As we've all learned with COVID, things change quickly.
You will always find the latest YGBW updates here.

All YGBW membership dues are reduced by 10% now through March 2021 + $99 joiner fee is waived!

YGBW Membership Information

Health & Safety Guidelines 

In light of COVID-19, we’ve made numerous modifications to our facilities, implemented new protocols and procedures, and retrained staff in the latest cleaning and disinfecting procedures to create the safest environment possible. Learn more about these new procedures and protocols. 

Below you will find new guidelines all need to follow, as well as detailed information on each area of our facility. Failure to comply is not an option. We need everyone to work together to ensure a socially responsible environment that aligns with our Y values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. 

  • COVID Prevention - To create the safest environment possible, please do not enter our facility if you have a temperature higher than 100.3° and/or answer YES to any of the questions below:
     

    • Have you had a fever or taken fever-reducing medicine in the last 24 hours?
       

    • Have you experienced any cold or flu-like symptoms within the last 24 hours (to include loss of taste/smell, cough, sore throat, respiratory illness, difficulty breathing or vomiting/diarrhea)?
       

    • Have you or anyone in your household had close contact with anyone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days? (If you show two or more of the  following symptoms, please do not enter our facility: fever, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste and/smell, body aches or nausea.)
       

  • Masks - Anyone older than two must wear a face mask at the YMCA at all times. View our full mask policy.
     

    • Masks must continue to be worn at the YMCA even if you have been vaccinated to protect everyone's health.
       

    • Cotton masks or those with a cotton layer on the inside, surgical masks or masks with a clear vinyl window are acceptable. Masks with valves, gaiters, bandanas, scarfs or face shields worn alone without a mask are not acceptable. Note that face shields without a mask are no longer an acceptable substitute to wearing a face mask at the YMCA. This is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control.
       

    • Masks do not need to be worn when in the pool or when showering. However, masks are to be put back on immediately upon exiting the pool or shower. Those participating in an aqua group exercise class should wear a plastic face shield whenever feasible to protect their fellow class members.
       

    • Masks can be removed while eating or drinking when a social distance of at least six feet can be maintained. For most outdoor activities at the YMCA when social distancing of at least six feet can be maintained, masks are not required.
       

    • Outdoor tennis is an exception, as masks are required when playing tennis—whether indoors or outdoors. Additionally, children in YMCA childcare and early learning programs will keep their masks on when outside. 

  • Needle Point Bi-Polar Ionization (NPBI) Units - We've installed NPBI units which begin to neutralize viruses within minutes. NPBI laboratory tests show 99.4% of SARS-CoV-2 viral particles (the cause of COVID-19) are rendered inactive within 30 minutes. NPBI units are installed in the following locations:
    • Brandywine YMCA – Wellness Center
    • Jennersville YMCA – Wellness Center and Weight Room
    • Kennett Area YMCA – Weight Room, Cardio Room and Health Seeker Room
    • Lionville Community YMCA – Wellness Center
    • Oscar Lakso YMCA – Wellness Center
    • Upper Main Line YMCA – The fitness floor on the third level
    • West Chester Area YMCA – Wellness Center and HIIT/Small Group Training Room
       

  • Contactless Scanning - Contactless scanning is available. You can scan in using your key card or the YGBW Mobile App. Plexi-glass shields have been placed at our front desk so you can easily talk with staff and remain safe.
     

  • Water Fountains - Bring your own water bottle as bottle fillers will be available, but water fountains will not. 
     

  • Equipment - All must wipe down equipment before and after use using the disinfectant solution we provide. NO EXCEPTIONS! 
     

  • Locker Rooms - Locker rooms and showers are open for general use. Please maintain social distancing. Masks must be worn at all times except when showering.
     

  • Group Exercise - Group exercise classes are available. Check our website for the latest schedule. Class sizes are being limited to allow for social distancing. Reservations via the YGBW mobile app are required. Your membership will need to be active to log in to the app and make reservations. You can reactivate your membership here. Please bring your own mat, as we are not able to safely provide them at this time. Remember that virtual group exercise classes will also continue.
     
  • Member Code of Conduct - An updated Member Code of Conduct is in place to ensure we all work together to protect one another's health and safety.
     

