Aquatic Center Rules, Guidelines, and Etiquette

Swimming at the Y is about more than just exercise; it’s about safety, confidence, and fun for all ages. Whether you’re here for lap swim, lessons, family time, or water fitness, we want you to feel comfortable and supported. Below you’ll find answers to common questions and descriptions of our swim times so you know what to expect before you dive in.


Aquatic Center FAQs

  • Large Pool: 20 yards X 9.3 yards (60ft x 28ft)
  • Small Pool: 
  • Large Pool: 82℉ - 84℉
  • Small Pool: Range from 90℉ - 92℉
  • Large Pool: 3 ½ft to 9ft
  • Small Pool: 

Youth (Ages 0-16) FAQs

  • Non Swimmers 0-11 need an adult 18+ to be within arm’s reach at all times.
  • Swimmers 0-11 need an adult 18+ to be present in the pool area.
  • Swimmers 12+ can be in the building without adult supervision. 

Large Pool Swim Test consists of a 30 second float - 20 yard swim - 30 second tread in deep end. 

  • Red: Did not pass/struggling in large pool - Lifejacket needed in large pool with parent/guardian supervision and within arm’s reach at all times.
  • Blue: Passed most, but not all/can stand in shallow end - Lifejacket needed only in deep end.
  • Green: Passed and is allowed in all areas without a lifejacket. 

Only standard swimsuits are allowed. Jean shorts, cut-offs, leotards or cotton shirts are not permitted. Children who are not toilet trained or under the age of three must wear plastic pants or swim diapers. No disposable diapers! 

  • Outside diving toys and rings are allowed in the small pool area only. 
  • Inflatable tubes and inflatable water wings are not permitted. 

    • The Y provides Coast Guard approved PFDs for all non-swimmers. 


Lap Swim FAQs

Only standard swimsuits are allowed. Jean shorts, cut-offs, leotards or cotton shirts are not permitted. 

Goggles, swim caps, earplugs/nose plugs, kickboards, pull buoys, flippers, and snorkeling gear are all permitted. 

Kickboards, pull buoys and flippers are provided. All other equipment on deck is for Water Fitness, Swim Lessons, or Swim Team use only.


Swimming Lesson FAQ’s

Yes! We have Teen/Adult group lessons on Tuesday/Thursdays and on Saturdays. We also have private lessons. If you are interested in private lessons, reach out to Jess Redberg, Aquatics Coordinator jredberg@whatcomymca.org

Only standard swimsuits are allowed. Jean shorts, cut-offs, leotards or cotton shirts are not permitted. 

If you or your child has water sensitivities, goggles, swim caps, earplugs/nose plugs can be brought in, but are not required. 

Most lessons will be spent working without equipment, but we do provide kickboards, noodles, diving rings, etc. that may be used to assist the lesson. 

For the best interest of the health of other members, staff and guests, please stay home if you or your child are sick. In order to maintain the integrity of our classes in regards to content and size, we do not offer make-ups for illness, recitals, vacations, etc. We have found that adding swimmers to classes for make-ups disrupts the rhythm, safety and integrity of the class. Please do your best to attend! 

If your child is 11 and younger, you or a guardian 18+ needs to stay in the pool area at all times during the lesson. If your child is 12 and up, you are welcome to leave the area and come back at the end of the lesson. We have metal bleachers on the pool deck where you can observe, or if your child is in the small pool, you can choose to sit on the chairs provided in that room. Should you choose to sit in the small pool area, be prepared for a very warm and humid environment. Whichever option you choose, you may discover after a lesson or two, that it could be more beneficial for your child to change where you may be sitting. Some children do better knowing their parents are close at hand, while others do better knowing their parent isn’t sitting so close. If the instructor has a suggestion as to where they believe it would be best for you to sit after working with your swimmer, they will certainly discuss that with you. 


Schedule Descriptions

Time for adults to utilize the small pool.

Barkley Early Learning Center in the small pool. Closed to member and public use. Learn more about our Early Learning Centers here: https://www.whatcomymca.org/early-learning

Adventure Camp will be using the small pool. For more information on our Camps & Before and After School Programming please visit: https://www.whatcomymca.org/camps

Our Whatcom YMCA Dolphin Swim Team is designed for advanced swimmers who wish to pursue competitive swimming in a fun and positive environment. Swimmers must have a Whatcom Family YMCA membership and have passed Level 5 & 6 or equivalent to participate. For more information contact Head Coach/Team Coordinator David Millican at Bellingham, 360-733-8630 x1122 or email dmillican@whatcomymca.org.

Downtown Early Learning Centers in the small pool. Closed to member and public use. Learn more about our Early Learning Centers here: https://www.whatcomymca.org/early-learning

Time for families to utilize the small pool. Children 11 and younger need to be accompanied by an adult 18+ at all times on deck. Non-swimmers need to have an adult within arm's reach. For more information and pool rules please visit: https://www.whatcomymca.org/schedules/aquatics

Pool is reserved for Ferndale High School Girl's Swim Team only. For more information about FHS please visit: https://ferndalehigh.ferndalesd.org/athletics-activities

Heart House Early Learning in the small pool. Closed to member and public use. Learn more about our Early Learning Centers here: https://www.whatcomymca.org/early-learning

Lanes 1 & 2 for lap swim. Lanes 3 & 4 for open swim/water exercise. Please follow guidelines and etiquette for all lanes. 

Lanes 1, 2 & 3 are for lap swim. Lane 4 for water exercise. Please follow guidelines and etiquette for all lanes. 

Millworks Learning Center in the small pool. Closed to member and public use. Learn more about our Early Learning Centers here: https://www.whatcomymca.org/early-learning

Pool is closed for maintenance. Please check pool schedule for open swim times. 

Large and Small Pools are closed to the general public to facilitate Lifeguard Training. If you have questions, please visit our website at: https://www.whatcomymca.org/trainings

Large and Small Pools are closed to the general public to facilitate a birthday party/event. If you are interested in reserving our pool, please visit our website at: https://www.whatcomymca.org/parties

Preschool instructors teaching techniques in small pool to foster a safe, educational, and fun environment where swimmers feel empowered to meet and exceed their goals. This program is free for non-swimmers and for ages 3-11 in Whatcom County. For more information, please visit: https://www.whatcomymca.org/safety-around-water

Youth instructors teaching techniques in large pool to foster a safe, educational, and fun environment where swimmers feel empowered to meet and exceed their goals. This program is free for families of non-swimmers and for ages 3-11 in Whatcom County. For more information, please visit: https://www.whatcomymca.org/safety-around-water

Pool used for swim lessons for ages 6 months - Adults. For more information and registration visit: https://www.whatcomymca.org/swim-lessons

Teen Program: Both pools are used by the Teen Program. For more information please visit: whatcomymca.org/teen-programs

Vamos Group will utilize the pool for Safety Around Water Program. For more information about Vamos, please visit: vamosoutdoorsproject.com

This class is a total body workout in the water. Classes are for all ages and fitness abilities. For more information on group fitness programs please visit: whatcomymca.org/health-fitness