Know before you go

Rules and Guidelines

General Facility Rules

Admission

All patrons entering the facility must pay an admission fee, even if they are not swimming.
Children aged 12 and under must be supervised at all times by a parent, guardian, or responsible person aged 16 or older.
The Kingsport Aquatic Center reserves the right to suspend admission sales when storms are nearby.

Conduct

For the safety and comfort of all guests, running, roughhousing, horseplay, loitering, and profanity are not allowed. Failure to comply with staff direction may result in removal from the facility.
Fighting or violence of any kind will result in immediate removal from the facility.
This is a family-friendly facility; inappropriate touching or excessive displays of affection are not permitted.
Guests must dispose of trash properly in designated receptacles.

Smoking & Attire

Smoking, including electronic/vapor cigarettes, is prohibited throughout the entire property, including the parking lot, in accordance with City Ordinance 6586.
Clothing and shoes are required in all common areas outside the pool deck and water park, including the lobby.
Swimwear must provide adequate coverage and be designed for aquatic use. Undergarments (e.g., bras, underwear), T-shirts, jeans, street clothes, and cut-offs are not allowed in place of swimwear.

Health & Safety

Individuals who are sick should not use the pool.
Lifeguards and staff are authorized to enforce all facility guidelines. Failure to comply may result in removal from the premises.
Report all injuries or incidents to facility staff immediately.

Bag Checks & Personal Belongings

All bags are subject to search to help ensure guest safety and to prevent prohibited items such as outside food, drinks, or glass containers from being brought into the facility.
Coolers, glass containers, and outside food or beverages are not permitted. See the Food and Drink section for more information.
Kingsport Aquatic Center recommends that personal belongings be secured in a locker or in your personal vehicle (when appropriate). Management is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Swim Lessons & Coaching

Only authorized personnel may conduct swim lessons or coaching. Instruction by the general public is not permitted on the pool deck or in the water.
To rent lane space for lessons or coaching, contact Madison Gump at (423) 343-9767 or madisongump@kingsporttn.gov.

Additional Parking

Bus parking and overflow parking are available in the lower lot at MeadowView Convention Center.

Locker Room Procedures

Locker Usage: Lockers are for daily use only. Kingsport Aquatic Center highly recommends securing your belongings with a personal lock. Locks are not provided but are available for purchase at the front desk.
Lock Removal: Locks must be removed by the close of business each day. Any remaining locks will be forcibly removed by Aquatic Center staff. The City of Kingsport is not responsible for any loss, damage, or theft of personal belongings.
Storage of Personal Items: All items should be stored in a locker or taken onto the pool deck. The Kingsport Aquatic Center is not responsible for items left unattended on benches or locker room floors.
Prohibited Items & Behavior:
- No glass allowed in the locker room.
- For the safety and comfort of all guests, running, roughhousing, horseplay, loitering, and profanity are not allowed. Failure to comply with staff direction may result in removal from the facility.
- Fighting or violence of any kind will result in immediate removal from the facility.
Shower Requirement: All visitors must shower before entering the pool area.
Locker Searches: Management reserves the right to open and search any locker if there is suspicion of illegal substances or firearms.
Reporting Issues: Any inappropriate behavior should be reported to a staff member or the Pool Supervisor immediately.

Food and Drink Guidelines

Outside Food & Drinks & Re-Entry: Outside food and drinks are not permitted, except for private rentals. Guests may leave snacks in their car and take a break from swimming to eat outside the facility but must have a daily admission wristband or a KAC/YMCA membership card to re-enter.
Water Access & Approved Containers: Empty, refillable water bottles are welcome and can be filled at any of KAC’s complimentary water stations or fountains. During the summer season, free ice and water are also available at the Oasis concession stand.
Pool Deck Restrictions: No food, drinks, gum, glass, or smoking is allowed on the pool deck. Food and beverages may only be consumed in designated areas.
Designated Areas: Food should only be consumed at designated areas, including the indoor lobby tables or seasonal outdoor seating (including the pavilion, café tables, and loungers).
On-Site Concessions (Seasonal): The Kingsport Aquatic Center has an on-site concession stand available for food and drinks.
Purchased Drinks & Re-Entry: Once a drink purchased from the KAC concession stand leaves the facility, it cannot be brought back inside, even if it is unopened or a full water bottle.

