Policies and Procedures

The City of Wentzville is committed to providing guests at the aquatic facilities a safe and healthy pool environment for their enjoyment. Our highly experienced staff works hard to ensure that the aquatic facilities are well maintained and that safety standards are met. Even with the best plans and practices, the best maintained pools can experience the spread of germs. Here are steps guests can take to ensure that does not happen:
● Guest who have been ill or had diarrhea within the last two weeks should take a break and get fully recovered before attempting to swim.
● Guests should avoid purposely swallowing pool water.
● Guests should shower with soap before swimming to ensure no germs or contaminants are placed in the pool.
● Guests should take frequent bathroom breaks, check diapers often and change diapers in the restroom.

The City is working in partnership with the CDC and other metro agencies to educate the public about water safety. Learn more at www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming. A complete list of pool rules may be obtained at the front desk of each pool. Please observe these rules. They are strictly enforced for your safety. To help us provide a safe and healthy experience for everyone using this aquatic facility, we ask that all guests to the aquatic facilities comply with the following rules/policies:

General Information
1. Admission Fees. All guests must pay the daily fee or have a season pass; this includes guests just watching.
2. Minimum Age. Children ages 10 and younger won’t be admitted without an adult or legal guardian present.
3. Diapers/Swim Diapers. Swim diapers are required if a child is not toilet trained. Diaper changing is prohibited on
the pool deck and restrooms with changing facilities are provided. Anyone needing to purchase a swim diaper can do so at the facility.
4. Walk. Guests must walk and not run while moving around the facility.
5. Showers. For sanitary reasons, it is suggested that guests always shower with soap before entering water.
6. Floatation Devices. For everyone’s safety, unapproved flotation devices, masks, snorkels, and fins are not allowed.
7. Personal Property. Guests are responsible for their own personal property. Lockers are provided for securing your belongings. Wentzville Parks and Recreation is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
8. Illnesses/Open Sores. Guests with open wounds, sores, stitches, eye infections, colds, nasal or ear discharges, skin/body infections and/or wearing band aids are not allowed in the facility. Guests who are ill with diarrhea or vomiting may not enter the facility until they are symptom free. All guests must be free from diarrhea for 14 days prior to returning to an aquatic facility.
9. Diving. Diving is allowed in designated areas only. Any jumping should be made straight out into the pool.
10. Diving Boards. Only one person at a time on diving boards. Running, back flips, back dives and twirls are not permitted when jumping from a diving board. No playing on or around the ladders.
11. Deep Water. Lifeguards may exclude anyone from the deep water who has not demonstrated sufficient ability to swim.
12. Lane Ropes. Ropes are intended to mark specific areas of the pool. Hanging on, sitting on or climbing over the lane ropes is prohibited.
13. Horse Play. Any games endangering the swimmers or sunbathers are prohibited. Rough play and excessive noise are not allowed in the facility. No pushing, shoving or throwing people from the deck. No pushing, dunking, or splashing due to risk of injury.
14. Language. No profanity or abusive language is allowed. Patrons will be asked to leave the facility without a refund.
15. Food & Drinks. No outside food or drinks may be brought into the facility. Infant food in plastic containers are the only exceptions. Food and drink purchased at the concession stand must be consumed in the designated concession eating area. Tobacco products, chewing gum, and alcoholic beverages are not allowed on the premises.
16. Smoking. Smoking and/or use of tobacco products, including but not limited to, tobacco-free chew, electronic cigarettes, or any other product of this nature is prohibited inside the park.
17. Water Bottles. Guests may bring their own empty water bottles. No glass containers are allowed.
18. Maximum Capacity. For everyone’s safety all pools have a maximum capacity of swimmers. Admission is based upon a first-come, first-served basis, with no exceptions. Season pass holders are NOT guaranteed admittance when pool is at capacity.
19. Animals. No animals are allowed in the facility except for registered service animals.
20. Photos/Videos. Guests wishing to take pictures/videos must get permission from the manager. Cameras and recording devices are not allowed in the restrooms or changing areas.
21. Trash/Litter. Leave no trace and put litter in its place.
22. Toddler/Wading Area. The Toddler Area is reserved for children age four and under and must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
23. Behavior Toward Others. Guests are prohibited from any action that disrupts or obstructs a City event, program or activity. This includes behavior deemed to make others (participants or staff) feel uncomfortable.
24. Swim Lessons. Private swim instruction and commercial programming without an approved agreement is prohibited. Parents may instruct their own children.
25. Lifeguards. Do not lounge or loiter near the lifeguard stands or talk with lifeguards while they are on-duty. Questions should be directed to Managers unless there is an immediate safety issue.
26. Facility Management. Aquatic Managers and lifeguards have full authority to enforce rules needed to ensure the safety of all guests.
27. Rule Changes. Additional rules are posted throughout the facility. Our staff can change, modify or add rules as deemed necessary for safety.
28. Violations. Failure to adhere to any of these rules or instructions from lifeguards may result in removal from the facility and no refunds will be issued in these cases.
29. Revocation. The City of Wentzville reserves the right to revoke any annual pass that has falsified information on the application. Annual passes may also be revoked or suspended for not abiding by the facility rules or staff instructions.
30. Refunds/Rain Checks. No cash refunds will be given. Rain checks will be issued when the pool has been cleared and has remained clear for at least 60 minutes after the Manager on Duty has made the announcement to exit the pools. The aquatic facilities will remain open until the Manager on Duty makes the decision to close for the day. After 60 minutes, guests can receive a rain check to visit the park on a different day during the season. Guests MUST present their receipts for all individuals wanting to receive a rain check. Guests requesting a rain check MUST have been in the park for less than 2 hours to receive a rain check. There is a time stamp on the
receipts; this is why patrons must keep their receipts. A rain check will expire on the last day of the season and is only redeemable at the aquatic facility from which the check was received. There will be absolutely no refunds. This policy applies to public swim times only.

