The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) operates indoor pools year round.  Outdoor pools and spray parks open across the District for the summer. DPR wants to remind all adults, children, youth, and families to swim safe while using DPR pools.  

Please review and follow these important pool safety tips and rules.

Pool Admission Policies

• Pool users must abide by all posted rules and lifeguard directives. Failure to do so can result in ejection from the facility.
• All patrons must sign in and show ID.
• Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult of 18 yrs and over at all times.
• Children under the age of 6 must be accompanied by an adult – in swim attire - at all times, and within arms length of the adult when in pool. One adult can only accompany a maximum of 2 children under the age of 6. One adult can only accompany a maximum of two children under the age of 6.
• All parents with children age 3 and up must use Gender Appropriate Locker Rooms/Family Changing Rooms.
• The actions and conduct of an organized group are the responsibility of the group leader(s). Misconduct of individuals may result in dismissal of the group.
• Appropriate swim attire is required in pool area.
• No pets are allowed in pool premises – except guide dogs - and only on deck, not in pool.
• Persons with open wounds, rashes, nasal discharge, inflamed eyes or bandages are not allowed in pool.
• Persons who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted in the pool or in the surrounding area.
• Persons on medication must have authorization from their physician to swim.
• Infants/children not toilet trained and incontinent adults must wear swim suit diapers or snug plastic pants under their swim suits. Diapers (cloth and disposable) are prohibited.
• Food consumption and glass containers are prohibited on premises.
• No bicycles or strollers allowed on pool deck.
• No weapons.
• No smoking.

Pool Rules

• No swimming when pool is closed.
• No swimming when lifeguard is not on duty.
• You must pass DPR "Deep-water Test" to use deep end.
• No running on deck.
• No dunking, splashing, or horseplay inside pool.
• No diving in any depth under 5 ½ feet.
• No toys, floating devices, snorkels or masks allowed in pool – unless part of an authorized class.
• No gum, spitting, spouting, nose blowing or urinating in pool.
• No consumption of food or glass containers allowed in pool area.
• Socializing with or distracting the lifeguard on duty is prohibited
• Only appropriate swim attire allowed in pool.
• No aqua shoes.
• Patrons will be dismissed from this facility for the following reasons:
    - Improper conduct
     - Causing injury to others
     - Intoxication
     - Improper swim wear
     - Failing to obey all rules

Locker Room Rules

• Protect your valuables - DPR is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
• You must soap and shower entire body before entering pool.
• No loitering in the locker room or showers.
• No videotaping or any photography allowed in locker rooms, showers or pool area.
• Consumption of food and glass containers prohibited in locker room.
• Appropriate swim attire is required in pool area (no street clothes on deck).

Spa Pool Rules

• Time limit is 15 minutes per sitting, 30 minutes per day.
• Hydrotherapy Pool is for therapeutic use only.
• Hydrotherapy pool use is restricted to adults 18 and older and youth 14-17 years accompanied by an adult.
• Observe time limit to avoid nausea, dizziness, fainting, and heat stroke.
• Pregnant women and persons suffering from heart disease, diabetes, high or low blood pressure should not enter the hydrotherapy pool without prior medical consultation.
• Do not use this pool while under the influence of any type of alcohol, drugs, anticoagulants, antihistamines, vasoconstrictors, vasodilators, stimulants, hypnotics, narcotics, or tranquilizers.
• Submerging your head under water is not advised, doing so increases the danger of hypothermia.
• Persons should not remain in this pool more than 15 minutes per hour. Longer exposure may be dangerous.

Water Safety Tips for Kids

• Never take your eyes off of children in the pool - even for a moment! If you’re in a group, appoint a designated “water watcher,” taking turns with other adults.
• While supervising, stay alert and avoid distractions like reading or the telephone.
• Teach children to swim after age 4.
• Teach children how to tread water, float and get out of the pool.
• Tell children to stay away from pool and hot tub drains.
• Tie up long hair securely to guard against drain entanglement.
• Don’t rely on water wings or other inflatable toys. If your child can’t swim, stay within an arm’s reach.
• Never dive in water less than nine feet deep.
• If you find a drain cover that is loose, report it immediately, and do not enter the pool.
• Learn infant and child CPR.
• Look for lifesaving equipment by the pool.