On your first visit to the Y, plan a few extra minutes to finalize the details of your membership. 

• Bring your photo ID if you are age 16 or older. 
• We’ll take your photo for our records.
• Everyone on your membership will get a membership card.
• Bring your health insurance card if your membership is paid for by your insurance.
• If you plan to work out, bring a lock and a towel.
• Dime lockers are available near our Welcome Center at our East Side Branch for small items such as wallets and keys. We even provide the dimes!
• Please ask us questions if you have them. We’re here to help!

For the safety of our members, we ask that everyone check in at the Welcome Center.

• As a member, please scan your membership tag each time you visit the YMCA. If you forget your tag, please stop at the Welcome Center so that we can check you in.
• Visitors, guests and community participants must check in, show photo ID, complete a waiver and sign our visitors’ log. Please make sure you leave a few extra minutes so that your guest can complete a release form.
• Registered sex offenders are not welcome at the YMCA. Our computer software scans our database and compares it to the registry on a regular basis. If a member is identified as a registered sex offender, the member will be terminated without refund.

When you join the Wallingford Family YMCA, you are joining a community, not just a gym. We want to ensure that you are getting the most out of your membership, and we are here to help you do just that! Here are some quick links to help you settle in:

• Our mobile app will enhance your membership experience and will help to keep you on track with your workouts. Download our Mobile App for iPhone or Android to find a class, track your workouts, enter challenges, receive notifications, and more! 
• Our social media sites are a great way to connect and to learn more about our community. Check out the links above to follow us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
• As a charitable organization, we invite you to become more involved in our mission by volunteering, by participating in our programs, or by becoming a sponsor to help members in need.

If you have questions or comments at any time, we welcome you to contact us. Your feedback helps to ensure that we meet the needs of our members and our community. We look forward to seeing you at the Y!

Membership Temporary Freeze – Memberships can be on hold at no charge for up to 3 months per year, and for subsequent months for a nominal charge. Complete a membership change form; must be completed by the 10th of the month prior to the next draft date.

Membership Terminations – To terminate a membership, complete a Membership Exit Survey by the 10th of the month to terminate your membership before the next draft date. Forms are available at our Welcome Center or by contacting us. Membership dues are non-refundable.

Draft Changes – Complete a draft form. We advise that you do not send financial information via email.

Other Membership Changes – To make other changes to a membership, complete a membership change form. For membership downgrades, change form must be completed by the 10th of the month prior to the next draft date.

Remember to let us know when your contact information or billing information changes so that you can continue to enjoy your membership without interruption.

We are proud to offer Y Wellness 24/7, an online platform providing over 150 live classes per week and 100s of classes on-demand, as an added benefit of your membership. The platform is through a special collaboration with 44 YMCA associations from across Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia! 

Led by over 50 nurturing and motivating YMCA instructors, the live and on-demand classes include choices such as cycling, Tai Chi, dance jam, country heat, cardio sculpt, bootcamp, and licensed classes such as RUMBLE, PIYO and TURBO KICK. Plus, senior classes such as ZUMBA GOLD, Better Balance, Senior Circuit, and more! Additionally, you can access 1000s of classes on the nationwide BurnAlong platform including training, mindfulness, nutrition, and stress management for all ages. 

We are so excited to be a part of this partnership that will provide you with all of these great virtual options as part of your membership. Y Wellness 24/7 is now your virtual wellness platform, available to you anytime from anywhere.  

Get full details and access new & returning user logins at ywellness247.org.

EAST SIDE FACILITY USE

Children age 12 and older may use the YMCA without a parent/guardian with the exception of the Fitness Center.

Children 8-11 years old must have a parent/guardian in the YMCA building.

Children 7 and under must have a parent/guardian in the program area.

WEST SIDE FACILITY USE  

Children 11-12 years old may use the facility only under the DIRECT SUPERVISION of a parent/guardian.

Children 13-14 years old may use the facility after completing our Teen Fitness Orientation OR under the DIRECT SUPERVISION of a parent/guardian.

Locker Rooms: Available for ages 13 & up. Children 11-12 years old must be accompanied by a parent. Members age 18 and up may use the steam room and sauna. Additional restrooms are available near the basketball court, in group exercise, and in child watch.

FITNESS CENTER

Children 11-12 years old may use the fitness center only under the DIRECT SUPERVISION of a parent/guardian.

Children 13-14 years old may use the fitness center after completing our Teen Fitness Orientation OR under the DIRECT SUPERVISION of a parent/guardian.

We want to make sure members of all ages are using our fitness facilities safely and effectively. We offer a free FIT Assessment for members if you are interested.

We offer options for guests who wish to visit more frequently:

• One day pass: $10 (age 18+) – $5 (under age 18)
• Guest pass cards: $90 for 10 visits – $150 for 20 visits

Guest passes are valid for one full day, and may be used at either of our Wallingford Family YMCA branches.

