Training at the YMCA is a privelage, so be sure to always comply with their rules and regulations. Of one special note, no food or beverage will be allowed in the facility. Lone Star swimmers and any spectators have permission to bring water bottles ONLY into the Natatorium. No coffee, sodas, etc. and NO FOOD. Please have your swimmers eat their afternoon snack before entering the Y. We have permission to use the Natatorium only. If you are not a YMCA member, you may not take a self-guided tour through the other YMCA facilities. You can schedule such a tour at the front desk. 

Entering/Exiting the YMCA

Park in the main parking lot which is located on the Mays Street side (employees use this parking lot.)

- Enter the YMCA using the Pool deck entrance

Other Facilities within the Natatorium

Unless you are a YMCA member, LSAC swimmers are not allowed in the warm water therapy pool, the hot tub, the sauna or the fun pool.
 

Coffee Bar located behind the Main Entry desk

The YMCA has agreed to allow LSAC to use their coffee bar, which has a Flavia, single serve coffee machine. When using the coffee bar, the YMCA encourages you to consider making a small donation. 100% of your donation will go to the "Strong Kids Campaign" which allows children, families and senior adults, that normally would not be able to afford it, to participate in YMCA programs including aquatic programs.
 

Locker Room

The YMCA will allow you to bring a lock each day to secure your personal items, however, your lock MUST be removed when you leave practice. Any lock remaining when the YMCA closes for the day will be cut and items in the locker will be donated. We suggest that you do not leave any unsecured personal items in the locker room as anyone within the Natatorium facility will have access to the locker rooms. If you do not use a lock we suggest you place your personal items in the stands or next to the wall on deck. 

USA Swimming Locker Room Policy
 

Central Texas YMCA Lightning & Safety Policy

• Lightning within a 10-mile radius: At the YMCA of Central Texas, if lightning is detected within a 10-mile radius, all swimming pool activities—whether indoor or outdoor—are suspended immediately, and patrons are evacuated to designated safe areas. Lifeguards are instructed to clear and lock the pool area promptly.

• Resuming pool activities: Activities may only resume 30 minutes after the last observed lightning or thunder, assuming typical storm movement speeds of about 20–25 mph. Lifeguards must be properly positioned for surveillance before reopening, and continued monitoring of the weather is required YMCA of Central Texas.

Quick Reference Table

Why This Matter?

Safety priority: Water and pool structures are excellent conductors of electricity. Even indirect strikes can send dangerous currents through water or connected infrastructure, making any lightning-related activity extremely hazardous.

So, in short: any lightning within 10 miles means pool shutdown, and reopening only happens 30 minutes after the last signs of lightning or thunder, with lifeguard readiness and ongoing monitoring as prerequisites.
 

So does LSAC just cancell practice when this happens?

We used to but not anymore! If there is lightning, classes move to the board room where our staff will provide dryland with our state of the art strength training equipment. As soon as the weather clears, we are back to the pool.