The Inverness Recreation Club (IRC), through its elected Board of Directors (Board) has adopted the following policies and points of clarification to existing IRC practices and procedures. These policies and clarifications are in addition to and not meant in any way to alter, amend or supersede any powers given to the Board through the IRC Bylaws. These rules may be changed or amended at any time by the IRC Board of Directors with notice to the membership through the IRC website. All members and guests who use the IRC facilities are subject to these rules and procedures.

• The IRC Board has delegated responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the facility as well as the enforcement of these rules and procedures to a pool management company and its duly authorized pool manager. These rules and regulations are under the immediate supervision of the pool manager and will be enforced by persons designated by him/her, including lifeguards.
• The pool manager has the authority to dismiss from the IRC facility any adult or child for any infraction of these rules or when safety is threatened.
• The pool manager has the authority to suspend a member or guest for a period not to exceed the remainder of the facility operating hours on the day of the violation for violations of these rules.
• Repeated violations of these rules may result in notification and warning to the adult member from the IRC Board and possible suspension or revocation of membership privileges.

COVID Safety

• Our COVID Safety Protocols are subject to change as we monitor the decisions of the County and Health Departments.
• People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should not visit the pool. 
• People may choose to mask at any time. 
• An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. Members voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19.

Reservations

• Reservations for general lap lanes and early bird lap lanes can be made in our Member Portal.

Check-In and Check-Out

• Only members who are listed in the member’s online account (viewed under “Member Dashboard“) will be permitted to use the pool.
• Members will be required to check-in at the Front Desk/Lifeguard station when entering with the names of each member entering.

Membership

Non-discrimination Policy

IRC is a private club supported exclusively by member fees. IRC does not discriminate against any person seeking membership or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or political ideology.

Membership requirements generally are set forth in the IRC Bylaws. Membership and access to IRC facilities is conditioned on agreement with the membership terms and conditions, payment of the membership fee, and abiding by all policies and procedures of IRC. Failing to follow IRC rules or procedures may result in sanctions including suspension or revocation of membership.

Use of Facilities Generally

Entry Procedures

All members seeking to use IRC facilities must abide by the following entry procedures:

• Each member must properly check in at the front desk every time he or she enters the facility. Membership information, including online credentials may be used only by the individuals to whom they were issued and may not be transferred to non-members.
• To properly check in, a member must provide membership information subject to verification by pool staff.
• Children who are at least 12 years old may access the pool without being accompanied by a designated responsible individual.  Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a designated responsible individual who is at least 16 years of age.   Upon entry to the pool, an individual that is responsible for any kid under 12 years of age must inform the lifeguards that they are serving as a designated responsible individual.
  Ages 12 and older –> May enter without a designated responsible individual.
  Ages 11 and under –> Must be accompanied by a designated responsible individual at least 16 years of age and must alert the lifeguards when they check-in.

Member Entry and Guest Privileges

Guest passes are made available to members for an additional charge to allow members to bring occasional, non-member guests to the facility. Members seeking to bring more than ten guests to the pool at a time must schedule and pay for a party.

The following is the procedure with respect to all guests who are presented for entrance to IRC:

• For members who have already joined the 2023 season and for those who join by May 22, 2023, four (4) FREE guest passes will be automatically loaded into your account, viewable in the Member Portal. Afterwards, the fee for each pre-purchased guest pass will be $10.00 per guest per visit.
• Guest passes must be pre-purchased from our shop and will automatically be added to your account. They will be deducted when you check-in your guest. Guest passes do not expire. 
• Before bringing guests, members are encouraged to pre-register their guests through the Member Portal.  This will generate a list of registered guests for the lifeguards that will facilitate fast entry to the pool.  If you do not pre-register a guest, you will be required to do so upon entering the pool.
• No cash payments will be accepted.
• Only members may purchase guest passes. Guest passes do not expire.
• Guests must be pre-registered into our membership system and must provide the following information: name, address, emergency phone number, accompanying member’s name.
• Any individual who refuses to provide such information or who is found to be in the IRC facility without having provided such information shall be denied entrance or removed from the facility.
• The member accompanying the guest must remain in attendance at IRC during the entire time the guest is at the facility.
• All guests are subject to the same behavior standards and regulations which govern members. Members are responsible for apprising their guests of the safety, health, and conduct rules and will be held responsible for the actions of their guests.
• Limits on guest admittance may be imposed on any given day if the facility becomes so crowded that its use by the membership is hindered.

