Rules & FAQ

Holland Aquatic Center (HAC) is a safe and welcoming environment for all. To ensure that all guests have a safe and enjoyable time during their visit, the following policies and procedures are in place and will be fairly enforced by staff members.

Guests are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner, use appropriate behavior, and follow directions from HAC team members. 

HAC Lifeguard

Holland Aquatic Center Policies & Rules

CODE OF CONDUCT

The following conduct is specifically prohibited and may result in temporary or permanent loss of privileges: 

  • Endangering the health or safety of others 
  • Assaulting, harassing, intimidating, or threatening another individual or group 
  • Inappropriate, offensive language and/or behavior 
  • Stealing, damaging, or destroying HAC property or property belonging to a HAC guest 
  • Possession of alcohol, drugs or any other controlled substance and/or intoxication due to alcohol or drug use 
  • Possession of weapons of any kind, or objects that appear to be weapons 
  • Smoking cigarettes or vaping 

Please report any inappropriate conduct to a HAC team member. Suspension or termination of HAC membership or single visit privileges may result from a violation of the Code of Conduct. While an incident is being investigated, facility use of the person(s) accused of violating this Code of Conduct may be temporarily suspended pending a final decision. 

No refunds will be given for loss of privileges due to breach of the Code of Conduct. HAC has the right to refuse entry to anyone at any time. 

OVERARCHING FACILITY RULES

  • Activity for private gain is not permitted at any time. Only HAC team members are authorized to teach swimming lessons, coach athletes, provide personal training or any other type of instruction within the facilities.
  • Recreational devices such as drones, remote-control toys, skateboards, scooters, inline skates, or shoes with built-in wheels are not allowed.
  • No pets or other animals allowed except ADA-approved service animals (e.g. dogs).
  • Read and obey all posted signs. Individual pool decks, community spaces, and features have specific guidelines.
  • Children under the age of 13 must have an adult accompany them at all times.
  • Teens ages 13-18 may use the facility without an adult. A waiver is required and guardian information must be provided in case of emergency.
  • All facility users must sign a liability waiver upon arrival.
  • No professional or commercial photography without management authorization.

ALL POOL RULES

  • To use any pool, a lifeguard must be present. Swim only in designated areas. 
  • Obey all instructions given by lifeguards and staff. 
  • Showering is required before entering any pool. 
  • Children under 42” must be always within arm’s reach of a responsible adult. 
  • Children under 48” must be accompanied on deck with a responsible adult. 
  • Children under 54” must have a responsible adult present in the facility. 
  • Glass, other breakable materials, and hazardous objects or materials are not permitted. 
  • Alcoholic beverages are not permitted. The use of alcoholic beverages while swimming may result in serious injury.  
  • No running. 
  • Rough play or holding underwater will not be tolerated. 
  • Do not hang on safety or lane lines. 
  • Beach toys are not permitted. 
  • Dive only in designated areas.   
  • All personal floatation devices must be US Coast Guard-approved and labeled. 
  • All swimmers must wear appropriate swim attire. Cut-offs, leotards, gym shorts, underwear, thong swimsuits, string bikinis, or cotton t-shirts are not permitted.  Rash shirts permitted.
  • Swimming apparel with zippers, buckles, metal ornamentation, or anything that may damage HAC property is not permitted. 
  • People with a contagious, infectious condition or disease; an open, unhealed wound; and/or experiencing even a mild case of diarrhea may not use any pool. Persons with diarrhea should wait two weeks after symptoms end before returning to the pool.  
  • Infants/children who are not toilet trained and adults who are incontinent must wear a new disposable swim diaper or a reusable swim-appropriate (non-cloth) diaper to enter the pool. 
  • No street shoes on deck. 
  • Any injury occurring in the pool must be reported to a lifeguard or supervisor immediately. 

