Natatorium
Pool policies and guidelines
There will be no organized activities at the Natatorium during Recreational Services swim times without special permission except those sponsored by Recreational Services.
ID Cards
The Natatorium is available to authorized users only. Authorized users are current students, faculty/staff, members of the K-State Alumni Association, and their spouses and dependents.
Facility use is a privilege. Participants must present a valid student ID card or facility use key tag each time admitted.
Please do not expect to gain admittance when you do not have your student ID card or facility use key tag. ID cards and key tags are not transferable. They are for the exclusive use of the identified facility use member and will be confiscated if presented by anyone other than the rightful owner. Those persons found misusing their student ID card or facility use key tag by loaning (considered theft of services), falsifying or altering in any way, or using it in any unauthorized way, are subject to disciplinary action or prosecution as well as a misuse fee.
Alcoholic beverages/tobacco products
Cereal malt and alcoholic beverages, smoking, and tobacco products are prohibited in this facility at all times. Violators are subject to disciplinary action.
Animals
Guide dogs only are allowed in pool areas.
Apparel
Appropriate, bona fide swim suits only are allowed. Cut-offs, street clothes, thongs, and see-through swimwear are prohibited.
Children
Children under 14 years old must be under constant and strict supervision. Infants in diapers should wear tight fitting, lightweight cloth diapers covered by rubber pants and elasticized at the legs and waist, or an approved swim diaper. Parents must be in the water with their youngsters if the children are not water competent.
Dependents
Definition of a dependent is someone who receives their support from the ID holder and is claimed as a dependent on the ID holder's tax return. ONLY dependents under 14 years of age will be admitted to facilities at no charge and must be accompanied and directly supervised by their cardholding parent. An adult member may sponsor a total of three individuals, whether dependents and/or guests. Note: A parent bringing dependents to use facilities must present a facility use key tag which identifies themself -- not their spouse. Dependents who are 14 years of age or older may be sponsored by their cardholding parent to pay guest fees, remembering that all guests must remain in the company of their sponsoring host while using facilities. If dependents who are 14-23 years of age wish to use facilities without parental supervision, the cardholding parent must purchase memberships for those dependents. Dependent members may not bring in siblings under the age of 14.
Designated area
Swimmers will swim only in pools designated as open during that time block.
Diving rules
Diving is not allowed in the lap pool and recreational pool. No diving off the starting blocks or diving in shallow water.
Food and drink
Food (including gum) and drink are restricted to the upper observation deck only. There will be no glass bottles/breakables, metal cans, etc., allowed in any area. Plastic only.
Guests
Guest fees will apply to guests of all ages. All guests will sign in. A student or facility use member must be host to the guest(s). An adult member may host a total of three individuals, whether dependents and/or guests. Guests are required to remain in the company of their host while using facilities. Dependents with their own facility membership are limited to one guest who must be 14 years of age or older. Guest passes may be purchased at the pools during Recreational Services swim time for $3 per person per day. Guest pass fees include sales tax.
Illness
Persons known to have diarrhea within the last 24 to 48 hours or ongoing diarrhea should not use the pools.
Lightning/thunderstorms
Although the Ahearn Natatorium pools are indoors, they must be treated as outdoor pools and evacuated when lightning and thunderstorms occur.
Locker rental
Locker rentals are available through the LIFE office located in the Ahearn Complex. Call 785-532-0704 for information. Locker users assume all responsibility for stolen or damaged materials.
Locker rooms
All locker rooms are gender specific. Children of the opposite sex five years old and older are not permitted to accompany a parent or guardian into the locker rooms. Restrooms may be used as changing facilities for children over five years of age.
Organized activities
There will be no organized activities in the facilities during Recreational Services use times except those sponsored by and/or approved by Recreational Services. This includes athletic teams, academic classes, instructional activities, sport clubs, camps, and parties. Special arrangements may be can be made through the Recreational Services office.
Personal belongings
Individuals are responsible for their personal belongings. Staff will not store or monitor articles for you. Locker rentals are available through the LIFE office located in the Ahearn Complex. Call 785-532-0704 for information. Locker users assume all responsibility for stolen or damaged materials. Lost and found is located at the service area at the Recreation Complex. Telephone: 785-532-6950.
Personal conduct
There will be no running, boisterous behavior, horseplay, rough conduct, object throwing, tag, or follow-the-leader-type activities in pool or on pool deck.
Physical limitation
If you have a physical limitation and need help using any of our facilities, please contact our staff for assistance. The Natatorium is totally accessible.