Abuse of Guest Privileges

Guest passes may not be used by members in a way that abuses the privilege. Examples of guest pass abuse include, but are not limited to:

• Purchasing and providing large numbers of guest passes to an individual or individuals who frequent the IRC facilities without paying the cost of membership;
• Assisting an individual or family in circumventing the regular membership requirements by providing such individuals access to the IRC facilities in a way that clearly exceeds occasional, infrequent use;
• Allowing a non-member to use a member’s identifying information to enter the pool; and
• Allowing an individual or individuals to enter the IRC facility without a bona fide guest pass by “sneaking in” the non-member.

Members who abuse their guest privileges are subject to sanction which may include temporary suspension or revocation of membership without refund.

The following is the procedure with respect to Instances of Abuse of Guest Privileges:

• Instances of abuse of Guest Privileges must be brought to the attention of the IRC Board.
• The IRC Board shall investigate as necessary any complaints of abuse.
• If the IRC Board finds that there was abuse of a member’s guest privileges, the IRC Board will notify the member in writing or via e-mail of the instance(s) of abuse of guest privileges and issue a warning.
• If abuse of guest privileges persists, the Board may vote to impose sanctions against the member, including prohibiting the member from bringing additional guests throughout the duration of the membership; suspension of membership privileges or revocation of membership privileges.
• Decisions by the board regarding membership sanctions are binding and will not be subject to appeal. 

Use and Enjoyment at Own Risk

All members or guests using the IRC facilities, including the pools, tennis courts, sport court, and playground area do so at their own risk. Members will be held responsible for all actions of their children and guests.  

Smoking Not Permitted

IRC is a non-smoking facility. No smoking is allowed on the IRC property, including the parking lot.

Food and Beverage Consumption

Members may bring their own food and drink to the pool. No food or drink may be consumed in the pool or within three feet of the pool. Alcohol may be consumed only by individuals over the age of 21 and only in the eating area near the picnic tables or in the clubhouse. If, in the discretion of pool management, consumption of alcoholic beverages adversely impacts safety or enjoyment of the facility by members, individuals may be asked not to consume alcoholic beverages or to leave the facility.

Glass

Glass is not permitted in the IRC facility. This includes glass containers for food and beverages. Members or guests who bring in glass items or are otherwise in possession of glass items will be asked to remove the glass from the facility. Glass may not be deposited in IRC trash or recycling receptacles. Any person or group attempting to conceal glass while in the IRC facility will be ejected from the facility. Repeated violation of this rule may result in suspension or revocation of membership.

Grill Use

Grills are available on a first come, first served basis for use by members, except in cases where the IRC Board has reserved the grills for use in connection with IRC-sponsored events. For the health and convenience of all members using IRC grills, members should clean the grills after each use. 

Personal Property

IRC is not responsible for theft or other loss or damage to personal possessions, including electronic equipment or other belongings members bring to the pool. Individuals using electronic equipment (e.g., laptops, ipads, Kindles, ipods, phones, radios) at the facility do so at their own risk of loss or damage. Members should refrain from the use of non- waterproof electronic equipment near to the pool or in wet areas, lest the equipment be damaged or create a risk of injury to individuals using the pool.

Unattended Personal Items

IRC is not responsible in any way for member or guest’s personal property. Items that appear to be left unattended will be moved to the lost and found.

Table Tennis

Table tennis or “ping pong” tables are provided by IRC for reasonable use by members at their own risk. These tables may only be used to play table tennis. Individuals may not climb or sit on the tables, and any use of the table which is outside the scope of reasonable play or which threatens, annoys, or disturbs members using the IRC facility is prohibited. Abuse of the table tennis tables or equipment as well as use of the equipment which is outside the scope of table tennis play may result in removal from the IRC facility.

Playground and Sport Court

IRC lifeguards and other management staff are not responsible for supervising use of the playground equipment or sport court. Parents are responsible for supervising their children when using the equipment or sport court to assure that their children have adequate physical ability and coordination to use the equipment properly. Children and adults use the equipment and sport court at their own risk.

Use of the Pool Deck and Grassy Areas

Individuals must use reasonable care when on the pool deck. Individuals may not run, push, or engage in any other horseplay on the pool deck or in the pool. This includes, but is not limited to, fighting, carrying other individuals as part of play, throwing or pushing another into the pool, and taking “running starts” before entering the pool.

