Welcome Y Members
(Spanish) With a spike in new hospitalizations and Christmas on the way, Austin Public Health has moved the area to Stage 5 of its COVID-19 risk levels. In response, the YMCA of Austin is implementing the following policy and operational changes that will go into effect immediately as of December 23, 2020:
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Full mask enforcement with no medical exemptions/exclusions – Masks must be worn at all times unless in the pool. Only children under 4 years old are exempt per state regulations.
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Lap lanes are reduced to one swimmer per reservation, unless from the same household.
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Furniture will be removed from lobbies.
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The Hot Tub may remain open for one person/household per reservation.
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The Sauna may remain open for one person per reservation.
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Group Exercise Class capacities will remain the same, given that we are able to maintain six feet of social distancing within indoor spaces.
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We will expand outdoor activities as weather permits.
- Branches are reducing capacity to 25%.
Staff and visitors are also required to complete a temperature check prior to entry. These policies apply to all YMCA of Austin facilities in Travis, Hays and Bastrop Counties.
Members should remember to bring their own mask when visiting any YMCA location. The YMCA of Austin does not provide complimentary masks.
Masks are not required while swimming.
To help us comply with capacity limits and to accommodate distance requirements, Y members should make reservations for Lap Lane Swimming, Recreational Swim, Gymnasium, Water Exercise and Group Exercise Classes.
Members can make reservations starting at 6:00 am two days prior to the class by using the MotionVibe platform. Create your free account and begin today! Reservations can also be made using the MotionVibe app for Android and Apple, or over the phone with any YMCA of Austin location.
Reservations are per member, per class, per week, per branch. Please check the MotionVibe schedule for shared lane times, recreational swim group limits and more.
Questions? Email MVSupport.
- Facility Capacity Limits
- Reservation system for Group Exercise Classes and Lap Lane Swimming
- Members should arrive 15 minutes before classes/pool usage for health screen and check-in
- Member access will be limited to one (1) hour to accommodate additional members while adhering to capacity limits
- Reconfigured YMCA branches to ensure Social Distancing
- Demarcation System to ensure safe member spacing for waiting areas
- Masks required at all times in Y facilities*
- Gloves covering from wrist to fingertip recommended but not required while exercising
- Sneeze shields installed at Welcome Center desks
- Limited points of entry and exit
- One-way traffic throughout facility wherever possible
- Water fountains closed but bottle-filling stations are open, so please bring your own bottle
- Hot tub, sauna and steam room capacity reduced
- Common seating areas temporarily closed
- Coffee service suspended
*Persons with a medical condition are no longer exempted. Only children under 4 years old are exempt per state regulations.
To ensure the best experience for everyone, please adhere to the following guidelines when you participate in YMCA programs:
- Gloves that cover from wrist to fingertip are recommended but not required during exercise
- Face coverings required at all times*
- Reconfigured Group Exercise spaces to allow social distancing
- Pre-registration required to ensure spot in Group Exercise class
- Use of floor markers in classes to designate participant positions
- Members are asked to bring their own yoga mats, resistance bands, and props
- Cardio machines will be spaced to allow distancing and must be cleaned before and after use.
- Strength training equipment must be cleaned before and after use
- Personal training will resume at select locations with a new delivery protocol
- Senior programs will remain suspended
- Virtual Y Live and On-Demand programs will continue
*Persons with a medical condition are no longer exempted. Only children under 4 years old are exempt per state regulations.
Facility Guidelines

Updated Membership Agreement
You’ll need to sign our updated membership agreement to access YMCA of Austin facilities.

Facility Hours
Most locations are open M-Th 6am-8pm, Friday 6am-6pm and Saturday 8am-3pm; Closed Sunday. Check your location’s hours here.

Pre-Registration
Reserve your Lap Lane, Recreational Swim session, Water Exercise or Group Exercise class via our new platform, MotionVibe. Create your free account to get started or download the app for Apple or Android.

Facility Time Limits
Members are asked to observe time limits to allow others to access the facilities and equipment. Family recreational swim sessions vary by location and are 45-90 minutes.

Facility Capacity Limits
Expect reduced capacity, per state mandates and remember to observe recommendations to stay distant from others.

Bring Your Own
If your class requires a mat, blocks, towel, pool buoy, paddles or other specialty equipment, please bring your own. An exception is made only for BodyPump only, with a specific cleaning protocol in place.

