Planning a visit to a recreational facility requires knowing the operational hours and rules to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. If you’re considering a trip to the Kroger Aquatic Center at The Heights, understanding their facility policies is key. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of what you need to know before you go, from pool closing policies to safety regulations and general attendee guidelines.
Understanding the Pool Closing Policy at Kroger Aquatic Center
Like any outdoor or indoor aquatic facility, the Kroger Aquatic Center at The Heights may sometimes need to close unexpectedly. It’s important to be aware of the circumstances that could lead to closure to avoid disappointment. Management reserves the right to close the facility without refunds under certain conditions, which are primarily focused on safety and comfort:
- Inclement Weather: This is a common reason for pool closures. Thunderstorms, heavy rain, or any severe weather conditions in the vicinity can pose safety risks to swimmers and staff alike.
- Air Temperature Below 72°F at Opening: For outdoor and some indoor/outdoor hybrid facilities, air temperature plays a crucial role in swimmer comfort. If the air temperature is below 72°F (approximately 22°C) at the scheduled opening time, the center may decide to remain closed or delay opening.
- Low Attendance: Facility efficiency is also a consideration. If there are fewer than 25 patrons during any given hour, the center might decide to close. In such cases, visitors will be given a one-hour notice before closure.
- Water Contamination: Maintaining water quality is paramount for health and safety. Events like fecal accidents can lead to immediate pool closure for cleaning and sanitation, following strict health guidelines.
- Maintenance Issues: Unforeseen maintenance needs can arise, requiring temporary closure to address repairs and ensure the facility operates safely and effectively.
To stay informed about any unplanned closures or schedule changes, it’s always recommended to check the homepage of the Kroger Aquatic Center at The Heights website or their social media channels before your visit. They generally make efforts to announce any disruptions through these platforms.
Ensuring Child Safety: Supervision and Lost Children Procedures
The safety of children is a top priority at the Kroger Aquatic Center. To ensure a secure environment for everyone, they have specific policies regarding child supervision and procedures for handling lost or unsupervised children:
- Lost or Unsupervised Children Protocol: If a child is found separated from their parents or guardians by the Aquatic Center Staff, the staff will act swiftly to reunite them. Parents will be informed that if a child is found unsupervised again, they may be asked to leave the facility for the day. Such instances are documented to track repeated issues. Consistent violations from the same family can result in a permanent ban from the facility, emphasizing the seriousness of child supervision.
- Supervision Requirements by Age: Children aged 9 years and under must be accompanied and actively supervised by an adult or a responsible person who is 16 years or older. This policy is in place to ensure younger children are always within close proximity to someone who can assist them if needed.
Guidelines for Infants and Toddlers
Specific regulations are in place for infants and toddlers to maintain hygiene and safety standards for all pool users:
- Swim Diaper Requirement: Infants and toddlers are required to wear swim trunks over swim diapers. This is in line with recommendations from health organizations like the Center for Disease Control (CDC) to prevent water contamination.
- Diaper Changing Areas: Diaper changes are strictly prohibited on the pool deck. Changing tables are provided in the bathhouse facilities for diaper changes.
- Fecal Incident Policy: The Kroger Aquatic Center at The Heights adheres to CDC guidelines for managing fecal incidents. Depending on the severity of contamination, a pool closure may be necessary to ensure the water remains safe for swimming.
Slide Usage Rules
For those looking to enjoy the slides at the play structure, there’s a specific rule to follow to ensure safety and prevent injuries:
- Slide Position: When using slides on the play structure, individuals must ride in a supine position (facing up) with hands placed across the chest. This position is designed to minimize the risk of injury during slide use.
General Pool Attendee Regulations for a Safe and Enjoyable Visit
To maintain a pleasant environment for all visitors, the Kroger Aquatic Center has established general regulations that attendees need to adhere to:
- Swim Attire: Proper swim attire is mandatory. This means no cut-off shorts, jeans, jean shorts, sweats, or sweatshirts are allowed in the pool. Appropriate swimwear helps maintain water cleanliness and safety.
- Personal Items and Furniture: Private lounge chairs are permitted but only in the designated grass areas of the facility. Aquatic Center chairs must remain on the cement deck areas.
- Prohibited Items and Activities:
- Smoking is strictly prohibited anywhere on the property, promoting a smoke-free environment for everyone.
- Diving in shallow water (less than 12 feet deep) is prohibited due to the risk of serious injury. Caution must be exercised when using diving boards, with only one diver allowed at a time, and competitive dives are not permitted for safety reasons.