Guests under the age of 16 MUST be accompanied by an adult at our East Side Branch.

Guests must present a photo ID, complete a release form, and be processed in our database, so please leave some extra time. Guests under the age of 18 must have a release form that is signed by a parent or guardian.

As a Nationwide Member, you now have the added value of visiting Ys across the United States and Puerto Rico. There are a few guidelines to know and follow when you travel:

• Visit ymca.net before you travel to make sure the Y you intend to visit participates in Nationwide Membership. More than 2,500 Y locations participate.
• You must have an active membership to be eligible for Nationwide Membership.
• On average, at least 50% of your visits must be to your Home YMCA (the local association that enrolled you and collects your membership dues).
• If you have known periods of seasonal travel (when you will not be using your Home Y at least 50% of the time or will be a resident of another area for more than 28 days), you will need to place your Home Y membership on hold or cancel it, and join the Y where you will be living for that time period. Please plan ahead, as it may take several weeks to place your account on hold.
• If you are a college student, you will need to join the YMCA where your usage is 50% or greater. Nationwide Membership is based on individual usage, not the family unit. Most Ys have a young adult or college membership option or you can ask about the financial assistance program.
• Most YMCAs require a photo ID for all visitors. Please bring a photo ID with you for a seamless customer experience.
• You will be asked to sign a waiver when visiting other YMCA locations.
• Nationwide membership applies to Full Association memberships only. Silver Sneakers and Silver & Fit members are not eligible. Other restrictions may apply.

We offer Nationwide Membership because we want to help you reach your health and wellness goals wherever you live, work or travel. This is an essential part of our cause of strengthening communities. We look forward to your visit and hope you enjoy being part of more YMCA communities.

At the Wallingford Family YMCA, we expect staff, members, volunteers and guests to act in accordance with our mission and values at all times by behaving in a mature & responsible way and by respecting the rights & dignities of others. This is to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone in our facility and/or participating in our programs.

At the Wallingford Family YMCA, we demonstrate Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility by:

• Speaking in respectful tones
• Refraining from the use of vulgar or derogatory language
• Dressing appropriately for the YMCA program area or event
• Never wearing clothing that reveals undergarments or contains offensive wording
• Resolving conflicts in a respectful, honest and caring manner
• Never resorting to physical contact or threatening gestures
• Never carrying or concealing a weapon or anything that may be used as a weapon
• Respecting the property of others
• Never engaging in theft or destruction
• Picking up after ourselves and one another, including returning fitness equipment to the proper place
• Cooperating with staff
• Complying with all health and safety procedures

The YMCA is a drug, alcohol, smoke and vape-free facility. Smoking, vaping, alcohol or drug use and/or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol on the premises is prohibited. No alcohol will be allowed on the premises unless at a sanctioned YMCA event.

Members and guests are encouraged to be responsible for their personal comfort and safety. Anyone who feels unsafe or uncomfortable should report the situation to a staff member. We will make every effort to investigate and resolve issues promptly, confidentially and effectively.

The YMCA reserves the right to cancel the membership of any member or to suspend visitation privileges of any guest who does not follow the Code of Conduct at any time while on-site at a branch or during participation in any Y affiliated program or event, regardless of location. Staff members may define what is considered a breach of the Code of Conduct and will ask the violator to leave. All reported incidents will be reviewed by the Executive Director or designate, and the decision to suspend or terminate YMCA membership or visitation privileges will be made at the discretion of the Executive Director or designate.

ADMITTANCE

Everyone entering the building must stop at the Welcome Center. Members must scan cards. Visitors, guests and community participants must check in, show photo ID, complete liability waiver and sign visitor’s log. All members, community participants & guests must have their photo taken for our membership database. 

Registered sex offenders are not welcome at the YMCA. Our computer software scans our database and compares it to the registry on a regular basis. If a member is identified as a registered sex offender, the member will be terminated without refund.

CAMERA & CELL PHONE USE

Video recorders, cameras or any other visual recording devices are not allowed within the YMCA without the expressed consent of the Executive Director. Some cellular phones have the capacity to take pictures and video. We have zero tolerance for anyone taking pictures or videos of another person without their permission.

Cell phone usage is not allowed in locker rooms in accordance with the Video Voyeurism Prevention Act of 2004. Members and guests cannot make or take cell phone calls while in the fitness center.

The Wallingford Family YMCA reserves the right to take pictures and video of its participants for brochures, publications, our website and other marketing purposes. If you would prefer not to be photographed, please stop by the Welcome Center and let us know in writing.

LIABILITY

Each person, as a member or visitor, is solely responsible for any personal injuries or losses sustained while on any YMCA property or during any YMCA sponsored activities.

