Policies & Procedures
By voluntary participation in YMCA programs, our members, guests, and participants are expected to abide by the policies and procedures outlined below. If you have questions, please contact your local branch. Policies are subject to change.
Member safety is our number one priority. While members, program participants, and guests are using our facility, we want them to feel safe. For that reason, the YMCA of Greater Waukesha County requires everyone, each time they visit the Y, to either scan their membership card, download our mobile app and scan their device, check in with a photo ID or show a program participant pass to gain entry into the facility.
A membership card is issued to members 8 years of age and older. Membership cards are non-transferable. Replacement cards are available for $5.
Registrants must pick up a program participant pass at the Welcome Center at the time of their first visit. Program participant passes are valid only for scheduled programs and do not grant general facility usage.
Everyone using the YMCA of Greater Waukesha County is expected to behave in a mature and responsible manner and to respect the rights and dignity of others. The YMCA insists that individuals using the facility demonstrate caring, honest, respectful, and responsible behavior. We do not permit profane language or actions that can hurt or frighten another person. Any inappropriate behavior may result, at the sole discretion of the YMCA, in suspension or termination of membership.
As a designated safe place for children in the community, the YMCA of Greater Waukesha prohibits the carrying of all weapons, including firearms, while in the building, on the grounds or engaged in Y-sponsored activities.
Members & Guests
All documents presented for proof of Wisconsin residency must contain your name and current Wisconsin address.
The following documents are acceptable for address verification:
- State issued identification card or driver’s license.
- Paycheck, stub, or earning statement with your employer’s name and address.
- Utility bill for water, gas, electricity, or land-line telephone service. Includes cable and internet services
- Mobile phone bill.
- Financial statements: bank statement for a checking, savings, money market or brokerage account; credit card statement or loan statement for auto, home, or personal.
- Valid Wisconsin hunting or fishing license.
- Medical billing statement from doctor or hospital.
- Service welcome letters: includes bank, credit card, utility, and others
- Insurance documents for auto, health, and life: Documents may include welcome letters, billing statements, or explanation of benefits.
- Guest passes are a YMCA of Greater Waukesha County member privilege issued to all accounts except Youth/Teen and College Winter memberships.
- Guest passes may be requested after 90 days of membership by the primary member on the account.
- All five (5) guest passes expire at the end of the calendar year in which they were issued.
- Members must accompany guests during their visit to the Y.
- All guests 16 and older must present a valid photo ID.
- Guests must create a non-member account prior to entry. Guests under 18 must have a parent create the non-member account. The parent should be listed as the primary adult for the account.
- Children 7 years of age and under must be accompanied by a parent/adult guardian at all times while in the facility unless in a YMCA staff supervised program.
- Guest(s) may use the same amenities as that of the host member and are required to follow all YMCA member policies.
- Former members and program participants with an outstanding YMCA of Greater Waukesha County balance are not eligible to use guest passes.
- There is an additional fee for certain activities. Certain programs may require session registration and drop-ins may not be available. Check in with the Business Desk for details.
- Guest passes are non-transferable and are not redeemable for cash.
- Household YMCA members bringing another household will only use one pass.
- Guest passes are not good with any other offer.
- Guest pass must be redeemed at the time of use and is valid at the following locations: Mukwonago YMCA, New Berlin YMCA Wellness Center, Southwest YMCA, Tri County YMCA, Waukesha YMCA, and West Suburban YMCA.
LIABILITY
As a guest, you hereby assume all risks of injury arising out of your presence on the premises of the YMCA of Greater Waukesha County, your use of its equipment, including inflatable equipment, or facilities, and your participation in its activities, whether on its premises or at another location, and for yourself and your heirs and assigns hereby waive, release, and agree to hold free from all claims and damages the YMCA of Greater Waukesha County and its officers, directors, members, employees or agents. You understand the risks and dangers involved in participating in the programs and activities of the YMCA. You are physically capable of participating in such programs, and agree not to participate in activities that may injure myself or others.
