General Rules

To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all members and guests, we ask that everyone using the facilities at The Willows Swim Club follow these general rules:

General Safety & Conduct:

  • Risk of Injury: All persons using the Club’s facilities do so at their own risk. The Willows Swim Club is not responsible for any accidents, injuries, or loss of property due to theft or fire.
  • Speed Limit: Please observe a 5-mile-per-hour speed limit on pool property, and park only in designated areas. The entrance walk must remain clear at all times for emergency access.
  • Bicycles: All bicycles must be locked and parked in designated bike racks. Bicycles are not permitted to be ridden on the pool property.

Cleanliness & Equipment:

  • Cleanliness: Members are responsible for keeping all areas, including the pool, tables, grassed areas, recreational spaces, pavilion, toilets, and dressing rooms, clean. Please dispose of trash properly and help us maintain the club’s welcoming atmosphere.
  • Carriages & Playpens: Strollers, carriages, playpens, and similar items must be stored in designated areas only and must be clearly marked with the owner’s name. These items are not permitted on the pool deck at any time.
  • Recreational Equipment: Members are required to return all recreational equipment (e.g., tennis rackets, shuffleboard gear, etc.) to the office once they’ve finished using it. A deposit will be required at the time of checkout and will be refunded upon return of the equipment.

Lost & Found:

  • Lost Items: Lost articles will be placed in the designated Lost & Found area. Items will be displayed regularly along the fence. All unclaimed items will be disposed of at the end of the season.

Suggestions & Complaints:

  • Feedback: Any suggestions or complaints should be submitted in writing to the Pool Managers or to the Willows Swim Club Board of Trustees for review.

Violation of Rules:

  • Enforcement: Violations of these rules, including those related to conduct, use of equipment, or personal behavior, may result in suspension of pool privileges without a refund, as determined by the Board of Trustees.

Tennis Court Reservations:

  • Reservations: Tennis court reservations can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Reservations may be made in person or by phone. Please do not leave reservation requests via voicemail. Courts are available for general use if not reserved in advance.

Club Information:

  • Activities & News: The schedule of activities and other club news is available on the club website at www.WillowsSwimClub.com.

Rule Updates:

  • Changes: These rules and regulations may be revised or new rules added at any time by the Rules Committee or the Board of Trustees. The Pool Manager has the authority to modify, void, or otherwise change existing rules for safety or operational reasons.

Personal Conduct

For the comfort, enjoyment, and safety of all members, we ask that you adhere to the following rules and guidelines:

General Pool Rules:

  • Diapered Children: Children who are not toilet trained must wear swim diapers, and a bathing suit must cover the diaper at all times.
    • Non-toilet-trained children are restricted to the Kiddie Pool unless they are wearing a swim diaper, in which case they may enter the Main Pool with a parent present, who must remain within arm’s reach.
    • Families who violate this rule may be barred from club entry for a period determined by the Board of Trustees.
  • Uncontrolled Toilet Habits: Children of any age with uncontrolled toilet habits must be accompanied by an adult to the toilet facilities at all times.
  • Cleaning Before Pool Entry: All sand and excessive dirt must be removed from persons and/or equipment before entering the pool to ensure the cleanliness and safety of the water.
  • Health Restrictions: Admission to the pool may be denied to anyone showing signs of:
    • Skin disease
    • Sore or inflamed eyes
    • Nasal or ear discharges
    • Any communicable disease
    • Excessive sunburn, open blisters, cuts, or bandages
    • Anyone suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be prohibited from entering the club.
  • Horseplay & Rough Behavior: Running, splashing, shoving, dunking, and other rough or rowdy behavior that could affect the safety or comfort of others is not permitted.
  • Proper Pool Etiquette: Spitting, expectorating, spouting water, or blowing your nose in the pool is strictly prohibited.

Cleanliness & Facility Use:

  • Toilet Facilities: The cleanliness of the restrooms is critical for the health and safety of all members. Any defacing or misuse should be immediately reported to the Pool Manager.
  • Facility Cleanliness: Users of the furniture, bathrooms, changing areas, pavilion, and lawn areas are responsible for leaving them neat and clean. Please dispose of all refuse in the proper containers. We encourage recycling, so please use designated containers for aluminum cans.
  • Animals: No dogs or other animals are allowed inside the pool enclosure, except for Seeing Eye dogs.
  • Food & Drinks: Eating is not permitted on the concrete apron surrounding the pools. Glass containers are also prohibited on club grounds.
  • Appropriate Swimwear: All bathers must wear appropriate bathing attire. Cut-offs, underwear, or non-swimwear clothing are not permitted. Foot coverings, such as shoes, are not allowed on the pool apron.

