Participation in YMCA of Delaware facilities and programs is a privilege. To create a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment, all members, guests, and staff are expected to:

• Treat all individuals (staff, members, and visitors) and YMCA property with respect.
• Demonstrate integrity, courtesy, and respect for the rights, welfare, and dignity of others.
• Follow YMCA membership and program policies available online or at the membership welcome center.
• Comply with all state and federal laws.
• Act safely and responsibly to protect themselves and others.

Enforcement of the Code of Conduct

The YMCA reserves the right to suspend or revoke membership privileges for violations of this Code of Conduct or other misconduct, including but not limited to:

• Threatening, abusive, or unsafe behavior, including intimidation, harassment, hazing, coercion, or foul language.
• Hateful speech or disrespectful actions on YMCA premises or during YMCA-sponsored programs.
• Unauthorized sharing or misuse of membership ID cards (digital or physical).
• Misrepresentation or deceit related to membership accounts or YMCA policies.
• Disorderly, lewd, or inappropriate behavior, including sexual misconduct or attire violations.
• Possession, use, or intent to sell illegal drugs, alcohol, or controlled substances on YMCA property.
• Recording images (photos, videos, or digital media) without consent or prior authorization from YMCA leadership.
• Unauthorized commercial activities or using YMCA facilities for personal monetary gain.
• Refusing to comply with reasonable requests from YMCA staff.
• Theft, vandalism, or damage to YMCA property or the belongings of others.
• Possession of firearms, explosives, or other dangerous weapons on YMCA property.

Membership and Refund Policy for Code of Conduct Violations

• Membership fees will not be refunded or waived for violations of the Code of Conduct or other YMCA rules and regulations.
• By participating in YMCA programs and accessing YMCA facilities, members and guests agree to uphold these standards to maintain a positive and welcoming environment for all.

Membership Enrollment

We welcome guests to the YMCA of Delaware! Please review the following guidelines to ensure an enjoyable experience:

Complimentary Guest Passes

Guests receive one free visit per year (outdoor pools excluded).

Regular Guest Fees * non-refundable/transferable

• $25 for Adults (Age 18+)
• $15 for Children (Age 17 & under)

Photo ID Requirements & Waiver

• All guests aged 18 and older must present a valid physical ID at check-in and must sign a waiver.

Guest Age Guidelines

• Ages 12–17 Must be accompanied by an adult for their first visit and have that adult sign a waiver on their behalf.  After waiver is completed, guests ages 12-17 may visit unaccompanied after paying the guest fee.  Member code of conduct and YMCA guidelines must all be adhered to.
• Under 12, Must always be accompanied/supervised by an adult.

Program Spectator Guests

• Program spectators enter free of charge but must check in at the Welcome Center with a valid ID.
• Access is limited to the program area only.

Outdoor Pool Guests

• Guests can join you at the outdoor pools (up to 5 passes per visit).
• Passes must be purchased in advance at the Member Service Desk by a member who has an active membership and is age 18+.
• Guests 18 and older must present a valid photo ID and sign in and complete a waiver before entering the pool.
• Nationwide Members, free guest passes, and temporary memberships do not include outdoor pool access.
• Guest fees and passes are non-refundable, and no rainchecks will be issued for inclement weather.

Nationwide Membership

With YMCA’s Nationwide Membership, you can visit any participating Y in the United States and Puerto Rico using your home YMCA membership. Your home YMCA is the facility where you enrolled and where your membership dues are collected.

• Only active, full facility members (not program-only or special memberships) are eligible.
• Members must use their home YMCA at least 50% of the time each month.
• A photo ID is required, and a waiver must be signed at the visiting YMCA.
• Access does not include YMCA of Delaware outdoor pools; guest passes are available for purchase.
• Member should confirm participating YMCA services and amenities prior to visiting as restrictions do apply in some locations.

Sussex Family YMCA Participation in Nationwide Membership:

• If you are a member of any YMCA of Delaware location, use of the Sussex Family YMCA is included in your membership.
• The Sussex Family YMCA does not participate in the Nationwide Membership program from May – September.
• During this period, Nationwide Members can purchase vacation passes at 50% off:
  • Vacation Day Pass (Nationwide Members Only): $12.50 (regularly $25 per person)
  • Vacation Week Pass (Nationwide Members Only):
    • $25/youth (regularly $50)
    • $50/individual (regularly $100)
    • $100/family (regularly $200)
    • Family is defined as parent(s)/guardian(s) and dependent children under 26.
  • Vacation Week Passes provide unlimited access to the YMCA for 7 consecutive days.