All memberships must be set up as a monthly bank draft or paid in full as a semi-annual or annual payment. Bank drafts must be set through a savings or checking account or a credit/debit card. A three (3) month short term membership is available for an additional $30 fee and is valid 90 consecutive days from date of purchase.
- All membership dues are non-refundable. Memberships paid in full are not refundable for any reason.
- Membership dues are charged on the 10th of each month using the billing information provided.
- Should any payment not be honored by your bank or credit card company for any reason, you are responsible for that payment, plus a $15 service fee. This is in addition to any service fee your bank or credit card company may charge. You many receive messages to update your account information on our behalf from Daxko Full Service Billing. Two additional attempts will be made automatically to recover the original balance and the $15 return fee.
- Loyalty rate will not apply for any membership lapsed for more than 30 days.
- The YMCA reserves the right to terminate membership upon non-payment of fees.
- The YMCA Board of Directors may, at their discretion, adjust the monthly rate applicable to any category of membership. Members will receive at least 30 days’ notice prior to any such change. Annual or semi-annual membership fees will be adjusted at the time of the renewal
YMCA of Greater Waukesha County members receive priority registration and member only rates. Membership must be maintained for the duration of the session to receive the member rate. Members of other YMCAs are eligible for member pricing and may register during Program Participant registration dates. All program registrations are on a first-come, first-served basis.
The YMCA of Greater Waukesha County offers a Nanny Add-On option, for $20 per month, for members who have a nanny who cares for their children. The member must sign up for the pass, which allows the nanny (who must be over 18 years of age) to accompany children, under 8, to the Y in absence of their parents. Once the child turns 8, and can be in the facility unaccompanied, the nanny is no longer eligible to receive the add-on option. The pass does not allow the nanny to use the facility without the child(ren) they are nannying. Households wishing to have the nanny participate in Y activities independently are invited to purchase a membership for them.
Our facilities are open to YMCA of Greater Waukesha County members and guests (with a valid guest pass), as well as reciprocity members. Reciprocity member paperwork and verification must be completed prior to entering the facility at each YGWC location you visit.
Reciprocity is designed to be used for traveling Y members or for infrequent regional Y facility usage. Therefore, the YMCA of Greater Waukesha County has placed a maximum of twelve (12) visits per calendar month for Nationwide and AWAY members.
Cancellations & Closures
PARTICIPANT INITIATED PROGRAM CANCELLATION
- If you withdraw from a program prior to the start of the session, a YMCA of Greater Waukesha County credit will be issued minus a $5 transaction fee. No refund will be issued.
- If you withdraw from a program during the first week of the session and your first class has occurred, you will be issued a prorated credit minus a $5 transaction fee. No refund will be issued.
- No YMCA of Greater Waukesha County credit or refund will be issued after the first week of the session has been completed.
- Some programs require a non-refundable deposit or registration fee. Participant initiated cancellation in these programs will result in loss of this payment.
YMCA INITIATED PROGRAM CANCELLATION
If the YMCA of Greater Waukesha County cancels a program due to low enrollment, you may transfer to another program, receive a full refund, or be issued a credit.
MISSED CLASSES
There are no refunds. The YMCA of Greater Waukesha County will not offer refunds, credits, or make-up classes for individual classes missed or canceled due to inclement weather, building closure, or state of emergency beyond our control. Programs that fall on Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving will be prorated. No other holidays apply.
In order to terminate or change your membership status you must give the YMCA written notice by the 15th of the month prior to the draft you want to terminate or change. Please complete the change form listed below or fill out the change form at any YMCA of Greater Waukesha County location.
You must receive a confirmation email or letter to confirm the termination request was processed. The monthly draft on the 10th of the month is for that calendar month. All membership cards should be returned to the Business Office at which time temporary cards will be issued valid through the end of the termination month.
