YMCA Pools Comply with Federal Law

The pools of the YMCA of Greater Providence will remain open, meeting the standards to comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.

The safety of the children and families in our pools and fitness centers is of the utmost importance to our YMCA

The Baker Act, which set a deadline for compliance of December 19, requires all pools and spas to have certain safety standards in place or be closed for public use.

Click here to view the story by Eyewitness News Reporter Susan Hogan.

The Y, in the original design of many of its pools, put these safety features in place and is even working to implement the additional recommendations of this new act.

Safety features built into the design of these pools include:

• Multiple drains to reduce suction or prevent it all together
• Gravity drainage systems that allows water to flow in and out rather than using a pump for suction

In addition, our lifeguards and aquatic staff are trained to provide uninterrupted supervision to diligently monitor pools for signs of trouble both above and below the surface. Many of the dangers around pool safety occur because children are left unsupervised.

To learn more about YMCA Aquatics programs, click here.

The YMCA also offers home pool safety programs to teach families how to ensure that children and adults are safer at the family pool. Each year, as part of SPLASH week, through the support of Amica Insurance, we offer free swim and safety lessons to children and families throughout the area.