behavior, acting is the most important role you can have
    • Concerns about child safety? Report anonymously through the Values Line at 844.992.4795
    • Adults in Texas are mandated to report suspected abuse. Do so by calling the hotline or reporting online
      • Hotline: 1-800-252-5400, report by hotline if situation is urgent and needs to be investigated within 24 hours.
      • Online: http://www.txabusehotline.org/, report online for situations that do not need to be investigated right away.
      • If an individual is in immediate danger, call 911.

  1. Do not engage in behavior or comments that are, or could be construed by any observer to be, harsh, abusive, coercive, threatening, intimidating, shaming, derogatory, demeaning, or humiliating.
  2. Do not engage in personal attacks, sexually oriented conversations, or discussions about sexual activity.
  3. Be a positive role model by exhibiting professionalism in all interactions; portray an attitude of respect, loyalty, patience, courtesy, tact, and maturity.
  4. Only program-related messaging may be communicated electronically between employees and volunteers of the organization and consumers, and parents/guardians. Such communication should generally occur during standard business hours.
  5. Employees and volunteers are prohibited from sending private messages to consumers and/or replying to private messages from a consumer. If a consumer attempt to privately communicate with an employee or volunteer electronically, their supervisor must be notified immediately.
  6. Personal social networking profiles and/or blogs of employees and volunteers shall be private and not shared with consumers. Employees and volunteers with profiles on social networking sites shall not request to be “friends” with or follow consumers or approve friend or follow requests from consumers.
  7. Employees and volunteers may not engage in electronic communication or social media contact with other family members or friends of consumers.
  8. Never reveal sensitive or confidential information, including identifiable details or photos of a consumer without written consent from their parent or legal guardian.
  9. Employees and volunteers may not post or share on their personal social media accounts any photographs or videos of consumers participating in the organization’s programs.
  10. Employees and volunteers may not post or share inappropriate photos or comments on photos of consumers.
  11. Do not make pornography in any form available to consumers participating in the organization’s programs, events, and activities or assist consumers in any way in gaining access to pornography.
  12. Employees and volunteers may not create web pages on behalf of the organization unless they have prior approval to do so and may not misrepresent their work with the organization or the organization itself.
  13. Employees and volunteers engaging in social media and online communication become a public figure associated with the organization and are responsible to help protect the organization and its consumers. Always act in a professional and constructive manner and use sound judgement before posting or sharing content.
  14. Rather than personally defend the organization’s reputation, employees and volunteers should notify their supervisor or an administrator of a negative comment or online representation or if any member of the media contacts them about any matter related to the organization.
  15. Employees and volunteers must adhere to uniform standards of electronic communication and social media use as outlined in any applicable organizational policies and procedures.
  16. This Code of Conduct and associated policies and procedures shall be provided to parents/guardians of consumers. It shall also be available on the organization’s website for public view.
  17. Consumers and Parents/guardians may request in writing that a consumer not be contacted through any form of electronic communication or social media by an employee or volunteer of the organization

Differences of opinion are welcome as long as they are respectful. Be courteous and respect those asking questions with friendly, informative discussions. If it’s not, it will be deleted. Posters will be permanently banned immediately for a serious, willful, and/or repeated violation of any of these rules.

User-submitted content (including comments, updates, photos and videos) do not necessarily represent the views of YMCA of Central Texas.

For more information about this policy, please email: marketing@ymcactx.org

LIGHTNING POLICY: When it comes to swimming and water safety, no one is trusted more than the YMCA, America’s Swim Instructor. In fact, group swim instruction was developed by the YMCA in 1906. Here is our lighting policy in regards to our indoor and outdoor pools:

  1. When lightning is within ten miles, suspend all activity in the pool area and evacuate people to the established safe area(s). Guards should clear the entire pool area and lock the entrance. Frequent in-service trainings with lifeguards and staff as well as clear communication with the swimmers will help to achieve this goal.
  2. Resume activities only when safe.
    • Assuming typical storm speeds (20 to 25 mph), you may resume activities in the pool 30 minutes after the last observed lightning or thunder. Lifeguards must be sure to be in appropriate position for surveillance before activities resume. Continue to monitor for additional severe weather.

SWIM TEST POLICY: To help keep all swimmers safe, children ages 5–11 are required to take a Swim Test and wear a colored wristband showing where they are allowed to swim. Wristbands help our lifeguards quickly identify each child’s swimming ability and provide appropriate supervision. Swim tests are given by a YMCA lifeguard who is not actively guarding the pool. If at any time a lifeguard has concerns about a swimmer’s ability, the swimmer may be asked to retake the Swim Test.

