Pool Rules & Swim Suit Requirements

Pool Rules

No one is allowed in the pool or pool area unless a City of Winston-Salem lifeguard is on duty. Lifeguards have final authority to enforce all rules of the pool. For safety reasons, conversations with lifeguards who are actively watching the swimming pools must be kept brief.

All children under 18 must be swim tested, and lifejackets are required for swimmer's unable to pass the basic water competency test- swimming the width of the pool without stopping and treading water for 1 minute
Please walk at all times when on the pool deck. For safety reasons, running is strictly prohibited.
Horseplay and foul language are not permitted in the pool area.
No diving allowed in areas of the pools less than 5 feet deep or in pools not approved for diving.
Infants and toddlers must wear appropriate swim diapers in pool areas.
Goggles that cover the nose and breath holding activities not allowed.
Food and drink must be kept at least four feet from the pool (preferably in the concessions area).
Smoking, glass containers, and potentially dangerous objects are not allowed in the pool area.
Alcoholic beverages, drugs, gambling, and tobacco are not allowed in the pool area.
No inflatables, floats, noodles, infant riders, water wings, etc. are allowed in the pool .
No animals or pets allowed in the pool or on the deck.
Swimmers must shower before entering the water.
All bandages must be removed and discarded prior to swimming.
No person with skin, eye, ear, or nasal infections allowed in the pool.
No person with communicable diseases allowed in the pool.
Lap swimmers should circle swim during high usage times.
The City of Winston-Salem assumes no responsibility for accidents, injuries, or loss, theft or damage of personal items.
Follow the instructions of the lifeguards, they are at the pool for the protection of all patrons.

Proper Swimming Attire

In order to gain entry into the pool area, you must be clothed in proper swim attire.

Clean white t-shirts may be worn over proper swim attire.
Colored t-shirts will not be allowed in the pool.
All infants/toddlers that require a diaper must wear swimmer diapers and proper swimwear.
City pools are family friendly. All swim wear must be appropriate.
Approved water shoes are permitted.

Attire Not Allowed

The following attire is not proper swim attire for a city swimming pool and will not be allowed.

Athletic/Basketball shorts
Cargo pants
Denim shorts/cut-offs
Male or female undergarments, (sports bras (unless designed to go in water), underwear, or boxers)
Non-Coast Guard approved flotation suits
Socks or shoes

Reasons for Proper Swimwear

Pool patrons often ask, "Why do I have to wear proper swimwear?" Here are just a few reasons:

Any "colored" or "dyed" material (unless specifically made for swimming) can bleed into the pool, affecting water chemistry and balance. (This is also a reason for turbidity in pools.)
Cotton and similar materials can absorb the chemicals in the water, causing the water to become less effective at maintaining the proper chemical balance or may cloud the water.
Street clothes can be dirty and will add dirt to the pools water. They can also transport airborne contaminants and fecal matter, which will contaminate the pool water. Cotton can also break down in the water and clog the filters.
Swim suit material is generally made of Lycra and Nylon which are the non-absorbent materials for swimming and are the best fabrics for proper swim attire and do not weigh down swimmers in the water.

Day Care, Day Camp or Other Adult-Supervised Group Visits

Day Cares, Day Camps and Other Adult Supervised Youth/Children's Groups must schedule visits through the Recreation and Parks office prior to visiting the pools or Waterworks. Please see this page for more information.
Birthday Parties can to be scheduled by contacting the Aquatics Supervisor directly: Heather Candelora heatherca@cityofws.org

Other Rules & Policies

No refunds or rain checks due to weather.
Googles are permitted as long as they do not cover the nose.
Toys and games permitted in the pool at the discretion of the lifeguards