Pool Rules & Policies

Age & Supervision Rules

• Children ages 10 and younger will not be admitted without an adult or legal guardian present.
• All minors over the age of 10 may utilize Aquatics facilities provided they are mature enough to display proper conduct and abide by all rules of use. Please refer to the Aquatics Unattended Minors Policy.
• All children using flotation devices, mask-style goggles with snorkel, and children ages 8 and under must be supervised by an adult at all times while in the water.
• If the child is in the pool, the parent/guardian must also be in the pool within arm’s reach.
• If children age 8 and under can demonstrate sufficient swimming abilities through a swim test, they may be eligible to receive a wristband to identify them as a swimmer, giving them the ability to swim in the pool without a parent/guardian.

View the Aquatics Unattended Minor Policy

Rules & Prohibited Activity

• Do not run.
• Always shower with soap and water before entering any swimming pool.
• Keep food in designated areas, out of the pool and locker rooms.
• Only proper swim attire allowed — no street clothes will be permitted.  NO EXCEPTIONS! Click here for more information on the swimming attire policy.
• No smoking on premises.
• No diving in undesignated areas.
• No glass containers allowed in the pool area.
• No swearing, cursing, or disrespectful language.
• No excessive displays of affection.
• No horseplay (pushing, shoving, wrestling).
• Only balls designed for Aquatic play permitted (i.e., no tennis balls, footballs, racquetballs, etc.).
• Do not distract or visit with Lifeguards.
• Always obey Lifeguards.
• Follow any additional rules posted specific to each facility for lap swimming, diving, and/or water slides.
• Patrons shall not engage in any illegal activity.
• Harassing, fighting, assaulting, or threatening people will not be tolerated.
• Excessive use of foul language is not allowed at City Aquatics facilities.
• It is unlawful to engage in or solicit any sexual act in a City facility.
• Theft, damage, or destruction of City property or the property of others is prohibited.
• Carrying weapons of any type is not allowed on City Aquatics facility grounds.
• Patrons or members of the public are not allowed into staff areas without staff approval or knowledge.

The City of Albuquerque Aquatics Division has developed the above Aquatics Facility Rules of Use to help ensure the safety and security of Aquatics patrons and staff.  Rules of use are additionally established to promote a comfortable and enjoyable aquatics experience for all.  Persons who violate the Facility Rules of Use are subject to removal from the premises and/or suspension of their Aquatics Facility privileges, or, when appropriate, City security or police intervention .  

Water slide rules:

1. Wait for a lifeguard to signal your departure.
2. Feet first, face up, no twisting or turning over.
3. One person at a time- Adults may not ride holding children.
4. Persons using slide must be able to exit on their own no catching.
5. Exit catch area promptly.
6. If you wear eyeglasses they must be securely fastened to your head.
7. No exposed zippers, buckles, or rivets are allowed on the slide- No jean shorts or cut offs allowed.
8. Caution: Pregnant women or people with heart or back problems should not ride the slide.

The policy for the slide dispatch states that lifeguards should only allow individuals to use the slide if the rider is at least 42 inches tall and can swim unassisted. If the rider is shorter than the 42 inches, they can ride the slide as long as they can demonstrate that they can swim on their own. Also, if someone is taller than the minimum required height and they appear hesitant, the lifeguard at the top of the slide will signal to the lifeguard at the bottom of the slide that the rider may need assistance. If a rider is unable to exit the slide without assistance, they will not be able to ride the slide again during that pool visit.  

Rules & Regulations For Group Use Of City Pools

• Adequate supervision is required. One group leader per 5 children ages 8 and younger, and/or one group leader per 10 children ages 9 and older. Supervisors must be in the water with the group to assist with supervision.
• Have your group line up in single file. Pool cashiers need a count of all group participants.
• Take an accurate count of the group before entering and exiting.
• Have money collected from the group prior to arrival at the pool. Present admission fees to cashier upon arrival.
• Brief individuals in your group of all pool regulations.
• Provide the cashier with the name of the person in charge of the group, as well as site and telephone number.
• Arrive and depart on time and only as scheduled.
• Inform the pool of cancellations as soon as possible.
• Problems should be referred to the Pool Supervisor or Head Guard.
• Groups cannot utilize the wading pools due to the limited size.
• Bring children dressed to swim.