Baby Food, Formula, and Medically Necessary Items

Permitted Baby Items: Baby formula and baby food are allowed; however, glass containers are not permitted. All items must be clearly labeled.
Infant Formula Water: Only water specifically labeled for mixing infant formula is permitted.

Medically Necessary Food/Drinks: Any food or drink required for medical reasons must be declared at the gate prior to entry.

• If you have questions about what is allowed, please call us at 423-343-9758.

Pool Rules

Supervision & Guardian Requirements

Lifeguards oversee all patrons and enforce pool safety rules.
Children aged 12 and under must be supervised at all times by a parent, guardian, or responsible person aged 16 or older.
Children age 3 and under, as well as any child wearing a USCG-approved flotation device, should remain within arm’s reach of a parent, guardian, or responsible adult (age 16 or older) at all times.

Inflatables and Floatation Devices

Only U.S. Coast Guard-approved (USCG) flotation devices are permitted.
USCG-approved flotation devices are available for use throughout the facility.
Wearers are recommended to remain in shallow water under direct adult supervision.
Inner Tubes: Inner tubes are furnished by the Kingsport Aquatic Center and are designated for use in the Lazy River only. Personal inner tubes are not permitted.
Pool Noodles: Pool noodles may only be used during designated classes and are provided by the Kingsport Aquatic Center. They may not be used as flotation devices during open swim.
Exceptions: Flotation devices designed for individuals with disabilities or adaptive needs are permitted.
Not Permitted: Inflatable items of any kind— including arm floats, swim rings, inner tubes, baby floats, baby neck rings, or any other blow-up devices—are not allowed for use inside the facility.
Note: For a list of approved flotation items, please refer to the posted PDF here or ask a staff member for assistance.

Swim Test Guidelines

Some aquatic features, including diving boards, lily pads, climbing wall, and Aqua Run, require all participants to pass a swim test to ensure safety.

Requirements:
- Swim 20 yards unassisted without stopping or touching the bottom or the wall.
- Failure to pass the swim test will result in restricted access to certain pool areas.
- Lifeguards have the final authority on swim test eligibility and enforcement.

Safety & Behavior Guidelines:

Health & Hygiene

To ensure the health and safety of all guests, individuals with contagious illnesses, open wounds, deep cuts, or bandages are not allowed in the pool.
Shower before entering the pool to help us maintain clean and safe water for everyone.

Pool Deck & In-Water Conduct

Running and rough play are not permitted on the pool deck or in the water.
Diving is only allowed in designated areas where the water is at least 6 feet 9 inches deep.
– No flips, somersaults, or backward dives from the pool deck.

Prohibited Behaviors

To ensure safety and comfort for all guests, the following are not allowed:

Unnecessary roughness, pushing, or horseplay
Throwing or diving from shoulders
Backward jumping or diving
Shoulder rides
Running on the pool deck

Exception: Piggybacking is permitted for responsible adults with small children.

Toys & Play Items

Toys and personal play items are allowed during recreational swim, but must be approved by the Pool Supervisor.
Throwing toys or any objects is not allowed—whether on the deck or in the water.
- Examples of items that should not be thrown include:
  - Balls (beach balls, foam balls, etc.)
  - Dive toys (rings, sticks, torpedoes)
  - Water frisbees or splash bombs
- These items can cause injury when thrown, especially in busy areas. Please enjoy toys safely and respectfully.
During slower times, when fewer guests are in the pool, passing a ball or similar toy may be allowed at the pool supervisor’s discretion.
- Please note that they may request the activity be paused or discontinued if the pool becomes too crowded.
Prohibited Water Toys:
- Squirt guns
- Water cannons
- Water sticks (hydro blasters)
- Soaker balls (absorbent balls designed to be thrown when wet)
- Pressurized water blasters (pump-action or battery-operated)
- Any toy designed to shoot, spray, or launch water

Facility Etiquette

Street shoes are discouraged on the pool deck.
To use the chair lift and aquatic wheelchairs, please request staff assistance.
No coolers, glass containers, or outside food allowed on the pool deck. See Food & Drink section for designated areas.

