Franklin Township Parks & Recreation
Williams Park & Pool Rules and Regulations
These rules are for the benefit and protection of all pool users. They have been established to assure
safe and sanitary operation and use of the facility and enjoyable recreation for all Franklin Township
residents. The Pool Manager has authority, as do the guards, to enforce the following rules and to
restrict use of the pool and patio facilities to those individuals who refuse to abide by them.
I.
POOL HOURS
Weeknight Pool hours –
Weekend Pool hours
1.
2.
3.
4.
II.
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday through Friday
1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Saturday
Hours will be scheduled based on lifeguard availability.
The pool will close 15 minutes prior to facility closing time.
The restrooms will close 5 minutes prior to facility closing time.
All children are to be picked up by 7:45pm on weeknights and 5:45pm on the weekend.
Late pickup will be assessed starting at 7:46pm on weeknights and 5:46pm on the weekend
and charged at a rate of $2 per minute. Late fee charges are paid at the Recreation Office
prior to returning to the pool in the future.
SWIMMING POOL – GENERAL
1. Township Residents only. All members must be registered in advance with the Recreation
Office and must sign in at the gate before entering the pool enclosure. Proof of residency,
age and/or grade is required.
a. Birth Certificate required for all registrants less than 12 years of age.
b. Birth Certificate, Report Card, or School ID can be used for all registrants 12 years age
and older.
c. Driver’s License (Photo ID) can be used for all registrants 18 years age and older.
2. The Township shall have the right to close the pool or restrict its use whenever the safety or
health of participants is endangered. The pool may be closed when necessary for
maintenance operations and inclement weather at the discretion of the pool manager.
3. Everyone using the pool does so at his/her own risk. The Township is not responsible for
any accident, injury or loss of personal property. There are no locker room facilities; do not
bring valuables to the pool.
4. Follow all swimming rules posted at the swimming area.
5. Only proper swimming attire is allowed in the pool. No cut-off pants or gym shorts allowed.
Ladies may wear nylon shorts over swimsuit. No tee-shirts allowed in the pool. Please
remove bobby pins and jewelry before entering the pool.
6. The Township is not responsible for individuals when they leave the fenced area of the pool.
A parent/guardian that sends a child under 12 years of age to the pool without an adult
guardian is giving them permission to leave at will.
7. Water shoes are recommended.
8. Sign IN/OUT required daily.
9. No abusive, offensive or profane language shall be permitted. Misconduct of this or any
other type by a member or a guest shall be grounds of expulsion from the premises.
10. Members are asked to aide in the cleanliness and appearance of the patio area by disposing
of their own trash in the receptacles provided.
11. The staff telephone is to be used for official business and emergencies only.
12. The cost of any property damage will be charged to the responsibility of the patron.
III.
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR POOL AND PARK VISITORS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
All swimmers must shower before entering the pool.
No running, pushing or horseplay allowed.
Smoking is prohibited on all Township property.
No chewing gum, eating or glass containers allowed on the pool deck or in the pool.
No diving.
No floating equipment, toys or balls allowed.
7. Swimming in the absence of a lifeguard if prohibited.
8. No person shall use threatening, abusive, boisterous, insulting or indecent language or
gesture while at the Pool or within the park, nor shall any public demonstration or nuisance
be made. The use of any of the aforementioned by any visitor shall be grounds for ejection
from the pool and possible suspension of the member's privileges.
9. The use or threat of physical force, or threatening gestures by any visitor involving another
visitor or facility employee shall subject such person(s) to immediate removal from the
facility and possible suspension of such person’s pool membership.
10. No person shall harass, obstruct, molest, assault or interfere with any person lawfully within
the park/pool facility or harass, resist, obstruct, molest, assault, or interfere with any staff
member.
11. All staff members have the authority to advise a visitor, if that visitor is in violation of any
rule or regulation. If, upon notification, the visitor is demeaning to, degrading to, or tries to
humiliate the staff member, the visitor will be subject to ejection from the facility and
suspension of their pool privileges.
