Children under the age of 10, unless participating in a YMCA program, must be supervised by an adult while in the building.

The Y’s goal is to create an atmosphere in which youth feel safe and confident while using our various fitness areas.

In order to achieve this, the Brainerd Family YMCA conducts a YOUTH STRENGTH & CARDIO ORIENTATION to instill confidence and understanding in youth as they strive to live an active and healthy life. These orientations are meant to teach kids safety, etiquette, and basic fitness guidelines, giving youth a sense of knowledge and belonging while using the YMCA fitness areas.

Once complete, participants age 7-9 may use the treadmills or indoor cycles with parent supervision and ages 10-12 may use Hammer Strength adjustable weight equipment and cardio machines independently.  Those who have completed the training will receive a colored wrist band to wear while working out.  

Everyone's safety is important to us.  We ask that everyone abides by our pool guidelines.  

1. Obey the lifeguard at all times

2. Do not enter the pool if you suspect you have or have a communicable disease or an open cut or blister. Band aids are not allowed in the water

3. Wear family appropriate and clean swim attire only

4. Shower using warm water and soap before entering the pool or after use of the toilet facilities

5. No extended breath-holding or hyperventilation allowed

6. All children under the age of 4 MUST have an adult in the water within arm’s reach

7. Only U.S. Coast guard approved lifejackets allowed. Users must remain within arms reach of an adult

8. Participants MUST be 48 inches tall to ride the waterslide.  

9. Do not run or engage in rough play in the pool area or locker-rooms

10. Diving is prohibited in water less than 9 feet in depth

11. Spitting, spouting water from mouth or blowing nose in the pool is prohibited

12. Diaper changing in the pool area is prohibited. Please use locker-rooms

13. Do not bring domestic animals into the pool area

14. Do not bring food, drink, or gum into the pool area

15. NO Glass or shatterable items in the pool area

16. No water/squirt guns of any kid 

17. No inflatable toys/armbands allowed

1. Clothing may be worn over a swimsuit if it is clean and family appropriate. We recommend lightweight tighter fitting, clean clothing.

2. Clothing must be rinsed off thoroughly in the shower before entering the pool.

3. Anyone who is not reliably toilet-trained (6consecutive days without ANY accidents is considered reliable), or not in control of all their bodily functions are also required to wear I-Play swim wear underneath their swimsuits.  I-Play’s may be purchased at the Member Service desk.

For adults with small children of the opposite gender, (father/ daughter, mother/son), children enrolled in Childcare, people with disabilities and/or needing special accommodations. This locker room is co-ed and nudity is not allowed in showers or public part of the locker room. Shower usage is restricted to one adult with or without children.  We provide private showers, changing rooms, bathrooms, special needs accessible shower, changing area and bathroom. An infant changing station and vanity area is also available. Cell phone and camera usage is prohibited.

General Statement:
Please inform the Y during the enrollment process if you or a family member requires any special accommodation. This information enables the Y to better meet your needs within available resources and to the extent reasonable.

A service dog must be individually trained to perform work or tasks directly related to the handler’s disability.

Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents him or her from using these devices. Individuals who cannot use such devices must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.

Service dogs may be excluded if the dog is out of control and the handler cannot or does not regain control; or 2) the dog is not housebroken.

Under the ADA, “comfort,” “therapy,” or “emotional support” animals do not meet the definition of a service animal.  If so, the YMCA may ask:

1. Is the animal required because of a disability?
2. What work or task has the animal been trained to perform?

The YMCA may make exceptions with companion/therapy animals based on the individual situation as long as the above guidelines are followed.

No other inquiries about an individual’s disability or the dog are required. Proof of certification or medical documentation is not a condition for entry.