Individuals may run, play with balls, Frisbees, and squirt guns or similar toys only on the grassy areas of the facility. With the exception of use of the basketball hoop in the pool, such activities are not permitted on the concrete or in the pool. Individuals using squirt guns or similar toys on the grassy areas may only do so as part of consensual play and not to annoy, harass or otherwise interfere with other individuals’ enjoyment of the facility. If an individual using a squirt gun or other toy is the subject of a complaint to staff, or if in the staff’s judgment such individual is interfering with other individuals’ enjoyment of the facility, the squirt gun or other toy will be confiscated and/or the individual with the squirt gun or toy will be asked to leave the IRC facility.

Pets

Except for the specified “dog swim” and service animals, dogs and other pets are permitted on IRC premises only in the parking area and in grassy areas outside of the fences. Owners must clean up after their pets.

Profanity

Patrons may not use profanity or abusive language while in the IRC facility.

Restricted Access

Only authorized personnel are permitted in the admission office, chemical and filter equipment rooms, and on lifeguard stands.

Skateboarding

Skateboarding is not permitted in the IRC parking lot, tennis court, or anywhere else in the facility.

Lifeguard and Management Discretion

There shall be no pushing, fighting or otherwise causing of disturbance anywhere in the facility. Any individual who, in the opinion of pool management or the lifeguards, creates a disturbance, fails to follow rules or requests from lifeguards or management, or poses a risk to the health or safety of members using the facility, may be asked to leave the IRC facility.

Swim Lessons

Swim lessons may only be provided by IRC’s pool management company. This company employs IRC’s swim team coaches and others who are authorized to provide swim lessons. Swim lessons may not be provided by members or their guests who are not employed by the pool management company.

Use of the Pools

General Eligibility to Use Pools

Consistent with Montgomery County regulations, a bather will be excluded from the pool where he or she:

• Shows apparent signs of infection or other evidence of high contamination risk, including, but not limited to, an individual with bandages, skin abrasions, colds, severe coughs, athletes foot, open sores, infections, serious sunburn, or nasal or ear discharge or other similar health condition;
• Is not demonstrably water-safe or under the immediate supervision of a water-safe person in addition to the pool staff;
• Is incontinent, either temporarily or permanently, unless such individual is closely supervised and clothed in diapers and snugly fitting waterproof pants.

General Health

Unsanitary acts such as spitting, urinating, and blowing nose are prohibited in the pool. The manager or lifeguards also may refuse use of the pools by any individual who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs or who the manager or lifeguards otherwise believe is unable to safely use the pool.

Inclement Weather

In compliance with Maryland law, the pool area will be cleared any time that thunder is heard or lightning is seen. The pool will re-open 1⁄2 hour after the last occurrence of thunder or lightning. No one is permitted in the pools during thunderstorms, when lightning is visible, or when the manager or lifeguards have requested that the pool be vacated. Weather updates will be made on Twitter @invernessrec which can also be found on our Twitter feed on the main landing page of this website.

Wading Pool

The wading pool is restricted to children under six. The wading pool is not supervised by the lifeguard staff. Children in the wading pool must be supervised by an individual at least 15 years of age and within arms-reach at all times.

Proper Attire

Individuals may enter the pool only in proper bathing attire. Shorts and other attire not designed for swimming may not be worn in the pool, except for adults attending to children in the wading pool. Individuals must be barefooted when entering the main pool. Water shoes only are permitted in the wading pool.

Children in Diapers

For the health of everyone using the pool, children who are not fully toilet trained must wear BOTH a tightly fitted swim diaper and separate tightly fitted plastic pants before entering any pool. Children who are not fully toilet trained may only use the wading pool and (if accompanied by an adult within arm’s reach) the shallow end of the main pool.

Children’s Safety

Children who cannot swim 25 meters may not be in any part of the pool in which they are not tall enough to stand on the bottom unless they are accompanied by an adult (age 15 or over) who remains within arm’s reach. IRC lifeguards and pool management reserve the right to ask children to limit swimming to specified areas or not enter the water if such children appear to be in distress or unable to safely swim.

Diving Well

Only individuals (no matter what age) who are able to swim 25 meters are permitted in the diving well. IRC lifeguards and management reserve the right to ask anyone to leave the diving well who appears to be unable to safely swim at that depth. In addition, individuals who use the diving boards must observe the following rules:

• Children must be at least four feet tall (as marked on stand) to use the diving board closest to the bathhouse;
• Entering or swimming in the diving well is prohibited while the boards are in use;
• The diving boards may be closed for “open well” (swimming in the well) at the manager’s discretion;
• Only 1 person at a time is permitted on each diving board, including the diving board ladder/stand;
• A person must not dive or jump until the previous person has reached the diving well ladder to leave the water;
• Diving or jumping is not permitted from the sides of the diving boards. All dives or jumps must be straight forward and from an upright position;
• Only one (1) bounce on the board is permitted; and
• Exits from the well must be made from the pool ladder closest to the board used.

