May 2023
Charles River Aquatics Policy Regarding Illness
At Charles River Aquatics (CRA) the health and safety of our patrons and staff is of the utmost importance.
Per the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, if you have a communicable disease, you may not swim.
Please stay home if you are not feeling well.
Your adherence to this policy is essential to the health and safety of everyone.
Thank you!
CRA RULES, TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Charles River Aquatics, Inc. (“CRA”) is committed to fostering a safe learning environment for all participants. Please review our policies below. By registering for our program, participants and families are expected to follow our rules, terms and conditions. These can also be found on our website under “policies”. Thank you for joining CRA. We look forward to our partnership.
CALENDAR:
There are times when the pool will be closed for special events and regular programming will be interrupted. Please view our calendar and make note of these dates. We have already accounted for these conflicts in our pricing.
VIEW CALENDAR for BLACK OUT DATES
CANCELLATION POLICIES:
School Year Season | Group Lessons
- CRA does not offer refunds or credits for missed or canceled lessons
- CRA is not able to offer make-up lessons or class changes for a single day
- CRA requires 30 days notice to drop enrollment and does not prorate tuition
- CRA will honor requests to change class day/time whenever possible
- If a program is canceled due to inclement weather or mechanical/facility issues, CRA will try to offer an uninstructed free swim opportunity
Private Lessons
There are no refunds, credits or make-ups for a missed or canceled Private Lesson.
Clinics
CRA does not offer refunds or credits for a missed clinic. If CRA cancels a clinic due to inclement weather or mechanical/facility issues, a credit for future programming will be issued.
Summer Camp
There are NO REFUNDS for the cancellation of summer camp unless the Camp Protection Insurance is purchased during registration. For each policy purchased, families receive a full refund for one week of camp should anything happen. This is to provide peace of mind and protect against illness or injury for a swimmer in your family.
If you did not purchase the Camp Protection Insurance and you would like to switch your registered week, then we are happy to assist assuming there is space available in an upcoming week to accommodate your swimmer. The cost to switch weeks is a $100 administration fee.
***Please note: Switching weeks will only apply to the CURRENT camp season. There are no credits given for camp.
Summer Sessions | Group Lessons
Registration for summer instructional swim sessions closes the Friday evening before the session beginning the following Monday. Once registered, no changes are allowed and no refunds will be issued.
Snow Days and Other Cancellations
CRA closings do not always align with those of the local schools. All closings due to inclement weather or mechanical/facility issues will be posted on the CRA Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/CharlesRiverAquatics/.
Call 617-939-8078 with questions
REGISTRATION AND BILLING:
SCHOOL YEAR SEASON
You will pay for your first month during enrollment.
After the first tuition payment, deductions occur during the first week of the month through May. If you wish to cancel, do so in writing to registrar@charlesriveraquatics.com. CRA requires 30 days’ notice for cancellation and does not prorate tuition.
SUMMER LESSON SESSIONS, CLINICS AND CAMPS
The cost of the entire program is processed upon enrollment.
BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS OF ALL PARTICIPANTS:
Children Enrolled in Programming
CRA is committed to fostering a safe learning environment for all participants. Any disruption to the learning process will not be tolerated. Children will be issued a warning for the first infraction, and given a supervised out-of-the water timeout for the second. During a timeout, trained deck staff will discuss appropriate behavior with the goal of a swift return to the group.
Any child receiving three timeouts in one class period will be removed and sent home early.
Serious behavioral and safety infractions, such as hitting, pushing, kicking or spitting on others, will not be tolerated and will result in immediate expulsion from the program. No refund will be offered for the remainder of the month or for the week of camp in which the incident occurred.
Anti-Bullying Policy
CRA is committed to providing a safe and civil educational environment, free from harassment, intimidation or bullying for all program participants. Bullying, harassment, and intimidation will not be tolerated, and will result in disciplinary action or expulsion from CRA.
CRA abides by the Anti-Bullying Policies put forth by USA Swimming and as outlined here https://charlesriveraquatics.com/general-policies-main/.
Policy Regarding Photography and Cell Phone Use
CRA upholds a strict policy regarding photography in and around all pools. For the safety and privacy of all members of the Charles River Aquatics community, the use of video cameras, still cameras or cell phone cameras by any swimmer or CRA community member (sibling, parent, or visitor) in the locker rooms or restrooms at any facility providing CRA programs is strictly prohibited.
- All photographs must observe generally accepted standards of decency:
- Action shots should be a celebration of the sporting activity, not a sexualized image in a sporting context
- At no time may a photograph be taken from behind the starting blocks at the start of a race, or exhibit an individual climbing out of the pool
- Action shots should not be taken or retained if the photo reveals a torn or displaced swimsuit.
