College of Southern Maryland
Pool Rules

A lifeguard must be present before any person can enter the pool.  Lifeguards have the authority to enforce all facility rules.  Patrons who repeatedly violate the rules may be ejected by management.  These rules are intended to insure the health and safety of all patrons and staff members:

• All patrons must sign check-in sheet before entering the pool.
• Informed Consent forms must be filled out and signed each semester by every patron before they may use the pool.
• Identification will be checked by the lifeguard on duty. No one may use the pool without an official pool pass, current student ID, or other proof of paid enrollment.  No guests or spectators are allowed in the pool area.
• All members are strongly urged to take a shower before entering the pool
• All swimmers must wear attire designed for swimming and suitable for wear around families and children. Cut-off jeans, cotton t-shirts, shorts, and thongs are not allowed in the pool.  Only clean footwear designed for aquatic activity is allowed in or around the pool.
• Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult, 18 years of age or older, in the pool area.
• Non-swimmers must stay in water chest-deep or less.  Patrons who cannot stand in shallow water must remain in constant physical contact with an adult in the pool.
• Only personal flotation devices (PFD) labeled as "Coast Guard Approved" to provide vertical support may be worn, and only with the permission of the manager.  Children wearing a PFD must remain within arm’s reach of an adult. 
• Running is prohibited on the pool deck.  Improper conduct causing undue disturbances, or  acts which might endanger any person, including pushing and wrestling, will not be permitted in or around the pool.
• Diving is only permitted in water greater than 8 feet deep.
• Patrons may not distract the lifeguards.
• Persons with infectious or contagious diseases that may be transmitted through water; open cuts, blisters, or other lesions; or diarrhea may not use the swimming pool (COMAR 10.17.01.50).
• Spitting, blowing nose, or spouting of water in the pool are prohibited.
• Food, gum, drinks in glass containers, hair clips or pins, adhesive bandages that are not waterproof, and sharp items are not allowed in the pool area.
• Cameras, videos, and cell phones with photographic capability may not be used in the pool area.
• Patrons should keep jewelry, watches, or other personal belongings secure at all times.  The college is not responsible for the loss or theft of items worn in the pool or left in the locker room.
• Lifesaving equipment is for CSM Aquatic Staff use only.
• Starting blocks are for CSM instructional use only.
• Patrons using the college’s kick-boards and pull buoys must return these items to their proper storage area after use. Patrons may bring their own aquatic exercise equipment.
• Balls, inner tubes, inflated boats, rafts, and other inflatable objects are not permitted in the pool.
• Only lap swimming is permitted in the lap lanes, unless otherwise directed by CSM staff.
• Instruction may only be provided during courses taught by CSM instructors.