Lap Swimming Guidelines

Lane Sharing & Circle Swimming: More than one swimmer may use a lap lane at any given time. When sharing lanes, follow these guidelines for safety and courtesy:
- Observe lane signage and follow posted lap swim designations. When space is limited, circle swimming is recommended.
- Notify other swimmers before entering an occupied lane.
- Circle swim on the right side of the lane in a counterclockwise direction, staying near the lane rope.
- Passing etiquette: Tap the swimmer’s foot to indicate passing and pass in the middle of the lane. If frequent passing occurs, consider moving to a more appropriate lane.
- Lane capacity: A maximum of eight (8) swimmers per lane in short course (25 yards) and sixteen (16) swimmers per lane in long course (50 meters) is recommended.
Lap Swim Availability: Refer to the hours of operation for designated lap swim times. For any questions, please speak with the Head Lifeguard or Pool Manager on Duty.
Equipment Use:
- Lap swimming is permitted only in designated lanes—please observe signage. Circle swimming may be required.
- Snorkels, fins, and kickboards may only be used in designated lap swim lanes when used appropriately.
- Self-contained underwater breathing devices are prohibited unless under the supervision of a certified scuba instructor.

Diving Board Rules

Swim Test Requirement

A swim test is required to use the structure.
For full details on what the swim test involves, please refer to the Pool Rules.

General Diving Board Rules:

A swim test is required to use the diving boards.

One person on the board at a time.
Only one bounce is allowed before diving.
Entry into the water is only permitted from the end of the board.
After entering the water, swimmers must swim directly to the ladder to exit.
No swimming in the deep end while diving is occurring.

3-Meter Diving Board:

Guests using the 3-meter board are expected to jump once they’ve climbed up. Climbing back down the ladder is not allowed due to safety concerns. If a guest becomes too uncomfortable to jump, staff will assist them down safely.

Restricted Items:

The following items are not permitted on the diving boards:

Hats, cameras, phones, GoPros
Shoes, water shoes
Glasses, sunglasses, goggles, or masks
Flotation devices

Safety Guidelines

WARNING: Failure to follow these rules may result in serious injury.

Water Slide Rules

Eligibility & Requirements

Riders must be at least 48 inches tall, as required by the slide manufacturer—this is a strict height requirement, not based on swim ability.
The height rule ensures that riders can safely sit in the correct position, handle the speed and force of the slide, and exit the 42-inch-deep catch pool independently.
Maximum rider weight is 300 pounds.

Note: Passing a swim test does not qualify a guest to use the slide if they do not meet the height requirement.

Riding Position & Safety

Riders must enter the flume in a seated position and wait for instructions from the lifeguard before starting.
Slide must be ridden feet-first only, lying or sitting on the back with arms crossed over the chest.
Arms and hands must remain inside the flume at all times.
Maintain proper riding position until forward motion stops completely in the splash-out area.
Prohibited actions include:
– Head-first riding
– Running, standing, kneeling, rotating, or tumbling
– Propelling into the ride or stopping mid-slide
– No diving head-first from the slide chute

Line Formation & Pool Exit

Riders must enter the staircase and remain in line while progressing toward the top of the slide. At the top, please wait behind the yellow line until an attendant directs you to a slide flume.
If the staircase is full, the line should continue along the deck beside the slide.
Only one rider per landing on the stairs and one rider in the starter tub at a time.
Wait for the splash-out area to clear before entering the slide.
After exiting, leave the plunge pool promptly to allow the next rider to enter safely.

Prohibited Items & Attire

Not allowed on the slide:
– Tubes, mats, or life jackets
– Foreign objects in pockets (phones, keys, etc.)
– Hats, cameras, phones, GoPro’s
– Shoes, water shoes, glasses, sunglasses, goggles, or masks
Improper swimwear is prohibited—including anything with zippers, buckles, rivets, or metal decorations.
– These can damage the slide or cause injury.
– Only approved swimwear is permitted.

