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Frequently Asked Questions & VAC Rules

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Ventura Aquatics Center

FAQs Frequently Asked Questions

Do lifeguards oversee the swimming pools and waterslides?

Yes. Our lifeguards are American Red Cross Certified in first aid, Lifeguard Training and CPR for the Professional Rescuer.

Do I have to pay if I am not going to swim?

Yes, everyone entering the facility must pay the facility admission fee. 

Are credit cards and personal checks accepted?

Cash, personal checks, and Visa and MasterCard are accepted.

Can I wear a t-shirt and shorts in the swimming pool?

No, all swimmers must wear appropriate swimsuits. No street clothes are allowed in the swimming pool. This includes athletic shorts, cotton t-shirts or shorts, denim material, jerseys, tank tops, and undergarments (sport bras, underwear, boxers).

Is my child required to wear a swim diaper?

Yes, any child not potty-trained is required to wear a swim diaper.

Do you provide towels?

No, you must bring your own towels.

How old must my child be to come to the park alone?

Children age 10+ may come to the park unattended. Children age 9 and under must be accompanied by someone age 16 or older.

How tall does my child have to be to ride the water slides?

There is a minimum height requirement of 46" – only single riders allowed (children may not ride on an adult’s lap).

Are adults and older children allowed in the water playground area?

Yes, anyone may enjoy the playground area.

Can I bring my own flotation devices?

Yes, but they must be US Coast Guard Approved. Fins, snorkels and toys may not be used during recreational swim time.

Do you have life jackets available for public use?

Yes, life jackets for children and adults are available free of charge.

Do you have lockers?

Lockers are available on a first-come, first-served basis; they are free of charge but you must provide your own lock.

Do you have chairs and/or a picnic area?

Yes, chairs are available on a first come first serve basis. The picnic areas are on a first come first serve basis, unless a reserve sign has been placed under an umbrella area for a Birthday party.

Is there a snack bar at the facility?

No, this facility does not sell any food on the premises. However, there are vending machines containing water, soda and coffee.

Can I bring in my own food?

Coolers, personal food, and beverage items in plastic containers ARE permitted inside the facility. Barbecues, alcoholic beverages, and glass containers are not allowed.

Do you have a First Aid station?

Yes, we have a first aid station located in the Lifeguard office.

Is there a Lost & Found?

All Lost & Found items are collected and placed in a basket outside of the Lifeguard office. Smaller items such as goggles & jewelry are kept up at the front desk. Any unclaimed items are donated to Goodwill at the end of each month. The Ventura Aquatic Center is not responsible for lost or stolen property.

Are facilities available for handicapped guests?

Yes, a portable handicapped lift is available for all pools.

Does the swimming pool close when it rains?

No, but we do close the pools if the rain is accompanied by lightning. The water slides may also be closed when wind speeds are too high.

Ventura Aquatic Center Facility Use Rules

  1. Showers are required for all guests entering any pools.
  2. Active in-water supervision, within arms reach, is required for all non-swimmers; including those wearing approved floatation devices.
  3. No diving in shallow pools.
  4. No excessive breath holding.
  5. Appropriate swimwear must be worn: no cut-off jeans, shorts below the knees, t-shirts, tank tops or athletic wear. No swimsuits with metal or plastic rivets are allowed on the slides. Infants must wear swim diapers or rubber pants.
  6. Everyone entering the facility must pay entrance fee, including swimmers & non-swimmers.
  7. In order to ride waterslides you must be 46” tall.
  8. Children under 10 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible person 18 years of age or older.
  9. Only Coast Guard approved floatation devices may be worn in the pool.
  10. No running, pushing, roughhousing or hanging on the back of other swimmers.
  11. The use of fins, snorkels and toys are prohibited during recreational swim times.
  12. All persons having open wounds, diarrhea, vomiting, or any other condition that has the appearance of being infectious shall be refused admittance to the pools.
  13. The City of Ventura is not responsible for lost or stolen belongings.
  14. All food and drink must remain inside picnic areas. No glass containers or alcohol is allowed.

Prohibited at this facility:

  1. Possession of weapons
  2. use of alcohol
  3. narcotics or smoking
  4. persons under the influence of alcohol or narcotics
  5. animals
  6. glass bottles
  7. bicycles, skateboards and roller blades
  8. loud radios

Diving Board Rules:

  1. Children under 12 years of age, or anyone who does not demonstrate the ability to swim safely, must pass a deep-water swim test before entering the competition pool.
  2. Only one person at a time is permitted on the diving board.
  3. Before diving, make sure the water surrounding the board is clear of all swimmers.
  4. Only one bounce per dive is permitted.
  5. Dives must be directed straight off the front of the board.
  6. Only forward dives or forward somersaults may be attempted.
  7. After diving, swim immediately to the ladder and exit the pool.
  8. Any diver who is acting in an unsafe manner, or is disobeying the rules, will be prohibited from use of the diving board and may be dismissed from the facility.
  9. The following dives are not permitted during open dive times: INWARD, REVERSE, TWISTING, SITTING, HANDSTAND, or BACK.

Water Slide Rules: 

  1. Riders must be at least 46” inches tall to ride the waterslide.
  2. Only one patron on the slide is permitted at a time
  3. Riding position is lying on the back with feet first, or sitting facing forward
  4. Do not stand up, stop, slow down, spin around or form a chain of riders on slide at any time
  5. No swimsuits with rivets, lifejackets, eyeglasses, sunglasses or goggles may be worn on the slide
  6. Riders must wait for the lifeguard’s signal to enter and go down the waterslide
  7. Riders must promptly exit the slide and move away from the area.
  8. No running, roughhousing or horseplay at any time.
  9. Maximum individual rider weight limit is 300 lbs.
  10. Those who are pregnant or have a heart condition should not ride.