Thirty (30) days notice required to change a membership, including upgrades or downgrades of a membership type and billing changes. Downgrades will go into effect with the next billing cycle. Memberships can be placed on hold for up to three months for medical reasons. Please contact your branch Membership Director to place a membership on hold.
In the event of inclement weather, the Y will make every effort to continue services at our branches and throughout our programs. However, in certain conditions, when safety becomes a concern, branch closures and program cancellations may be necessitated.
- The YMCA will remain open even if the local school district is closed.
- If we need to close our buildings, information on the closure can be found on our website, Facebook pages, mobile app, and local TV channels (4, 6, 12, and 58). An email will go out to currently enrolled program participants.
PRESCHOOL PROGRAMS
- Follows the local school district closings.
4K PROGRAMS | Mukwonago & Waukesha School Districts
- Follows the district closings. Parents have the option of using the branch-held School’s Out Fun Day.
BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
- If schools are closed (school district specific) before 6:00 AM, we will not operate a Before & After School Program (AM or PM). Instead, we will run a School’s Out Fun Day program at the branches where schools are closed from 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM for an additional fee. No credit for Before & After School fees will be given, but we will offer a $15 credit to that School’s Out Fun Day if parents elect to use that option and it’s their child’s regularly scheduled day.
- If schools have a late start (school district specific), we will not operate a Before School Program (AM).
- If schools have an early closure (school district specific) or after school activities are cancelled (school district specific), we will operate an After School Program (PM) at the discretion of the YMCA and the school district. We ask that parents pick up their children as soon as possible due to deteriorating weather.
Y ACADEMY
- Full-Day Child Care Center is always open when the Waukesha YMCA is open.
Facilities & Programs
- Children under the age of 8 are permitted to use Child Watch.
- Parents must remain in the building when children are using Child Watch.
- There is a 3 hour time limit, per day, across the association.
- Please see the Child Watch webpage and handbook for a complete list of policies.
- Private areas must be covered with either with a swimsuit, shorts, or a towel.
- Please do not pour water on sauna rocks or place wet towels on thermostats. This will damage the heating elements and may cause a fire.
- Towels must be laid on the sauna bench prior to sitting down.
- Shaving and other personal grooming is not permitted in the sauna.
- Eucalyptus and other oils are not permitted in the sauna.
HEALTH & SAFETY
- Limit use to a maximum of 10 minutes.
- Exposure to high temperatures may be harmful to your health. Members should seek the advice of their physician prior to using the sauna.
- Pregnant women, elderly persons, and those with heart disease, high or low blood pressure, or diabetes should avoid exposure to high heat and humidity.
- Wait at least 5 minutes after exercising to cool down before using sauna.
- No food or drink allowed.
- The YMCA strongly recommends that members do not use the sauna without supervision or another person present.
AGES 7 YEARS & YOUNGER
- Not permitted in the Fitness Center.
- May use the track only with a guardian 18 years or older.
- Child and guardian must remain side-by-side.
AGES 8-11
- Not permitted in the Fitness Center.
- May use the track without a guardian, but not the cardio or fitness equipment.
- MUKWONAGO YMCA ONLY: Same as above, but only ages 12+ may use the track without a guardian.
AGES 12-13
- Must complete an orientation before using the Fitness Center.
- May not use the free weight equipment.
AGES 14-15
- Must complete an orientation before using the Fitness Center.
- Advanced Orientation will grant access to the free weight equipment.
AGES 16+ | Mukwonago, Southwest, Tri County, Waukesha & West Suburban
AGES 18+ | New Berlin YMCA Wellness Center
- May use the Fitness Center.
- Orientations are not required, but highly recommended.
- Be respectful of Y staff and other members.
- No personal items (bags, backpacks, coats, etc.) are allowed in open spaces (gyms, studios, fitness centers) except during YMCA scheduled programs. Please use a locker to properly store your items.
- Workout attire must be appropriate for a family-friendly environment.
- Phone conversations not permitted.
- Unauthorized photography not permitted.
