Policies

• Swimming is permitted only when a University-approved lifeguard is on duty.
• Minors are not allowed in our Competition Pool unless for scheduled programming.
• Shower before entering the pool.
• Enter and exit through locker rooms.
• Clean swim attire is required. Cut-offs, sports bras, thongs, gym shorts, and regular shorts are prohibited.
• Only clean swim shoes or sandals are permitted on the deck.
• Children not toilet trained must wear tight-fitting plastic pants or a swim diaper.
• Any person with an infectious disease, nasal or ear discharge, exposed sub-skin tissue, or wearing a bandage may not use the pool.
• No food or drink except clear liquids in re-sealable plastic containers.
• No running.
• No floats, rafts or inner tubes (except when approved for special programs).
• All lifejackets must be US Coast Guard Approved. Wearers must remain in shallow water within arms reach of a supervising adult.
• All approved equipment for use in the pool is available on the deck.
• Kickboards and pull buoys are for lap swimming use only.
• The use of monofins are prohibited
• Lap swim in designated areas. Circle swim counterclockwise when 3 or more swimmers are in a lane.
• No hanging on the lane lines.
• No walking on (except staff and coaches) or swimming underneath the bulkheads.
• Starting block use is restricted to approved competitive swimming activities only.
• Report any injuries or incidents to the pool staff.
• Anyone not adhering to these rules may be asked to leave the premises.

• Swimming is permitted only when a University-approved lifeguard is on duty.
• Minors are not allowed in our Recreational Pool unless for scheduled programming.
• Shower before entering the pool.
• Enter and exit the pool through the locker rooms.
• Clean swim attire is required. Cut-offs, sports bras, thongs, gym shorts, and regular shorts are prohibited.
• Only clean swim shoes or sandals are permitted on the deck.
• Children not toilet trained must wear tight-fitting plastic pants or a swim diaper.
• Any person with an infectious disease, nasal or ear discharge, exposed sub-skin tissue, or wearing a bandage may not use the pool.
• No food or drink except clear liquids in re-sealable plastic containers.
• No running.
• No floats, rafts, or inner tubes (except when approved for special programs).
• All lifejackets must be US Coast Guard Approved. Wearers must remain in shallow water within arm’s reach of a supervising adult.
• All approved equipment for use in the pool is available on the deck.
• Kickboards and pull buoys are for lap swimming use only.
• The use of monofins are prohibited
• Lap swim in designated areas. Circle swim counterclockwise when 3 or more swimmers are in a lane.
• No hanging on the lane lines.
• No hanging on basketball rim or volleyball net.
• Do not climb over or under ramp railings or play on ladders.
• Staff will provide assistance with the wheelchair upon request.
• Report any injuries or incidents to the pool staff.
• Anyone not adhering to these rules may be asked to leave the premises.

• All participants must be at least 16 years of age.
• Pregnant women, elderly participants and/or participants with a history of heart disease, diabetes, high or low blood pressure, circulatory or respiratory problems and those taking medication while under a physician’s care should not use the sauna.
• Bathing suit or shorts required.
• No excess clothing (i.e. sweat suit or rubberized suit) while in the sauna.
• Do not use the sauna immediately after vigorous exercise.
• Do not place or hang objects on or above the heater.
• Do not exercise in the sauna.
• Limit sauna use to 15 minutes. “Cooling” off time should equal time spent in the sauna.
• Patrons experiencing nausea, dizziness, chill, headaches, or other discomfort, should leave the sauna at once.
• No newspapers, magazines, or other reading material in the sauna.
• After using the sauna, patrons must shower prior to entering the pool or whirlpool.
• Avoid food or alcoholic beverages before using the sauna.
• Do not pour water on rocks. This is a dry sauna.
• Report any injuries or incidents to pool staff.
• Anyone not adhering to these rules may be asked to leave the premises.