Diving Tank & Pool Use:

  • Diving Tank Restrictions:
    • Children under the age of 10 must pass a swim test administered by a pool staff member before using the diving tank.
    • The diving tank is for diving only and can only be accessed from the diving boards. Non-diving activities are prohibited in the diving tank.
    • Swimming or bathing is prohibited during an electrical storm.

Behavioral Expectations:

  • Profanity & Abusive Behavior: Profanity, improper behavior, abusive language, and vulgar remarks are strictly prohibited.
  • Safety: Running, pushing, or engaging in any rough or dangerous activity inside the pool enclosure is not allowed.
  • Ball Playing: Ball playing is only allowed in designated areas. Playing ball in the pool will be permitted at management’s discretion.
  • Kiddie Pool Supervision: Children in the Kiddie Pool must be supervised by an adult at all times. The Kiddie Pool is for children up to 6 years old.

Additional Guidelines:

  • Changing Diapers: Please do not change diapers in public areas. Do not allow young children to walk around without clothing.
  • Diving Safety: Diving is allowed only in designated areas, and only from the diving boards in water that is at least five (5) feet deep.
  • Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are not permitted on club property.
  • Handicap Parking: Handicap parking spaces are reserved for handicapped registered vehicles only. Violators will be subject to fines as determined by South Brunswick Township. The Pool Club is not responsible for any fines incurred.

 

Use of Equipment

To ensure the safety of all members, please follow these guidelines when using equipment at The Willows Swim Club:

General Equipment Use:

  • Ropes, Buoys & Ladders: Hanging on, sitting on, or playing with ropes, buoys, or ladders is strictly prohibited.
  • Swimming Accessories:
    • Fins and other swimming accessories may only be used with the permission of the Pool Manager.
    • Artificial flotation devices (such as rubber balls, inner tubes, water wings, air-inflated toys, mattresses, and metal objects) are not permitted in the Main Pool, except during designated raft hours or raft nights.
    • Coast Guard-approved flotation devices (such as Puddle Jumpers) are allowed in the Main Pool, provided that a parent is in the water and remains within arm’s reach of their child at all times.
  • Lifeguard Stations: Climbing on lifeguard stations is only permitted by authorized personnel.
  • Emergency Equipment: Emergency equipment should be used only by lifeguards. First Aid equipment should be used only by qualified, authorized personnel.

Diving Board Rules:

  • Swimming Test: Children must pass the deep water test in order to use the diving board.
  • One Diver at a Time: Only one person is allowed on the diving board at any given time.
  • Diving Board Access: Divers must mount the diving board only by ladder.
  • Waiting for the Diver: A diver must wait for the previous diver to move to the poolside ladder before proceeding.
  • Bouncing: Only one bounce is allowed on the diving board before diving.
  • Diving Direction: Divers must dive straight out from the front of the diving board. Backwards diving is not permitted.
  • Exiting the Board: After diving, the diver must swim to the nearest ladder to exit the pool.
  • Swimming in the Diving Tank: Swimming in the diving tank is not allowed.
  • Hanging on the Diving Board: Hanging onto the diving board is prohibited.

Diving Safety Guidelines:

  • Extreme Care Required: Diving into the pool must be done with extreme care. It is important to be aware of the pool bottom’s shape to avoid striking it. If unsure, ask the manager or lifeguards for guidance.
  • Shallow Dives: Divers should make shallow dives with a gentle trajectory to avoid injury.
  • Proper Dive Form: Before diving, extend hands and arms overhead, with palms facing forward. Keep arms extended throughout the dive.
  • Water Depth: Untrained divers must ensure that the water is at least 5 feet deep before diving.
  • Diving Technique: Divers must dive straight forward from the diving board. Avoid steep or risky dives that could result in injury.
  • Serious Injury Risk: Improper diving, particularly into shallow water or without proper form, can result in serious injuries, including paralysis or death.