Participant Information

Lap Swim  •  Open Swim  •  Family Swim   •  Disabled Swim

  • Lifeguard instructions and requests must be promptly obeyed and followed. Lifeguards have the authority to make any decisions not specifically covered in the posted rules.

  • Lifeguards reserve the right to administer a swim test to any individual. Patrons must demonstrate their swimming ability before entering deep water. 

  • Proper ID required -- UCard that scans valid or guest pass. Guest must have sponsor with recreation membership. Sponsor must check in at the same time as the guest and remain in the facility with the guest.

  • Patronts must be at least age 6 to use the pools. Patrons ages 6-17 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult sponsor with recreation membership or guest pass.

  • Patrons must take a cleansing shower before entering the pools. Patrons with skin diseases, open or infected wounds, inflamed eyes, discharges from the nose or ears or any communicable disease are PROHIBITED from entering the pools.

  • Proper swimwear/bathing suit is required. Prohibited attire includes shorts, cutoffs and yoga pants. Swim caps are optional.

  • Only bare feet or slip-resistant aquatics footwear is permitted on the pool deck. 

  • Personal belongings should be secured in a locker. The pool deck must be kept clear. 

  • Typically lanes 1 & 2 are for slower swimmers, lanes 3 & 4 for medium-faster swimmers, lanes 5 & 6 for fast swimmers. Use the lane that best fits your general speed.

  • To avoid accidents when entering an occupied lane, please receive the first swimmer's acknowledgement that you are there before you enter the pool.

  • Two swimmers in a lane can split the lane in half or use circle swimming. When 3 or more swimmers are in a lane, use a counter-clockwise circle swimming pattern around the black line on the bottom of the pool. 

  • Follow proper procedures for pool use. Rough play and inappropriate activities, such as running and pushing, are not permitted in the pool, deck area and locker rooms. 

  • Diving boards and starting blocks are not permitted to be used. No diving in the shallow end from the pool deck. Diving from the pool deck is permitted only in the deep end during open swim. Flips or diving backward from the pool deck is not permitted. 

  • Hyperventilating (rapid, deep breathing) before swimming underwater and/or breath-holding contests are not permitted. 

  • No spitting, spouting water, nose blowing, or discharging bodily wastes in the pools.

  • Do not sit or hang on the lane lines. 

  • Use of starting blocks and diving boards is not permitted. 

  • Face masks and snorkels are not permitted. Patrons are permitted to use goggles, training fins and hand paddles. 

  • Return Recreation & Wellbeing equipment (i.e. kickboards, pull buoys) to proper storage location. 

  • No food, drink (water permitted) or gum. Only non-breakable containers are permitted in pool areas and locker rooms. 

  • The pools are substance-free facilities. Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, steroids and nicotine/tobacco products are not permitted in pool areas and locker rooms.

  • Unauthorized use of photography/videography is not permitted during recreation swim time.

  • Any person deemed unsafe and/or not adhering to the rules will be asked to leave the pool area and building. 

  • Lightning/Thunder Policy -- Although Boyden and Curry Hicks have a lightning protection system, including the pool structure being bonded and grounded, there is still a possible risk of shock through the underground metallic network and large surface area of the water. The National Lightning Safety Institute and the American Red Cross recommend closure of indoor pools during an electrical storm. When the first lightning strike is seen and thunder strike heard, the pool area shall be evacuated for a period of no less than thirty minutes. Patrons should move to a safe area free from contact with water, plumbing or electrical circuits. Patrons should not take showers or remain in locker rooms as water and metal can conduct electricity. Pools will re-open 30 minutes after the last lightning strike is seen and thunder heard.

Lap Swim

See recreation schedule for lap swim times.

  • All swimmers must adhere to pool rules. 
  • Patrons should enter the pool at the shallow end. 
  • Typically lanes 1 & 2 are for slower swimmers, lanes 3 & 4 for medium-faster swimmers, lanes 5 & 6 for fast swimmers. Use the lane that best fits your general speed.
  • To avoid accidents, when entering an occupied lane, please receive the first swimmer's acknowledgement that you are there before you enter the pool.
  • Two swimmers in a lane can split the lane in half or use circle swimming.
  • When 3 or more swimmers are in a lane, use a counter-clockwise circle swimming pattern around the black line on the bottom of the pool. 
  • Patrons age 6-17 are not permitted during lap swim. Patrons age 6-17 are permitted during family swim only.

Open Swim

See recreation schedule for open swim times.

  • All swimmers must adhere to pool rules. 
  • No diving in the shallow end. Diving is permitted in the deep end during open swim. Flips or diving backward from the pool deck is not permitted. 
  • Lane dividers are removed. If there is a demand for lap swim, lane lines can be put in.
  • Patrons age 6-17 are not permitted during open swim. Patrons age 6-17 are permitted during family swim only. 

Family Swim

See recreation schedule for family swim times.

  • Each family member must have a valid UCard with recreation membership or guest pass receipt. Recreation membership is payable at Member Services in the Recreation Center.
  • Patrons must be at least age 6 to use the pools. Patrons age 6-17 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult (age 18+) sponsor with recreation membership or guest pass. 
  • All swimmers must adhere to pool rules.
  • Patrons must demonstrate swimming ability before entering deep water. Swimmers with beginning skills must remain in the shallow end of pool.
  • UMass students, faculty and staff are permitted to use pools during family swim time.

Disabled Swim 

At Boyden, disabled swimmers or swimmers with special needs can use the PAL (portable aquatic lift). The lift can be locked into position on the side of the pool in the shallow end. The lift is capable of independent operation by the person with the disability; however, lifeguards can assist the patron as necessary, including getting on and off the lift and lowering the patron into the water.

These expectations & procedures are to ensure the safety of all participants. Failure to comply with these expectations & procedures and with the lifeguard’s request may result in loss of privileges to use the pools.