Aquatics FAQ & Policies
Aquatics Policies
Locker Room Usage
- 14Y members, guest pass holders, and Aquatics Program participants may use the locker rooms and showers
- Try to maintain 6 feet of social distancing at all times, in all areas. This is subject to change per Department of Health guidelines. Please visit our Health + Safety page for current guidance
- Do not leave your belongings in a locker overnight unless you have arranged for a locker rental. To rent a locker, please inquire at the Service Desk
- No eating in the locker room
- Drinks in glass containers are not allowed in locker rooms, the changing areas, or pool deck
- All participants must shower before entering the pool using the pool deck shower
- Swim caps are required for all adult, child and baby participants at all times. They are available for purchase at the Service Desk
- Children up to 3 years old or those not yet potty trained must wear swim diapers. They are available for purchase at the Service Desk
- Goggles are optional and also available for purchase at the Service Desk
- There is no towel service at the 14th street Y, so please bring your own towel These are also available for purchase at the Service Desk
- Sandals/flip-flops are optional, but recommended
Swim FAQ
1. What do I need to swim at the 14Y?
Everyone in the pool needs a swim cap, a bathing suit, and a towel from home.
2. What’s the chlorine and PH level?
As per Department of Health (DOH), we keep the chlorine level at around 2.0, in the middle of the suggested range, which is 1.0 – 3.0. The PH is normally at 7.4, also right in the middle of DOH recommended range, which is 7.2 – 7.6.
3. What’s the pool temperature?
We keep the pool 84 degrees. The deck temperature is between 80–84 degrees.
4. What is the length of the pool?
The pool is 20 yards (18.28 meters) long.
5. What amenities do you have in the locker rooms?
Our locker rooms are open for locker and shower use. Showers are available in both locker rooms, and all-in-one shampoo and body soap are provided in each shower stall. The saunas are now open for use.
6. What can’t I bring onto the pool deck with me?
Street shoes, food and cell phones are not allowed on the pool deck.
7. Anything else I should know?
Please think of safety first! No running on the pool deck. Alert a lifeguard if you experience or see trouble.
8. Can I bring a guest?
14Y Members can use guest passes for aquatics starting April 1, 2022.
9. I’m interested in private swim lessons, who should I contact?
Please contact our Aquatics Program at 646-395-4316 or send an email to AquaticsInfo@14streety.org.
Needs for Swim Class
- Swim caps are required for all adult, child and baby participants at all times. They are available for purchase at the Service Desk
- Goggles are optional. Instructors will let you know if you or child participants need a pair. They are available for purchase at the Service Desk
- There is no towel service at the 14th street Y, so please bring your own towel for yourself or your children. These are also available for purchase at the Service Desk
- Sandals/flip-flops are optional, but recommended
- Showers are available in both locker rooms, and all-in-one shampoo and body soap are provided in each shower stall
- It is strongly recommended that you bring a padlock to secure your belongings in a locker. The 14YY is not responsible for lost or stolen items
- All participants must shower before entering the pool using the pool deck shower
Children’s Learn to Swim Drop Off Class Information
Drop Off & Pick Up
Please be timely in both drop-off and pick-up of your children. Use the locker room entrance to drop off and pick up your child.
Street shoes are not permitted on the pool deck – you will be asked to remove them.
Locker Room Policy
Per 14Y policy, children above the age of 6 are not allowed in opposite sex locker rooms. The family changing room on the first floor is available for parents and caregivers for clothing changes.
You are responsible for securing your personal items. We strongly recommend bringing a padlock to secure your belongings in a locker. The 14Y is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Changing rooms are shared spaces; please do not leave your clothing inside the changing room.
Street shoes are prohibited in the shower, drying area and pool deck. Please remove your shoes when entering these areas.
Food and drinks in glass containers are prohibited in locker rooms and pool deck.
Attendance
For the safety and security of your child, each swim student must check in (attendance) upon arrival.
Plan to arrive with plenty of time to change and get to class on time.