12. No person shall remain within the pool facility or within the park who does not abide by
conditions adopted and posted for the preservation of good order and the protection of
property within the pool facility or park; and no person shall remain within the pool facility
or within the park who does not abide by the instructions and directions of the duly
authorized staff in the lawful performance of their duties. Any person directed by the onduty manager to leave the pool facility or the park shall do so promptly and peaceably.
13. No person shall appear at the pool facility or within the park in a state of nudity, or commit,
perform, or engage in lewd, lascivious, obscene, illicit, carnal or indecent act or behavior,
and no person shall make any indecent exposure of his or her person.
14. In the event that a visitor's privileges are suspended, they shall not be allowed into the
facility for the duration of the suspension.
15. In the event a visitor's conduct warrants, in the opinion of the management on duty,
suspension of facility privileges, a written request may be submitted by the visitor to the
Recreation Office at: 505 DeMott Lane, Somerset, to review the action taken by the pool
manager. Such hearing shall be held no later than three (3) business days after the request
for a hearing is received by the Recreation Office. In the event the Recreation Department
finds the suspension to be warranted, the action of the Department can be appealed to the
Advisory Recreation Council at the next regularly scheduled meeting by delivering a request
for such appeal in writing to the Recreation Office at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to its
next scheduled meeting, unless time does not allow for such notice.
16. The on-duty pool manager or the acting manager shall have the authority to suspend a
membership and privileges in the event of a violation of a pool rule or regulation. Likewise,
a visitor may be ejected from the facility and/or park for any violation of a pool rule or
regulation.
17. When asked by the on-duty manager, any person at the facility must give the manager their
ID card/badge, or another form of identification requested. Failure to do so shall be grounds
for immediate ejection from the facility.
18. All patrons will honor and respect the pool equipment which has been provided for their
enjoyment and comfort. Any person detected destroying or damaging said property will be
held responsible for its repair or replacement in kind.
IV.
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR MEMBERS WITH CHILDREN AND CODE OF CONDUCT FOR
CHILDREN
1. Parents are responsible for the actions of their children and knowing where their children
are at all times.
2. Any staff member has the authority to advise a parent or guardian if a child is misbehaving
or if the child is in violation of any pool rule or regulation. If, upon notification, the parent or
guardian is demeaning to, degrading to, or tries to humiliate the staff member, then the
parent or guardian will be subject to ejection from the facility and suspension of
membership privileges.
3. All children less than 5 years shall be supervised in the pool by an adult at all times; such
adult will not leave the child unattended at any time and must remain within arm’s length.
4. Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult who will be responsible for
their conduct at the pool.
5. If a child who is a visitor cannot swim, it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian of
that child to insure that the child does not go into water over his or her head.
6. Children under five years of age are not permitted to enter or to use a restroom without the
supervision of a parent or guardian. Further, it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian
to insure that the bathroom is left in a clean condition.
V.
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR INFANTS AND TODDLERS
1. Children are not permitted in the pool unless the adult parent or guardian is watching the
child while the child is in the water. If a child is under 5 years of age, that child must be
accompanied by an adult at arm’s length while the child is in the pool.
2. Toddlers and young children, especially those that cannot swim are not permitted to be by
the side of any pool without a parent or adult guardian at arm’s length from the child.
3. Children under 5 years of age are not permitted to enter or to use a restroom without the
supervision of a parent or guardian. Further, it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian
to insure that the bathroom is left in a clean condition.
VI.
DISORDERLY PERSONS
1. No person or group of persons shall engage in such loitering conduct as will clearly cause an
immediate, actual physical violent reaction from any person or persons which violent action
will cause a threat to the peace and order of the public.
2. Nor shall any person or group of persons engage in such loitering conduct which shall
disturb a person of ordinary sensibilities as to cause such person to react immediately in
such as way as to threaten by physical violence the peace and order of the public.
3. Nor shall any person or group of persons engage in such loitering conduct which obstructs
free passage of pedestrians at, in or near any pool, deck area, building, parking lot or
vehicle, or the free passage of vehicles at, in or near any building, parking lot or vehicle.
