Your Questions, Answered

Use these frequently asked questions to find help with common topics before you visit the Y.

We've organized questions into the following sections:

• Age Guidelines
• Dates and Hours
• Membership
• Pool & Aquatics
• Fee-Based Programs and Classes
• What's Open/Closed
• Safety Protocols and Masks
• Reservations

Age Guidelines

What ages are allowed in your facilities?

Beginning Tuesday, December 1st, we are loosening our age restrictions for children and teens 10-13 years old. The new age guidelines are generally:

Ages 9 and younger

• No access unless registered for an in-branch program for families, such as Family Recreational Swim, or a class or program instructed by Y staff, such as swim lessons.

Ages 10 to 13

• Access to the above plus reservation-based activities, including lap swimming, when accompanied by a Supervising Adult.

Ages 14 and older

• No Supervising Adult required; open access to the facility unless otherwise noted.

For pool use, children and teens 13 years old and younger must pass a swim test in order to participate. Guidelines also differ for use in our locker rooms. Read our full policy here.

What is a "supervising adult"?

We consider a supervising adult is a person who is:

1. At least 18 years old,
2. On the same membership as the child or teen they are supervising, and
3. Living in the same household as the child or teen they are supervising.

A Supervising Adult maintains constant visual and auditory oversight of the child or teen at all times unless the child or teen is being instructed by Y staff as part of a class or program. Read our full policy here.

Can I supervise more than one child or teen at a time?

Yes, you can supervise more than one child or teen at a time as long as you are able to maintain constant visual and auditory oversight of them for the duration of their visit.

Do children and teens need their own reservation?

Yes, in order for us to manage building capacity we require that children ages 10 years and older have their own reservation. A Supervising Adults must remain in the same area as child or teen during their visit.

Do I need my own reservation as a Supervising Adult?

If you are a Supervising Adult for a child or teen who is lap swimming, you do not need a reservation at this time. We will provide a place for you to sit on the pool deck while they swim.

If you are a Supervising Adult for a child or teen who is using our cardio or strength equipment, we ask that you do have your own reservation. Our cardio and strength areas are typically smaller than our pool deck, so making a reservation helps us better manage capacity in the area and maintain social distancing.

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Dates and Hours

Where can I find branch hours?

You can find the latest branch hours on our location pages.

Are any branches closed?

Unfortunately, due to the latest guidelines from Governor Inslee’s office, we have suspended all indoor in-person activities excluding pool services. This means that our Snoqualmie Valley, University Family, and Fauntleroy facilities are effectively closed until further notice.

See alternative locations you can visit here.

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Membership & Guests

What are my membership options?

You have a number of options for your membership:

1. Keep an active membership: As the region’s leading nonprofit, we rely on your membership dues to help sustain our operations in this very uncertain time. We are not immune to economic challenges presented by the pandemic and we are so grateful for your continued support.  .

2. Place Your Membership on Hold: Placing your membership on hold will pause your membership dues. Start a Hold

3. Cancel Your Membership: By cancelling your membership, you will be no longer be eligible for any Sustaining Member Y Bucks. If you choose to rejoin the Y at a later date, you may be charged a join fee and may need to complete a new membership application and/or scholarship request. Request Membership Cancellation

How do membership holds work?

Find more information about holds and a fill link to our policy here.

What's happening to local memberships at University Family, Snoqualmie Valley, and Fauntleroy Y's?

For these local memberships, we've temporarily upgraded your access to include any of our open YMCA of Greater Seattle branch at no extra cost. We will communicate to you in advance when this upgrade is planned to end.

Where can I find more information about Y Bucks?

Visit our dedicated Frequently Asked Questions about Sustaining Member Y Bucks. Answers include how to pick them up and use them.

I'm a member of another YMCA in Washington state. When can I visit the YMCA of Greater Seattle or use your programs?

You can begin using YMCA of Greater Seattle programs and facilities when guest restrictions lift. This temporary restriction is to due to capacity restraints in the Safe Start plan. Find the latest updates at seattleymca.org/welcomeback

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Pool & Aquatics

Have a question about lap swimming or Family Recreational Swim? Visit our dedicated Frequently Asked Questions here.

