The Spring and Summer catalog is now available!  Check it out on the website!

Residents of Palm Desert receive a discounted admission reflecting contributions from local property tax.  However, non-residents are encouraged to participate in all programs, events, and activities.  To qualify for the resident discount proof of the city of Palm Desert residency is required. Acceptable proof (i.e. current utility bill) and photo ID is required for first-time registration. For questions regarding your resident status please contact PDAC 760-565-7467.

The YMCA of the Desert has the right to cancel any class if minimum class registration numbers are not met.  Each class must meet the minimum number of participants registered in order to hold the class.  If this number is not met, patrons will be asked to join other classes or receive a voucher for a different session date. 

Program Credit Statement. 
A refund is issued ONLY when the YMCA cancels the activity.
NO refunds are issued after the program has begun.
A cancellation fee is charged for some programs due to the insurance and uniform fees paid in advance.
A voucher of credit is issued when the user is switching from one program to another if the initial program has already been paid for.

Admissions Credit Statement
NO REFUNDS are issued after patron has paid and entered the aquatic center.
Rain Checks are issued for closures due to thunder and/or lightning, pool closures, or safety/hazardous conditions beyond our control.

For participants wishing to try a class before committing to a full session, a drop-in option is available for certain programs.  These programs include youth swimming lessons, recreational swim team, splash ball, masters swim, water polo and all aerobic classes.  If you wish to drop-in to a class, please call ahead to make sure the class is open.  Please refer to individual programs for drop-in rates. 

• People may not swim without a lifeguard on deck and on duty. 
• Acceptable swim wear is required to be worn. Thong swim suits, cut-offs and street clothing are not allowed (exceptions are made for T-shirts, preferably white, to be worn over a swim suit as protection from the sun).
• Showers are required of everyone before entering the pool.
• Children less than three years of age or swimmers, who are not toilet trained, must wear swimming diapers; disposable diapers will not be allowed.
• Parents/Guardians are responsible for their minor children attending the aquatic center at all times.
• Children 6 years & younger must be supervised at all times by a responsible person 14 years or older. They must be accompanied in the water by an adult if they are non-swimmers.
• Non-swimmers must remain where they can stand unless accompanied by a responsible adult or wearing a life jacket.
• Children wearing life jackets are required to stay in water shallower than 4 feet.
• Sitting or hanging on float lines or lane lines is not allowed. No hanging or playing on ladders.
• Diving is only permitted in the deep end of the pool over 6 feet.
• Running or rough play on the pool deck is not allowed.
• No somersaults, cartwheels, back flips, rough play and standing or sitting on other swimmers’ shoulders.
• Towel snapping in the dressing rooms and on pool grounds is not allowed.
• There are no glass containers, plastic bottles that shatter, or gum permitted anywhere in the facility.
• Food and drinks purchased within the Palm Desert Aquatic Center facility allowed in designated areas.  Please no outside food or drinks. 
• Fins and kickboards are only to be used during lap swims and or instructional classes. These items are not allowed during general recreation swims.
• No roughhouse play in the shallow area in a manner disruptive to other patrons.
• Be sure equipment is returned to their proper places immediately after use. Report any damaged or missing items as soon as possible to the supervisor.
• People under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be allowed into the pool or facility.
• Profanities, vulgarity or maliciousness is not permitted at the facility.
• No smoking allowed at the facility.
• Prolonged breath holding and underwater swimming is not allowed.
• Bicycles, skateboards, skates (including in-line & Heelys) are not allowed in the facility.
• In case of an emergency, all swimmers may be asked to evacuate the pool and the pool area immediately.
• Restricted use of aquatic toys and equipment are as follows:
  • During slow periods, use of aquatic toys is allowed at the discretion of the pool shift supervisor.
  • Generally, objects allowed in the water must be approved by a pool shift supervisor and be known to be safe.
  • Kick boards, fins, hand paddles and pull-buoys may be used only during lap swims, swim team workouts, or instructional classes.
• Skin and Scuba Equipment:
  • SCUBA equipment, fins and snorkels are not allowed during open recreation swims unless special permission is granted by the pool shift supervisor.
• SCUBA equipment will be allowed for class use if:
  • The instructor holds national certification through recognized certifying agency.
  • The tanks have boot protectors.
  • The students are registered for the class.
• Instructions from the lifeguards and pool staff are to be obeyed at all times.