Download a printable version of the Group Use Rules and Regulations

Swimming Attire Policy

The current City of Albuquerque Aquatics requirements are as follows:

• All persons in the pool must have on proper swim attire.
• All infants/toddlers that require a diaper must wear swimmer diapers and proper swimwear.
• Clean t-shirts and shorts are allowed on the pool deck, however patrons must have on proper swim attire underneath.
• The following attire is not allowable swimwear:
  • Street clothes, Brazil/French-cut, thong style and/or revealing swim wear, cut-off jeans, jeans, skirts, basketball shorts, leotards, leggings, dri-fit wear.  Underwear and undergarments are not allowed to be worn under swimsuits.

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.

1. Street clothes (especially cotton) can transport airborne and ultimately water borne contaminants into the pool.
2. Lycra and Nylon are the best non-absorbent material for swimming and are the best fabrics for proper swim attire.
3. Other absorbent materials (such as cotton) can break down in the water and cause fibers to clog filters. Clothing shouldn’t be overly baggy or made of heavy materials such as denim or wool. These can become water logged and heavy, making it difficult to swim or float.
4. 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.
5. 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

Lap Swim Guidelines

Lap Swimming at all pools will be on a first come first serve basis. As of July 1, 2021 we will no longer make reservations for lap swimming. Please follow the below guidelines while lap swimming at a City pool.

1. If there is an empty lane, swim in it
2. Find a lane that matches your ability. Let others know you are entering
3. If another swimmer is faster, do not push off in front of them
4. If a swimmer taps your foot, please let them pass
5. Avoid the center of the wall while resting
6. Avoid wide strokes in crowded pools
7. Be considerate of lap mates when swimming intervals
8. Please be nice

Suspension of Aquatics Services Policy

View the Suspension of Aquatics Services Policy

Aquatics Unattended Minor Policy

The City of Albuquerque Aquatics Division (Aquatics) fully commits to the safety and service of all who use our City Aquatics facilities. Safety is the number one goal and Aquatics strives to be prepared, alert, and aware to ensure the well-being of all patrons. It is important to prevent accidents and provide care to the best of our abilities and training as appropriate to every situation. Service to children is also a high priority of Aquatics. Children are welcome and are encouraged to participate in Aquatics programs. However, busy public access swimming pools are not safe places for children to be left alone. Aquatics staff are not licensed caretakers and are not responsible for a child’s wellbeing, behavior, and/or discipline. Parent supervision is highly recommended for minors of all ages. This policy has been established to provide a safe and positive environment for children who use the City of Albuquerque Aquatics Facilities.

Policy

Responsibility for the welfare and behavior of children in City Aquatics facilities rests with the parent/legal guardian or assigned caregiver. The Aquatics staff will enforce safety rules and provide correction but does not provide care or supervision of children.

• Children eight (8) years of age and younger must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian at all times and within arm’s reach while in the water. Therefore, the parent or legal guardian must be in the water as well. If a child can demonstrate sufficient swimming abilities through a swim test, said child can swim in the pool without a parent/guardian or caregiver. A caregiver must be eighteen (18) years or older (sixteen (16) years or older if a relative of the child or a group leader with a child care or day camp type organization).
• Children ten (10) years of age and younger must have a parent/legal guardian or caregiver present at the Aquatics Facility. If a parent/legal guardian or caregiver of any child age ten (10) or under cannot be contacted or located, the Aquatics facility will ask the Albuquerque Police Department or City Security to intervene.
• Children aged eleven (11) and older may be left unattended provided they are mature enough to stay alone and observe proper conduct. Disruptive children will be required to leave the Aquatics facility. Children are subject to the same rules of conduct as other Aquatics patrons, and the same consequences apply, including suspension from use of Aquatics facilities or intervention by Albuquerque Police Department or City Security. The possibility that such consequences may be imposed should be considered when deciding whether or not to allow your child to use an Aquatics facility without parental supervision.
• Staff will consider children left unattended in violation of this policy as endangered, and they will be referred to the Albuquerque Police Department for intervention or other appropriate action.
• Regardless of age, the parent or legal guardian does not need to be present for City of Albuquerque Learn-to-Swim programming with the exception of Parent-Tot classes.

Medical Emergencies

When staff recognize a medical emergency, they will activate the facility emergency action plan. Staff will attempt to contact the parent or legal guardian for consent for treatment. If parent or guardian is not present and cannot be reached, consent will be implied. Aquatics staff will respond to their level of training and will notify EMS for life-threatening situations. Aquatics staff will not assume any responsibility for the treatment or transport of a child in medical distress.

Pool Closing & Incident Report

If the Aquatics facility is closing and the parent or legal guardian of an unattended child cannot be reached, the Aquatics staff will call the Albuquerque Police Department. A minimum of two staff will remain with the child until the police arrive and staff will document the situation with an incident report.