4. Nor shall any person or group of persons engage in such loitering conduct which obstructs
the free passage of persons at or near any passage or walkway.
5. Nor shall any person or group of persons engage in such loitering conduct which will
obstruct, molest or interfere with any person lawfully in, or enjoying the Park and Pool.
6. Where there is conduct in violation of the disorderly persons section, there must, in
addition, be a refusal by the persons engaged in such conduct to obey a request by a
supervisor or the on-duty manager of the facility to move on before the township police
department is summoned for assistance.
VII.
NEW JERSEY STATE SANITARY CODE, CHAPTER IX, PUBLIC RECREATIONAL
BATHING, EFFECTIVE DATE: SEPTEMBER 6, 2009. EXPIRATION DATE: SEPTEMBER 6,
2016. Bather rules for swimming pools, wading pools, hot tubs and spas:
1. Any person showing evidence of any communicable skin disease, sore or inflamed eyes,
cold, nasal or ear discharges or any other communicable disease shall be denied admission.
2. Any person with excessive sunburn, open blisters, cuts, or bandages shall be denied
admission.
3. Do not enter the water if you are experiencing or recovering from diarrhea or have had any
signs or symptoms of a gastrointestinal (stomach) disease in the past seven days.
4. All children in diapers must wear plastic pants with snug fitting elastic waist and leg bands.
Do not wash out soiled diapers in the bathing water.
5. Children should be encouraged to use the restroom before entering the water. Immediately
report any "accidents" you observe in the bathing waters to a lifeguard.
6. No animals, except for service animals, shall be allowed in the swimming pool, wading pool,
hot tub, or spa area, dressing rooms, or other parts of the enclosure.
7. Glass containers shall be prohibited.
8. All persons shall shower before entering the water.
9. Conduct which endangers the safety and comfort of others shall be prohibited.
10. Outdoor bathing shall be prohibited during an electrical storm.
11. Persons suspected of being under the influence of drugs or alcohol shall be prohibited from
entering the water.
VIII.
CONTAMINATION OF POOL WATER OR CONTAMINATION OF ANY AREA OF THE PARK
OR FACILITY
1. Any person that intentionally or unintentionally contaminates any swim pool or wading pool,
deck area, or any bathroom floor or bathroom stall partition area or any other area with
fecal matter, or with any other contaminant will, at the discretion of the facility director be
immediately ejected from the facility. Further, at the discretion of the Department of Parks
and Recreation, the person will be subject to loss of membership. Additionally, the person
will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
2. The parent or guardian of any infant or of any child is responsible for the actions of the
infant or child. If the infant or the child intentionally or unintentionally contaminates any
swim pool or deck area, or any bathroom floor or bathroom stall partition area or any other
area with fecal matter or any other contaminant, the parent or guardian of the infant or
child, as well as the infant or child will, at the discretion of the facility director, be subject to
immediate ejection from the facility, Further, at the discretion of the Department of Parks
and Recreation the parent, guardian, infant and child will be subject to loss of membership.
Additionally, the parent or guardian will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
3. If the parent or guardian of an infant or child permits the infant or child to enter the facility
or enter any pool and the infant or the child wears any diaper item or apparel item which is
prohibited by these Rules and Regulations, or if the infant or child fails to wear the type of
diaper item or apparel item which is designated in the Rules and Regulations for use in the
pools or in any other area within the fenced-in area of the facility, and if that infant or child
intentionally or unintentionally contaminates any swim pool or deck area, or any bathroom
floor or bathroom stall partition area or any other area with fecal matter or any other
contaminant, the parent or the guardian of the infant or child, as well as the infant or child
will, at the discretion of the facility director, be subject to immediate ejection from the
facility. Further, at the discretion of the Department of Parks and Recreation, the parent,
guardian, infant and child will be subject to loss of membership. Additionally, the parent or
guardian will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,
IX.
