East Lansing Family Aquatic Center (ELFAC) is a fantastic destination for families seeking aquatic fun. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, both guests and staff are expected to adhere to a set of guidelines. These rules are in place not only to comply with Health Department regulations regarding public swimming pools, but also to foster a welcoming and secure environment for all visitors. Understanding and respecting these rules is key to making the most of your visit to ELFAC.
General Facility Rules: Ensuring a Safe and Clean Environment
ELFAC prioritizes the health and safety of all its patrons. Reflecting this commitment, several general rules are in place from the moment you enter the facility. As a standard practice in public pools, showering before entering the pool area is requested to help maintain water quality for everyone’s enjoyment. Appropriate swim attire is mandatory for all pool and Splash Pad areas, ensuring hygiene and preventing damage to pool equipment.
Admission can be refused to individuals with contagious conditions or communicable diseases, including open wounds or sores, to protect the health of all guests. Cooperation with Aquatic Staff is essential; their instructions are designed to ensure everyone’s safety and the smooth operation of the facility. Daily entry requires payment of the applicable admission fee, and it’s important to note that refunds are not provided due to weather-related conditions, so planning your visit accordingly is advisable.
For supervision and safety, children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years of age. Specific rules also address young children and infants: children who are in diapers or undergoing potty training must wear swim diapers. Infants should be changed exclusively in designated restrooms, and proper disposal of diapers is required to maintain hygiene throughout the facility.
Height restrictions are in place for certain attractions; guests must be 48 inches (4 feet) or taller to use the body slide, tube slide, or drop slide, ensuring these rides are used safely by those of appropriate size. For those who require them, only U.S. Coast Guard approved lifejackets are allowed in designated pool areas. Children wearing lifejackets must always be within arm’s reach of a supervising guardian, reinforcing the importance of close supervision.
To maintain a pleasant and safe atmosphere, certain items and activities are not permitted within the ELFAC facility:
- Personal floatation devices such as swimmies, water wings, rafts, bodyboards, noodles, toys, inflatables, and mermaid tails are not allowed as they can pose safety risks or obstruct other swimmers.
- Snorkeling or SCUBA equipment, especially masks with nose pieces, are prohibited for safety reasons. Goggles are permitted for eye protection.
- Hanging on lane lines, ladders, or pool ropes is not allowed as it can cause damage and is a safety hazard.
- Maintaining pool hygiene is crucial, therefore spitting, spouting water, or discharging bodily waste in the pool is strictly prohibited.
- To prevent accidents, glass containers are not allowed within the facility.
- Running and rough play are prohibited to minimize the risk of slips and falls. Staff are authorized to stop any activity deemed unsafe.
- Unsafe activities such as flipping, throwing, sitting on shoulders, and piggyback rides are not permitted.
- Abusive or inappropriate language, gestures, or threatening behavior will not be tolerated to ensure a respectful environment for all.
- The facility maintains a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free environment; smoking, vaping, use of smokeless tobacco, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited. Patrons under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be permitted in the facility.
- While service animals are welcome on the deck to assist individuals with disabilities, health codes prohibit them from entering the pool water.
- For the comfort of all guests, radios and amplified music are restricted to personal sound devices used with headphones.
- Diving is only allowed from the designated diving board to ensure safety and appropriate water depth.
ELFAC strives to accommodate large groups and encourages reservations, which can be made by contacting Guest Services at (517) 332-4420 during the season and (517) 333-2580 during the off-season. Please be aware that the Department of Parks, Recreation & Arts is not responsible for personal property; lockers are available for securing belongings. Lost items are kept in a “Lost and Found” at the office for a limited period. Any questions can be directed to the ELFAC staff, who are there to assist you.
Pool and Activity General Rules: Guidelines for Water-Based Fun
Beyond the overarching facility rules, specific guidelines apply to pool and activity areas to ensure safe and enjoyable water-based recreation. Lifeguard and staff instructions must be followed at all times; their role is paramount in maintaining safety within the aquatic environment. Proper swim attire is mandatory, and for slide users, jean shorts or cut-offs are not permitted as they can damage the slide surfaces and are not hygienic.
For safety on slides, no metal objects, locker keys, goggles, metal snaps, watches, sunglasses, or eyeglasses are allowed as they can cause injury or damage the slides. To maintain order and fairness, skipping lines and rowdy play are prohibited. Climbing up slides is not allowed, and for safety during descent, arms and hands must remain inside the slide. All slide entries and exits must be feet first only. Standing, stopping, or sliding headfirst is strictly prohibited. Only one person is allowed on a slide at a time; chain riding (multiple people riding together) is strictly forbidden due to safety concerns. The plunge pool area must be clear of all swimmers when slides are in use, and users must leave the plunge area immediately after sliding. Swimmers are not permitted to catch slide users as this can lead to collisions and injuries.
Frog Slide Rules: Fun for the Little Ones
The Frog Slide is designed for younger children, and specific rules ensure their safety. This slide is exclusively for individuals UNDER 48 inches tall, making it perfect for smaller children to enjoy. Similar to the larger slides, arms and hands must be kept inside the slide at all times. The Frog Slide must be ridden in a seated position or lying on the back, always feet first.
Tube and Body Slide Rules: Thrills for the Adept Swimmer
The Tube and Body Slides cater to those seeking a bit more thrill, and consequently, have stricter rules. Users must be AT LEAST 48 inches tall to ride and must be able to swim without assistance, ensuring a base level of water competency for these attractions. The plunge pool depth is 3 feet 6 inches. Life jackets and other flotation devices are not permitted on these slides, and non-swimmers are prohibited from using them.
For the Tube Slide specifically, riders must remain on their tube throughout the ride. Going down the slide backwards is prohibited, and diving from the end of the slide is not allowed. Users must use the designated stairs to exit the plunge area safely.
Drop Slide Rules: For Experienced Swimmers Only
The Drop Slide is the most adventurous option at ELFAC and carries the most stringent rules due to its nature. Riders must be AT LEAST 48 inches tall and must be strong, unassisted swimmers. WARNING signs are posted to highlight that the plunge area for the Drop Slide is 12 feet 6 inches deep, requiring a high level of swimming ability. Life jackets and flotation devices are prohibited, and non-swimmers are not allowed. The designated ladder must be used to exit the plunge area.
Zero Depth Pool Rules: Safe Wading and Play
The Zero Depth Pool, with water depths ranging from 0 to 12 inches, is ideal for families with young children and those who prefer shallower water. Diving is not permitted in the Zero Depth Pool due to the shallow water. Adults must accompany weaker or unaccomplished swimmers to provide supervision and assistance. Guardians are responsible for the safety and conduct of their children at all times. Children wearing lifejackets must be within arm’s reach of their guardian. For hygiene in this area, rubber or plastic pants must be worn over diapers, although swim diapers are also acceptable.
By understanding and adhering to these rules, every visitor contributes to making the East Lansing Family Aquatic Center a safe, clean, and enjoyable place for everyone to have fun and cool off during the warmer months.