- Multiple set users must allow single set users to work in.
- Wipe off machine pads and grips when done.
- Return equipment to appropriate areas/racks.
Children 8 and older may be in the facility and pool without a parent. Children 7 years of age and under must be accompanied by a parent/adult guardian at all times while in the facility unless in a YMCA staff supervised program. There may be a time limit on unsupervised visits for children ages 8-11 based on the branch’s schedule.
The New Berlin YMCA Wellness Center is for members 18 years and older only.
Group exercise classes are for ages 12 & up, unless otherwise noted. We also offer Family Fitness classes for children ages 6 & up with an adult parent or guardian.
- Classes can be removed from the schedule at anytime due to low participation.
- Always inform your physician before starting a new exercise program.
- Prior to class, inform the instructor of any health issues.
- Allow current class to finish before entering the studio.
- Be on time. The warm-up is important to avoid injury.
- Class participation is tracked, so always be sure to sign-in each class.
- Please turn off cell phones, pagers, personal music, etc. before entering class.
- Workout at your own pace and listen to your body. If you are unsure, ask an instructor.
- Doing your own routine is discourteous and distracting to your fellow members and your instructor.
- Be considerate of other members’ exercise space. Keep conversation to a minimum.
- Wear a separate pair of workout shoes for use in the Y.
- Bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during class.
- No food is allowed in the studio and all plastic water bottles must remain at the outer edges of the room while exercising and while drinking.
- Weights (hand or ankle) are not allowed during the aerobic section of any class unless it is directed by the instructor.
- Equipment may not be removed from the studio unless instructed by an instructor.
- All equipment (steps, weights, mats, etc.) must be returned to their proper storage area.
- If leaving class early, please notify the instructor before class.
- Paid classes have a minimum and maximum number of registrations required to run the class, so register early.
- All players that utilize the gymnasium and participate in YMCA programming are expected to abide by the Y’s Core Values of Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility.
- No personal items (bags, backpacks, coats, etc.) are allowed in open spaces (gyms, studios, fitness centers) except during YMCA scheduled programs. Please use a locker to properly store your items.
- Inappropriate or foul language will not be tolerated; no warning is necessary. Violation of this rule will result in suspension from YMCA access. Repeat violators may have their membership terminated.
- Hanging on the rim or nets is not allowed at any time.
- Food and drinks, other than water, are not permitted in the gymnasium at any time.
CROSS-COURT BASKETBALL RULES | Southwest, Tri County, Waukesha & West Suburban
- Participants must be 18 or older to participate. Youth under the age of 18 are not allowed in gym during adult basketball.
- Two games and out, no exceptions. No winner stays and continues to play.
- Registration required. Free for YMCA of Greater Waukesha County members.
YOUTH GYM RULES | Waukesha
- Adults must be accompanied by a child 15 years or younger in order to utilize the gym.
- There are NO full-court games permitted to be played during Youth Open Shooting. No exceptions.
GENERAL LOCKER ROOM GUIDELINES
- Secure your belongings. The YMCA is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items. Bring workout essentials and leave valuables at home.
- Participants using the locker rooms must provide their own locks.
- Personal padlocks left on lockers overnight will be removed.
- Stay hydrated with water. No food or drinks (other than water) in the locker room.
- Use of cell phones in any manner and cameras in the locker room are prohibited.
- Please be respectful of those around you and report any suspicious activities to a staff member immediately.
- Families, please always keep your children within arm’s reach of assistance.
- The well-being of children in our care is always a top priority and we follow state licensing standards and have a series of measures and best practices in place.
- Don’t forget to shower before heading into the pool!
MEN’S LOCKER ROOM
Men’s Locker Room is only for males ages 18 and older.
WOMEN’S LOCKER ROOM
Women’s Locker Room is only for females ages 18 and older.
BOYS’ LOCKER ROOM
Boys’ Locker Room is for males under the age of 18 and children under 8 with their accompanying adults.