HEALTH ISSUES AND PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY WITH REGARD TO DIAPERS
ANDTHE CONTAMINATION OF ANY POOL OR ANY AREA OF THE FACILITY
1. Due to the potentially serious health consequences of fecal contamination, it is the
responsibility of the parent to insure that their child and their child's diaper and bathing suit
are clean and free of any fecal matter prior to placing the child in any pool. It is in violation
of pool rule Section VIII to contaminate any pool or to contaminate any area in the facility
or in the Park.
2. Regular disposable diapers are not permitted in any pool. Swim diapers are the only type of
diaper which will be permitted in the pool.
3. All children in diapers must wear plastic pants such as a reusable swim diaper with snug
fitting elastic waist and leg bands.
4. Infants and toddlers are not permitted to walk around the inside of the facility in a diaper.
Any infant who is wearing a diaper on the deck must also wear a bathing suit over the
diaper.
5. Changing of diapers on the pool deck, pool furniture, sinks counters or other equipment is
prohibited. Parents rinsing off or cleaning the genital or rectal area of any child in a
restroom sink or cleaning a soiled diaper or soiled clothes which are contaminated with fecal
matter in a restroom sink will be ejected from the facility and their membership suspended.
6. Parents rinsing off or cleaning a soiled diaper or the genital or the rectal area of any
child in any pool will be ejected from the facility and their membership suspended.
X.
POOL HEALTH CONTINUED
1. No member shall knowingly enter the pool enclosure, or permit a child or guest to do so,
while suffering from any contagious disease, such as athlete’s foot, ringworm, colds, etc. or
while suffering from an open wound or sore. All participants will be observed by the Pool
Manager and the lifeguards, and any questionable cause will be barred from admission. The
Pool Manager has the authority to keep any person with a visible skin disease out of the
water. A doctor’s certificate of permission must be obtained by anyone seeking admission
who does not agree with the Manager’s decision.
2. Spitting, spouting of water, blowing of nose, etc., are strictly prohibited in the pool.
3. Stay out of the water when you are tired, very cold, or overheated. The Pool Manager and
lifeguards may request a rest period if fatigue or chill is observed. There may be a 15
minute rest period for children less than 14 years of age called hourly at the discretion of
the Pool Manager.
4. All injuries occurring on the premises must be reported immediately to the management.
(Accident forms will be available at the pool).
5. Fecal contamination will cause the pool to close for up to 24 hours while water treatment is
conducted.
6. Enforcement of health rules shall be the responsibility of the pool management. When
necessary to call for medical assistance, any charges incurred shall be paid for by the
patron concerned.
7. Do not comb hair on the pool deck.
XI.
SWIMMING POOL – SAFETY
1. Swimming with a buddy is recommended at all times.
2. Extended breadth holding activities are prohibited.
3. No running, pushing, wrestling, or causing undo disturbance in or about the pool area is
permitted.
4. There is no pushing into any pool. Any person who pushes another person into a pool is
subject to ejection from the facility.
5. No splash or tag games.
6. Tennis balls or hard balls are not permitted in the pool. Additionally, management has the
right to ask any member at any time to remove any ball or any object which may be thrown
or tossed from any pool.
7. No person shall pick-up or lift any person in any pool and then support the person on their
shoulders or toss or throw the person within the pool.
8. Playing, lingering or loitering on pool steps or ladders is prohibited.
9. Smoking shall not be allowed on Township owned property.
10. No glass container of any kind will be allowed within the pool enclosure.
11. No face masks or goggles will be allowed in the pool except approved swim team type eye
goggles.
12. No food, drinks or chewing gum shall be allowed in the pool enclosure.
13. No jumping or diving from the edge of the pool, steps or the ladders.
14. All pool users are required to get out of the water if there are signs of lightning or thunder.
15. The use of kickboards and noodles are allowed at the discretion of the lifeguards when the
pool is not crowded. Other Floating equipment types, shall be prohibited in the pool.
Styrofoam floats, toys, etc., will not be allowed due to clogging the pool drainage system.