The use of cell phones for any purpose in a locker room or restroom is prohibited. If a call or text is received, the recipient must step outside of the locker room to respond.
Any CRA program participant or other community member (sibling, parent, or visitor) found in violation of this policy is subject to permanent debarment.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Charles River Aquatics
The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to provide the guidelines necessary to create an educational, supportive, and safe environment for all Charles River Aquatics (CRA) patrons including coaches, parents/guardians, athletes, participants, officials and any other attendees at the Boston Sports Institute (BSI) managed by Albany Road-Wellesley, LLC.
Youth athletic/sports programs play an important role in promoting the physical, social and emotional development of children and young adults. It is therefore essential for parents/guardians, coaches and officials to encourage youth athletes to embrace the values of good sportsmanship. Moreover, adults involved in youth sporting events should be models of good sportsmanship and should lead by example, demonstrating fairness, respect, and self control.
CRA offers a safe and supportive environment to patrons of all ages and ability levels. In addition to ensuring a healthy environment for young athletes, it is essential that all individuals learning to swim, including adults, have a safe, comfortable place in which to do so.
Any, coach, parent/guardian, athlete, participant, official or other attendee found in violation of this Code of Conduct is subject to immediate removal from the facility and may be subject to temporary or permanent debarment.
CRA adheres to the policies of inclusion and safety as specified in USA Swimming guidelines, www.usaswimming.org.
Coaches, parents/guardians, and other responsible adults are expected to review this Code of Conduct, and adhere to it. Prior to use of the pools at BSI, coaches, parents/guardians, and other responsible adults are expected to share the contents of this Code with their athletes, students, campers, and clients and support adherence.
Expectations of Conduct:
- I will review and adhere to the rules and Code of Conduct of USA Swimming. www.usaswimming.org I will encourage minors in my care and all others to abide by this Code.
- I will not engage in unsportsmanlike conduct with any coach, parent/guardian, athlete, participant, official or any other attendee and I will encourage minors in my care and all others to demonstrate good sportsmanship.
- I will not engage in any behavior which would endanger the health, safety or well-being of any coach, parent/guardian, athlete, participant, official, CRA staff member or any other attendee and I will encourage minors in my care and all others to behave in this manner.
- I will not use drugs, alcohol or marijuana at BSI and I will not permit any minor in my care to use. I, and minors in my care, will not attend, coach, officiate or participate in any activities at BSI while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or marijuana. I will discourage use among other attendees.
- I will not use any tobacco products, including electronic nicotine delivery systems (also known as e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-hookahs, and e-pipes) at BSI and I will not permit any minor in my care to use. I will discourage use among other attendees.
- I will not engage in profane, abusive, violent or threatening language or behavior and I will not tolerate any such language or behavior from minors in my care, or from any others.
- I will treat all coaches, parents/guardians, athletes, participants, officials, CRA staff members and all other attendees with respect regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or ability. I will encourage this same respect in minors in my care and in all others.
- I will not damage any property or equipment at BSI, I will remove all of my belongings upon departure, and I will properly dispose of trash. I will ensure this same respect from minors in my care and expect it from all others.
- I will be respectful of all other patrons and of CRA staff members at BSI while attending programming in the natatorium. My behavior will not interrupt quiet enjoyment. I will expect the same respect from minors in my care and from all others.
Safety:
- No Running on pool deck, in changing rooms, or in hallways
- Glass Containers are not permitted in the natatorium or changing rooms
- Pool patrons are not permitted to access storage closets or other areas restricted to staff
- Any person with a known communicable disease may not use the pools
- Any person with an open wound may not use the pools. Adhesive bandages are not sufficient wound coverage
Supervision of Minors:
- All minors under the age of 12 attending lessons, clinics, camps, team practices, or other classes may be unattended only during the time allotted for the program. For all other programming, including special events, all minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- Expectations of the Code of Conduct are to be followed by all persons at all times while at the pools at BSI and must be reviewed with minors in advance of attendance at any program.
- All minors age 12 and under must pass a basic deep end test before using the deep end of the Competition Pool during Recreational Swim or special events.
- Coaches and adults supervising minors must abide by CRA’s Policy on the Protection of Minors https://charlesriveraquatics.com/policies/
Lap Swim:
Patrons swimming during designated Lap Swim hours must be 18 years or older.
Swim Caps:
- All persons with hair 6 inches or longer must wear swim caps at all times.