FITNESS ROOM RULES

  • Minimum age: 12 years old. HAC fitness room orientation is required for guests ages 12-17. See Fitness staff to schedule.  
  • Please take caution when working out. Exercise at your own risk. 
  • Proper workout attire is required. This includes a shirt or tank top (must cover navel), closed-toed tennis shoes, and shorts or sweatpants. Wet swimsuits are prohibited. 
  • Only HAC-approved personal trainers may train HAC guests.  
  • Food items are prohibited; water bottles (plastic or metal only) are permitted. 
  • Use machines according to directions for intended purpose.  
  • Do not drop or bang weights. 
  • Wipe equipment after each usage with disposable cleaning towels. 
  • Headphones are required for personal music devices.  
  • Cellphone use and videography of yourself and others is not allowed.  
  • Please share space and equipment. Be conscious of others waiting for use.  
  • Harassment, discrimination and/or foul language will not be tolerated. Violation of our guest code of conduct may lead to dismal with a refund. 
  • Use HAC-provided lockers to store gym bags and other personal belongings. HAC is not responsible for lost or stolen items 
  • Do not remove equipment from the fitness room. 

INDOOR TRACK RULES

  • All HAC Fitness Room rules and regulations apply on the indoor track. 
  • See posted signage for direction of traffic on a given day. 
  • Slower traffic must stay to the inside lane. 
  • Do not walk or run more than two people side-by-side. 
  • Acceptable track equipment includes walkers, canes, strollers and sports wheelchairs. Single-wide strollers can be used as long as they do not impede other users. Stroller wheels must be free of dirt/outside debris. For safety reasons, all outside equipment is subject to the approval by HAC staff.  
  • No bikes, skateboards, roller skates/blades, hoverboards, segways, scooters or heelys allowed. 
  • Children under 12 years of age must have an adult/guardian within arm’s reach at all times. 
  • Please be courteous and respectful to others. 

 

HAC Play features rules:

Wiggle Bridge
  • Must be 12 years old or younger.
  • Children with flotation devices must have an adult in the water.
  • Jump feet first into water at the end.
  • Swim to nearest wall to exit
Diving Boards
  • Swim test or USCG-approved flotation device required
  • No running on boards
  • No reverse or inward dives
  • One person on board at a time
  • Wait until the person ahead of you gets to side before taking turn
  • Exit immediately at ladder
Water Slide
  • Riders under 41” tall are not permitted on this ride.
  • Obey the attendants at all times.
  • No horseplay or daredevil stunts.
  • This attraction transports you to a very intense participatory water thrill ride.
  • Riders must be in good physical condition and free from any physical limitations to participate.
  • This ride is not recommended for unattended small children or weak swimmers.
  • Expectant mothers and persons with or having a history of heart, back, neck or joint problems must not ride.
  • Failure to abide by slide rules may result in serious injury to yourself or others.
  • Maximum single rider weight: 300 lbs.
  • Proper riding position is feet first, in a sitting position or lying on you back.
  • No flotation is allowed on this ride.
  • No swim wear with exposed zippers, buckles, rivets or metal ornamentation allowed as the can scratch or cut the riders and the slide surface.
  • Eyeglasses must be securely affixed to riders with head straps.
  • Riders must wait for the start signal from the slide attendant before starting the ride.
  • Only one rider may enter the flume at a time. Never form chains of riders. Riding improperly could cause injury.
  • Do not run, dive, stand, kneel, rotate or stop in the slide.
  • Keep arms and hands inside the flume at all times.
  • Do not attempt to slow down by grabbing or holding the flume with either feet or hands.
  • If you stop in the flume, do not stand up. Lie down and allow the water to push you down the slide.
  • At the end of the slide, obey all instructions from the slide attendants and exit quickly.
50-Meter Zip Line Rules
  • A swim test is required.
  • Riders must be weighed at the scale station before use of zip line – 200 lbs. weight limit.
  • Personal flotation devices not permitted.
  • Wait until lifeguard signals to go.
  • Riders must be able to reach bar without assistance.
  • Riders must hold bar with both hands.
  • Riders must remove glasses & jewelry before riding.
  • Place retrieval line in basket.
  • Let go of bar as soon as resistance is felt – do not ride stop block all the way to the end.
Warm Zone Zip Line Rules
  • Riders must be weighed at the scale station before use of zip line – 200 lbs. weight limit.
  • Wait until lifeguard signals to go.
  • Riders must be able to reach rope without assistance.
  • Riders must hold bar with both hands.
  • Riders must remove glasses & jewelry before riding.
  • Exit the pool immediately after dropping.
Alpine (Climbing Iceburg)
  • A swim test is required.
  • Personal flotation devices not permitted.
  • Limit 2 people at a time.
  • 200 lbs per person weight limit.
  • Wait until lifeguard signals to go.
  • Climb up only. No climbing down.
  • Sit down at top, then slide off feet first.
  • No standing at or jumping from the top.
  • If you fall off, swim to nearest wall.
  • Do not climb up under another climber.
Aqua Track
  • A swim test is required.
  • Personal flotation devices not permitted.
  • Limit 2 people at a time.
  • Wait until lifeguard signals to go.
  • If you fall off, swim to nearest wall.
  • Slide off feet first to exit the track.
  • No jewelry or swimwear with metal pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a Holland resident to use the Holland Aquatic Center?