16. Lifeguards may exclude anyone from the deep water who has not demonstrated sufficient
ability to swim. Children who cannot pass a swim test will not be allowed in the deep end of
the pool. Children wearing a US Coastguard approved flotation device may swim in the low
end of the pool.
17. The primary task of lifeguards and pool managers is to provide for the safety and comfort of
members using the pool. Visitors are asked not to lounge or loiter near the guard’s stands
or to talk with guards while they are on guard duty. In case of an emergency notify the
nearest lifeguard and follow their instructions.
18. Unauthorized persons are not allowed on the lifeguard stands.
19. Swimming in the absence of a lifeguard is prohibited. No person is permitted within the pool
enclosure except during the regular pool hours or for scheduled activities. People climbing
over the fence to swim will not be tolerated. Aside from breaking the rules, it is extremely
dangerous. Violators of this rule are subject to immediate loss of pool privileges and
possible prosecution. Any person found in the pool after closing hours will be arrested and
fined for trespassing. No person shall enter the pool unless there is a lifeguard on duty.
20. Pool users are expected to abide by and cooperate with the lifeguard’s decision. Visitors are
not permitted to interfere or reprimand employees of the Pool. If a difference of opinion
should arise, pool users should advise the Pool Manager or the Recreation Department.
21. US Coast Guard approved life vests are the only acceptable flotation device during open
swim. Any child wearing a life vest must be within arm’s reach and directly supervised in
the water by an adult over the age of 18. One adult may only supervise on child in a life
vest at any time. Life vests are available at the pool at no cost. Instructional flotation
devices such as swim lesson bubbles are not allowed during open swim. The use of other
swimming aids, water toys, and flotation devices is prohibited.
22. Beach chairs, baby strollers, backpacks, blankets or beach balls are not permitted on the
pool deck.
23. Visitors who use Recreation Dept. equipment are responsible for returning the equipment in
the same condition as when it was borrowed. The visitor will be charged the replacement
cost for any lost or damaged item.
24. No member or guest shall use loudspeakers, public address systems or amplifiers within the
facility or at the Park. Nor shall any portable radio, digital media player, CD player or
musical instrument or device be played in such a manner as to create a nuisance. Guest
radios must have headphones.
25. No person shall intentionally or unintentionally destroy, damage, or break any item or
property belonging to the facility, another visitor, or to an outside contractor.
XII.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, DRUGS OR NARCOTICS
1. No person shall possess or consume alcoholic beverages, drugs or narcotics within the park
or pool fenced-in area of the facility. Nor shall any person be permitted within the facility or
on the surrounding grounds of the Park, under the influence of intoxicating beverages,
drugs, or narcotics.
2. The pool manager has full authority for supervising the pool and facilities. Lifeguards may
limit any member’s pool privileges for 24 hours. The pool manager, on recommendation of
the lifeguard, may bar any member’s pool privileges for an additional 2 days. Repeated
infractions will be referred to the Recreation Department for further action.
XIII.
AUTHORITY TO CLOSE THE FACILITY OR TO CLOSE A POOL
1. The on-duty manager has the authority to:
a. Close any pool or program at any time.
b. Close the facility earlier than the scheduled closing time.
2. The decision to close the facility or to close any pool may be based upon any of the
following conditions:
a. The number of patrons using the facility.
b. Staff availability.
3. Weather
a. The pool will close at the first sign of thunder or lightening.
4. Pool will close 15 minutes prior to facility closing time. Restrooms will close 5 minutes prior
to facility closing time.
***These rules may be revised or additional rules established as considered necessary at any time
by the Pool Manager, subject to review and approval by the Franklin Township Recreation
Department. Situations arising which are not covered specifically by any rules or regulations herein
will be handled at the discretion of the Manager or Lifeguard in charge.
Thank You – Together, We can make this a safe and enjoyable summer!
Sincerely,
Dan Reeve
Superintendent of Recreation
Williams Park & Pool Rules and Regulations
Summer 2017
My signature acknowledges that have received a copy of the Franklin Township, Williams
Park & Pool Rules and that I understand and agree to the pool rules and above
conditions.
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