- All students enrolled in CRA swim lessons, levels 3 and higher, must wear swim caps at all times.
- All athletes swimming with youth or adult swim teams must wear swim caps at all times.
Showering:
ALL patrons must thoroughly rinse before entering the pools. This keeps the pools clean, and ensures a healthy environment for all to enjoy.
Changing Rooms:
- Changing rooms in the natatorium at the BSI are available for use only while swimming. CRA is not responsible for personal belongings. Therefore, patrons are encouraged to bring valuables to deck while swimming. All belongings must be removed upon exit from the facility.
- CRA expects all patrons to demonstrate respect and modesty. No children over the age of 4 are allowed in the changing room of the opposite sex. The Family Changing Room is intended for use by all, regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity.
Children in Diapers:
Form fitting swim diapers, underneath rubber pants with leg gathers, are required for all babies and toddlers not yet toilet trained.
Strollers:
Strollers are not permitted on the pool deck.
Equipment:
- Diving boards, starting blocks, and other competitive equipment are only for use under the direct supervision of a coach or with special permission of CRA Management and lifeguards.
- SCUBA equipment and personal flotation devices are not permitted in the pools at BSI unless under the supervision of an instructor.
Private Swimming Lessons:
The use of the pools at BSI during recreational or lap swim to offer private swimming lessons is strictly prohibited. Only CRA staff may provide swim instruction.
*The possession of weapons, and the use, possession or distribution of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or illegal substances is strictly prohibited at the BSI.*
Charles River Aquatics Policy Regarding Illness
At Charles River Aquatics (CRA) the health and safety of our patrons and staff is of the utmost importance. Per the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, if you have a communicable disease, you may not swim. Please stay home if you are not feeling well. Your adherence to this policy is essential to the health and safety of everyone. Thank you!
Children Enrolled in CRA Programming
CRA is committed to fostering a safe learning environment for all participants. Any disruption to the learning process will not be tolerated. Children will be issued a warning for the first infraction and given a supervised out-of-the-water timeout for the second. During a timeout, trained deck staff will discuss appropriate behavior with the goal of a swift return to the group.
Any child receiving three timeouts in one class period will be removed and sent home early.
Serious behavioral and safety infractions, such as hitting, pushing, kicking, or spitting on others, will not be tolerated and will result in immediate expulsion from the program. No refund will be offered for the remainder of the month or for the week of camp in which the incident occurred.
Anti-Bullying Policy
CRA is committed to providing a safe and civil educational environment, free from harassment, intimidation, or bullying for all program participants. Bullying, harassment, and intimidation will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action or expulsion from CRA.
CRA abides by the Anti-Bullying Policies put forth by USA Swimming. https://www.usaswimming.org/
June 2023
Policy on the Protection of Minors
Charles River Aquatics (CRA)
An adult is defined as a person aged 18 years or older.
A child (minor) is defined as anyone under the age of 18.
All staff (of CRA and of other user groups) must read and abide by policies for child safety and abuse prevention as outlined in this Policy on the Protection of Minors.
All programs must have a procedure to receive and investigate grievances and complaints filed by program participants.
All staff (of CRA and of other user groups) suspecting, observing or receiving a report of child abuse or neglect must make immediate report to CRA Management and to the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, Child-At-Risk Hotline, 1-800-792-5200.
If risk/danger is immediate, call 911.
All Staff (of CRA and of other user groups) must meet the following requirements for the protection of minors:
- Speak to minors in a respectful manner, not in a manner demeaning or abusive. Refrain from using inappropriate language/humor in the presence of minors. This includes, but is not limited to: swearing, racial, sexist or ethnic comments or jokes, or comments regarding physical appearance.
- Touching must be age and contextually appropriate. Touch should be based solely on the needs of the instruction being given.
- Physical contact with minors can be misconstrued by both minors and other adults. Touch must be appropriate, public and non-sexual (high-five, fist bump, hand shake, pat on the back, etc.). Maintain proper boundaries at all times.
- Structure programs to eliminate any one-on-one time between an adult and a minor in a private area, not readily observable by others. To the extent possible, have at least two adults present at all times. This includes, but is not limited to, transporting a minor to/from activities, escorting a minor to the bathroom, changing facilities, showers, or waiting with a minor to be picked up. Staff (of CRA or other user groups) should not give a child whom is not their own, a ride home.
- Provide notice to parents/guardians that the pools at the Albany Road-Wellesley (d.b.a. Boston Sports Institute (BSI)), including changing rooms and restrooms, are not limited exclusively to one user. Other groups will use the facility simultaneously.
