Pool Rules & Policies

The following rules and regulations are set in place to ensure the safety of all users within
the facility. Any person found to be violating these rules will be asked to leave.

Download Pool Rules & Policies

Entering the Pool

  • All pool users must be able to present a Lobo card, Recreational services card or approved pass.
  • As stated in NMED regulations 7.18.4 NMAC section 1E; bathers shall take a cleansing shower before entering the pool.
  • No person shall enter the water without a certified lifeguard being on duty and within viewing distance.

Facility

  • Open Food and drink are not permitted in the water or on the pool deck.  It may be permitted on the outside patio and grass areas only.
  • UNM is a Dry campus.  No alcohol will be permitted anywhere on campus premises.
  • UNM is a tobacco free campus.  Smoking is restricted to designated areas only. 
  • Chewing gum is not permitted in or around the pool area.
  • Only non-breakable containers are allowed in the facility, patio, or grass areas.
  • Water is permitted in plastic sealable bottles
  • Designated employee entrances, spaces and rooms may not be used by non-employees.
  • Therapy locker rooms are to be used only by access card holders, handicapped patrons, and their families.
  • Children under the age of 18, must be accompanied by an adult, parent, or guardian.
  • Though many areas of the facility are constantly under surveillance, Cameras and other recording devices from out side are not permitted in the facility without consent of from management.

Behavior

  • Running, horseplay, pushing, acrobatics, wrestling, jumping without caution, snapping of towels, improper conduct or any acts which may endanger any patron are prohibited.
  • Pool users are not allowed to socialize or distract lifeguards while on duty.
  • Spitting, spouting water, blowing nose, urinating or defecating in the pool is prohibited.
  • Diving from any location as well as use of the diving boards may only be conducted when accompanied by a coach approved by management.
  • No prolonged underwater swimming for time and/or distance.  Competitive or repetitive breath holding can be deadly and is not permitted.  Hyperventilation is absolutely not permitted.

Health and safety

  • All patrons with incontinence problems must wear plastic pants or diapers designated for use in swimming pools
  • Children incapable of swimming the width of the Olympic Pool in a competent form without stopping must be within arms reach of a parent, guardian or designated adult.
  • Any injury occurring in the pool must be reported to a lifeguard or pool supervisor immediately.
  • Any person experiencing episodes of diarrhea should not enter the pool for at least 2 weeks after the last incidence.
  • Patrons need to use designated changing tables for changing diapers.

Attire

  • All participants in the pool must be wearing designated swim wear attire.
  • Flotation devices are allowed only when United States Coast Guard approved.

Equipment

  • Balls, toys, and recreational items are allowed in the shallow end during open recreation, only if they do not present a danger or inconvenience to other pool patrons.
  • Inner tubes mats or other large structures that may block the view of the bottom of the pool will not be permitted for use in the water.
  • Starting blocks are restricted to members on swim team when accompanied by a coach authorized by management.

Lap Swimming

  • When multiple swimmers are sharing a single lane, swimmers should swim in a counterclockwise circle, staying to the right and passing on the left when appropriate.
  • Stop only at the wall and stand off to the side of the lane until ready to continue swimming.
  • Flip turns should be conducted in the center of the lane off the wall.
  • When lane availably is limited Swimmers should try to share lanes with other swimmers moving at a similar pace.  
  • Lifeguards may ask you to move to another lane to better organize the use of the facility and the groups and individuals that use it.

Locker Rooms

  • Children 6 years of age or older must use gender appropriate changing rooms.
  • Users with special needs requiring an assistant of an opposite gender need to use the family changing room.
  • Locker rooms are to be designated on the basis of biological gender or consistent with an individual’s gender identity
  • It is encouraged the valuables are not left un attended.  Pool users may rent lockers from the equipment room.
  • Activities beyond the designated purposes of the locker rooms may result in a loss of privileges  

Swim Lessons

  • As a state funded facility UNM cannot permit any person to use the facility for purposes of private gain.  Only UNM Seidler Natatorium staff members are authorized to offer instruction within the facility. 

Emergencies

  • In the event of a medical emergency, all persons within the facility will be asked to evacuate the pool and stand off to the side, out of the way of staff and medicalpersonnel.
  • In the event of fecal accidents or vomiting in the poll, the pool affected will be evacuated and remain closed for 30 minutes to 24 hours as needed. 
  • In case of fire, bomb threat, suspected shooter, tornado, ect swimmers will be asked to evacuate the water and seek designated shelter.  Please refer to Emergency action plan for entire list of procedures