Lap Lanes

Lap lanes are to be used exclusively for swimming laps. Individuals who are not swimming laps should not enter or cross the lap lanes.

Adult Swim

Rest periods will be announced each hour by the pool staff. During this period, all children under the age of 15 must be completely out of the main pool. Except for swim lessons given by an IRC swim instructor, only individuals who are age 15 or older may be in the pool during adult swim. Children under the age of 15 should not sit on the edge of the pool with their feet in the water or sit on the steps to the pool during adult swim.

General Safety

No dunking (holding another person’s head under water), “chicken” fighting, water fighting, unnecessary splashing, acrobatics, towel snapping, wrestling, sitting on shoulders, pushing people into the pool and other unsafe acts as determined by the lifeguards are permitted. IRC lifeguards and management may remove at any time any individual who engages in behavior that is unsafe or threatens the safety or enjoyment of others using the pool.

Toys and Floatation Devices

• Flotation Devices: Only Coast Guard- approved life vests and water wings are allowed. Children wearing said items must be supervised by an individual, 16 or over, in the pool, within arm’s reach. (See the note below regarding prohibited non US Coast Guard approved flotation.)
• Other Flotations Including Rafts, Rings and Noodles: Rafts, inflatable rings and pool flotation devices, including noodles, are permitted in the pool at this time.  (See the note above regarding IRC use of US Coast Guard approved life vests.)
• Toys: Only small toys designed for use in the water may be taken into the pool. Generally speaking, this includes small toys which are designed to be used in or on the water, like diving rings and diving tubes. No hard plastic items are permitted.
• Small Balls. Small soft balls will be permitted for use in the pool. As a reminder, any balls, toys or other items left behind after a swim session will be immediately discarded, as we are not permitted to maintain a lost and found.
• Squirt Guns and Plastic Water Toys: Squirt guns or squirt toys, tennis balls, anything that is used to skip across the water, and/or hard plastic items (except for diving tubes and rings noted above) and similar items are prohibited in the pool.  This includes Water Bomb Splash Balls, Water Bomb Soaker Balls, Original Splash Bombs, and similarly marketed pool balls used for throwing, skipping across the pool surface.
• Sports Balls: Basketballs, Tennis balls, Soccer and Footballs are prohibited in the pool.
• Kickboards: Kickboards may be used for swimming and floating only. Use of kickboards for any other purpose, including hitting, splashing, or throwing is strictly prohibited. Pool management may confiscate any kickboard that is being used improperly.
• Lifeguard Enforcement: The pool lifeguard staff may, at their discretion, exclude any toy item from the pool, even the approved items above, if they determine that use of the toy presents an unsafe situation.   Decisions made by the lifeguard staff are to be respected.  Challenges to decisions made may be grounds for dismissal.

Diving

Parents are responsible for assuring that their children engage in safe diving practices and that the water in which they dive is suitably deep for diving. Diving is permitted only in the deep end of the pool, in depths 5 feet or greater.

Use of the Facilities by Children

Generally

Parents are responsible for assuring that their children are adequately supervised under all circumstances while using the IRC facility. IRC and pool management staff recommend that no child be left alone or unsupervised at the pool for any amount of time or for any reason. IRC and pool management staff do not in any way monitor or otherwise assume any risk for children using the facility without proper supervision. If it is discovered that a child is using the facility without proper supervision by an adult or person of suitable age and discretion, the child may be removed from the facility at the pool management’s discretion.

Pool Access by Kids Age 12+

• We are pleased to announce that kids who are at least 12 years old may access the pool without being accompanied by a designated responsible individual.
• Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a designated responsible individual who is at least 16 years of age. Upon entry to the pool, an individual that is responsible for any kid under 12 years of age must inform the lifeguards that they are serving as a designated responsible individual.  This returns us to our pre-Covid rules.
  Ages 12 and older –> May enter without a designated responsible individual.
  Ages 11 and under –> Must be accompanied by a designated responsible individual at least 16 years of age and must alert the lifeguards when they check-in.

Unsupervised Children

If it is discovered that an adult has left a child under the age of 10 without proper supervision at the IRC facilities, the child will be removed from the pool deck area and will not be permitted to use the facilities until such time as a parent or other responsible adult returns and resumes supervision of the child. This includes the time period after the conclusion of swim team practice. If a child under the age of 12 is left at the IRC facility without proper adult supervision, the member will receive a warning from pool management. Repeated warnings for failure to supervise may result in suspension or revocation of membership.