Clean Your Equipment
Please wipe down equipment before and after you use it. Cleaning supplies are provided.

Water Fountains Closed
Water fountains will not be available, but water bottle filling stations will remain open, so be sure to bring your bottle.
Water Exercise Classes
The YMCA of Austin is pleased to offer expanded Water Exercise classes. Check AustinYMCA.org/Schedules for the latest updates. Equipment is not provided, so if your Water Exercise class utilizes aqua bells or other gear, you should bring your own.
Lap Lane Swimming
NOTE: As of December 23, 2020, lane capacity is limited to one person per lane unless from the same household. Check the pool schedule and reserve your spot for lap swim by using MotionVibe.
How Do Shared Lap Lanes Work? [Temporarily Suspended]
- Start at opposite sides of the pool.
- Swim up and back on the same side of the lane.
- If you need to stop and rest, do so only at your starting end of the pool.
For shared lanes, 1 reservation = 1 swimmer. If family members wish to share a lane during shared lap swimming hours, they should make two separate reservations.
Waiting List Courtesy
Swimming is in high demand, and we often have waiting lists for lap lanes. If you have registered for a spot and cannot be there, please be diligent about canceling your reservation - either online or by calling your YMCA location. Another Y member will be overjoyed to have your spot!
Frequently Asked Questions
Facilities
We have put careful thought and planning into our reopening.
We have followed guidance from the CDC, local health agencies and public officials to update our policies, practices and procedures to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene and make appropriate accommodations for physical/social distancing. Key measures include:
- Branch Capacity Limits
- Health Screenings for Members and Staff
- Masks Required*
- Increased Cleaning & Disinfecting Protocols
- Personal Protection Equipment for all Staff
- Sneeze Shields Installed at Front Desks
- Newly Configured Ys to Ensure Social Distancing
- Limited Points of Entry & Exits
*Persons with a medical condition are no longer exempted. Only children under 4 years old are exempt per state regulations.
All YMCA of Austin locations have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected according to CDC guidelines.
We have reconfigured our locations to ensure proper spacing in all areas and have established our capacity limits. During times when we are at capacity, Y members may be asked to wait in line similar to their experience at retail stores.
We have implemented a new reservation system for Group Exercise classes and Swimming Pool Lap Lanes. Members are encouraged to register in advance to ensure a spot during their desired class or timeframe. They will be able to do so online, via mobile app or by phone.
Member access will be limited to 1 hour to accommodate additional members while adhering to capacity limits.
We have implemented a new reservation system for Group Exercise classes and Swimming Pool Lap Lanes.
Members are encouraged to register in advance to ensure a spot during their desired class or timeframe. They will be able to do so online, via mobile app or by phone.
No advance registration is required to access the Fitness Center. However, note that during times when we are at capacity, Y members may be asked to wait in line similar to their experience at retail stores.
Members can still visit the Y without registering in advance. However, during times when we are at capacity, Y members may be asked to wait in line similar to their experience at retail stores.
We have implemented a new reservation system for Group Exercise classes and Swimming Pool Lap Lanes. Members are encouraged to register in advance to ensure a spot during their desired class or timeframe. They will be able to do so online, via mobile app or by phone.
Member access will be limited to 1 hour to accommodate additional members while adhering to capacity limits.
To ensure safety, a number of areas will be temporarily closed, including:
- Community seating areas
- Coffee stations
- Locker Rooms and Indoor Showers
- Water fountains
- Hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms
- Gymnasium for open play
experience. But we also have to balance that with our need to be safe.
That’s why we’ve removed community seating areas and are asking members to limit their workout time to one hour to allow other members to access the facility.
Members are more than welcome to continue visiting outside of the Y at a safe distance.
Why do I have to wear a mask?
