Code of Massachusetts Regulations › 302 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION › Title 302 CMR 12.00 - Parks And Recreation Rules › Section 12.16 - Rules of Conduct on DCR Properties - Swimming Pools

Current through Register 1525, July 5, 2024
(1) The consumption of food or beverages at
			 DCR swimming pools, wading pools and spray decks is allowed only in designated
			 eating areas.
(2) All persons
			 recreating within the boundaries of any DCR designated swimming area or pool
			 compound shall adhere to any and all requests or direction from DCR personnel,
			 including, but not limited to, DCR rangers, lifeguards, staff or law
			 enforcement officials.
(3) A person
			 using a DCR swimming pool, wading pool or spray deck shall wear appropriate
			 swimwear. No person may enter the water of any DCR swimming pool while wearing
			 street clothes, including but not limited to, long pants, sweatshirts or other
			 such attire which may cause mechanical problems relating to pool filters or
			 which may impair the ability of an individual to swim safely.
(4) No person younger than 12 years old may
			 be admitted to any DCR swimming pool or wading pool without a parent or
			 adult.
(5) No person may utilize
			 any DCR swimming pool or wading pool without taking a cleansing shower prior to
			 entering the water.
(6) No person
			 may place or cause to be placed any items in the swimming pool, wading pool,
			 spray deck or along the pool apron or deck which could create a tripping hazard
			 or which may obstruct the free and reasonable access to or egress from a DCR
			 swimming pool, wading pool or spray deck area.
(7) No person may possess any glass or other
			 breakable container within any DCR swimming pool, wading pool or spray deck.
			 This includes, but is not limited to, items such as beverage containers, food
			 containers or personal care items which may pose a safety risk to other
			 users.
(8) No person may utilize
			 any form of smoking materials within any DCR swimming pool, wading pool or
			 spray deck.
(9) No person may use a
			 diving mask or similar device designed to cover a user's eyes and nostrils at
			 the same time, or a snorkel, within a DCR swimming or wading pool. DCR
			 personnel may allow such equipment to be used by designated individuals and
			 staff only during designated structured training programs, during DCR property
			 maintenance, or for safety and rescue purposes.
(10) No person may enter or permit another to
			 enter a DCR swimming pool or wading pool for the purposes of swimming, bathing
			 or loitering after normal hours of operation, as posted, nor any time that a
			 DCR lifeguard is not present.
(11)
			 No person may utilize any flotation devices within DCR swimming or wading
			 pools, or other waterfront DCR property, unless authorized by DCR personnel.
			 (Flotation devices under 302 CMR 12.16(11) include, but are not limited to,
			 inner tubes, ring buoys, air mattresses, beach balls, swimmies, inflatable
			 novelty toys, noodles, or any other similar devices designed and utilized for
			 the purposes of keeping person(s) afloat.) When such authorization is granted,
			 only specific devices will be allowed, including U.S. Coast Guard approved
			 personal flotation devices (PFDs or life jackets) designed for the size and
			 weight of the wearer; these devices shall be allowed only when a parent or
			 adult is assisting the wearer. Flotation devices designed to be towed by open
			 water swimmers may be allowed in areas where designated by the
			 department.
(12) No person may use
			 or offer for use any equipment, tools, toys, novelty items, or other such items
			 within a pool compound or designated swimming area when the use of said items
			 may pose a significant health or safety risk to the user, to bystanders or to
			 any other user within the pool compound or designated swimming area.
(13) No person may change or allow the
			 changing of any clothing or diapers in or around a DCR designated swimming area
			 except in designated changing locations. All diapers or other similar waste
			 materials shall be disposed of properly in designated receptacles.
(14) Youth organizations, agencies, and
			 groups that wish to utilize DCR swimming pools, wading pools or spray decks for
			 any group activity must obtain a recreational use permit or special use permit
			 in accordance with
			 302 CMR 12.17(2) or
			 (4).