Membership Registration and Payment

• Joiner fees and membership dues are non-transferable and non-refundable.
• Fees are billed monthly, regardless of facility usage, and cancellations require at least 10 days’ notice before month-end. Applications can be completed in person or at ymcade.org with a photo ID.
• Payments are accepted by credit/debit, check, or cash; returned checks incur a $25 fee.
• Payment disputes can be reviewed within 60 days. Approved refunds are credited for future services only.
• Holds require member-initiated termination at the hold’s end to avoid charges.
• No refunds are issued for suspensions, terminations, or violations of the YMCA’s Code of Conduct.
• Gift certificates are non-refundable and valid for one year.

Change in Membership Status

Each year, members receive two free membership change requests; additional changes incur a $5 fee each. Payment dates are set for the 1st of the month following any change. Downgrades take effect on the 1st of the following month, while other changes are processed within 7 days. Submit all requests at least 10 days before month-end, with any associated fees collected at processing.

Membership Cancellation

• Contact the originating branch directly at least 10 days before month-end to cancel. Complete termination forms, received via email, and address any balances. Late termination requests are billed for the next month.Branch Contacts:
  • Brandywine: [email protected]
  • Central: [email protected]
  • Western: [email protected]
  • Dover: [email protected]
  • Sussex Family: [email protected]
  • Bear-Glasgow: [email protected]
  • Middletown Family: [email protected]

Check-In

Please present your membership card each time you visit the YMCA. Members without membership cards will be asked to show photo ID before entering the facility.

Contact Us

We want to hear from you! Do you have a question, comment, suggestion or concern? Click here to contact us today.

Privacy and Photo Policy

Member photos, required for ID purposes, are securely stored and accessible only to authorized staff. Photos are not used for marketing without permission. Members may review or update their photo as needed.

Click here for the full YMCA of Delaware Privacy Policy.

Participation in YMCA programs and facilities is a privilege. All members, guests, and staff must:

• Treat others and YMCA property with respect.
• Act with character, courtesy, and safety in mind.
• Follow all YMCA policies and abide by state and federal laws.

The YMCA reserves the right to suspend or revoke membership for misconduct, including but not limited to:

• Threatening behavior, abuse, harassment, or intimidation.
• Misuse of membership ID, deceit, or inappropriate conduct.
• Possession or use of illegal substances, firearms, or weapons.
• Vandalism, theft, and failure to comply with staff requests.

No refunds will be issued for suspensions or revocations due to violations.

Sussex YMCA vacation passes are available for Nationwide YMCA members at 50% off and can be purchased in-person at the branch. YMCA membership cards and a valid ID are required at each visit to determine eligibility.

• 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)

*Vacation week passes provide unlimited access to the Y for 7 days. Family is defined as parent/guardian(s) and dependent children under the age of 26.

If you are a member of any YMCA of Delaware location, use of the Sussex Family YMCA is included in your membership.

Guests

• Fees: $25 (Adult), $15 (Child); one free visit per year (excludes outdoor pools).
• ID Requirement: All guests 18+ must present a valid physical ID.
• Rules: Guests must follow YMCA policies and state health guidelines. Guest fees and passes are non-refundable.
• Guests 12-17: Must have an adult on the first visit. After signing a waiver, they can visit unaccompanied, paying the fee and following rules.
• Guests under 12: Must be accompanied by an adult.
• Program Spectators: Free entry, must check in at the Welcome Center with ID. Access is limited to the program area.

Outdoor Pool Guests

• Guests can visit with an active member (maximum 5 per visit). Passes must be purchased in advance at the Member Service Desk.
• Only adult members can purchase passes; membership must be active.
• Guests 18+ must present ID and sign in before pool entry.
• All guests must follow YMCA rules and health guidelines.
• Discounted memberships and free passes do not include outdoor pool access.
• Guest fees and passes are non-refundable. No rainchecks.

Billing and Cancelations

• 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.

Program Credits & 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.

• 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.

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.

• Children 11 and under must be supervised at all times; non-swimmers must wear lifejackets.
• Children 14 and under must pass a swimming skills assessment and wear a wristband indicating their swimming ability.
• Lifeguards have ultimate authority.
• No alcohol, smoking, or horseplay.
• Use protective covering for infant diapers, and change them only in the locker room.
• No diving unless the pool is at least 9 feet deep.
• No food, drinks, or gum on the pool deck.
• Consult a physician before swimming if you have certain health conditions.
• Breastfeeding In/Around the Pool Area: The YMCA of Delaware encourages positive interaction, at all levels, between a mother and her child. As such, mothers who choose to breastfeed their infant are welcome and supported by Y staff in our pool environments on the pool deck, at a respectable distance from the pool edge.

Swim Test Policy

To ensure the safety of our members and guests, all children 14 years of age and younger must participate in a swimming skills assessment and will be provided with a colored wristband based on their swimming ability.

• Green Band: Swimmers may use any pool area, water slide, or climbing wall. Youth under 12 must have an adult in the pool area.
• Yellow Band: Swimmers may use only designated areas; youth under 12 must have an adult in the pool area.
• Non-Swimmers: Must stay within arm’s reach of a guardian and wear a life jacket in deeper water.

Swimwear Policy

Acceptable swimwear includes lightweight, water-repellent clothing, such as swimwear material, football jerseys, specialized modest suits (e.g., burqinis), swim caps, and swim diapers. For safety, avoid heavy materials (e.g., denim), loose-fitting attire, or swimwear with metal parts. Aqua shoes are not allowed on waterslides.

Our Y is a family-friendly organization committed to everyone’s health, safety, and wellbeing. Thank you for practicing modesty throughout our facilities and in the pool.  To ensure our organization is welcoming for all, we DO NOT PERMIT: Clothing that is revealing, transparent, or has vulgar content (including underwear & thong swimsuits).

Slide Safety

• All riders must wait at the bottom of the stairs in a single file line.
• All riders must be a green banded swimmer.
• One rider down the slide at a time.
• All riders must remain on their back and go down feet-first.
• Flotation devices and/or toys are not permitted down the water slide.
• Exit the plunge area immediately

Inclement Weather Makeup Policy

In the event of pool closure due to inclement weather, the below policy will go into effect regarding swim team and/or group swim lessons:

• Group Swim Lessons which miss more than 10-minutes will be provided a make-up lesson at a future date/time.
• Group Swim Lessons which miss less than 10-minutes should be provided a water safety lesson in an area off the pool deck.
• Credits or refunds will not be provided for  group swim lessons and/or Swim Team practices missed due to inclement weather.
• Credits or refunds will not be given for outdoor pool passes.

• 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 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.

• 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.

Child Protection

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).