 

Deep End Rules

• Swimmers must take a swimming test and demonstrate their ability to swim in deep water. The test will be administered in the shallow end and a “band” of competency will be dispersed and worn on the wrist upon approval.
• Life jackets/catching and/or assisting children are not allowed. Only front jumps and dives from the deck are allowed in designated areas and scheduled times only.
• Diving boards may be closed for intervals at the discretion of the lifeguard to permit swimming in the deep end.
• Swim teams and instructional classes will only use starting platforms while the coach/instructor is actively supervising them.

 

Diving Board Rules

• Only one person at a time is permitted on a diving board (except instructional staff during lessons).
• Use the ladders to climb onto the board.
• One bounce only.
• No hanging from, sitting on, or doing handstands on the diving board.
• Dive or jump straight off the front end of the board.
• Following a dive, the swimmer is expected to swim to the nearest side; no swimming under or between the diving boards.
• No running off the diving boards.
• Divers attempting dives that are too difficult for their skill level and ability are required to stop. If necessary, they will be asked to leave the diving end of the pool.
• Adult supervision is required for all children swimming in the wading pool section.

 

Wading Pool Rules

• Wading pool use is for children under six and others who are unsafe in the larger pools.
• Older siblings/friends are permitted when there is room and only if playing is appropriate for the under six age group.
• Toys and balls approved by the Palm Desert Aquatic Center management are allowed in the wading pool. All flotation devises must be USCG approved.
• Swim diapers are required for children who are not fully potty trained.

 

Water Slide Rules

• All riders must follow lifeguards instructions.
• All riders must be 48” tall.
• All riders must ride feet first on their backs or sitting up at all times.
• Maximum rider weight is 300 pounds.
• Additional propelling action is not allowed.
• Please remove all jewelry and objects in pockets before riding the slide. Swim suits only, no cut offs.  Any apparel that will scratch the flume is not permitted.
• Riders must enter the slide in a sitting position and wait for instructions from the lifeguard stationed at the slide starter tub.
• Only one rider at a time. No trains or chains of riders are permitted.
• No tubes, mats or life jackets are permitted on the waterslide.
• The line should form on the deck with one rider on each landing and one rider in the starter tub. Have the patrons wait until the landing area is clear before entering.
• Riders must be in good health. Pregnant women or individuals with heart or back conditions should not use this slide.
• If rider is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, use of the slide is strictly prohibited.
  
• No running, standing, kneeling, rotating or stopping in the flume. Arms and hands must remain inside the flume.
• No diving from the slide.
• Riders must leave the plunge pool promptly after entering.
• Non-swimmers are not permitted (parents are not allowed to slide down with the children at any time – no exceptions).

Warning: water depth is 3 feet 6 inches.

Failure to follow rules can result in serious injury (and may result in a patron being required to leave the pool, pool area and surrounding premises).

Spray Park Rules

• Aquatic foot wear is recommended at all times.
• Children 6 years & younger must be supervised at all times by a responsible person 14 years or older.
• Surfaces of play features may be hot. Inspect the area before starting play.
• Drinking the water is unsanitary, can cause serious illness, and is prohibited.
• Children less than three years of age or swimmers, who are not toilet trained, must wear swimming diapers; disposable diapers will not be allowed.

 

Locker Room Rules

• Children 5 years and over must use the locker room of their own gender. If this presents a difficulty, family changing rooms are available.
• Towel snapping, running, or rough play is not allowed in the locker rooms.
• No food or drink allowed in the locker rooms.

All minors (under 18 years of age) wishing to swim in the deep end of the pool or use the diving boards must complete a swim safety test with lifeguards at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center.  The test will consist of swimming 30 yards and treading water in an upright position for one minute.

Swim tests will be offered at the top of every hour during the times that recreational swimming is offered

What are you hungry or thirsty for? Good News – we have a wide selection of food and beverage items for sale at our concession counter and some limited snack items at our front desk! The concession area will be open throughout the year during our regular recreational swimming hours and at various other times.

Concession menu
Please note: Occasionally some items are temporarily out of stock or discontinued. We work hard to keep an array of items available to you throughout the year.

PALM DESERT AQUATICS CENTER
CONCESSION MENU