- Admission is refused to individuals with contagious diseases, infectious conditions, or open wounds to prevent health risks to other patrons.
- Animals are not allowed in the facility area, maintaining hygiene and preventing potential disturbances.
- Videotaping is not permitted, respecting the privacy of all visitors.
- Flotation devices must be Coast Guard approved to ensure they meet safety standards.
Food and Beverage Guidelines
Understanding the food and drink policy can help you plan your visit accordingly:
- No Outside Food or Coolers: Coolers and outside food or drinks are not permitted inside the facility. This helps manage cleanliness and supports the facility’s concessions.
- Designated Areas for Consumption: Food and drink are allowed only in authorized areas, typically concession tables. Belongings should not be left unattended at these tables, as they are meant for active use while eating or drinking.
Equipment Restrictions
To ensure safety and prevent damage or disruption, certain items are not allowed inside the facility:
- Prohibited Equipment: Balls, Frisbees, bicycles, scooters, or skateboards are not permitted within the facility. This policy helps maintain a safe and orderly environment.
- Lost or Stolen Items: The City and the Kroger Aquatic Center are not responsible for lost or stolen articles. The staff will not hold personal property at the front counter, so visitors are advised to keep their belongings secure.
- Conduct and Dress Code: Obscene language, inappropriate clothing, or display of unacceptable items are not tolerated. Visitors may be asked to remove or cover up inappropriate items to maintain a family-friendly atmosphere.
Leaving and Re-entry Policy
If you plan to leave the facility and return on the same day, it’s important to know the re-entry policy:
- Day Pass Re-entry: Guests with day passes are allowed to leave and re-enter the facility only once per day. To re-enter, patrons must get their hand stamped before exiting.
- Right to Refuse or Remove Entry: The Kroger Aquatic Center at The Heights staff reserves the right to refuse entry or remove a patron from the facility if their behavior is deemed disruptive to public use. This ensures a positive experience for all visitors.
Kroger Aquatic Center Handbook
For more detailed information, visitors can refer to the Kroger Aquatic Center Handbook, available online. This handbook likely contains a comprehensive overview of all policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Youth Water Safety Policies, Swim Tests, and Patron Identification
Water safety is paramount, especially for younger patrons. The Kroger Aquatic Center employs a system to identify swimmer age and ability to enhance safety:
- Identification System: An identification system using necklaces is in place to classify swimmer age and ability.
- Red Necklace (Ages 7 and Under): Children aged 7 and under receive a red necklace, indicating they must be within arm’s reach of an adult at all times.
- Yellow Necklace (Ages 8-9, Non-Swim Test Passers): Children aged 8 and 9 who have not passed a swim test are given a yellow necklace. This signifies that a parent must be on-site and within visible distance of the child at all times.
- Swim Test and Green Necklace: Parents can request a swim test for their child during adult swim periods. The test includes a 25-yard swim followed by unassisted treading in the deep end. Successful completion results in the child’s details being logged for future visits and the child receiving a green necklace.
Swim Test Policy Based on Age and Ability
The swim test policy varies based on age and swimming ability:
- Swimmers Who Can Pass a Swim Test:
- Under Age 10: An adult must remain on-site at the pool.
- Age 10 and Older: May use the pool independently but might need to pass a swim test for access to certain areas based on perceived swimming ability and safety considerations. The facility reserves the right to restrict access to areas deemed unsafe for any individual, regardless of age.
- Swimmers Who Cannot Pass a Swim Test:
- Ages 7 and Under: An adult must be within arm’s reach at all times.
- Ages 8-9 Years: An adult must be on-site with a reasonable line of sight to the child at all times.
- Child Wearing a Coast-Guard Approved PFD: If a child who cannot swim is wearing a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device (PFD), the parent must be on-site but can monitor the child from another part of the pool, maintaining a reasonable line of sight.
- Child Not Wearing a PFD: If a child who cannot swim is not wearing a PFD, an adult must be within arm’s reach at all times.
Photo Disclaimer
Lastly, it’s important to note the photo policy:
- Photo Permission: Entry into the Kroger Aquatic Center at The Heights implies granting permission for the use of any photographs or video images taken of individuals within the facility for advertising and promotional purposes without any payment.
By being well-informed about these policies and guidelines, your visit to the Kroger Aquatic Center at The Heights will be more relaxed, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. Remember to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information and any potential changes to operating hours or policies before planning your trip.
