RESPECT THE POOL SAFETY RULES (posted at the pool) and instructions from the lifeguards.
DO NOT DISTRACT THE GUARDS. Refrain from socializing with the guards on duty. The guards try to be polite, but it is uncomfortable for them to ask an adult to not distract them. Please remind children of this as well. The guards have important responsibilities and duties and must be alert for problems that may arise.
NON-SWIMMING CHILDREN (who cannot safely swim on their own) are not permitted in the pool unless accompanied by an adult at all times in the pool. Floating devices, “swimmies”, vests, noodles, etc., are not substitutes for a responsible adult in the pool. Parents share the responsibility for the safety of their non-swimming children. A Coast-Guard approved lifejacket is recommended for smaller children or weak swimmers in the main pool. An adult must be present in the baby pool area with any child using the baby pool.
SWIM TEST: Lifeguards must be informed by an adult if a child is to be considered a swimmer and allowed in the deep end of the pool. The lifeguard shall have the child perform a swim test at a time designated by the guard who will determine if the child successfully completes the test. At any time a lifeguard may determine that a child may require direct adult supervision in the shallow areas of the pool.
OBJECTS IN THE POOL: THE FOREMOST CONCERN IS SAFETY!!!
Rafts and foreign objects are permitted only in the shallow end at the discretion of the guards. (Some rafts are too large for the guards to see around). You may be asked to remove these during periods of heavy pool usage. No items (balls, noodles, toys, etc.) are allowed in the deep end by children or adults.
Any child left alone at the pool must be at least 13 years old and must demonstrate the ability to swim, must be able to follow pool rules and obey the directions of the lifeguards. Permission forms allowing an unsupervised child to be at the pool must be signed by a parent/guardian. Older children are not permitted in the “baby pool” during adult swim.
DIAPER CHANGING AND DISPOSAL: Changing diapers in the Baby Pool area is prohibited by the Health Department. Regulations require this to be done away from all pool areas. Changing tables are available in both bathrooms as a convenience. Do not use picnic tables or lounge chairs to change diapers. Do not rinse items or your hands in the pool after changing diapers.
PARTIES AT BHSC: Make your requests at least two weeks in advance to the pool President (Summer Carden, 410-507-2665) who will discuss the date, guard coverage, and guidelines. Parties will be limited to 15 people for this summer and will be $150 for 3 hours. Before the party Please inform your guests that they must follow the Pool policies listed above. Please, remember that alcoholic beverages are not to be brought into the pool areas in marked or unmarked containers.
ADULT SWIM: There is a 15 minute adult swim called at every 45 minute to the top of the hour. At times (if necessary) all patrons may be asked to exit the pool during this time. Children may not sit on the edge of the pool with their feet in the water during adult swim.
DIVING WELL: Dives from the diving board must always be done so that you enter the water in a forward direction away from the board. Only 1 person on the board at a time, individuals must wait until the person prior reaches the wall. The deep end area will alternate between diving and open swimming (for activities such as games). On even hours the diving board will be open, on odd hours the diving board will be closed for open area swimming. During open area swimming grabbing or hanging from the board will not be permitted.
NON-SWIMMING CHILDREN (who cannot safely swim on their own): are not permitted in the pool unless accompanied by an adult at all times in the pool. Floating devices, “swimmies”, vests, noodles, etc., are not substitutes for a responsible adult in the pool. Parents are responsible for the safety of their non-swimming children. Any worn floatation devices must be Coast-Guard approved with a supervising adult within arms reach. The baby pool is for children 5 and under only, and a supervising adult must be present in the baby pool area at all times.
NON-POTTY TRAINED CHRILDREN: are permitted to use any pool, but must wear a swim diaper and cover shorts at all times. Regular diapers of any kind are not allowed in the pools at any time. If any accident should occur the pool will be closed following all CDC protocols before re-opening.
FOOD OR DRINK: is not allowed in/near the pool (standing/sitting on the pool edge). Alcohol of any kind is NOT allowed on the premises, this includes alcohol in non-alcohol containers. Smoking or Vaping is NOTallowed in the pool area or within any fenced in areas of the grounds.
THUNDER/LIGHTNING: In the event of thunder/lightning the lifeguard will whistle for everyone to exit the pool. Everyone must exit the grounds and either wait in the bathrooms, their cars or go home for thunder/lightning to pass. Individuals cannot wait around the pool, or on the tennis court during thunder. The pool will be open after 30 minutes of non-activity has passed.