ADA Statement
1. Accommodation. The City of Wentzville is committed to making reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
2. Equipment. Wheelchairs and other such equipment needed to aid persons with a disability are allowed inside the pool. Lifts and aquatic rated wheelchairs are provided at each facility – check with the manager.

Rules And Regulations For Group Use Of City Pools
1. Supervision. Adequate supervision is required. One leader per eight children. Supervisors must be in the water with the group to assist with supervision. Brief individuals in your group of all pool regulations.
2. In Processing. Have your group line up in single file. Pool cashiers need a count of all group participants. Have money collected from the group prior to arrival at the pool. Present admission fees to cashier upon arrival. Provide the cashier with the name of the person in charge of the group, as well as site and telephone number.
3. Out Processing. It is the group’s supervisor’s responsibility to take an accurate count of the group before exiting the facility.
4. Arrival & Departures. Arrive and depart on time and only as scheduled.
5. Cancellations. Inform the management staff of cancellations as soon as possible.
6. Reporting Issues. Problems should be referred to the Aquatic Supervisor or Head Guard.
7. Wading Pools/Tot Areas. Groups cannot utilize the wading pools due to the limited size.
8. Swim Tests. For your safety, lifeguards may require swimmers to demonstrate their swimming ability before entering deep water. Any child under the age of 9 who cannot pass the swim test for deep water will require the adult to be in the water with them.
9. Be Ready. Locker rooms are intended for our users and are not a play area. Bring children dressed to swim.

Schedules
Regular and alternate schedules will be posted at individual aquatic facilities. For your safety, aquatic facilities may
have alternate hours of operation due to:
1. Authorized special events;
2. Inclement weather;
3. Unsuitable swimming conditions or safety conditions;
4. First or final weeks of operation related to schools being in session and staffing issues;
5. Low attendance.
Inclement Weather Procedures & Facility Closures
1. Authority. Aquatic facility managers have full authority to clear water and decks during inclement weather.
2. Shelter. Designated safety areas must be used during inclement weather if guests wish to stay inside the facility.
3. Safety Closures. The facility may close, or it’s use limited, because of weather, operational difficulties, or overcrowding at the discretion of management.
4. Weather Impacting Opening Facility. If inclement weather prevents us from safely opening the facility at scheduled time, we will attempt to open them two (2) hours later that day. Before you leave home, please check the Rainout Line for the most updated information on pool opening/closings.
5. Weather Closures After Opening.
    A. Rain. In all cases, the aquatic facility will be closed immediately when lifeguards are unable to see the bottom of the pool. In these cases, the facility will remain closed and reevaluated in fifteen (15) minute intervals. In case of lightning, the pool will remain closed for 30 minutes after the last sighted bolt.
     B. Thunder/Lightning. The facility will be closed immediately when lightning is sighted or thunder is heard. The facility will remain closed until thirty (30) minutes after the last indication of thunder or lightning.
    After the facility has been closed for one (1) hour the Manager on Duty has the option to close the facility for public swim for the rest of the day (Please see the Rain Check Policy for more information).
6. Cold Weather Closures. Public swim sessions will be cancelled for the day when the air temperature is not at least 70 degrees, one hour before the scheduled opening of the aquatic facilities.