- Girls under the age of 4 can use the Boys’ Locker Room with a male adult.
- Girls between the ages of 4 and 8 should use the Universal Locker Room when with a male adult.
- Boys under age 18 must use the Boys’ Locker Room.
GIRLS’ LOCKER ROOM
Girls’ Locker Room is for females under the age of 18 and children under 8 with their accompanying adults.
- Boys under the age of 4 can use the Girls’ Locker Room with a female adult.
- Boys between the ages of 4 and 8 should use the Universal Locker Room when with a female adult.
- Girls under age 18 must use the Girls’ Locker Room.
UNIVERSAL LOCKER ROOM
The Universal Locker Room is reserved for privacy. This includes transgender, families, and diverse ability patrons.
- Girls and boys between the ages of 4 and 8 should use the Universal Locker Room when with an adult of the opposite gender.
- Patrons are required to remain clothed unless in a private changing room, or restroom stall. No nudity is permitted in open areas.
- All lockers within the universal locker room are for day use only.
Transgender Locker Room Usage:
In keeping with our commitment to diversity and inclusion, and to ensure everyone feels welcome and safe at the Y, policy dictates transgender individuals to use our Universal Locker Rooms. Our Universal Locker Rooms have private changing areas that allow for privacy. Thank you for following these guidelines to demonstrate your YMCA character values.
- Users with open wounds or communicable diseases are not allowed in the pool.
- Do not bring food, drink, gum or tobacco into the pool.
- Shower before entering the pool and after the use of toilet facilities.
- Do not run or engage in rough play in the pool area.
- Do not bring animals into the pool area.
- Diaper changing on the pool deck is prohibited.
- Glass and breakable items are prohibited in the pool area.
SWIM SAFETY
- The Lifeguard’s word is final.
- Any swimmer under the age of 16 who wants to swim in the deep end must pass a swim test.
- YMCA Lifeguards may test the swimming competency of any swimmer.
- Non-swimmers of any age are not permitted in the deep end of the pool.
- Diving only permitted in designated areas.
- Breath holding activities are not permitted in YMCA pools.
- No running or rough play.
- Flotation devices must be U.S. Coast Guard approved; no inflatables.
- Children who require assistance or a floatation device must have an adult within arm’s reach of them in the water, not to exceed chest deep water.
- Proper swim attire must be worn at all times.
- Street shoes are not permitted on the pool deck.
- No unauthorized photography is permitted.
- Children not toilet trained are required to wear a swim diaper covered by a tight topped suit or plastic pants.
SWIM TEST POLICY
Any minor (under age 16) wishing to swim in water deeper than chest level must pass the swim test (in lane closest to the wall):
- Jump into the shallow end, ducking head under water.
- Swim on stomach with a strong stroke 15 yards/meters. Breaststroke or front crawl are preferred. Arms do not have to be out of the water, but body must be horizontal in the water. No doggie paddle or swimming on your back allowed.
- Tread water for 30 seconds.
- Swim back to the starting point.
Swimmers who pass will be given a wristband for that day’s visit. The test must be repeated EACH VISIT.
CHILD SUPERVISION
- Children age 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult (16+) IN the water and remain within arm’s reach at all times.
- Children ages 6-7 must be accompanied by an adult (16+) actively supervising them in the pool area at all times.
- Children 8 years old and up may be in the pool area unsupervised.
- Shower before entering steam room and after the use of toilet facilities.
- Private areas must be covered with either with a swimsuit, shorts, or a towel.
- Please do not adjust the heating or cooling controls.
- Steam room users must not use any scented oils or similar items.
- Shaving and other personal grooming is not permitted in the steam room.
- Riders must be 55” tall at Tri County and 48” tall at Mukwonago.
- Swimwear with exposed zippers, buckles, rivets, or metal are not permitted.
- Follow the instructions of the slide attendant and wait for start signal.
- No goggles permitted during slide usage; eye glasses must be firmly affixed if needed.
