1. Potomac Woods Swim and Tennis Club (PWSC) will not assume any responsibility for injuries or damage resulting from failure by members, guests or others to abide by pool rules.

2. Violations of the pool rules may lead to the loss of PWSC privileges.

3. PWSC may occasionally take photographs of the pool grounds and its members for purposes of marketing and promotion, or for use on its website or in its publicity materials. By entering PWSC, you grant permission to use your likeness and your family member’s likeness in photograph, video and any other digital media.

4. Individual members shall not take cell phone photographs of any other members or pool guests without such individual’s knowledge and consent, except at swim meets or other special events.

5. Members and their guests must check in at the front desk before entering the pool grounds.

6. Members are responsible for and must accompany their guests at all times.

7. The cost of any damage to the pool or property will be charged to the responsible person, including damage by a member’s guest.

8. PWSC is not responsible for personal property left on pool grounds.

9. Smoking and vaping is not permitted on pool grounds.

10. Food, beverages and other refreshments shall be consumed in the prescribed areas only. Trash shall be disposed of in the designated garbage and recycling bins.

11. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on pool grounds, except as authorized by the Board of Directors for special events.

12. Glass containers are not permitted on pool grounds at any time.

13. Pets are not permitted on pool grounds.

14. Children 11 and under must be under the supervision of a parent or authorized caregiver aged 14 or older at all times while on pool grounds.

15. No person shall enter the pool grounds without the express permission of the PWSC Board or Pool Manager except during normal operating hours.

Health and Safety

1. Any person who has a communicable disease or infectious illness may not enter the pool area. Persons with a disability not normally apparent, ex. epilepsy, must inform the Pool Manager or lifeguard on duty.

2. Persons not toilet-trained (incontinent) must wear a swim diaper that is covered by tight-fitting rubber pants when on the pool deck or in either pool, in accordance with Montgomery County Health Department regulations. If a diaper becomes soiled, it must be replaced before remittance to the pool will be allowed.

3. Only swim attire may be worn in the pool. Hard sole shoes are prohibited on the pool deck.

4. Disruptive, unsafe and/or hazardous behavior on PWSC property is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, running on the pool deck, pushing, wrestling, dunking, unsafe jumping and diving, abusive or profane language, spitting, blowing nose in pool, causing a disturbance and failing to follow the instructions of the lifeguards or Pool Manager.

5. The Pool Manager and lifeguards have the authority and discretion to take whatever action reasonably necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals at the pool at all times. This authority includes, but is not limited to, removing persons from the facility if necessary. These behaviors will not be tolerated and can be cause for suspension of pool privileges.

6. All injuries and accidents on PWSC property must be reported immediately to the Pool Manager.

7. Lifeguard chairs are off limits to everyone but the lifeguards.

8. Conversing with pool lifeguards and staff should be limited to matters of safety or function of the pool and should not be conducted while a lifeguard is actively guarding the pool.

9. All swimmers must leave the pool during electrical storms.

10. The pool operators may designate a period during each hour, not to exceed fifteen minutes, that all persons under the age of 16 will be required to leave the pool for a rest period.

11. Chairs and chaise lounges must be at least 5 feet from the side of the main pool.

12. Swimmers are required to use showers before entering the pool.

Pool Rules

General Pool Safety

1. Children who are in water wings, vests, or life jackets must be within an arm’s reach of an adult while in the pool.
2. Children using any flotation devices are not permitted in the diving well.
3. No inner tubes, rafts, or large flotation devices are allowed in the pool.
4. Running, pushing, horseplay, and other unsafe behavior are not allowed on the pool deck or in the pool.
5. Diving is prohibited in any section of the pool less than five feet deep.
6. Diving and jumping into pool sections five feet deep or greater are limited to standing front dives and jumps—no flips, backward dives, or spins.
7. No diving, jumping, or hanging on the lap lane ropes.
8. The lifeguard on duty has full authority to enforce pool rules and may close areas or adjust activities based on safety concerns.

Diving Area & Slide Rules

Use of the diving board and slide area is permitted only in a safe and appropriate manner, as determined solely by the lifeguard(s) on duty. Failure to comply with lifeguard instructions may result in loss of diving/slide privileges.

The diving board, slide, and diving well are located in the deep end of the pool. For safety, access to these features is limited and regulated as follows:

General Requirements

• Children must have a valid swim test wristband to use the diving board or slide—no exceptions.
• Goggles are not permitted when using the diving board or slide.
• Children using flotation devices are not permitted in the diving well at any time.

Diving Board

1. One person is allowed on the diving board or ladder at a time.
2. Only one bounce on the diving board per diver
3. After diving, swimmers must immediately swim to the nearest ladder and exit the pool.
4. The next diver may not proceed until the previous swimmer has reached the ladder or exited the pool.

Slide

1. One person is allowed on the slide at a time. The next person in line must wait until the previous swimmer has reached the ladder or exited the pool before proceeding down the slide.
2. All riders must go down the slide feet-first—no head-first or kneeling positions.
3. No spraying or splashing water from the top of the slide.
4. After entering the water, swim immediately to the ladder nearest the slide and exit the pool.

Diving Well (“Open Well”)

• The diving well may only be used for swimming when both the diving board and slide are closed, and only under direct supervision of the lifeguard on duty.
• This is referred to as “Open Well” time.
• Open Well availability is entirely at the discretion of the lifeguard and may be adjusted based on pool conditions or staffing.

Ball Play, Water Games & Flotation Devices

1. Ball play and water games are permitted only at the discretion of the Pool Manager and may be restricted when the pool is crowded.
2. Inner tubes, rafts, and similar large flotation devices are not permitted, unless specifically authorized by the Pool Manager.
3. Single foam pool noodles are permitted, provided they are used in a safe and respectful manner. Noodles should not be used for horseplay or to interfere with other swimmers.
4. All games must be non-disruptive and safe for all participants.

Swim Test Policy

Swim tests are required for all children 12 and under who wish to:

• Swim unaccompanied beyond the shallow area (defined as any area beyond the second rope in the shallow end).
• Use the diving board or slide.

Swim Test Process:

• Swim tests are administered during adult swim periods.
• Upon arrival, notify the front desk that a child needs to take the swim test.
• A lifeguard will meet the child and guardian at the shallow end of the lap lanes during adult swim.
• To pass, the child must:
  • Swim a half-lap (without assistance or touching lane ropes or pool edges),
  • Tread water for 30 seconds (without submerging or grabbing the wall),
  • Swim back to the starting point.

Additional Swim Test Guidelines:

• Children who pass will be given a wristband to wear while at the pool.
• Guests who pass the swim test will be logged and given a temporary wristband for their visit.
• Wristbands must be worn to use the diving board or slide. No exceptions.
• If a child does not pass, they may still enter deeper water only if accompanied by an adult (in the water or within arm’s reach at the edge).
• There is no limit to how many times the test may be taken.
• Passing the test is at the sole discretion of the lifeguard and is valid for the current swim season only.

Birthday Parties & Guest Swim Tests

1. All party guests 12 and under must pass the swim test to swim unaccompanied beyond the shallow area, and to use the diving board or slide.
2. It is recommended that guests needing the swim test arrive in time for the adult swim period prior to the party to ensure they can be tested and receive a wristband.

Parties

Party Rules and Reservations can be found here

General Tennis Rules

Court Rules