Health & Safety Warnings

Riders must be in good health. Guests with the following conditions should not use the slide without consulting a physician:
– Heart conditions
– High blood pressure
– Epilepsy
– Back or neck problems
– Pregnancy
– Any condition that may impair the ability to ride safely
Do not use the slide under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Water depth at the slide exit is 3 feet 6 inches.
WARNING: Failure to follow these rules may result in serious injury.
Riders assume all risk of injury due to misuse of the slide or failure to follow posted rules and lifeguard instructions.

Lily Pad & Swim Structure Rules

Swim Test Requirement

A swim test is required to use the structure.
For full details on what the swim test involves, please refer to the Pool Rules.

Eligibility Requirements:

Individuals must be tall enough to reach the yellow rope without jumping or assistance.
Guests who cannot reach the rope without help will not be permitted to use the lily pads.
Both height and swim skills are required to use the lily pads—passing a swim test alone is not enough. Guests must meet all eligibility requirements and pass the swim test.

Usage Rules:

Only one person at a time is allowed on the lily pads.
Feet must stay on the lily pads at all times.
No flotation devices are permitted.
After exiting the structure, swimmers must swim directly to the nearest pool ladder.
Only one swimmer is allowed in the drop zone at a time.
Follow all lifeguard instructions at all times.

Safety Guidelines

WARNING: Failure to follow these rules may result in serious injury.

Aqua Run Structure Rules

Swim Test Requirement

A swim test is required to use the structure.
For full details on what the swim test involves, please refer to the Pool Rules.

Usage Rules:

Follow lifeguard instructions at all times.
No running from the pool deck onto the structure.
No swimming underneath the structure.
No pushing others off the structure.
Feet-first entry is required when exiting the slide.
Swim directly to the nearest pool ladder after exiting the structure.
A maximum of two (2) users are allowed to progress through the Aqua Run at one time.

Safety & Attire:

Please refrain from wearing sharp objects such as rings, or jewelry (jewelry that could damage the aqua run), or objects in your pockets to prevent damage to the structure.
WARNING: Failure to follow these rules may result in serious injury.

Climbing Wall Rules

Swim Test Requirement

A swim test is required to use the structure.
For full details on what the swim test involves, please refer to the Pool Rules.

Usage Rules:

Follow lifeguard instructions at all times.
Only one climber at a time on each wall.
Only one swimmer at a time in the Drop Zone.
No diving—feet-first entries only.
No flotation devices are permitted.
Swim directly to the nearest pool ladder after exiting the structure.

Safety Guidelines

Please refrain from wearing rings, bracelets, necklaces, or other loose items while using the climbing wall. These items can get caught on climbing holds and may cause serious injury.
WARNING: Failure to follow these rules may result in serious injury.

Weather Policy/Regulations

Facility Opening & Weather Delays

Opening may be delayed due to weather conditions.
The Kingsport Aquatic Center reserves the right to suspend admission sales when storms are nearby.

Outdoor Pool Closure Guidelines

Temperature Requirements:

The air temperature must be at least 67°F by the scheduled opening time.
Opening may be delayed until this temperature is reached.
Recreational swimming requires an air temperature of at least 67°F, including wind chill.
- For recreational swimming, the outdoor temperature—including wind chill—must be at least 67°F. Because this type of swimming involves less physical activity, warmer conditions are required to maintain guest safety and comfort.
Fitness swimming and personal exercise requires the outdoor temperature to be at least 57°F, including wind chill.
- For fitness swimming and personal exercise, the outdoor temperature must be at least 57°F, including wind chill. This ensures a safe and comfortable environment for participants engaged in continuous movement.

Rain Policy:

The facility will remain open during light rain, except when lifeguards cannot see the bottom of the pool.

Severe Weather Protocols:

Thunder: The pool will close immediately if thunder is heard. Patrons must exit the pools for 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.
Lightning: The pool and deck will close immediately if lightning is sighted and will remain closed for 30 minutes after the last lightning sighting.