Please check in with a lifeguard before taking the test.
1. Jump into the water over their head and come back up to the surface.
2. Swim 25 yards with your face in the water, without goggles, using front crawl or  breaststroke. The swimmer must maintain continuous movement with confident 
 breathing, without stopping, touching the wall or bottom. The swimmer must maintain at least a 45-degree angle while swimming.
3. Tread water for 15 seconds without assistance.
4. Climb out of the pool without using the ladder.

Note: Due to pool capacity, lane usage, or scheduled classes, there may be times when a lifeguard 
is unable to administer a swim test.

YMCA of Central Texas Terms of Service:
These Terms of Service govern your use of the website located at https://ymcactx.org and any related services provided by YMCA of Central Texas.

By accessing https://ymcactx.org, you agree to abide by these Terms of Service and to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. If you do not agree with these Terms of Service, you are prohibited from using or accessing this website or using any other services provided by YMCA of Central Texas.

We, YMCA of Central Texas, reserve the right to review and amend any of these Terms of Service at our sole discretion. Upon doing so, we will update this page. Any changes to these Terms of Service will take effect immediately from the date of publication.

These Terms of Service were last updated on February 26, 2025.

Limitations of Use
By using this website, you warrant on behalf of yourself, your users, and other parties you represent that you will not:

  • modify, copy, prepare derivative works of, decompile, or reverse engineer any materials and software contained on this website;
  • remove any copyright or other proprietary notations from any materials and software on this website;
  • transfer the materials to another person or “mirror” the materials on any other server; knowingly or negligently use this website or any of its associated services in a way that
  • abuses or disrupts our networks or any other service YMCA of Central Texas provides;
  • use this website or its associated services to transmit or publish any harassing, indecent, obscene, fraudulent, or unlawful material;
  • use this website or its associated services in violation of any applicable laws or regulations; use this website in conjunction with sending unauthorized advertising or spam;
  • harvest, collect, or gather user data without the user’s consent; or
  • use this website or its associated services in such a way that may infringe the privacy, intellectual property rights, or other rights of third parties.

Intellectual Property
The intellectual property in the materials contained in this website are owned by or licensed to YMCA of Central Texas and are protected by applicable copyright and trademark law. We grant our users permission to download one copy of the materials for personal, non- commercial transitory use.

This constitutes the grant of a license, not a transfer of title. This license shall automatically terminate if you violate any of these restrictions or the Terms of Service, and may be terminated by YMCA of Central Texas at any time.

Liability
Our website and the materials on our website are provided on an ‘as is’ basis. To the extent permitted by law, YMCA of Central Texas makes no warranties, expressed or implied, and hereby disclaims and negates all other warranties including, without limitation, implied warranties or conditions of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non- infringement of intellectual property, or other violation of rights.

In no event shall YMCA of Central Texas or its suppliers be liable for any consequential loss suffered or incurred by you or any third party arising from the use or inability to use this website or the materials on this website, even if YMCA of Central Texas or an authorized representative has been notified, orally or in writing, of the possibility of such damage.

In the context of this agreement, “consequential loss” includes any consequential loss, indirect loss, real or anticipated loss of profit, loss of benefit, loss of revenue, loss of business, loss of goodwill, loss of opportunity, loss of savings, loss of reputation, loss of use and/or loss or corruption of data, whether under statute, contract, equity, tort (including negligence), indemnity or otherwise.

Because some jurisdictions do not allow limitations on implied warranties, or limitations of liability for consequential or incidental damages, these limitations may not apply to you.

Accuracy of Materials
The materials appearing on our website are not comprehensive and are for general information purposes only. YMCA of Central Texas does not warrant or make any representations concerning the accuracy, likely results, or reliability of the use of the materials on this website, or otherwise relating to such materials or on any resources linked to this website.

Privacy & Data Use
We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. By providing your phone number, you agree to receive text messages about facility closures, reminders, and other updates. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Text STOP to cancel. Learn more about SMS terms and conditions and privacy policy. No mobile information will be shared or collected with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. All other categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.

Types of Messages:
• Promotional
• Informational
• Marketing Content
Message Frequency:
• Weekly
Important Notice:
• Message and data rates may apply.
Subscription Management:
To manage your SMS subscriptions:
• Text STOP to unsubscribe
• Text HELP for assistance

Links
The materials appearing on our website are not comprehensive and are for general information purposes only. YMCA of Central Texas does not warrant or make any representations concerning the accuracy, likely results, or reliability of the use of the materials on this website, or otherwise relating to such materials or on any resources linked to this website.

Right to Terminate
We may suspend or terminate your right to use our website and terminate these Terms of Service immediately upon written notice to you for any breach of these Terms of Service.

Severance
Any term of these Terms of Service which is wholly or partially void or unenforceable is severed to the extent that it is void or unenforceable. The validity of the remainder of these Terms of Service is not affected.

Governing Law
These Terms of Service are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Texas, US. You irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in that State or location.