- All staff (of CRA or other user groups) is prohibited from engaging in any sexually-oriented conversation with minors.
- All staff (of CRA or other user groups) is prohibited from possessing sexually-oriented materials or accessing similar materials on the internet in the presence of minors.
- All staff (of CRA and other user groups) is prohibited from accepting gifts from minors without the knowledge of the parent/guardian.
- All staff (of CRA or other user groups) is prohibited from the use, possession, or being under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or illegal substances while working with minors. No one shall provide alcohol, marijuana or illegal substances to a minor.
- All staff (of CRA or other user groups) athletes, participants, or other attendees will adhere to the Policy on Photography, as outlined.
All photographs must observe generally accepted standards of decency, in particular:
- Action shots should be a celebration of the sporting activity, not a sexualized image in a sporting context
- Action shots should not be taken or retained where the photograph reveals a torn or displaced swimsuit
- Photographs may not be taken from behind starting blocks at the start of a race, or exhibit a child climbing out of the swimming pool
- Photographs may not be taken in changing rooms or bathrooms
Spectators, including parents/guardians of youth participants, are not permitted during any instructional or team programming.
Parents/guardians of youth enrolled in Instructional Swim Lessons will be periodically invited for a visiting day. Observation is not permitted during summer/vacation camps or clinics.
Spectators are not permitted during any swim team practices.
The presence of spectators at events is assessed for each individual event. Decisions regarding the presence of spectators will be made in advance of each event and shared by event organizers.
Charles River Aquatics (CRA) upholds a strict policy regarding photography in and around all pools.
For the safety and privacy of all members of the CRA community, the use of video cameras, still cameras or cell phone cameras by any swimmer or CRA community member (sibling, parent/guardian, or visitor) in the changing rooms or restrooms at any facility providing CRA programs is strictly prohibited.
All photographs taken in the natatorium must observe generally accepted standards of decency:
- Action shots should be a celebration of the sporting activity, not a sexualized image in a sporting context
- At no time may a photograph be taken from behind the starting blocks at the start of a race, or exhibit an individual climbing out of the pool
- Action shots should not be taken or retained if the photo reveals a torn or displaced swimsuit.
- The use of cell phones for any purpose in a changing room or restroom is prohibited. If a call or text is received, the recipient must step outside of the changing room to respond.
Any CRA program participant or other community member (sibling, parent/guardian, or visitor) found in violation of this policy is subject to permanent debarment.
Charles River Aquatics is not responsible for personal belongings. Do not bring valuables to the natatorium at the Boston Sports Institute.
Charles River Aquatics
Vision for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Charles River Aquatics (CRA) we embrace differences as strengths.
We commit to:
- Offering equity of opportunity
- Recognizing and authentically engaging all peoples and perspectives
- Taking action if witness to injustice or unkindness
We foster a culture of mutual respect, honesty and goodwill in pursuit of a truly diverse and inclusive community.
Cancellation Policies
- CRA does not offer refunds or credits for missed or cancelled lessons.
- CRA does not offer make-up lessons and cannot offer schedule changes for a single day.
- 30 days notice is required to drop enrollment.
- CRA does not prorate tuition.
- Requests to change class day/time will be honored when possible. Mid-month changes incur a $10.00 administrative fee per registration.
CRA does not offer refunds or credits, or schedule make-ups for missed or cancelled Private Instructional Swim Lessons.
CRA does not offer refunds or credits for missed Clinics.
Cancellation/Change Policy, CRA Camp:
If you have NOT purchased our $35 per swimmer/per week insurance that allows changes/cancellations up to 72 hours prior to the start of camp, these are the policies:
- Cancellation by April 1, CRA account credit, less $50 administrative fee
- Cancellation April 1–May 1, CRA account credit, less $100 administrative fee for the first week, $50 for each additional week
- Cancellation after May 1, no credits offered unless there exists a waitlist for the week. If a waitlisted camper can take the vacated spot, cancellation will incur a $100 administrative fee for the first week, and $50 for each additional week cancelled, with the balance as a CRA account credit.
- Switching registration to a different scheduled week is dependent upon availability and incurs a $25 change fee
CRA does not offer refunds or credits for cancelled Summer Session Group Instructional Swim Lesson enrollment.
Registration for each summer session closes the Friday immediately prior to session commencement. Once registration is closed, changes to enrollment are not permitted.
Closings due to inclement weather or mechanical/facility issues will be posted on the CRA Facebook page. CRA closings do not always align with those of the local schools.
https://www.facebook.com/CharlesRiverAquatics/
Call (617) 939-8078 with questions