Pools and Rules

Why Swim at the Y?

The Y has been a leader in aquatics for over 100 years. We have three indoor pools – warm water and cold water pools at the SwedishAmerican Riverfront YMCA and a warm water pool at the Northeast Family YMCA. Both warm water pools have lap lanes, water slides and shallow areas for younger swimmers. The Northeast pool has a zero-depth entry with play equipment. All pools are ADA accessible. Additionally, YMCA members have free access to Rockford Park District outdoor pools during the summer months. The Y offers lap swim and recreational swim times with the slide.

Pool rules

  1. WALK! Don’t run – the pool deck is slippery
  2. All patrons must shower before entering the pool
  3. Rough play will not be tolerated, including wrestling, dunking, climbing on each other, piggy back rides, and more.
  4. Glass containers are not allowed in the pool area.
  5. FOOD and GUM are not allowed in the water.
  6. Swimming pool admission will be refused to all persons having any contagious disease, infectious conditions, or open wounds.
  7. Patrons under the age of 18 must take a swim test to enter the deep water area. See lifeguard for details. Those who cannot pass the swim test may enter the deep water area within arm’s reach of an adult.
  8. Swimmers age 9 and under who cannot pass the swim test must be accompanied in the water by an adult within arm’s reach at all times. Swimmers 9 and under who can pass the swim test must have an actively supervising adult on deck.
  9. A person suspected to be under the influence of alcohol or other substances will be asked to leave the facility immediately.
  10. Children who are not potty trained must wear properly fitted disposable swim diapers or rubber pants.
  11. Prolonged breath-holding is NOT allowed in our facilities.
  12. A long whistle plast followed by “CLEAR THE POOL” from a lifeguard indicates a safety concern or potential emergency. Please exit the pool immediately.
  13. Prohibited items include flotation devices that are not coast guard approved as well as mermaid fins.

Lifeguards may restrict activities or enforce additional rules as needed to ensure the safety of all patrons.

Slide Rules

  1. Patrons must ride feet first, on their bottom, in sitting or lying position.
  2. Only one patron may ride the slide at a time.
  3. Swim wear with zippers, buckles, rivets, or metal are not allowed on the slide.
  4. Do not swing into the slide, or rotate, or stop mid-way down.
  5. Only one rider and the next person in line are allowed on the tower at a time.
  6. For safety reasons, pregnant women and persons with heart conditions or back trouble should not ride this slide.
  7. At all times, obey the lifeguard or slide attendant.

The rules listed above apply to the slide at our Northeast facility as well as our Riverfront facility. At the Northeast Family YMCA, we do have a couple additional rules for our water slide.

  • Children under 42″ tall are not permitted on the slide unless they are able to pass a swim test (see the Lifeguard for details).
  • There is a maximum weight limit of 300 lbs.

Please note that slide hours are limited to certain times of the day and/or week. The slide may be turned off at any time due to pool capacity. A lifeguard or slide attendant must be in the water to direct slide traffic in order for the slide to be in operation.

Summer Fun at the Outdoor Pools

YMCA members have free access to Rockford Park District outdoor pools. Simply scan your membership card or barcode in the YMCA app to access the pools.

Sand Park Pool
1041 E Riverside Blvd
Loves Park, IL 61111
Open Daily 1-6 p.m.

Alpine Pool
4310 Newburg Rd
Rockford, IL 61108
Open Daily 1-6 p.m.

Harkins Aquatic Center
910 Acorn St.
Rockford, IL 61101
Open Daily 12-5 p.m.

Open Swim

We try to provide as many opportunities as possible for members to use the pool for open recreational swimming. Click below to view open swim times by location.

Lap Lanes & Aqua Fitness

Lap swimming is available in the cold pool at the downtown Y and in both warm water pools at Northeast and SwedishAmerican Riverfront. Reservations are not needed. Reservations are required for aqua fitness classes. To check the schedules for both, click below.