Pool Policies & General Information

General Pool Rules
Lifeguards have the authority to revoke pool privileges if pool rules or safety is compromised.

• No running on the pool deck
• No pushing, pulling, or shoving people into the pool or dunking underwater
• No “rough housing” of any kind
• No sitting on shoulders or backs (Okay for a parent to have a young child on his/her/their back except in the deep end)
• No jumping in backwards, twists, cartwheels, or flips anywhere into the pool
• Diving is allowed in the DEEP END only*
• No holding breath underwater
• No sitting, playing with, or pulling on the buoyed lines or lap lanes
• Adults only in the lap lanes
• Absolutely NO sitting on the geysers

*A swim test is required to be in the deep end for those 14 and under. A child in a lifejacket or under the supervision of a parent is not permissible.

Membership, Day Pass, and Lap Swim

• Pool attendance is by membership or day pass (available in packs of 5 and 10), confirmed reserved pool parties, and guest passes available for purchase by members. After purchasing a membership or day pass pack online through Active, you will be able to register online through your Active account for scheduled lap swim sessions throughout the summer. Registration for lap swim is not required but strongly recommended due to limited lap lanes during open swim times during the week and a limited number (12) during lap swim sessions on weekends.

Capacity

• 325 - this number is subject to change based on lifeguard availability.

Payment

•  We accept credit cards, debit cards, cash, and checks. An additional processing fee may be added to purchases made at the pool using a credit or debit card.

Food & Beverages

• There is a concession stand on-site. All items are Kosher, with the exception of the dipping cheese for nachos. All food items are nut-free, with the exception of bagged peanuts. Gluten-free hot dog buns are available by request for an additional fee.
• You may bring your own food and beverage, but there are NO GLASS CONTAINERS OF ANY TYPE permitted.
• There is no eating or drinking allowed while sitting on the edge of the pool or IN the pool at any time.
• Please clean up your mess to the best of your ability! If cleaning tools are needed, ask the staff for assistance.

Chairs

• Lounge chairs are available.
• There are a number of picnic tables and round tables with attached benches. Each will have an umbrella or be under the pergola for some shade.
• You may bring in your own lawn/beach chair for our grassy and pool deck areas.

Restrooms & Locker Rooms

• We have removed all lockers from the restrooms, so there is no place to lock up valuables. Please leave them at home. If you must bring something of value and don’t want to leave it unattended while you swim, you may ask an aquatic staff member to store it in the guardhouse. Please note, however, that we are not responsible for any lost or stolen items as our primary responsibility is on the pool deck or managing the concession stand/admissions.
• We offer a family restroom, a women’s restroom, and a men’s restroom. All are accessible, have diaper changing stations, and have showers.
• The pool is accessed through the women's and men's restrooms; the pool can also be accessed through the guard house or the gate for anyone with accessibility concerns or who would prefer not to use a gendered entry.
• Children over the age of 6 years must use age-appropriate locker rooms.

Infants & Children

• Children ages 14 and younger, including Camp Shalom campers, must pass “the deep-end swim test” once each summer to swim in the deep end. Please ask a lifeguard to take the test. Swimmers will be required to swim with their faces in the water without any assistance or stopping to take a break to catch their breath. Swimmers may only take the deep-end swim test one time per visit.
• Infants/children who are not potty-trained MUST wear a swim diaper AND swimsuit of some kind. The i-diaper is acceptable.
• We sell swim diapers at the pool for $3.00.
• Please DO NOT change your baby’s diaper anywhere on the pool deck. This is a violation of the city health code.
• There are diaper-changing stations in all restrooms.
• Children over the age of 6 years must use locker rooms for entry and changing.
• Children must be at least 12 years of age or older and able to swim in order to be dropped off, unsupervised, at the pool.

Floatation Accessories

• No “floaties” or “water wings” are allowed for younger swimmers. Puddle jumpers and/or Coast Guard-approved life vests are permitted and encouraged to be brought.
• No swimsuits with float devices built/sewn in.
• We rent puddle jumpers and Coast Guard-approved life vests ($10 deposit; $5 back upon return).
• You may bring your own pool “noodle.” We also rent them ($3 deposit; $1 back upon return).

Pool Safety

• Safety breaks during open swim will happen on an as-needed basis for the safety and well-being of the lifeguards. This will be a maximum of one per hour for 15 minutes. This break is essential for our lifeguards to stretch and re-focus, allowing them to provide the best safety for all of our swimmers. This is a great time to get a snack, have your child go to the bathroom, drink some water, and reapply sunscreen. Kids are asked to clear the pool during this time. Those 18 years and over may swim during this time. There is a lifeguard on deck.
• Lifeguards will be on duty as required by code.

Smoking/Drugs

• There is NO SMOKING or use of e-cigarettes/vaping anywhere on the campus grounds.
• No drugs of any kind are permitted.

Pets

• Pets are not permitted in the pool area.
• Registered emotional support or guide animals are permitted to enter the pool area; proof of certification is required; animals are not permitted in the water; animals must be leashed or otherwise secured.
• Pets are only allowed on the walking trails. Please do not allow them to run on the upper fields at any time.

Firearms

• No firearms are allowed on the Goodman Jewish Community Campus or at the Goodman Aquatic Center.

Pool Extras

• We do not have a diving board or slide, however, we do have a zero-depth entry with a mushroom waterfall and geysers in the shallow end.

Birthday Parties & Events

• You must complete a Pool Party Request form.
  See Pool Party information, policies & details >

Pool Closings

• Jewish Federation of Madison reserves the right to close the Goodman Aquatic Center at any time and for any reason, including but not limited to inclement weather, to accommodate groups or private events, low attendance, or other unforeseen reason.
• See Pool Closing Policies page for additional information and details.

Pool Updates & Announcements

• Follow us on the Goodman Aquatic Center Facebook page for the latest information on pool closings and any other important information you may need to know.