Joiner Fees and Membership Dues

• All joiner fees and membership dues are non-transferable and non-refundable, regardless of usage.

Membership Dues Payment/Billing

• A valid credit card for future billing is required.
• Payments are accepted by credit/debit, check, or cash; returned checks incur a $25 fee.
• Membership fees are billed monthly, and continued billing occurs regardless of facility usage.
• Membership must be cancelled or placed on a temporary hold via a cancellation or hold form, 30 days prior to the next billing cycle to avoid billing the following month. (See membership cancellation/hold policy)

Program Fees/Billing

• Full payment is due at registration unless specified.
• Payments for programs with billing plans are processed the 1st Friday of each month, with a redraft on the 3rd or 4th Friday if necessary.
• Non-payment will result in withdrawal from the program.

Gift certificates and Complimentary Membership Certificates

• Gift certificates and Complimentary Membership Certificates are non-refundable and valid for one year after the date of issue.

Membership Refunds

• The YMCA has an industry standard two month look back period.
• All payment/and or billing disputes must be brought to the attention of the branch membership director within 60 days of payment.
• Disputes older than 60 days will not be reviewed and refund/credit will not be issued.
• Approved refunds are credited for future services only.
• No refunds are issued for suspensions, terminations, or violations of the YMCA’s Code of Conduct.

Program Refunds

• Full refund/credit if cancellation is made 14 days prior to the start.
• After the start date, credits/refunds are prorated.
• No refunds for missed classes or weather-related cancellations.
• A credit or make-up session is issued if the YMCA cancels a class.
• Programs may be combined or canceled with a refund/credit option if minimum enrollment is not met.

A Fun and Safe Space for Your Little Ones While You Stay Active! Effective January 1, 2025

Membership Access

Kids’ Club is an exclusive benefit for YMCA members with an Adult Plus Children membership. Children must be listed as dependents on the membership, and a parent or guardian must remain in the branch during their child’s visit to Kids’ Club.

Age Range & Time Limits

• Available for children ages 6 weeks to 11 years old.
• Children can enjoy up to 2 hours per day in Kids’ Club.
• Only adults age 18+ are permitted to drop off and pick up children from Kids’ Club.

What to Expect at Drop-In and Pick-Up:

A quick and easy check-in process ensures your child’s safety and security.

• Photo on file: Guardians must have a photo on file for security purposes. If no photo is available, they will need to visit the front desk to have one taken before completing the drop-off.
• Drop-off: At drop-off, the child’s membership card will be scanned, and the parent or guardian (18 years +) will provide their location within the facility and emergency contact information.
• Pickup: Parents or Guardians are required to present their child’s membership card at pickup. For added security, the parent’s photo must be on file to verify their identity.

Guest Access

Guests are welcome to use Kids’ Club with the purchase of a guest pass for both the parent/guardian and child. Guest passes must be purchased at the membership desk and cost $15 per child. Guests must complete the sign-up process, which includes providing basic information, signing a waiver, and agreeing to the YMCA’s Code of Conduct.

National Reciprocity Member Access

Visiting members from other YMCAs with national reciprocity privileges can enjoy free access to Kids’ Club, provided the participating child is listed in the national system as a member. At check-in, simply let the membership staff know that you’d like to use Kids’ Club. National reciprocity guests will complete a quick sign-up process, including providing basic information, signing a waiver, and agreeing to the YMCA’s Code of Conduct.

Prohibited Items

To keep everyone safe, no food or drinks are allowed in Kids’ Club, except for baby bottles for infants and water bottles.

The safety and well-being of children in the care is, and always will be, our top priority. As an organization, we have taken the following actions to keep kids safe in our Y facilities, camps and programs and maintain the reputation of safety we have built during our 135-year history.