At the YMCA, we believe the best way to prevent behavior issues is by providing quality programming. We strive to build strong character values using the YMCAs four core character values (Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility). We hope that most instances of behavior management can be handled and solved appropriately with verbal warnings by staff members. After our initial efforts have failed, we will contact parent(s)/guardian(s) for additional assistance.

In the event that a member or guest is unable to adhere to the YMCA policies (as outlined in the Membership Application and Release Forms), the following action steps will be put into effect:

MINOR MISBEHAVIORS

Being loud and disruptive to the membership as a whole, using profanity, wrestling, being disrespectful to friends, staff and/or other members, using a part of the facility in a way it was not intended, etc…

FIRST OFFENSE

• YMCA staff will have a conversation with the member/guest regarding behavior expectations
• A note will be put in the member/guest’s profile in Daxko

SECOND OFFENSE

• The member/guest will be asked to take a break from the Y for one day
• A note will be put in the member/guest’s profile in Daxko

Additional steps if under 18

• YMCA staff will contact the parents of the member/guest
• The parent/guardian will be expected to pick the member/guest up immediately
• If a parent/guardian is not available, the member/guest will be expected to sit in the lobby until a parent/guardian is available

THIRD OFFENSE

• The member/guest will be asked to take a break from the Y for one month
• A note will be put in the member/guest’s profile in Daxko

Additional steps if under 18

• YMCA staff will contact the parents of the member/guest
• The parent/guardian will be expected to pick the member/guest up immediately
• If a parent/guardian is not available, the member/guest will be expected to sit in the lobby until a parent/guardian is available

FOURTH OFFENSE

• Membership and/or guest privileges will be revoked
• A Low Priority Alert will be put in the member/guest’s profile in Daxko

Additional steps if under 18

• YMCA staff will contact the parents of the member/guest
• The parent/guardian will be expected to pick the member/guest up immediately
• If a parent/guardian is not available, the member/guest will be expected to sit in the lobby until a parent/guardian is available

ZERO TOLERANCE BEHAVIORS

The following negative behaviors are unacceptable and require arrangements for the member/guest to be picked up upon receiving knowledge of the behavior. Any of these behaviors will also require a meeting (parent meeting if under 18) with the Membership Director and/or the Executive Director to determine whether privileges will be revoked:

• Possession or drugs, drug paraphernalia, alcohol, cigarettes, or weapons
• Aggressive physical contact (hitting, punching, pushing, kicking, etc.)
• Theft or vandalism
• Endangerment to self or others
• Inappropriate intimate contact with other members/guests
• Verbal threats to other members, guests or staff

PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT ALL BEHAVIORAL SITUATIONS ARE VERY DIFFERENT FROM ONE ANOTHER AND MAY REQUIRE MORE SPECIFIC ACTIONS OR EARLIER CONSEQUENCES BASED ON THE SEVERITY OF THE BEHAVIOR(S).

PERSONAL TRAINING POLICY

Outside personal trainers are not allowed to conduct their services within the Wallingford Family YMCA. Personal Training at the YMCA is restricted to only those individuals who are specifically employed by the YMCA for this purpose.  Any participant observed or assumed to be personal training a member within the facility, who is not employed as a YMCA personal trainer, will have their YMCA privileges suspended or revoked.

GROUP EXERCISE CLASS RESERVATIONS

Group Exercise Class reservations are for members.  Nationwide members & guests are welcome to take the class on a first come, first served basis. Sign ups start 1 day in advance, e.g., if you want to sign up for Tuesday 9:00 AM Spin, you can call Monday at any time. You may only register yourself & family members for class. Staff members cannot hold spots or automatically pre-register you for a class. Your reservation will be held until the start of class.

CLASS CANCELLATIONS

All programs have a set minimum number of participants needed for the program to run. The minimum for all youth classes is 3 participants. The minimum for Red Cross courses is 4 participants. If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the instructor has the authority to cancel the class or program. If the YMCA cancels a class, a 100% refund will be given.

REFUNDS

If the YMCA cancels a class, a 100% refund will be given. Program fees are fully refundable if withdrawal from a class occurs due to a doctor-documented illness. A voucher may be issued in lieu of refunds and is valid for one year. If withdrawal from a class occurs for any reason after the first class, a 50% refund or credit may be issued. No refunds will be issued after the second class. All refunds are subject to program director’s approval.

