WELCOME TO THE Y
On behalf of the volunteers and staff of the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, welcome to our Y family. Our facilities feature state-of-the-art fitness equipment, a variety of programs that support health and wellness, and activities that encourage positive engagement for youth and families. Our well-trained staff are committed to ensuring your member experience is exceptional. With respect to your fitness level and personal goals, our team will support and guide you along the way.
By joining the Y, you have chosen not only to pursue a healthier lifestyle but also to become part of one of the largest charitable organizations in the region. For more than 168 years, the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh has provided innovative programs and services across urban and suburban neighborhoods, with a focus on those who need us most. We invite you to explore volunteer opportunities and join us in living out our commitment to being “One Y for All.”
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
CODE OF CONDUCT
CODE OF CONDUCT
The YMCA is guided by the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. We are committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and family-friendly environment.
All members, guests, and participants are expected to:
Treat others with respect. Offensive or disruptive language and behavior will not be tolerated.
Wear exercise clothing that fully covers the chest, back, and midsection. Swimsuits are permitted only in pool and locker areas.
Keep YMCA facilities weapons-free, alcohol-free, drug-free, and smoke-free.
Respect privacy. Photography, recording, or posting images of others is not allowed. Use headphones for personal devices.
Participate only in YMCA-provided training or instruction. Outside paid training sessions are not permitted.
Protect youth. Mistreatment or abuse of children is never tolerated. YMCA staff are mandated reporters; report any suspicions of abuse to a staff member immediately.
Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in suspension or termination of membership.
To report an incident or share a concern, visit pittsburghymca.org/contact-us. The Y investigates all reported incidents.
WAIVER, RELEASE, AND INDEMNIFICATION
Participation in YMCA programs and use of facilities is at your own risk. By joining, you release the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, its staff, volunteers, and affiliates from liability related to personal injury, property damage, or accidents of any kind. You agree to hold the YMCA harmless from claims or costs arising from your participation.
SAFETY
CHILD PROTECTION
The YMCA conducts regular sex offender screenings on all members, participants, and guests. If a match occurs, membership will be canceled and facility access removed.
All new members and guests age 18 and older must present a valid photo ID to use a YMCA facility or participate in a program.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
In cases of inclement weather, the Y will make every effort to keep programs and branches open. If closures are necessary, updates will be shared through the Y app, social media, email, and local TV.
During any on-site emergency, follow all posted emergency exit routes and instructions from YMCA staff.
ACCIDENT, INJURY, OR INCIDENT
Report all accidents, injuries, or unusual incidents to YMCA staff immediately. Members are encouraged to consult a physician before beginning any exercise program.
The YMCA is not responsible for injuries incurred while participating in activities. Members are expected to carry their own medical insurance.
MEMBER SAFETY AROUND EQUIPMENT
Limit cardio machine use to 30 minutes during peak times.
Return all equipment to its proper place after use.
Report broken or non-functioning equipment to the Welcome Center.
Wipe down equipment after each use. Do not spray directly onto screens.
Do not dunk or hang from rims or nets.
Wear appropriate footwear: non-marking athletic shoes only. No flip flops, hard-soled shoes, or black-soled shoes that mark gym floors.
Bring a spill-proof water bottle to stay hydrated.
Food is not permitted in the Wellness Center.
CHILD SAFETY
All members under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign the liability waiver on their first visit.
Children under 13 may not be in YMCA facilities without a parent or guardian unless enrolled in a supervised YMCA program (e.g., Summer Day Camp).
Children under 13 who are not in a program must be accompanied by an adult member.
Members ages 11–12 may access the Wellness Floor with parent supervision after completing a Wellness Orientation.
Members ages 13–17 must complete a Wellness Orientation before using the Wellness Floor independently.
SAUNA AND STEAM ROOM
Follow posted regulations for sauna and steam room use at each location.
LOCKER ROOMS
Youth Locker Rooms (ages 6–17): For youth members only. Parents with children under 6 or with an opposite-sex child age 6 or younger should use the Family Locker Room.
Family Locker Rooms: Designed for parents with children who need assistance, for adults requiring caregiver support, and for members who prefer additional privacy or a non-gendered space. Adults without children or special needs should use the adult locker rooms.
CLASSROOM RULES
Enter classrooms only at designated start times.
Do not remove equipment during an active class.
Keep conversation to a minimum while the instructor is leading.
Return weights and equipment neatly after class.
Respect personal space and be encouraging to others.
Follow the instructor’s guidance to the best of your ability.
Inform instructors of any injuries or special considerations before class.
PAYMENT AGREEEMENT
Memberships are ongoing and renew automatically each month. Dues are drafted from your bank account or credit card until you cancel or place a hold.
The YMCA may change membership rules and rates with notice. Members are responsible for compliance and for ensuring all individuals on their membership follow YMCA regulations.
NATIONWIDE MEMBERSHIP
By participating in the YMCA Nationwide Membership Program, you agree to release the YMCA of the USA and its independent associations from liability for injury, death, or property loss related to facility use, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
CANCELLATION AND STATUS CHANGE
Memberships can be canceled at any time at no charge by visiting your member portal, calling the Welcome Center, or visiting in person.
You may change your membership status (e.g., add/remove members) by contacting the Welcome Center.
RATE CHANGES
If membership rates change, members will receive at least 30 days’ notice with details of the new rate and effective date.
COMPLIMENTARY VISITS
Local visitors receive three complimentary visits.
Visitors under 18 must have a parent/guardian present on the first visit to sign the liability waiver.
Visitors under 13 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian or an adult member.
PAYMENT POLICIES
Membership payments are withdrawn on the 1st or 15th of each month.
If a payment is declined, a service charge of at least $30 will apply, and membership will be suspended until dues are current.
Some programs and classes require additional fees, payable at registration. The YMCA accepts cash, check, and major credit cards.
POOL RULES AND GUIDELINES
Parent Supervision
Parents must remain on deck with swimmers 12 and under.
Parents may stay on deck (but not in the water) for swimmers age 8+ who have passed the yellow or green swim test.
Swim Testing & Necklaces
Swim tests may only be taken once per day.
Necklaces must be returned at the end of the day.
Green Necklace:
Swim 25 yards with face in water using a controlled stroke.
Jump into the deep end, resurface, and tread water for 60 seconds.
Yellow Necklace:
Must be able to stand in chest-high water.
Must demonstrate ability to submerge, lift feet, regain footing, and exit the pool independently.
Red Necklace:
Required for swimmers who cannot stand in 3.5 ft. of water or who do not pass testing.
Must remain within arm’s reach of a parent at all times.
General Pool Rules
No diving in shallow water. Diving only in designated areas.
Obey lifeguards at all times.
No full-face snorkels.
Only Coast Guard–approved PFDs are allowed.
Walk on deck—no running.
All swimmers age 12 and under must take a swim test.
Proper swimsuits required.
No glass containers permitted.
No prolonged or extended breath-holding.