Attire
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.
Breastfeeding
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
Bullying
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.
Caregiver Policy
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.
Distribution of Informational or Promotional Materials
Distribution of business, political, organization, or religious marketing materials on YMCA property without written consent from the Y is strictly prohibited.
Electronic Devices
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.
Food Policy
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.
Service Animal Policy
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.
Sex Offender Policy
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.
Tobacco, Alcohol & Drug Policy
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.
Training at the YMCA
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.
Transgender Policy
In keeping with our commitment to diversity and inclusion, and to ensure everyone feels welcome and safe at the Y, we allow transgender and gender nonconforming individuals to use our Universal Locker Rooms. Child safety and the wellbeing 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.
Our Universal Locker Rooms have private changing areas that allow for privacy. Thank you for following these guidelines in order to demonstrate YMCA character values and demonstrate care in your actions.