Posted rules
Posted rules and verbal instructions issued by supervisory personnel will be strictly followed.
Private instruction/lessons
No area or facility will be used for private gain, including but not limited to private lessons or training of individuals or groups. All lessons/classes are conducted by UFM/Department of Continuing Education or other university departments.
Problems or concerns
If you have a problem or concern, please contact a staff member for assistance.
Refunds
A full refund will be granted if made within five business days of purchase. No membership refund will be given for months when any part of that month has been used, and no refund will be made for any amount under $15.
Restrictions
Bicycles, roller blades, hardballs, softballs, bats, footballs, frisbees, martial arts weapons, fencing, archery, sparring, and pets are not allowed in Recreational Services facilities.
Shoes
No shoes will be allowed on the pool deck.
Showers
Whole body nude showers using soap and warm water are recommended prior to pool entry. Sunbathers should re-shower before re-entering pools.
Signs
Signs or posters will not be posted without the approval of the administrative staff in the business office at the Rec Complex.
Smoking
No smoking and/or tobacco products are allowed.
Spectators
All fully clothed spectators must stay in observation deck area.
Sponsored programs
Recreational Services programs take priority over free-time, drop-in recreation. After the area is cleared of equipment and participants, open recreation may begin. Sponsored programs include intramurals, exercise sessions, clinics, and special events.
Sportsmanship
Good sportsmanship is expected. Fighting, as well as loud, abusive or profane language, will not be tolerated.
Unsportsmanlike conduct and ejection policy
If a participant or spectator in a Recreational Services program or facility is ejected from any facility (indoor or outdoor), program, contest, or activity, he or she is immediately ineligible for further access or competition in any Recreational Services program or facility until he or she is cleared by the assistant director or his or her designee responsible for the program in which the unsportsmanlike conduct or ejection occurred. It is the participant's responsibility to schedule an appointment with the appropriate assistant director to review his or her behavior and subsequent eligibility in any Recreational Services program or facility. Participant suspensions are effective after the meetings with the assistant director or his or her designee; i.e., no self-imposed penalties. Assistant director decisions may be appealed to the director and director's decisions to the Recreational Services Council whose decision is final. Suspensions do remain in force during the appeal process. Any participant or spectator who commits, incites, or aids others in committing any of the following acts of unsportsmanlike or misconduct shall be subject to disciplinary procedures:
- Any participant entering/using a facility illegally, using an assumed name or using a Kansas State University photo ID card illegally may be declared ineligible from all Recreational Services programs and/or facilities for a period of at least seven days, as well as possible ID card policy penalties. University breaks and holidays will count as part of the suspension.
- If a participant or spectator hits, strikes, or pushes a Recreational Services employee (student or professional): indefinite suspension from Recreational Services programs and/or facilities. Participant or spectator may petition for reinstatement to the assistant director responsible after a minimum of one calendar year.
- Hitting or striking another participant or spectator: indefinite suspension from Recreational Services programs and/or facilities for a minimum of one semester.
- Threatening behavior (verbal or pysical) toward a Recreational Services employee (student or professional): indefinite suspension from Recreational Services programs and/or facilities for a minimum of two months.
- Threatening behavior (verbal or physical) toward another participant or spectator: indefinite suspension from Recreational Services programs and/or facilities for a minimum of one month.
- Verbally abusing a Recreational Services employee (student or professional), participant, user, guest, or member: indefinite suspension from Recreational Services programs and/or facilities for a minimum of one month.
- Actions which could potentially cause equipment or facility damage (including spitting and snotting, dunking or hanging on rims) and/or personal injury: indefinite suspension from Recreational Services programs and/or facilities for a minimum of one week.
- Participants and spectators are expected to be cooperative and honest when asked for identification and assistance in identifying individuals who may be involved in incidents. Failure to do so may result in individual and/or team penalties, as well as further suspensions.
- Personal conduct situations that are not covered by the previous rulings will be dealth with in an appropriate manner by the assistant director responsible for the program in which the unsportsmanlike conduct and/or ejection occurred or his/her designee.
Water accessories
At the discretion of the lifeguards, items such as face masks and snorkels may be permitted in the recreational pool only. Please check with lifeguard on duty before entering the pool. No scuba tanks will be allowed.
Water competency
All users must show water competency to be allowed in the diving well (especially young children). Flotation devices for children may be used under the direct supervision of the parent.
Wounds/disease
Patrons with cuts, lesions, rashes, inflamed eyes, boils, fevers, ringworm, carbuncles, or other communicable diseases will not be allowed in pools. Bandages are also prohibited.