FAQ’S

Why the Y?

We are often asked,  “What is the difference between the Y and other gyms?”

Belonging to the Y is a commitment to the community.  Yes the Y offers exercise classes and fitness equipment. We have a pool, basketball courts and racquetball courts. However, we also have childcare where we care for hundreds of children each and every day in preschool, school age and summer camps. We also offer programming such as swim lessons, sports, dance, art, wellness, and strength.

The Y is home to a diverse community of members, many of which face economic struggles. We recognize this and offer financial assistance for those that need the funding through our People Helping People campaign.  For the past few years, we have been able to offer over $500,000.00 a year in financial aid.

We thank you for being a part of the GREATER LOWELL FAMILY YMCA.  Is is truly a pleasure to have you in our community.


FAQ’S

Can I use my membership at another YMCA?
Yes. Most YMCA”s across the country participate in reciprocity. You will not be charged to use these facilities but you should contact the facility prior to traveling for guidelines or restrictions. Member discounts for programming, childcare or camps are only available at the YMCA that you pay your membership dues.

How do I know if classes/programs are cancelled?
An attempt will be made to contact you by phone or email so make sure your account contact information is correct. You can also check our website, social media outlets or call the Welcome Center.

Do I have to have a membership to register for programming?
No, you would pay the non member rate. 

Will I save money on registration if I/my child becomes a member?
Yes, with a membership program fees are discounted.

Do I have to be a member to use the Greater Lowell Family YMCA facilities or programs?
No, although a membership is the best way to take advantage of all that the Y has to offer, non-members can use the facilities on a daily fee basis for cardio, weights, basketball courts, racquetball courts and pool. Please refer to schedules for the areas you intend to visit.

What happens if there is a snow storm or inclement weather?
The Greater Lowell YMCA will be open normal hours when possible. Safety for our staff is our main concern. Closings or delays will be posted on our website and our social media outlets.

What should I do if I lose my membership card?
You should obtain a replacement card at the Welcome Center. There are digital versions available in your online account that can be saved to your smart phone.

Are there personal trainers available to help me reach my fitness goals?
Yes, for information, contact the Health & Fitness Director at 978-454-7825 x820.

Does the Y take credit card payments?
Yes, payments can be made by cash, check, or credit card.

When will my account be charged for my membership payment?
Your account will be charged on the 1st or 15th of the month. The date is determined at the time of registration.

I go away for several months at a time. Can I put my membership on hold?
Yes, your membership can be placed on hold for 3 months per calendar year. However, a hold form or notice in writing must be completed and submitted at least 2 weeks prior to your membership billing date.

Can I cancel my membership at any time?
Yes, there is no contract or cancellation fee. However, a cancellation form or notice in writing must be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to your membership billing date.

Are group exercise classes included with my Y membership?
Yes, all basic land and water group exercise classes are included in your membership.

Is there financial assistance available to help me afford a Y membership and/or program?
Yes, our People Helping People program offers financial assistance for memberships and programs. A financial assistance application must be submitted with required documentation.

Can I purchase a “pool use only” membership?
No, all our memberships are for use of the whole facility.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Membership

GUEST/DAY PASS POLICY

  • ALL new guest passes and membership registrations REQUIRE a PHOTO ID
  • School ID cards are acceptable for students with no government issued ID
  • Ages 15 and under require an adult over 18 to be present with them in the building at all times.

MEMBERSHIP CANCELLATIONS/HOLDS

  • Memberships require a 2 week written notice for cancellations or holds. Cancellations will not be taken by phone. If you have an EFT and do not give 2 weeks written notice prior to your payment date you will have one final deduction after notice is received. 
  • Memberships can be placed on hold for up to 3 months per calendar year.

Cancellations can be made in person at the Welcome Desk, by fax, or by mail:
Greater Lowell YMCA
35 YMCA Drive
Lowell, MA 01852
Attn: Membership Director
Fax: 978-454-8982

INCLEMENT WEATHER (SNOW) CLOSURES

During cases of inclement weather (snow) the YMCA staff will make every attempt to open the facility on time as long as it is safe for them to do so. If the building hours are going to be adjusted due to weather it will be posted on our website and social media outlets. In the case that a State of Emergency is declared for Massachusetts the YMCA will be closed. 