Closures Related to Low Attendance: Operating aquatic facilities requires that the City staff be good stewards of the taxpayer’s resources. If there are less than 20 swimmers for an hour, the Aquatic Manager has the authority to close the facility. If a facility closes due to periods of low attendance, guests may receive a rain check if they have been in the facility for less than 2 hours. Guests must present their receipts for all individuals wanting to receive a rain check. There is
a time stamp on the receipt to verify 2 hours of usage or less. The rain check will expire on the last day of the pool season and is only redeemable at the aquatic facility from which the check was received. There will be absolutely no refunds.

Swimming Attire Policy:
The current City of Wentzville Aquatic Facility Appropriate Attire requirements are as follows:
1. All persons in the pool must have on proper swim attire.
2. Appropriateness of clothing, coverage or swimwear is up to the discretion of the staff.
3. All infants/toddlers that require a diaper must wear swimmer diapers and proper swimwear.
4. Clean T-shirts or other clothing items may be worn over swimsuits for modesty, religious or medical reasons, but first must be approved by the aquatic manager and may not interfere with the safety of the guest in the water.
5. Only proper swim attire allowed — no street clothes will be permitted. NO EXCEPTIONS!
6. The following attire is not allowed at city aquatic facilities:
     A. “Street clothes,” undergarments, sports bras, Brazil/French-cut, thong style and/or revealing swim wear, cut-off jeans, jeans, skirts, basketball shorts, leotards, leggings, dri-fit wear.
     B. Swim wear that becomes see through when wet is not allowed and considered indecent.
     C. Underwear and undergarments are not allowed to be worn under swimsuits.
7. Patrons will sometimes ask us, “Why do I have to wear proper swimwear?” Here are a few reasons as to why it is important to only wear proper swim attire in the pool.
     A. Street clothes (especially cotton) can transport airborne and ultimately water borne contaminants into the pool.
     B. Lycra and Nylon are the best non-absorbent material for swimming and are the best fabrics for proper swim attire.
     C. Other absorbent materials (such as cotton) can break down in the water and cause fibers to clog filters.
     D. Any “colored” 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.
     E. 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.
8. Guest who do not follow the City of Wentzville’s Swimming Attire Policy will be asked to change into appropriate clothing. If no clothing is readily available to the guest, they may leave the facility and come back the same day free of charge. NO REFUNDS will be given if a guest chooses not to return to the facility.

Life Jackets, Flotation Devices & Toys Policy
1. Coast Guard Approved. Coast guard approved devices must have a readable label such as the following:
2. Life Jackets.
A. Only Coast Guard approved flotation devices are accepted at the pool, but are not a substitution for supervision.
B. Non-swimmers may use properly fitted coast guard approved life jackets under direct supervision.
C. Participants in life jackets may not be in water greater than 5 feet.
D. Lifejackets are available for public use in the lifeguard room.
E. Lifejackets may not be worn on the tower slide, diving boards or while demonstrating skills for the swim test.
3. Allowed Devices/Toys. US coast guard approved floatation devices, diving toys, bottled water and soft pool toys.
4. Prohibited Devices/Toys. NO mermaid tails, beach balls or sports balls, outside good or drink, non US Coast Guard-approved flotation devices, coolers, water guns or pool noodles are allowed.
5. Direct Supervision. Direct supervision is defined as an adult within arm’s length of the non-swimmer. All children using floatation devices, mask-style goggles, and children ages 8 and under must be supervised by an adult at all times while in the water. Therefore, they both need to be in the water.

Water Slide Rules
1. The water slides are for experienced swimmers only. Children must be able to exit the slide and reach the wall unassisted.
2. Only one rider at a time may be on the slide or in the catch pool.
3. Catching or assisting someone off the slides is not allowed.
4. Each water slide has a height requirement based on the manufacturer’s requirements. These heights are posted at the base of the slide tower in each aquatic facility.
5. Each water slide is designed with a 300-pound weight limit for each rider.
6. Riders may not wear or have any jewelry or metal ornamentals that could be cause injury to the person or damage to the slide.
7. Swimwear with exposed zippers, buckles, rivets, or metal ornamentation is not permitted.
8. The lifeguard will issue the signal when the next rider can start their ride.
9. Riders must enter the feet first, sitting or lying on their back. Riders shall not run, dive, stand, kneel, rotate or stop on the slide. Riders must keep their arms and legs inside the slide at all times.
10. Riders must promptly exit the splash pool.
11. Flotation devices, toys, or eyewear, of any sort, are not permitted on the slide.
12. For safety reasons, pregnant women and people with heart conditions or back problems should not ride the slide.