The following rules are for the safety of all members. Please remember that the lifeguard is the sole authority of the pool and is responsible for enforcing the rules below:

• A lifeguard must be on duty for members to enter the pool. A ratio 25:1 (25 patrons to 1 lifeguard) is strongly enforced.
• All persons are required to take a cleansing soap shower before entering the pool.
• Persons with communicable diseases or open sores are not allowed in the pool.
• Pool users must wear swimming suits or swimming trunks upon entry to the pool. Clothing such as cutoffs, gym shorts and underwear are not permitted in the pool. Swimwear should not have been worn for exercising immediately prior to pool use, must be colorfast and of lightweight material suitable for swimwear (such as Lycra, Spandex or nylon); no cotton material/clothing permitted in the pool. A clean t-shirt may be used for modesty or medical  reasons.
• Individuals with hair longer than shoulder length must have it tied back. Use of a bathing cap in this case is strongly recommended.
• No food, drink or gum chewing is allowed in the pool area except plastic water bottles. Absolutely no glass on the pool deck.
• Children ages 7 years or under are not permitted on the deck at any time unless accompanied by a parent/guardian or YMCA staff person. If under the age of 12, parents/guardians are required to be in the YMCA building.
• ADULT OPEN is for swimmers ages 18+ who would like to water walk, stretch, etc., whereas OPEN swim is for swimmers of any age. LAP swimmers must swim laps.
• Each individual wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) must be within arm’s reach of a parent/guardian (18+) or YMCA staff member. There shall be no more than two children in PFDs to one adult.
• All PFDs shall be U.S. Coast Guard approved and it shall be stamped on the PFD.
• PFDs or the use of any flotation device may not be used in water deeper than five feet in the Lap Pool or past the blue line in the Teaching Pool unless accompanied by a YMCA staff member. 
• Specialized equipment such as fins, kickboards, pull buoys & snorkels are permitted in lap lanes only. Glass snorkels and full face snorkels are not permitted.
• Use of toys & noodles is at the discretion of the lifeguard on duty.
• Use of inflatable devices (boats, rafts, arm floaties, etc.) is not allowed in the pool.
• No person shall behave in such a manner that jeopardizes the health & safety of himself/herself or others.
• Spitting, spouting water, blowing the nose or discharging bodily fluid in the water or onto the pool deck is strictly prohibited
• No prolonged underwater swimming for any time or any distance. Breath holding is not permitted.
• No back dives, twists or flips are permitted off the side of the pool or the diving blocks. Diving and jumping is permitted only in the deep end near the starting blocks. Patrons should otherwise enter via ladders or the stairs. Diving blocks shall only be used during swim lessons and swim team unless prior permission has been given to the participant by aquatics management staff.
• Hanging on the lane lines, railings or stairs is prohibited.
• Any person wishing to swim in the deep end of either the lap or teaching pool must pass a mandatory swim test without support. This shall include jumping into the water above the person’s head, swimming 1 lap of front crawl and 1 lap of backstroke continuously, and treading water for 30 seconds.
• Rolling strollers are not permitted on either pool deck. 
• The use of cell phones is not permitted on either the pool deck or the observation deck. Photos and videos may not be taken of the pool area or program participants without expressed written consent from the Aquatics Management Team.
• The Wallingford Family YMCA reserves the right to alter this list or limit activities to protect members and guests.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

During times of inclement weather, the Wallingford Family YMCA will make decisions regarding facility and program changes as soon as possible, with safety in mind. Facility closures and changes to our regular schedules will be posted on our website and our Facebook page, we will send a push notification through our mobile app, and we will update the facility status message on our phone system (call 203-269-4497 and press “7” for facility status).

The YMCA will make every attempt to make up classes for programs that have additional fees other than membership, but make-ups are not guaranteed.

HOLIDAY HOURS & CLOSURES

Our facilities may have shortened hours or may be closed on holidays, in order to allow employees and members to enjoy time with family and friends.

FACILITY IMPROVEMENT WEEK

Shutdown happens once a year and allows us to repaint, refresh and perform regular maintenance.  With over 700 people visiting each day, sometimes it’s hard to keep up! This time allows us to deep clean and improve the Y.

While the West Side Branch is shut down, we encourage members to visit our East Side Branch. While the East Side Branch is shut down, the Welcome Center will be open for registration and questions Monday to Friday from 9:00AM-5:00PM, but all program areas are CLOSED.

POOL STORM CLOSURE

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 and Connecticut State Law.

• We monitor storms that are in our area using the latest technology and visual confirmation. When we are first aware of thunder or lightning in the area, pool activities will be suspended and all aquatics facilities will be evacuated. The distance from a facility to a thunderstorm can be five to eight miles away, but lightning can strike from a much farther distance. 
• The entire pool area, including any showers, saunas and steam rooms, will be closed for 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning strike. Current policies are based on best practices and require that the entire aquatics facility be closed. 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 the metallic network may include shocks elsewhere.
• All programs will be cancelled including swim team, swim lessons and water aerobics classes. We do our best to provide make-ups for paid programs on a later date but they are not always guaranteed based on pool and instructor availability.