GUIDELINES

  • We have adult locker rooms for ages 18 and older. Children and teens under 18 years of age are not allowed in the adult locker rooms at any time.
  • We have a family locker room for families of mixed ages and genders. 
  • We have boy’s and girl’s locker rooms for teens, youth and parents with children under 7 years of age.
  • Adult locker rooms contain both a sauna and a steam room. While the recommended length of use is approximately 15 minutes, tolerance varies by individual. Please take caution when using these areas.
  • Lockers are for day use only. Belongings cannot be left in them overnight. We do have tote lockers that can be rented for a fee on a monthly basis. You will need to provide your own lock.
  • Cell phone use is prohibited in the locker rooms. We want to keep members and guests feeling safe and comfortable while in different stages of undress.
  • Members and guests entering the facility who appear to be under the influence or in a condition that is not appropriate for our environment will be asked to leave.
  • Appropriate clothing/shoes are to be worn at all times and for all activities in the facility. This includes the basketball courts, swimming pool and wellness center.
  • Towel service is provided to members. We ask that you borrow 1 towel at a time and please return the towels to the designated place so that we may wash them. *Towel Service is currently suspended
  • Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older and cannot be left in the facility alone.


Programs

REFUNDS/CREDITS

Program registration cancellations are done by the director that is responsible for the department in which your program is held. You will need to the contact the director or fill out a credit/refund form with the Welcome Desk to be submitted to the director for processing.

INCLEMENT WEATHER (SNOW) CANCELLATIONS

During cases of inclement weather (snow), when Lowell Public Schools have cancelled/delayed classes,  all programs, group ex classes and practices up to 12 pm will be cancelled. A decision will be made by 12 pm regarding afternoon and evening programs, classes and practices.

Childcare will attempt to offer a full day of care that will begin at 8:00 AM unless a “State of Emergency” has been declared.



Aquatics

POOL RULES

  1. LIFEGUARD IS IN CHARGE AT ALL TIMES.
  2. A full, cleansing shower must be taken by all swimmers before entering the pool due to state health codes.
  3. All bandages must be removed before entering the pool.
  4. Be considerate and do not wear street shoes on the pool deck at any time.
  5. Strollers are not allowed on the pool decks at any time.
  6. No Diving, except from the deep end of the pool.
  7. Jumping must be done in 4 feet or deeper water.
  8. No Running in the pool area.
  9. No Horseplay. Ex: riding on shoulders, wrestling, throwing children
  10. No walking in gutters.
  11. No hanging on lane lines.
  12. Use of diving blocks is prohibited unless with a YMCA Coach/Instructor.
  13. During Family Swim only noodles may be used, apart from floatation. No kickboards.
  14. Adults may use kickboards and pull buoys during Adult Lap.
  15. You must be 13 years or older to attend Adult Lap Swim or use the pool without an adult.
  16. Any swimmers who are 7 – 12 years old and have passed the deep end test may be in the pool alone, however, an adult must remain in the pool area.
  17. Any child under the age of 6, regardless of swimming ability, must have an adult in the water with them at all times.
  18. If a child is wearing a flotation device an adult must be in the water with them at all times.
  19. All non-swimmers must remain in the shallow end regardless of age.
  20. Please wear material appropriate for swimwear. Ex: no denim or cotton.
  21. No glass on the pool deck.

Rules may be changed or added if a situation requires it.

LAP SWIMMING GUIDELINES

All lap swimming and swimming rules may be altered at the discretion of the lifeguards at any time.

  • Lap lanes are available for lap swimming by all members who are able to swim a lap.
  • Lap lanes can support up to 6 swimmers.
  • Swimmers are encouraged to swim side by side or use circle swimming.

Younger swimmers are asked to avoid ‘high volume’ times. This is typically during the work week:

  • Before work hours (7:30AM to 9:00AM)
  • At lunch time (12:00PM to 1:00PM)
  • Immediately after work hours (4:30PM to 6:30PM)

If a younger swimmer wishes to swim laps during lap times, please try to express adult lap manners:

  • Quieter voices.
  • Do not splash swimmers in adjacent lanes.
  • No leaping from the starting blocks.
  • Enter the water ‘gently’ – especially when an adjacent lap swimmer is approaching you.

If lap lane use is especially heavy, (all lanes full, adults waiting) the younger swimmers are asked to defer to the adult swimmers.

Some Lap Lanes are now Adult Only

  • Adult Only lap lanes are for those 13 years and older
  • Adult Only lap lanes are marked on the Pool Schedule by @
  • Adult Only lap lane times are subject to change

Private Lessons by a YMCA Instructor

  • May be given at any time the pool is open
  • May be given for any age group


Facilities

NO SOLICITATION POLICY

The Greater Lowell Family YMCA restricts individuals and organizations from soliciting
(a) employees,

(b) members and or
(d) customers
for  business opportunities from another company or organization.