Staff Training
Throughout the summer, lifeguards are required to maintain a certain level of proficiency with their skill sets. In service training is training conducted in and out of the water at all aquatic facilities to maintain “rescue readiness.” Guests will see lifeguard staff practicing skills like CPR, standing up in the lifeguard stands, performing training drills and periodically entering the water.

To help our lifeguard staff in their training, here are a few things guests can do:
1. Be aware that staff use training devices such as mannequins and silhouette outlines in and out of the water. If you see one of these devices, please leave it where it is. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, please tell the closest lifeguard.
2. Lifeguard staff use whistles for many reasons, and guests will be able to hear different patterns in the whistles. Lifeguards use this to communicate with each other and with guests. If you hear a whistle, stop what you are doing and look at the closest lifeguard for instructions.
3. As a part of their training curriculum, our lifeguards practice their skills during open swim. This may include closing a small portion of the pool for a short time and practicing using equipment like the immobilization backboard. If you see this, please be courteous and allow the lifeguards to complete their training.
4. Our lifeguards train hard and train often. Thank them for their service!

Lost & Found
1. Lost and Found items will remain at the facility that they were lost for approximately a week. After a week, all lost and found items will be transported to Progress Park (968 Meyer Rd.) where they will be stored for approximately two additional weeks before the items are either donated or turned over to the police department depending on the value of the item.

Private Rentals
1. All rules above will be enforced during all after hour private rentals. Renting a City of Wentzville Aquatic Facility does not allow the guest or renter to create, break or change any of the rules listed.

Aquatic Facility Weather Policy:
The Aquatic Facilities at Wentzville Parks and Recreation will be closed for the following weather related reasons:

Lightning or Thunder – If lightning is sighted or thunder is heard then the pool will be closed immediately and will remain closed until 30 minutes after the last indication of thunder or lightning. Every 15 minutes the weather conditions will be re-evaluated. If the pool has been closed for over an hour then the Manager on Duty has the option to close the pool for remainder of the day. Opening of the facility may be delayed due to storms.

Temperature – To open the aquatic facility for recreational swim the air temperature must be at least 70 degrees by one hour before scheduled opening time. If it is not 70 degrees by one hour before scheduled opening time we will reassess one hour after scheduled opening time. If at that time the air temperature is not 70 degrees the pool will remain closed for the day. If the air temperature reaches 70 degrees by one hour after scheduled opening time, the pool will open two hours after scheduled opening time.

Rain – The aquatic facility can be open during rain but must be closed immediately if the lifeguards are unable to see the bottom of the pool. The facility will remain closed for 15 minutes and then will be reevaluated for visibility. If the facility has been closed for over an hour then the Manager on Duty has the option to close the facility for remainder of the day.

Tornado Warning – During a tornado warning all pool patrons must enter the respective restroom or leave the facility. If a patron is under the age of 18 and is without a guardian they must enter their respective restroom. Once in the building, patrons will follow the instructions given by the pool staff on how to perform tornado procedures. The pool will be closed immediately and will remain closed until 30 minutes after the last warning.

Aquatic Facility closings are at the discretion of the Manager on duty, Aquatic Supervisor and/or the Director. Wentzville Parks and Recreation has the right to close aquatic facilities due to weather forecasts.  All closings will be communicated through the Rain-Out Hotline ((636)322-6020). Signs will also be posted at the front gate of closed facility.

Rain Check Policy:
Rain checks will be issued when the pool has been cleared and has remained clear for at least 60
minutes after the manager on duty has made the announcement to exit the pools. The aquatic facilities will remain open until the Manager on Duty makes the decision to close for the day.
After 60 minutes, guests can receive a rain check to visit the park on a different day during the season. Guests must present their receipts for all individuals wanting to receive a rain check. Guests requesting a rain check must have been in the park for less than 2 hours to receive a rain check. There is a time stamp on the receipts; this is why you must keep your receipt. A rain check will expire on the last day of the season and is only redeemable at the aquatic facility that the check was received from. There will be absolutely no refund.

Low Attendance Policy:
During periods of low attendance, Wentzville Parks and Recreation has the right to close facilities or various attractions and/or pools within the facility. If a facility closes due to periods of low attendance, guests may receive a rain check if they have been within the facility for less than 2 hours. Guests must present their receipts for all individuals wanting to receive a rain check. There is a time stamp on the receipts; this is why you must keep your receipt. A rain check will expire on the last day of the season and is only redeemable at the aquatic facility that the
check was received from. There will be absolutely no refunds.