- No standing, kneeling, rotating or stopping in the flume.
- Double riding is not permitted.
- Keep hands inside the flume.
- Leave the plunge area immediately.
- Slide must be ridden feet first, seated or lying on back.
WARNING: water depth is 4 feet.
- Elderly persons and persons suffering from heart disease, high or low blood pressure, or diabetes should not enter the whirlpool.
- No one under the age of 18 permitted.
- Proper swim attire must be worn in the whirlpool. Cutoffs, shorts, or diapers are not permitted.
- Shaving and other personal hygiene is not permitted in the whirlpool.
- Persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs may not use the whirlpool.
- Pregnant women should consult their physician regarding whirlpool usage.
- Lengthy exposure may be hazardous to health and may result in nausea, dizziness, or fainting.
- No Lifeguard on duty.
- No diving.
The YMCA management reserves the right to modify the rules as necessary. Violation of the rules may result in loss of whirlpool and/or facility privileges.
Additional Policies
DRESS CODE
Please promote our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility when engaging with fellow members. Preserve personal space and refrain from wearing clothing with offensive language or controversial slogans. We want all of our members, program participants, and guests to feel safe and comfortable while in our facility.
The YMCA dress code supports equitable facility access and is written in a manner that does not reinforce stereotypes. To ensure effective and equitable enforcement of this dress code, YMCA staff shall enforce the dress code consistently and in a manner that does not reinforce or increase marginalization or oppression of any group based on race, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, household income, or body type/size.
- Members, program participants, and guests should be able to dress comfortably and be in the facility without fear of or actual unnecessary discipline or body shaming.
- Clothing must be activity appropriate. For instance, swimwear must be worn in the pool, closed-toe athletic shoes with non-marking soles must be worn in the gym and on the Fitness Center, chests and backs must be covered in the gym (ie, no “shirts” vs. “skins”).
- All members and staff should understand that they are responsible for managing their own personal “distractions” without regulating individual members’ clothing/self-expression.
This dress code is designed to accomplish several goals:
- Maintain a safe environment.
- Allow members to wear clothing of their choice that is comfortable.
- Prevent members from wearing clothing or accessories with offensive images or language, including profanity, hate speech, and pornography.
- Prevent members from wearing clothing or accessories that denote, suggest, display or reference alcohol, drugs or related paraphernalia or other illegal conduct or activities.
SWIM ATTIRE GUIDELINES
To keep swimmers safe and our pools healthy, appropriate swim attire is required. Examples of appropriate attire include bikini, two-piece suit, one-piece suit, racing suit, full coverage/modesty swimwear, swim brief, rash guard, swim trunks, jammers, and reusable or disposable swim diapers.
- Swimwear must be clean and designated for pool use.
- Swimmers of any age are not allowed to enter the water while wearing street clothes.
- Swimsuits must not be transparent.
- Cotton t-shirts, compression pants/shorts, jeans, workout attire (spandex shorts, sports bras), string bikinis, underwear (boxers, lingerie) are not permitted.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Aquatics Department.
The YMCA of Greater Waukesha County supports and encourages mothers who wish to breastfeed throughout our programs and facilities. It is important to remember that in every state breastfeeding in public places is permitted and protected by law (see here). Even though our YMCA has areas designated specifically for breastfeeding, the law provides that mothers may breastfeed wherever they chose in your facility and on your grounds.
It is our goal to have all of our staff aware of our practices around breastfeeding, including young and/or part-time staff.
A mother may breastfeed in our YMCA locations if all parties are authorized. Several areas mothers are not authorized to breastfeed are:
- Men’s and Boys’ Locker Rooms
- Men’s and Boys’ Restrooms
We believe that the experience of Y members, program participants, and guests should be guided by what is best for the safe and healthy development of a person. Our members and participants have a unique opportunity for growing and thriving. It is essential that we are mindful of each person’s physical, emotional, and developmental needs. We must also be particularly diligent in recognizing their unique vulnerabilities.
