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:

• Dates and Hours
• Membership
• Safety Protocols
• Reservations
• In the Building

Dates and Hours

Where can I find branch hours?

Right now we’ve listed branch hours in our Welcome Back to the Y guide. We’re quickly adding them to our location pages.

Why are the University Family and Fauntleroy Y's closed to members? When will they reopen?

In order to open facilities during the Safe Start plan, we must comply with capacity and physical distance guidelines. Unfortunately, due to the square footage and facility configuration, we are unable to meet those guidelines at the University Family Y initially. We will continue to plan for your return and provide updates as we get closer to welcoming you back to the facility.

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Membership & Guests

What are my membership options?

You have a number of options for your membership:

1. Continue Supporting the Y with Membership Dues and Use Member Benefits: As a member, you get access to Sustaining Member Y Bucks and programming happening now.

2. Turn Your Dues into a Donation: You can turn 3 months of dues paid during our closure into a tax-deductible donation. Start Your Donation

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

4. 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

When are memberships coming off of hold?

If your membership is on hold, it will remain on hold until your regular September draft date unless we have communicated with you otherwise. 

If you would like to extend your hold or end your hold early, please start that request here.

What's happening to local memberships at University Family 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 until the University and Fauntleroy facilities reopen to members.

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 Phases 2 and 3 for programs and facilities. Find the latest updates at seattleymca.org/welcomeback

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Safety Protocols

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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Pool & Aquatics

Why are you limiting activity in the pool? When will more programs open?

In an effort to keep our members and staff as safe as possible, we are slowly rolling out aquatics programs to ensure we can provide everything our members enjoy. Lap swimming is the safest social distance activity we can offer our members, and for that reason we've chosen to offer it first. We are happy for you to use the lap lanes however you see fit, whether it be water walking, swimming laps, or a water exercise activity of your choosing.

We know that all of our swim programs are in high demand and thank you for your patience as we navigate impacts from COVID-19.

Are pools safe?

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

We are taking precautions to also keep you safe on the pool deck and in our facilities, including frequent cleaning and limited access to shared objects like pool noodles and googles. Learn more about our safety plan

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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, via the phone, or in-person.

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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In the Building

Can I hang out and socialize before or after my workout or pool use?

We've missed seeing you in-person and are looking forward to welcoming you back soon. While we understand that connecting with friends and staff is a part of the Y we love, we have to balance that with our need to be safe. For that reason we have redesigned seating areas to increase physical distance. We've also added temporary time limits on your visit and require reservations to access the fitness areas and pool.

Members are more than welcome to continue visiting outside of the Y at a safe distance.

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