Extended Outdoor Pool Closures:
Outdoor pools may close for the remainder of the day if:

Heavy, steady rain reduces lifeguard visibility.
Thunder or lightning persists for more than 2 hours.
Thunder or lightning occurs within 1 hour of closing.
The air temperature remains below 67°F.

Indoor Pool Guidelines During Severe Weather

Thunder & Lightning: If thunder and lightning are directly overhead, pools will be cleared and remain closed until the storm is at least ½ mile away for 30 minutes.
Indoor Pool Closures: Pools may close if thunder or lightning occurs within 1 hour of closing.
(Based on recommendations from the American Red Cross Advisory Council (ACFASP Advisory) and NOAA.)

Tornado Warning Procedures

The pool will close immediately and remain closed until 30 minutes after the last warning expires.

Rain Check & Refund Guidelines

Refunds are not issued due to rain.
Rain checks are available only if guests have been in the park for less than 2 hours and present their same-day daily admission receipt for all individuals requesting a rain check.
During half-price admission hours, eligible guests will receive a half-price pass instead of a full rain check.

Weather Updates & Communication

Check our Facebook, Instagram, and website for real-time updates.
All closures will be communicated via the website and/or social media (Facebook/Instagram).
Closure signs will also be posted at the facility’s front gate.

General Information

Where is the Kingsport Aquatic Center located?

The Kingsport Aquatic Center is located at 1820 Meadowview Parkway in Kingsport, Tennessee.

What is the Kingsport Aquatic Center’s phone number?

Our front desk number is 423-343-9758. Someone will take your call during our normal operating hours.

What are the Kingsport Aquatic Center’s hours?

For hours of operation, click here. Operating hours may change on holidays.

Where can I find upcoming pool closures?

For upcoming pool closures, visit our hours page. You can also follow our Facebook and Instagram for timely updates.

Can I reserve the pool for a private party?

Yes. The Kingsport Aquatic Center’s pools are available for swim meets, lane rentals and private parties. For more information, check out the “Rentals” tab at the top of our website.

What forms of payment are accepted?

The Kingsport Aquatic Center accepts cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and debit cards for day passes, programming fees and other on-site purchases. Memberships are payable by automatic draft from bank account, Visa, MasterCard, Discover or debit card. We do not accept American Express.

When is the Outdoor Water Park open?

The Outdoor Water Park will be open daily beginning May 24 through August 3 and open weekends only in May (beginning May 17), August and September (until Labor Day), weather permitting. For information about outdoor park operating hours, click here.

What are the pools’ temperatures?

The Competition Pool is 79-82° F.

The Warm Pool is 87-89° F.

The indoor recreation pool is 84.5-85° F.

Day Passes

What are admission prices?

For information about day pass rates, click here.

I’m not going to swim. Do I still need to pay?

Yes. Everyone who enters must pay because they contribute to the capacity of the facility and are still under supervision of lifeguards and staff in the event of emergency.

If I purchase a day pass, may I leave and come back?

Yes. Anyone who purchases a day pass may leave and reenter the facility on the day of the day pass purchase but will be required to have the proper wristband for reentry.

Do I get a refund if the facility closes for lightning?

No. If it appears that lightning storms are developing, staff will advise patrons as they enter so that customers may decide whether to stay or come back another time. If lightning begins after paying and entering the facility, staff will usher patrons into the indoor facility. Patrons outside are removed from the water for 30 minutes every time thunder is heard in the area. They are removed from the outdoor deck if lightning is seen. No refunds will be awarded because the indoor facility will still be open. The indoor facility will only close if the storm is heard right over the indoor facility pools.

Who is eligible for a senior discount?

Anyone age 55 or older is eligible for discounted senior rates.

Memberships

Who is included in my family membership?

A “family” for membership purposes is defined as four individuals residing in the same household, with at least one individual being 18 years or older. Photo ID may be required to verify a common address. A family membership is limited to 4 people with an additional fee for additional members of the same household.

What are the benefits I receive as a KAC member?

For the different membership levels and benefits, click here.

How do I cancel my monthly membership?

To cancel your membership, click here.

What benefits do I receive as a YMCA member?

For more information about YMCA membership benefits, please visit this page.