  • Hand Sanitizing Stations – Additional stations are available throughout our branches. 
     

  • Guest Passes - No guest passes are being accepted at this time.
     

  • Traffic Flow - Single entry and exit points will be available at the main entrance and we are practicing social distancing. Please follow the directional signage.

What's Available

Indoor Wellness Centers

Open

  • Social distancing is being practiced and face masks are required.

  • Equipment is spaced apart to allow for social distancing while exercising.

  • All are required to wipe down equipment before and after use.

  • There is a 45-minute usage limit on cardio and weight equipment.

Group Exercise

Virtual & Outdoor Group Exercise Classes

In Branch

  • Check the latest schedule.

  • Reservations are required through the YGBW app. Your membership must be active to log into the app and make a reservation. Reactivate your membership.

  • Class sizes are limited to ensure social distancing can be practiced. Be sure to select a dot and maintain a distance of six feet from others.

  • Masks are required at all times in our facilities. Face maks can be removed during outdoor group exercise classes when social distancing of at least six feet can be maintained. 

  • Bring a water bottle, as bottle fillers are available. Water fountains are not.

  • Bring your own mat, as mats will not be provided at this time.

Child Watch & Parents Night Out

Available

  • Child Watch

    • Open at the West Chester Area YMCA

    • Reopening in March at the Kennett Area YMCA, Jennersville YMCA, Lionville Community YMCA, Upper Main Line YMCA, and the Brandywine YMCA in March

    • View Schedule >

  • Parents Night Out

    • Restarting in March at the Brandywine YMCA, Lionville Community YMCA, Jennersville YMCA, Kennett Area YMCA, West Chester Area YMCA and Upper Main Line YMCA

 

Indoor Tracks

Open

  • Masks are required. 

  • Keep three social distancing dots, that will be spaced out on the track floor, between you and those running. Keep two social distancing dots between you and others that are walking.

  • Bring a water bottle, as bottle fillers are available. Water fountains are not.

Indoor Activity Pools

View indoor pool schedules.

  • Face masks are required on the pool deck and in locker rooms. We recommend coming prepared to swim to limit time in locker rooms.

  • Space on the pool decks is limited. Parents should come prepared to be in the water with their child during open swim.

  • Toys or noodles for family swim will not be provided.

  • Capacity is limited. At the West Chester Area YMCA, you can check the pool capacity online. Should volume increase at other branches, we will add the ability to check capacity.

 

Indoor Lap Pools

View lap swim schedule.

  • Face masks are required on the pool deck. Face masks may be removed when entering the pool, but are to be put back on as soon as you exit the pool.

  • Rinse off in the locker room shower before entering the pool deck.

  • Bring your own equipment (Kickboard, hand paddles, towel, goggles, swim cap, etc.) 

  • Each indoor lap lane can have a maximum of three swimmers (circle swimming).

  • Swimmers should break at opposite ends of the pool.

  • If you need a prolonged break, please exit the pool.

  • Limit swim time to an hour to allow as many members as possible to use the pool.

Locker Rooms & Showers

Open

  • Social distancing is being practiced. Please maintain 6 feet of space between you and your fellow members. 

  • Masks must be worn at all times in locker rooms except when showering. 

Saunas, Steam Rooms & Hot Tubs

Sauna Open in March | Steam Room & Hot Tubs remain closed

  • Saunas reopen in March with the following guidelines:

    • A maximum of two people can be in the sauna at one time so long as they can each maintain at least six feet of social distance. If this distance cannot be maintained, only one person is allowed in the sauna at a time.

    • Masks must be worn at all times.

    • Usage is limited to 20 minutes per person.

    • The sauna is disinfected every evening.

  • Steam rooms and hot tubs remain closed to protect your health and safety.

Tennis (Upper Main Line YMCA)

  • Outdoor Courts - Open. Reservations required.

  • Indoor Courts - Open.

  • Face masks are required at all times when playing tennis -- both indoors and outdoors.

 

Childcare & Early Learning Centers

Available at all YGBW branches.

Learn More >

Learning Centers for Remote Learning Students

Available at all YGBW branches. Learn more.