Bainbridge Island Recreation Center

BIRC Pool Rules

• No one is allowed in the pool unless supervised by a qualified Lifeguard who is an employee of the Bainbridge Island Recreation Center. Lifeguards on duty are always in charge. If you do not follow the rules, you may be removed from the premises.
• Children 6 years of age and under must be within arm’s reach of a guardian (15 years of age or older) and wear a colored swim band. Guardians can supervise no more than 3 non-swimmers at a time.
• Coast Guard approved Personal Floatation Devices are available for children and non-swimmers. Those wearing PFD’s must stay within arm’s reach of a guardian (15 years of age or older). PFD’s brought in from offsite must also be Coast Guard approved.
• Children under 12 years of age or younger are required to have an adult in the facility.
• Children 14 years of age or younger may be asked to pass a swim test to use the deeper end of the pool.
• Everyone must take a cleansing soap shower in the locker room before using the pool.  Soap or shampoo are not allowed to be used with the deck shower, rinsing only.
• Please wear appropriate swim attire. No jeans, underwear, or cotton-based clothing. Please refrain from wearing over revealing or see though swim wear.
• If you have a disease that can be transmitted by water or have been ill with diarrhea or vomiting in the last 2 weeks, do not use the pool. Persons with open sores will not be allowed to swim.
• People shall not pollute the pool in any manner.
• People with seizure, heart, or circulatory problems should not swim alone.
• Diapers must be changed in the designated changing area (locker rooms or restrooms). Waterproof diapers and a tight-fitting protective covering are required for swimming if not toilet trained. Clothes may not be changed on the pool deck.
• Running or rough play in or about the pool and dressing room areas is prohibited.
• Food or drink, including gum, are not allowed in or near the pool. Please keep food items in designated spectator seating areas.
• Spectators should stay in designated spectator areas and always out of lifeguard’s view of the pool, at least 8 ft from the pool deck edge.
• Do use not use the pool if under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Admission may be refused for those appearing to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Smoking and alcohol are not permitted anywhere in the building, on the pool deck or adjacent grounds.
• Lap swimmers must be 8 years old or older, be at a Level 4 Red Cross swim class and have an active swimming license. All lap swimmers must swim continuously and share lap space when necessary.
• No diving, front flips, back flips, back dives, or twists allowed from the side of the pool.
• No glass, rocks, or sharp objects in and around the pool or locker rooms. No tempered glass swim masks.
• Please refrain from unnecessary screaming/yelling or purposely distracting the lifeguards.
• For-profit instruction in or on District property is not allowed without written permission from BIMPRD staff.
• Please respect Bainbridge Island Recreation Center equipment. Do not sit or hang on the lane lines. Instructional equipment is meant for instruction only, not play. Inquire with the lifeguard as to what equipment is allowed for specific activities.
• Large floatation devices and certain outside toys are not permitted in the pool at the lifeguard’s discretion. No inflatables will be allowed.
• Personal headsets or earbuds are welcome if the volume is not disruptive to others. No personal speakers or stereos allowed.
• Please be courteous and share lounge chairs by occupying a lounge chair for a maximum of two hours. Normal chairs and lounge chairs may not be closer than 8 ft from the pool edge and may not block a walkway.
• Please clean up after yourself. Place your garbage in the bins available and equipment back to the storage containers.
• In an emergency call 911. Emergency phones are located at the front desk or lifeguard office. The first aid kit and AED are located in the lifeguard office and at the front desk.

BIRC Steam Room/Sauna Rules

• Must shower before entering.
• Children 12 years of age and younger are not allowed to use the steam room or sauna.
• People that have been sick, have heart disease, diabetes, high/low blood pressure, other medical conditions and women who are or may be pregnant are advised to consult a physical before using the steam room or sauna.
• No street shoes; water shoes and sandals only. For sanitary reasons, please use towels or wear a swimsuit when using sauna. No workout clothing or non-breathable materials.
• Food or drink is not allowed in this space. Water must be contained in resealable non glass, shatterproof container.
• Do use not use the steam room or sauna if under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Admission may be refused for those appearing to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Do not pour or place items, including water, or any other type of liquid on the sauna heater or rocks. Do not use scented oils. Patrons may be responsible for any damage to the sauna or steam room.
• Please be considerate of others space.
• Please take caution when moving up to elevated seats.
• Shaving is not permitted in the sauna or steam room.
• Electronic devices including cellphones, tablets, and speakers are not allowed in the steam room or sauna.
• Please limit your sauna and steam room time to 15-minute periods. Exit immediately if feeling dizzy or overheated. No exercising is allowed.