Program Weather Policy:
Every effort will be made by Wentzville Parks and Recreation to hold programs (Examples: Swim
Lessons, Aqua Classes, special events) that start and end during the aquatic facility’s adjusted hours. Aquatic programming cancellations are at the discretion of the Manager on duty, Aquatic Supervisor and/or the Director.

Rain-outs will be communicated through the Rainout Hotline. Depending on the program there will be a make-up day or refund granted. All decisions concerning make-ups and refunds are at the discretion of the Manager on duty, Aquatic Supervisor and/or the Director.

Play and Court Rotation

1. Court use will be first-come, first-serve unless otherwise designated for a special program, activity or event.
2. Limit warm up time to no more than five minutes.
3. Games are played by eleven points, win by two.
4. Waiting players will place their paddle in the “paddle saddle” (left-to-right).
5. Court play is a full rotation system. After each game, both teams exit the courts and new teams replace them.
6. Peak Play Rules (apply when courts are full and players are waiting):
   1. No singles play is allowed.
   2. Court time limited to one game played to eleven, win by one.
   3. If more than 20 players are waiting, games will be played to nine, win by one.
   4. If there are less than four players waiting, the suitable number of players will stay on the court to fill the court with four players.
7. As soon as a game is completed, Exiting Teams must announce “Open Court” to inform waiting teams to begin readying themselves to enter the playing area.
8. Exiting teams wishing to play again may place paddles in the first available opening in the “Paddle Saddle” (left-right).
9. Only one paddle per player is allowed in the facility. Players on the court may not have a paddle in the saddle.
10. Even if you have more than four people in your group, you must still rotate on/off courts after one game.
11. When stacking paddles, if you put less than four paddles in a spot on the paddle saddle you are inviting others to place their paddles with yours and join your game.
12. Challenge courts are not allowed.

Etiquette

1. All courts are open to all skill levels.
2. Remain in the waiting area, outside of the fenced playing area while you are waiting your turn to play. Do not congregate anywhere inside the playing area.
3. Players should monitor their status and be ready to play when their turn is up.
4. When it is your turn to play, please wait until players have exited the court before entering. Player bags should remain out of the playing area.
5. Do not move paddles in the “paddle saddle”. Paddles should be clearly identifiable with names.
6. Pickleball is only a game and it’s meant to be social. Please allow others to rotate into your group.
7. If a ball is out and it’s on your side, call it out. If it’s close, give the benefit to your opponent. Players should not make calls for their opponent’s side of the court.
8. Never ask for (nor accept) line calls from spectators.
9. When the players on the opposing team are unequal in skill, avoid playing to the weaker player to score points. Play the stronger player equally.
10. Do not criticize other players’ performance or technique.
11. Acknowledge the other team before leaving a game.

Safety and Courtesy

1. Courts are only for pickleball play. No bikes, skateboards, inline/roller skates, baseball or softball, frisbee, hockey, soccer, etc.
2. Do not sit, swing, stand on, or “hop over” the net.
3. Only nonmarking rubber sole court shoes may be worn on the courts.
4. Food and drinks (except water) are prohibited inside of the fenced playing area.
5. Gum or glass containers are not allowed inside of the fenced playing area.
6. Smoking, vaping, or tobacco use are prohibited in the park.
7. Keep the courts, seating, and waiting areas clean.
8. Pets or other animals are not allowed inside the fenced playing area.
9. Unsportsmanlike conduct and profanity will not be tolerated.
10. Report any maintenance concerns to parksprojects@wentzvillemo.gov

Court Scheduling
The Recreation Division of the Wentzville Parks and Recreation Department manages use of this community facility. In order to serve the growing demand for access to pickleball venues scheduling will include a balance open play and scheduled recreation programming. For more information email fun@wentzvillemo.gov.

1. The City of Wentzville shall have priority use for City and/or City-sponsored activities including clinics, leagues, lessons, tournaments, etc.
2. No individual, group, club, or organization shall occupy courts for lessons, clinics, leagues, or tournament play without prior written permission from the Parks and Recreation Department. Applications must be submitted at least 60 days prior to request dates of play.
3. Only accredited teaching professionals who have been approved and authorized by the City of Wentzville as contracted instructors are permitted to conduct lessons or clinics. Anyone who desires to be an authorized instructor may contact the Parks and Recreation Department.