With a spike in new hospitalizations and Christmas on the way, Austin Public Health has moved the area to Stage 5 of its COVID-19 risk levels.
In response, the YMCA of Austin is implementing a full mask enforcement policy with no medical exemptions/exclusions. Masks must be worn at all times unless in the pool. Only children under 4 years old are exempt per state regulations.
Members exercising outdoors or using outdoor pool areas are not required to wear face coverings if they are able to maintain 6 feet distance from others or in the same household. Masks are not required while swimming.
This policy applies to all YMCA of Austin facilities in Travis, Hays and Bastrop Counties.
Do I need to wear gloves?
Gloves that cover from wrist to fingertip are recommended but not required while exercising.
Do I need to provide my own gloves?
Yes, we are asking members to provide their own gloves that cover from wrist to fingertip.
What kind of gloves do I need to wear?
We have received no specific guidance on the type of gloves required other than that they should cover from wrist to fingertip. We’d recommend a lightweight glove that is suitable for wear during exercise.
What if I forget gloves. Will the Y provide some?
We will have disposable gloves to pass out if someone forgets.
Do I need to wear gloves when I’m swimming?
No, you do not need to wear gloves while swimming. We are asking members to bring their own swim paddles, buoys and kickboards. Shared equipment will not be available.
Do I need to wear gloves in a Group Exercise class?
No, you do not need to wear gloves in a Group Exercise class. We are asking members to bring their own mats, blocks and resistance bands. Shared equipment will not be available.
For BodyPump exclusively, we will put a special cleaning protocol in place to sanitize shared equipment.
Members will need to bring their own exercise mats, blocks, exercise bands, pool paddles and swim buoys.
Some of our gymnasiums are available to reserve pickleball or basketball games. Check the MotionVibe schedule to reserve a spot at your favorite location.
We are compelled by state law to maintain capacity limits in our facilities, and further guidelines call for social distancing in all shared spaces.
We have many Y members each day who are placed on wait-lists in hopes of gaining access to a lap lane, rec swim area or exercise class. We are limiting the number of reservations in order to provide access to the greatest number of members. We recognize the inconvenience this creates for members like you.
Yes, we are asking members like you to sacrifice a portion of your time so that other members can participate. Fortunately, at the Y, we have many facilities and activities to choose from, and you can make up to three reservations per week at other branches or in other activities.
We hope you can find a variety of options that work for you.
YMCA membership dues support the operation of the entire facility rather than providing access for a specific program or area.
Fortunately, at the Y, we have many facilities and activities to choose from, and you can make up to three reservations per week at other branches or in other activities.
We hope you can find a variety of options that work for you.
As COVID-19 continues to impact communities around Central Texas, our YMCA of Austin family of more than 750 staff members has not gone unaffected.
The following is a list of all YMCA of Austin staff members who have tested positive for COVID-19. All directly affected staff members at the location have been notified, and the facility has been deep cleaned and sanitized multiple times since then.
In compliance with local Health and Safety Plan orders, the YMCA of Austin requires everyone in our facilities to wear masks or facial coverings. At our YMCA branches, we also continue to conduct health screenings at check-in, enforce proper social distancing and maintain strict sanitation practices.
We ask that all members of our Y community take necessary precautions, review symptoms, and review the CDC’s guidelines for what to do if you have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
The Y is committed to creating a safe environment for members to practice healthy habits that improve their spiritual, mental and physical wellbeing.
Branch |
Health Status |
Date of Symptoms or Possible Exposure |
Last Date in Facility |
TownLake Y |
Confirmed COVID-19 Case |
05/21/20 |
05/21/20 |
METRO/East Communities Y |
Confirmed COVID-19 Case |
06/02/20 |
06/02/20 |
Extend-A-Care Y |
Confirmed COVID-19 Case |
06/01/20 |
06/03/20 |
North Austin Y |
Confirmed COVID-19 Case |