Any child (even if over the age of 12) who, in the judgment of the lifeguards or pool management, threatens the safety or comfort of him/herself or other IRC members using the facility, may be asked to leave the premises.

Abuse of the Facilities

The IRC is a community facility that is operated for the use and enjoyment of its members. If, in the judgment of the lifeguards, a member or a member’s child, employee or guest engages in conduct that is abusive to the facility, such as acts of vandalism, jeopardizes the enjoyment of the facility for other members, or threatens the safety and comfort of him/herself or of other members, the offending individual may be removed from the facility. Egregious or repeated violations of this policy may result in suspension or revocation of membership.

Abuse of Staff

IRC staff members, including lifeguards and the pool manager, are employed by a management company engaged by the IRC Board of Directors. If a member has concerns with the conduct of any IRC staff member, the member is encouraged to report his or her concerns to the IRC Board.

However, IRC strives to be an inclusive community that provides a safe, comfortable environment for members, guests, and employees. To that end, members and their guests may not engage in behavior that is deemed abusive to staff. Such behavior includes arguing over enforcement of IRC rules, yelling, threats, insults and any conduct that causes fear for personal safety.

Photo and Video Use

Generally

Members and their guests are on notice that photos and video recordings of children and adults are made throughout the IRC summer swim season and that such photos and video recordings may be posted on the IRC website, used as part of the IRC swim banquet, or otherwise made available on social media in connection with IRC swim activities. All photographs and recordings made must observe generally accepted standards of decency, including:

• Action shots should be a celebration of the sporting activity and not a sexualized image in a sporting context;
• Actions shots should not be taken or retained where the photograph reveals a torn or displaced swim suit;
• Photographs should not be taken from behind swimming blocks at the start of a race or exhibit a child climbing out of the swimming pool; and
• Photographs should not be taken in locker rooms or bathrooms.

Opt Out

Individuals who do not wish to have their image captured in photo or video recording and used as described above must opt out via a written statement addressed to the IRC Board. Note that the IRC Board will make every reasonable effort to ensure that photo images and video recordings of a member who opts out will not be posted on the website or used as part of swim team activities. However, the opt out is not available for large group, crowd, or general scene photos and recordings. Moreover, IRC is not responsible for photos or video recordings taken by other members or guests for their own use.

Parties

Generally

Members must schedule parties at the pool through the pool manager. Please see the pool manager for further information on scheduling a party.

The Clubhouse may be made available for member parties only in the event a previously scheduled outdoor party is rained out and only upon prior payment of a refundable $200 deposit in addition to the $100 non-refundable party fee. The deposit will be refunded if immediately after the party, the party host cleans and restores the Clubhouse and furnishings to the condition in which they were prior to the party.  Any Clubhouse use for private parties under the above conditions is conditional on the availability of the clubhouse, since the area is a shared resource for swim meet and tennis summer camper activities.

Tables may be reserved for parties or other gatherings on a first come, first served basis and are only guaranteed with a non-refundable reservation fee. Only pool members in good standing, with fully-paid membership, may reserve a table. Table reservations may only be accepted by the pool board coordinator, pool manager, or assistant manager.

An adult IRC member hosting must be in attendance for the entire event.

Limits

Limits on parties may be imposed on a given day or time to prevent hindrance of the use of pool facilities by the membership.  For example, table reservations will not be allowed on Wednesday home B-meet events when during the swim season.  Similarly, hosting a party on a “high use” demand day may be restricted by pool management. 

$100 Referral Reward

Members can refer their friends! If members refer friends who are new to IRC (have never been a member) and they join for a full season, the referring member will receive $100 credited back to their original form of payment. The referring member must be a current member. Valid on full season memberships only. New member must indicate referral at time of registration.

Sanitation

• Restrooms, showers and changing rooms will be open and will be cleaned and sanitized according to county and health department guidelines.
• Soap, water and hand sanitizer will be provided.

Lost and Found

• As all items will be discarded at the end of each day, please keep your valuables at home and take your possessions with you as you leave the facility.

Private Pool Rental

• Limited Capacity Private Pool Rentals is available after the pool closes. For more information please contact info@invernessrecreationclub.org.

Updates

• IRC will continue to provide updates to membership as best as possible, so please subscribe to our newsletter here.
• Follow us on Twitter @invernessrec or check our Twitter feed on this website.