• Minors are not allowed in our Whirlpool unless for scheduled programming.
• Capacity is 14 participants.
• Shower before entering the whirlpool.
• Pregnant women, elderly participants and/or participants with a history of heart disease, diabetes, high or low blood pressure, circulatory or respiratory problems and those taking medication while under a physician’s care should not use the whirlpool.
• Do not use body lotions or oils before entering the whirlpool.
• Do not submerge to the bottom of the whirlpool; hair may become entangled in the bottom drain.
• Limit use to 15 minutes, longer exposure may result in nausea, dizziness or fainting.
• Any person with an infectious disease, nasal or ear discharge, exposed sub-skin tissue or wearing a bandage may not use the whirlpool.
• Clean swim attire required. Cut-offs, sports bras, thongs, gym shorts and regular shorts are prohibited.
• Avoid food or alcoholic beverages before using the whirlpool.
• No kickboards or flotation devices in the whirlpool.
• Report any injuries or incidents to pool staff.
• Anyone not adhering to these rules may be asked to leave the premises.

• Diving boards are restricted to approved program use only (ie: Splash Night, Varsity Dive Practice, etc.).
• No swimming in the diving area while boards are in use.
• Jump or dive straight off from the front end of the board.
• Exit the water using the closest ladder swimming away from adjacent diving area.
• One person on a board at a time. Divers must wait on deck until the previous diver reaches the ladder.
• Only 1 bounce permitted per dive.
• Safe diving practices are required. Cartwheels, handstands, seat drops, or other dives the lifeguard judges to be unsafe are not permitted.
• Report any injuries or incidents to the staff.
• Anyone not adhering to these rules may be asked to leave the premises.

• Secure all personal belongings. The Aquatic and Fitness Center is not responsible for lost or stolen articles.
• Please use the Gender Inclusive Changing Room if accompanied by opposite-sex children over 6 years of age.
• Personal belongings remaining in daily use lockers at closing will be removed and held in the Lost and Found for a limited time. Check with the Font Desk for lost items.
• Dry all bathing suits prior to storing them in Members' lockers.
• Vandalism, burglary, and/or any damage to Aquatic and Fitness Center property is considered destruction of Virginia State Property. Violators will be prosecuted.
• No food or drink except clear liquids in re-sealable containers.
• Place all trash in trash receptacles.
• Report any injuries or incidents to staff.
• Anyone not adhering to these rules may be asked to leave the premises.
• **The programs and services offered by George Mason University are open to all who seek them. George Mason does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic national origin (including shared ancestry and/or ethnic characteristics), sex, disability, military status (including veteran status), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. After an initial review of its policies and practices, the university affirms its commitment to meet all federal mandates as articulated in federal law, as well as recent executive orders and federal agency directives.**

The Aquatic and Fitness Center (AFC)  at George Mason University hosts many swim meets throughout the year. Please see the information below to assist with your visit!

• For information on timelines, please see your events meet announcement. Most meets will have a meet announcement on the following PVS website: Click Here
• Participant drop off/pick up loop is in Lot C. Please do not drop off or pick up in front of the Aquatic and Fitness Center or in the street.
• Lot C is also the main parking lot for rental meets hosted at George Mason University Aquatic and Fitness Center. If Lot C is full, overflow may park in Lot A.
• Athlete entrance or Swim Team Check-In is located on the side of the building across the bridge from Lot C.
• Parents/guardians will not be permitted entrance through swim team check-in or permitted in the lower level of the facility. Please ensure participants who need assistance changing into their suits are changed prior to entering the participant entrance.
• Parents/guardians/spectators may enter the facility at the front to access viewing of the meet. Spectator seating is available the entire length of the 50 meter pool. There should be no sitting or standing in the aisles/stairs. Standing behind the seating is prohibited.
• Please designate a meeting place with your participant. Parents/guardians will not be permitted on the lower level to pick up their child(ren). The most common meeting places are in the AFC lobby or at the swim team check-in doors.
• Folding chairs are not permitted at the Aquatic and Fitness Center. This includes stadium seats in spectator seating.
• No food is permitted on the pool deck. Participants are welcome to go upstairs to the lobby and concession area to eat.
• For participants to gain access to the upstairs they must be wearing shoes and a cover-up/towel over their swim suit. For our larger meets that issue credentials, participants must also bring their credential to be allowed to return downstairs.