YMCA Weather Policies

At the Y, your family’s health and well-being is our primary concern. That’s why we adhere to the following safety procedures when thunder, lightning and other signs of inclement weather strike near one of our pools.
These procedures are recommended by the National Lightning Safety Institute, Redwoods Insurance Group and Jeff Ellis & Associates Risk Management.

• When we are first aware of thunder or lightning in the area, pool activities will be suspended for 30 minutes and all aquatic facilities will be evacuated. Aquatic facilities will be reopened when we receive notification that the storm is at a safe distance from the facility. The distance from a facility to a thunderstorm can be five to eight miles away, but lightning can strike from a much farther distance.

• We monitor storms that are in the area using the latest technology and visual confirmation.

• The entire pool area, including any saunas, steam rooms or whirlpools, will be closed. Current policies are based on best practices identified by Jeff Ellis and Associates and Redwoods Risk Management and require that the entire aquatics facility be closed. This includes saunas and steam rooms that are in close proximity to the YMCA. Swimming pools are connected to a much larger surface area via underground water pipes, gas lines, electric wiring and telephone wiring. Lightning strikes on the ground anywhere on this metallic network may include shocks elsewhere.

• All programs will be cancelled, including swim team, swim lessons and water aerobics classes. Paid programs will be rescheduled for a later date. Please check with a staff member for more information on programs that are rescheduled.