The YMCA of Greater Waukesha County prohibits the harassment, intimidation or bullying of any member, guest, program participant, staff or volunteer.
Bullying, or harassment, is defined as any intentional written, verbal or physical act directed towards another person that causes mental or physical harm and is perceived as being dehumanizing, intimidating, hostile, humiliating, threatening or otherwise likely to invoke fear of physical harm or emotional distress. This policy includes cyber bullying through the use of internet, cell phone, text messages, computers or other electronic devices.
Acts deemed to be harassment should be reported to the Branch Director immediately.
Anyone who engages in harassment or bullying of another person at the YMCA of Greater Waukesha County, our grounds, facilities, and offsite program areas will be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to termination of membership privileges and/or program participation.
Caregivers who will be bringing a member to the Y will be added to the account for access purposes, but are not able to utilize the membership for personal use. Caregivers are required to stay with the member throughout the visit. Caregivers such as nannies and adult assistants will be required to have their own membership for personal use of Y facilities. They are not included, as caregivers, in any membership, including household memberships.
Any use of electronic devices including, but not limited to: phone calls, texting, taking photos and/or videos, or internet use is prohibited while in all locker rooms and restrooms.
- When using an electronic device in YMCA program areas, the below expectations must be met:
- Pictures and videos should only be of individuals in the member’s party.
- Do not take pictures of other program participants.
- If staff feel this is being abused, members may be asked to stop and delete any pictures and/or videos.
The Y aims to improve the nation’s health and well-being by providing programs and activities that promote wellness, reduce risk for disease, and help others reclaim their health. These programs, and everything else the Y does, are in service of making us – our Ys and our communities – better. At the YMCA of Greater Waukesha County, we strive to create an environment that supports all in their healthy living goals. To ensure we are creating a healthy environment we have established a food policy that aligns with the YMCA’s mission, cause, and focus on healthy living.
YMCA members, program participants, volunteers or outside visitors are prohibited from bringing in food to be left out in the facility for others to consume.
A service animal is permitted on YMCA property and within YMCA buildings unless the use of a service animal would result in a fundamental program alteration or jeopardize the safe operation of the YMCA. A service animal must have been trained as a service animal in the work or tasks directly related to the person’s disability. Individuals are permitted to bring a service animal in all areas of the YMCA. Due to pool code, service animals may not enter the pool and must remain on the deck.
Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents him or her from using these devices. Individuals who cannot use such devices must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls. Service dogs may be excluded if the dog is out of control and the handler cannot or does not regain control; or 2) the dog is not housebroken.
Emotional support animals, comfort animals, and therapy dogs are not service animals under Title II and Title III of the ADA, and therefore are not allowed in our facility. Pets and all other species of animals or dogs that are not service animals are not allowed in our facility.
The YMCA may ask:
- Is the animal required because of a disability?
- What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?
No other inquiries about an individual’s disability or the dog are required. Proof of certification or medical documentation is not a condition for entry.
Member safety is our number one priority. Anyone on the sex offender registry is not permitted to hold a membership or access the facility. 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 a membership, end program participation, and remove visitation rights.
For optimal health of all members, program participants, volunteers, and staff of the YMCA of Greater Waukesha County, our grounds, facilities, and offsite program areas are tobacco, alcohol, and drug free environments. Any types of drugs, tobacco, alcohol or controlled substances are prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, cigars, pipes, water pipes, vapes, chewing tobacco, and snuff, as well as any drugs (except those properly prescribed by a physician and used in accordance with the physician’s instructions). Individuals under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs are prohibited from the grounds of the YMCA of Greater Waukesha County, facilities, and offsite program areas.
The YMCA of Greater Waukesha County only allows GWC YMCA staff to train individuals in our facilities or on YMCA property. This includes, personal training, sports training, swim lessons, or any other type of improvement instruction where the YMCA property is used. Any training by non-Y staff is not permitted and could result in a ban from all GWC YMCAs.