Norris Aquatics Center supervisors and lifeguards have been given the authority to ensure a safe pool environment, to enforce all university pool use guidelines and respond to emergencies. This authority includes restricting the swimming, diving or spectator privileges of patrons not complying with pool use guidelines.

Pool staff also may eject patrons whose behavior is deemed unsafe or disruptive to others.

GENERAL RULES

• No swimmer may use the pool alone. A Northwestern lifeguard, instructor, or coach must be present at all times.
• Admission to the pool shall be refused to all persons having any contagious disease; any infectious conditions such as colds, fever, ringworm, foot infections, skin lesions, carbuncles, boils, diarrhea, vomiting, inflamed eyes, ear discharges; or any other condition that has the appearance of being infectious. Persons with excessive sunburn, abrasions that have not healed, corn plasters, bunion pads, adhesive tape, rubber bandages, or other bandages of any kind also shall be refused admittance.
• A person under the influence of alcohol or exhibiting erratic behavior shall not be permitted in the pool area.
• The pool water is not suitable for drinking. Avoid swallowing pool water.
• Littering is prohibited. In addition, no food, drink, gum, or tobacco is allowed in other than specially designated and controlled sections of the pool area.
• Glass bottles are prohibited from the pool, deck area, and locker rooms.
• Take a shower before swimming.
• Personal conduct within the pool facility must be such that the safety of self and others is not jeopardized. Running, pushing or boisterous or rough play, except in supervised water sports, is prohibited.
• Only clean footwear, baby strollers, or wheelchairs are allowed in the pool area
• Spitting, spouting of water, blowing the nose, or otherwise introducing contaminants into the pool is prohibited.
• Glass, soap, or other material that might create hazardous conditions or interfere with the efficient operation of the swimming pool shall not be permitted in the swimming pool or on the pool deck.
• Proper swim attire must be worn at all times in the pool. Wearing underwear or street clothes is prohibited.  Apparel worn in the pool must be clean.
• Diving in water less than 5 feet deep is prohibited except when allowed for competitive swimming and training. Use of the racing blocks is prohibited unless a swim coach is present.
• Caution shall be exercised in the use of diving facilities.
• Swimming under the bulkheads is prohibited.
• No balls, Frisbees, etc., may be thrown in the pool. Water polo balls may be used during club practice.
• Hanging, sitting, or standing on the lane lines is prohibited.
• Sitting, standing, or jumping on kickboards or pull buoys is prohibited. No throwing or hitting with pool equipment.
• Personal items should be placed in a locker. Athletics and Recreation is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
• Only authorized personnel are allowed to provide fee-based lessons.
• All state bathing codes apply to this facility.

• Children under 16 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.
• Children must be able to swim one full length of the pool (25 yards) without assistance or must be accompanied by an adult in the water at all times.
• Parents of children in lifejackets should stay within contact distance (no more than 10 feet) of their child.
• All children who are not toilet-trained shall wear tight-fitting rubber or plastic pants.
• Parents are responsible for ensuring that children know and follow all pool rules.

• Coast Guard-approved life jackets are allowed provided that they are worn properly.
• Pull buoys are not to be used as water wings.
• Inflatable rings, rafts, tubes, balls, etc., are prohibited — though inflatable rings and balls are permitted for Northwestern club sports and camps. 
• Lifeguards have the right to forbid the use of a flotation device they deem hazardous or improperly used.

• Caution shall be exercised in the use of diving facilities.
• Divers must look out for other swimmers and divers in their landing area before jumping or diving from boards or platforms.
• Divers are limited to a four-step approach. No running approaches are permitted off diving boards/platforms.
• Jumping or diving must be straightforward. No angular or "to the side" take-offs.
• Exit the diving well immediately after surfacing by using the closest side ladder. NEVER CROSS IN FRONT OF A DIVING BOARD OR PLATFORM.
• Swimming in the diving well is limited to times when the diving boards/platforms are closed.
• One person on a springboard at a time; one person on a ladder at a time (3-meter board); other patrons must wait their turn on the pool deck.
• One bounce on the board unless an NU-appointed diving coach is present.
• Inward or reversal dives are prohibited.
• Handstands and cartwheels are prohibited.
• Hanging from the bottom of the diving board or platform is prohibited.
• Jumping or diving from the north deck is prohibited.
• Use of the diving boards/platforms is limited to patrons able to swim to the side without assistance.

• We do not limit the number of lap swimmers in a lane,
• Notify swimmers that you are entering the lane.
• Always swim on the right side of the lane in a counter-clockwise direction, staying near the lane marker.
• When passing, notify the swimmer with a tap on the foot and pass in the middle of the lane.
• If you are continually passing or being passed, move into a lane of more appropriate speed.