Are pools safe? Why are your pools still open?

According to industry experts including the CDC, there is no evidence that COVID-19 can spread to people through properly disinfected water. Proper operation and disinfection of pools should kill the virus that causes COVID-19.

The Governor's Proclamation does not increase restrictions for pools and so we are still permitted to operate lap swim, swim lessons, and family recreational swim. We will continue to monitor these guidelines for updates.

In addition, we will continue to follow important safety protocols in our facilities and on the pool deck, including frequent cleaning and limited access to shared objects like pool noodles and googles. Learn more about our safety plan

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Fee-Based Programs and Classes

What are you doing for canceled classes and programs?

If your fee-based program or class was canceled, we will automatically apply the amount you paid as a credit to your account by Monday, November 23. If you used Y Bucks for your purchase, find more information about Y Bucks here.

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What's Open/Closed

What is available at the Y today?

• Virtual activities including those in the Healthy Living Room and Family Room

• Pool services, including lap swimming and family recreational swim

• On-site early education and Y LEAP Academy

• Hunger Response

• Services through the Social Impact Center including behavioral health support, foster care services, and housing and meal support.

What is NOT available due to the latest COVID-19 safety precatuions?

We have suspended all other indoor in-person activities including use of cardio and strength equipment and free weights, group exercise classes, and access to our membership desks.

Outdoor excursions have ended for the season, but we're working on more outdoor programming for members.

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Safety Protocols and Masks

Are you requiring masks?

Yes, members are required to wear masks at all times except if they are actively engaged in strenuous exercise or swimming, including immediately before and after engaging in these exempted activities. All staff are required to wear masks. These rules are in accordance with Washington state mandate.

There are some exemptions to this requirement in accordance with local health guidelines, including people with certain disabilities or health conditions. Find more information about face coverings from the state of Washington.

Are you giving masks to members?

If you forget your mask, we will have disposable masks available at no cost. However, please bring a mask or face covering from home in order to make sure we have enough masks in our branch for those who need it.

Do I have to wear a mask while exercising?

No, you don't need to wear if you are engaging in strenuous exercise. However, you must wear a mask at all other times, including immediately before and after exercise. These rules are in accordance with Washington state mandate.

What will you do to keep people safe in your buildings?

We’re following guidelines from health experts and local officials to ensure that our facilities meet the highest standards for hygiene and safety. We will deliberately phase-in areas and amenities of low risk as we return to normal operations and resume programs. See our full safety plan.

How are you cleaning?

We've increased cleaning and sanitation, including:

• Professional cleaning every night

• Full-surface clean twice-daily of high-touch areas. Includes restrooms, railings, elevators

• More hand sanitizers, hand-washing stations, and disinfectants

• Continuous surface cleaning by staff, including on the fitness floor

• Improved air filtration and cleaning throughout facilities

See our full safety plan

What is a health screening?

We’re following guidelines from health experts and local officials to ensure that our facilities meet the highest standards for hygiene and safety. One of those guidelines is to conduct health screenings for everyone entering our facilities, including staff.

A health screening will have two parts: a temperature check and a coronavirus symptom check. Anyone who is exhibiting a fever and has experienced any symptoms related to coronavirus within the last 10 days will not be able to enter the building. This safety measure will help keep everyone inside the building safe, from staff to members.

If you are not feeling well, you can still engage from the Y at home. Check out the Healthy Living Room for a variety of wellness activities and resources.

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Reservations

How do I make a reservation?

We open reservations at midnight two (2) days in advance. Find instructions here

Do I have to make a reservation?

Due to limited capacity, we are requiring reservations. Reservations are first come, first serve. You can make a reservation online or via the phone.

If you are visiting the Y to access the membership desk or pick up Y Bucks once we reopen to members, you do not need to make a reservation.

How do I cancel a reservation?

You can cancel a reservation online up to 24 hours before it starts. Find instructions here. You can also give us a call any time and we can cancel the reservation for you.

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