If you cannot come to class for any reason, please cancel. The 14Y is not responsible for providing makeup classes or issuing refunds for programs missed as a result of client illness, scheduling conflicts, emergencies, or other events beyond our control.
Aquatics Program
Children learn the complex physical skills of swimming at different rates. Our program emphasizes effort; swimmers can spend a lifetime perfecting their skills. Based upon age and ability, children will work to acquire the following Red Cross Swim Skills: water safety, breath and buoyancy control, front & back float, and streamlining and basic stroke mechanics for all four competitive strokes.
We utilize the American Red Cross Swim Curriculum Levels 1 thru 6. Our Red Cross Certified Water Safety Instructors are responsible for determining which swim level is appropriate for each child. Children are given a swim evaluation during the first class of each semester. This evaluation will determine the appropriate level for instruction.
Parents/Observers on the Deck
We are sensitive to the fact that separation from your child can be difficult, especially during a first-time visit to a new program and facility.
In order to provide a safe learning environment with minimal distraction, parents/caregivers will not be permitted on the deck after the first class.
One parent/caregiver can observe the first and last class. This policy helps ensure your child’s safety and ability to learn.
Street shoes are not allowed in the pool area.
We ask that you observe all COVID-19 guidelines. Please visit our Health + Safety page for current policies.
Needs for Swim Class
Bathing caps are required for all children and babies at all times, and are available for purchase at the Service Desk.
Goggles are optional.
All participants must shower before entering the pool.
We recommend that you provide your child with a lock for the lockers to secure their belongings. The 14Y is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Accidental Water Contamination
Parents/caregivers should have a conversation with their children on the topic of accidental water contamination. Reassure your child that it is far less embarrassing to let someone know about his or her needs than it is to contaminate the water; this can be traumatizing. Aquatics staff will always ask and escort children to the bathroom.
Children between the age of 4 and 6 are most likely to experience an accident in the water.
Baby & Toddler + Parent/Caregiver Swim Class Information
Locker Room Policy
Per 14Y policy, children above the age of 6 are not allowed in opposite sex locker rooms. The family changing room on the first floor is available for parents and caregivers for clothing changes.
You are responsible for securing your personal items. We strongly recommend bringing a padlock to secure your belongings in a locker. The 14Y is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Changing rooms are shared spaces; please do not leave your clothing inside the changing room.
Street shoes are prohibited in the shower, drying area and pool deck. Please remove your shoes when entering these areas.
Food and drinks in glass containers are prohibited in locker rooms and pool deck.
Attendance
For the safety and security of your child, each swim student must check in (attendance) upon arrival.
Plan to arrive with plenty of time to change and get to class on time.
If you cannot come to class for any reason, please cancel. The 14Y is not responsible for providing makeup classes or issuing refunds for programs missed as a result of client illness, scheduling conflicts, emergencies, or other events beyond our control.
Needs for Swim Class
- Swim caps are required for all adult, child and baby participants at all times. They are available for purchase at the Service Desk
- Goggles are optional. Instructors will let you know if you or child participants need a pair. They are available for purchase at the Service Desk.
- There is no towel service at the 14th street Y, so please bring towels from home for you and the children. These are available for purchase at the Service Desk.
- Sandals/flip-flops are optional, but recommended
- Showers are available in both locker rooms, and all-in-one shampoo and body soap are provided in each shower stall
- It is strongly recommended that you bring a padlock to secure your belongings in a locker. The 14Y is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
- All participants must shower before entering the pool using the pool deck shower
Swimming Diaper for Baby Classes
All children under the age of 3 must wear a swim diaper covered by a swimsuit. This is to provide extra protection in the event of bowel movements. Children should be closely supervised by a parent or caregiver, and the diaper should be changed frequently. Diaper changing stations are available in men’s, women’s, and family bathroom facilities.
Questions?
If you have questions, concerns, or comments please contact our Aquatics Program at 646-395-4314 or send an email to AquaticsInfo@14streety.org.