Season Passes

What is a season pass?

If you are only planning to visit the KAC during the summer, then this is the plan for you.

The Season Pass entitles the user to admission to all open pools from May 1 through Labor Day.
The Outdoor Water Park will be open daily beginning May 24 through August 3 and open weekends only in May (beginning May 17), August and September (until Labor Day), weather permitting.
Outdoor Water Park Schedule:
- Weekends Only (Saturday and Sunday):
  - May 17 – 18
  - August 9 – 10, 16 – 17, 23 – 24, 30 – 31
  - Open on Monday, September 1
- Open Daily:
  - May 24 – August 3
Please note, the Water Park opening is weather permitting. The indoor facility will be open during most inclement weather.
Season pass holders and KAC members will have early access to the park 30 minutes before regular opening (except Sundays and holidays).
YMCA members will enter with the general public when the park opens.

What are season pass prices?

For information about season pass rates, click here.

Who is eligible for a Splash Pack?

You can have four people from the same household on a Splash Pack. You can add additional members within the same household for $15 per extra person.

Who is eligible for a senior discount?

Anyone age 55 or older is eligible for discounted senior rates. Click here for season pass rates.

Safety Rules and Regulations

Are lifejackets or inflatable toys allowed and does the facility provide any?

All personal flotation devices must be U.S. Coast Guard-approved. Wearers must remain in shallow water under direct adult supervision (within arm’s reach). Inner tubes are designated for the lazy river only. USCG-approved flotation devices are available for use throughout the facility. Any questions concerning pool toys should be directed to the pool supervisor.

At what age can I leave my children alone?

Children must be 13 years or older to visit the Kingsport Aquatic Center without supervision. Children ages 12 and under must be accompanied at all times by a guardian age 16 or older.

What is the height requirement to use the water slides?

For safety reasons, patrons must be a minimum height of 48 inches to use the water slides.

Amenities and Programming

Are family changing rooms available?

Yes. There are four family changing rooms just outside the entrance to the Warm Pool. There are also family bathrooms outside at the outdoor pavilion.

Are lockers available?

Yes. Lockers are available at no charge. Kingsport Aquatic Center highly recommends using locks on all lockers. Visitors will need to provide their own locks to secure their personal property in the locker rooms. Locks may be purchased at the front desk.

Are swim diapers available for sale?

Yes. Swim diapers are available for $2.00 at the Kingsport Aquatic Center reception desk. All children who are not toilet trained must wear a swim diaper or a cloth diaper with a tight-fitting rubber pant.

How do I register for private swim lessons?

Aquatic Exercise

What is the length of the Competition Pool?

50 meters one way when setup for long course – 25 yards one way if split for short course.

When does the Competition Pool offer the short course vs. the long course for lap swimmers?

The 25-yard short course is available from mid-August through mid-April; the 50-meter long course is available from mid-April through mid-August.

How many laps make a mile?

In the Competition Pool, 33 laps in the 25-yard short course or 15 laps in 50-meter long course make one mile.

One mile in short course (25 yard) = 33 laps (down and back)

One mile in short course (25 yard) = 66 lengths (one end of the pool to another)

One mile in long course (50 meters) = 15 laps (down and back)

One mile in long course (50 meters) = 30 lengths (one end of the pool to another)

What is defined as personal aquatic exercise?

Swim Activity Definitions

Recreational Swim / Open Swim / Free Swim:
This refers to unstructured pool time for general enjoyment and leisure. Activities may include casual swimming, floating, playing, or using pool toys (when allowed), as well as enjoying water features. There is no specific fitness or instructional component.
Movement is typically light or intermittent, and participants may spend extended time at rest in the water.

Lap Swim / Fitness Swim / Exercise Swim / Water Walking / Personal Aquatic Exercise:
This category includes both individual and organized water-based fitness activities. It may involve:

Swimming laps at your own pace
Water walking or jogging
Personal exercise routines using the pool for resistance or mobility
Organized classes such as water aerobics, aqua Zumba, or other instructor-led fitness sessions

These activities involve sustained movement and are designed to improve or maintain physical fitness.