No, everyone is welcome at HAC!

Who is considered a "resident?"

If you live within the Holland Public School District, you are eligible for our resident rates. Residents of the Holland Public School District contribute to the operation of HAC through their taxes. Residents receive discounted rates for single visit passes, memberships, facility rentals, and program registrations.

How can I prove my resident status?

Please bring a valid ID with you and show it to our Guest Services staff at the front desk. Acceptable forms of ID include government-issued driver’s licenses or state IDs, a rental or lease agreement, or a tax bill. Documentation must include your name and the resident address.

Who can be included in a family membership?

A “family” for membership purposes is defined as one or two adults residing in the same dwelling along with any of their children (dependents) of whom they have legal custody. This definition does not include other relatives regardless of whether they live in the same dwelling or not. Identification may be required to determine a common address.

If I buy a single-visit pass, can I leave and come back again?

The single-visit pass rate is valid for one visit only. If you leave the facility, you will be required to pay for re-entry.

Do I have to pay to go into the pool area, even if I'm not swimming?

Yes, anyone passing our front desk must pay admission. We require an adult guardian within arm’s reach of a child under 42″ tall. If your child(ren) are at least 48” tall, you may watch on deck or from our free viewing area in the upstairs bleachers in the 50-meter pool.

What is a Universal Changing Room and is there space for families in it?

The Universal Change Room provides a more accessible, safe, inclusive, and private space for all members and guests, especially for families with young children and those who require gender anonymity. The design of this space allows for flexibility so that both individuals and families can change into and out of swim or workout apparel with the comfort and ease afforded by a private cubicle or shower. Free day-use lockers are available in the UCR.

Do you have a traditional locker room? Do you provide locks?

Yes, HAC has men’s and women’s locker rooms in its competitive pool complex. We do not provide locks. All guests are advised to secure their belongings with a lock during their visit to HAC. Items may not be stored in lockers overnight. 

Do you rent towels and swimsuits?

Towel rental is FREE for members and $2.00 per towel for guests! Stop by our front desk to borrow a towel during your visit. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own towel(s) if desired. We do not rent swimsuits.

Do you sell swim diapers?

Yes! Children who aren’t toilet-trained, or adults who are incontinent, are required to wear a swim diaper OR a cloth diaper with tight-fitting rubber pants. Children’s swim diapers are available to purchase for $2.00 each at our front desk.

How old does my child have to be to visit HAC without an adult?

Age 12 and younger: All patrons under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older.

Age 13 to 18: If a child is between the ages of 13 and 18 and wants to use HAC unaccompanied by an adult, a parent/guardian must sign a waiver at HAC upon arrival. A parent/guardian’s phone number must be included in case of emergency. As with all patrons, unaccompanied minors are expected to abide by all facility policies, rules, and codes of conduct.

Can I wear a t-shirt over my swimsuit in the pool?

Swim shirts made out of nylon, spandex, or polyester are allowed in the pool; however, cotton t-shirts, cutoff shorts, and leotards are not allowed in the pool. 

Do you allow lifejackets?

Yes. We only allow US Coast Guard-approved life jackets. You may bring your own US Coast Guard-approved life jacket or borrow one of ours during your visit. We have a variety of sizes available for you to use!