1. Sex Offender Screenings: The YMCA conducts regular sex offender screenings on all members, participants and guests. If a sex offender match occurs, the YMCA reserves the right to cancel membership, end program participation, and remove visitation access.
2. Our Y completes a child abuse prevention self-assessment, administered by a Y-USA–approved vendor, at least every two (2) years.
3. Criminal background checks for staff and volunteers.
4. Extensive Staff  and Volunteer Training: All Y staff members and volunteers are required to complete annual training in child abuse prevention and workplace safety. All child care, camp and aquatics are are trained in first aid and CPR.
5. Mandatory Reporting: Delaware law mandates any person, agency, organization or entity to make an immediate oral report to the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families, Division of Family Services, when they know of, or suspect, child abuse or neglect under Chapter 9 of Title 16 of the Delaware Code and to follow up with any requested written reports (16 Del. C. §903).

Pools & Aquatics

Supervision & Safety

• Children 11 and Under: Must be always supervised. Non-swimmers must wear life jackets.
• Swim Assessments: All Children 14 and Under: Must complete a swim skills assessment to receive a colored wristband indicating swimming ability.
  • Green Band: Full access to all pool areas, slides, and climbing walls. Children under 12 must have an adult in the pool area.
  • Yellow Band: Limited access to designated areas. Children under 12 must have an adult in the pool area.
  • Non-Swimmers: Must remain within arm’s reach of a guardian and wear a life jacket in deep water.
• Lifeguards: Have ultimate authority at all times.

Prohibited Activities

• No alcohol, smoking, or horseplay.
• No food, drinks, or gum on the pool deck.
• No diving unless the pool depth is at least 9 feet.

Hygiene & Health

• Children in diapers must use protective coverings and can only be changed in locker rooms.
• Consult a physician before swimming if you have specific health conditions.

Breastfeeding Policy

Mothers are welcome to breastfeed in our pool areas. To maintain safety, breastfeeding should occur on the pool deck at a respectful distance from the pool edge.

Swimwear Policy

• Acceptable swimwear includes:
  • Lightweight, water-repellent materials (e.g., swimwear, specialized modest suits like burqinis, swim caps, swim diapers).
• Not Permitted:
  • Heavy materials (e.g., denim), loose clothing, or swimwear with metal parts.
  • Revealing or vulgar clothing, underwear, thong swimsuits, or inappropriate graphics.
  • Aqua shoes on waterslides.

Water Slide Rules

• Riders must have a green swim band and wait in a single-file line.
• Only one rider at a time.
• Riders must go down feet-first on their back.
• No flotation devices or toys are allowed on the slide.
• Exit the plunge area immediately after using the slide.

Inclement Weather Policy

• Group Swim Lessons:
  • Lessons missing over 10 minutes will be rescheduled.
  • Lessons missing under 10 minutes will include an off-deck water safety lesson.
• Outdoor Pool Passes: No credits or refunds for closures due to inclement weather.
• Swim Team Practices: No credits or refunds for missed practices.

Saunas

• Minimum age for sauna use is 18.
• Limit sauna use to 15 minutes and avoid bringing in cell phones.
• Do not dry towels/clothing or pour water on the heating unit.
• Wear modest swimwear/fitness attire and a towel; no rubberized/plastic suits or street clothes.
• Exercising in the sauna is not allowed.
• Pregnant women or those with health conditions should consult a physician before use.
• Leave food, bags, and loose items outside the sauna.
• Oils, scents, lotions, and shaving are prohibited.

Fitness Center

• Wear appropriate workout attire and closed-toe shoes.
• No horseplay or disruptive behavior.
• Store personal belongings in lockers.
• Food, gum, and glass containers are not allowed.
• Only YMCA instructors may lead classes or sessions.
• Limit equipment use to 1 set and re-rack weights after use.
• No slamming weights, disruptive conversations, or inappropriate language.
• Wipe down equipment after use.

Fitness Center Youth guidelines

• 12+ may use the fitness center or take a group exercise class independently;
• 10-11 require supervision;
• 9 and under are not permitted.

Locker Rooms

• Children under 6 may accompany a parent/guardian in the opposite-sex locker room; ages 6+ should use the Family Changing Area.
• Members should lock valuables in lockers; YMCA is not responsible for lost items.
• Do not leave locks overnight; YMCA staff may remove them.
• Photography and video calls are prohibited in locker rooms.
• Locker rooms are available to individuals based on gender identity in line with Delaware law and YMCA’s inclusivity policy.
• Modesty and safety should be practiced in all areas of the Y, including locker rooms.