06/08/20 |
06/08/20 |
Extend-A-Care Y |
Confirmed COVID-19 Case |
06/12/20 |
06/12/20 |
Hays Communities Y |
Confirmed COVID-19 Case |
06/12/20 |
06/12/20 |
Hays Communities Y |
Confirmed COVID-19 Case |
06/13/20 |
06/13/20 |
East Communities Y |
Confirmed COVID-19 Case |
06/14/20 |
06/14/20 |
Extend-A-Care Y |
Confirmed COVID-19 Case |
06/17/20 |
06/17/20 |
Extend-A-Care Y |
Confirmed COVID-19 Case |
06/17/20 |
06/17/20 |
Northwest Family Y |
Confirmed COVID-19 Case |
06/18/20 |
06/18/20 |
Hays Communities Y |
Confirmed COVID-19 Case |
06/18/20 |
06/18/20 |
Extend-A-Care Y |
Confirmed COVID-19 Case |
06/22/20 |
06/22/20 |
Hays Communities Y | Confirmed COVID-19 Case | 6/19/20 | 6/08/20 |
Extend-A-Care Y | Confirmed COVID-19 Case | 6/23/20 | 6/23/20 |
Extend-A-Care Y | Confirmed COVID-19 Case | 6/26/20 | 6/26/20 |
Extend-A-Care Y | Confirmed COVID-19 Case | 6/26/20 | 6/25/20 |
Extend-A-Care Y | Confirmed COVID-19 Case | 6/29/20 | 6/29/20 |
Springs Family Y | Confirmed COVID-19 Case | 7/1/20 | 6/30/20 |
Extend-A-Care Y | Confirmed COVID-19 Case | 6/23/20 | 6/23/20 |
Hays Communities Y | Confirmed COVID-19 Case | 7/6/20 | 6/30/20 |
Extend-A-Care Y | Confirmed COVID-19 Case | 7/3/20 | 7/3/20 |
Hays Communities Y | Confirmed COVID-19 Case | 7/27/20 | 7/25/20 |
TownLake Y | Confirmed COVID-19 Case | 8/21/20 | 8/20/20 |
Extend-A-Care Y | Confirmed COVID-19 Case | 11/22/20 | 11/19/20 |
Northwest Family Y | Confirmed COVID-19 Case | 11/19/20 | 11/18/20 |
TownLake Y | Confirmed COVID-19 Case | 11/30/20 | 11/19/20 |
Southwest Family Y | Confirmed COVID-19 Case | 12/6/20 | 12/6/20 |
YMCA Camp Moody | Confirmed COVID-19 Case | 12/7/20 | 11/17/20 |
Southwest Family Y | Confirmed COVID-19 Case | 12/8/20 | 12/5/20 |
TownLake Y | Confirmed COVID-19 Case | 12/9/20 | 12/720 |
East Communities Y | Confirmed COVID-19 Case | 12/9/20 | 12/9/20 |
Southwest Family Y | Confirmed COVID-19 Case | 12/6/20 | 12/6/20 |
Extend-A-Care Y | Confirmed COVID-19 Case | 12/14/20 | 12/11/20 |
Southwest Family Y | Confirmed COVID-19 Case | 12/12/20 | 11/28/20 |
Springs Family Y | Confirmed COVID-19 Case | 12/20/20 | 12/19/20 |
Extend-A-Care YMCA | Confirmed COVID-19 Case | 12/22/20 | 12/21/20 |
Extend-A-Care YMCA | Confirmed COVID-19 Case | 1/3/21 | 12/18/20 |
Hays Communities Y | Confirmed COVID-19 Case | 1/6/21 | 1/4/21 |
Hays Communities Y | Confirmed COVID-19 Case | 1/10/21 | 1/5/21 |
Extend-A-Care Y | Confirmed COVID-19 Case | 1/6/21 | 1/6/21 |
Northwest Family Y | Confirmed COVID-19 Case | 1/12/21 | 1/11/21 |
Health & Wellness
Yes, we will offer a limited daily schedule of group exercise classes, plus more on-demand and YMCA Live programs.
Class spaces will be reconfigured with floor markers for participants to stand on in order to ensure proper distancing.
We will also schedule additional time between classes to allow for disinfecting rooms.
Members are asked to bring their own mats, blocks and resistance bands.
For BodyPump exclusively, we are establishing a protocol to sanitize equipment after use.
Will the cardio equipment be available?
Yes, members can use the cardio equipment for up to one hour.
What are you doing to ensure social distancing in the cardio area?
We are employing a combination of strategies: alternating equipment in use, putting more space between machines or moving equipment to new areas with greater open space.
Will free weights, weight machines and other strength training apparatus be available?
Yes, members can use strength training equipment for up to one hour.
What are you doing to ensure social distancing in the strength training area?
We are employing a combination of strategies: alternating equipment in use, putting more space between equipment or moving equipment to new areas with greater open space.
What are you doing to clean the strength training and cardio equipment?
We will position staff in the Fitness Center at all times to circulate and sanitize machines and equipment after use by members.
We are also asking members to wipe down equipment before and after they use it.
Cleaning supplies will be available throughout the Fitness Center.
We are developing personal training protocol to ensure safe delivery of the service and plan to offer it at select locations. We will share details as they are finalized.
We will not offer Senior programs in our facilities right now. We will continue to offer those programs virtually, however, and each member is welcome to assess their own risk to participate in any of our Group Ex classes, Water Ex classes and lap swim.
Will you offer Senior hours?
No, we will not offer Senior hours. Given our capacity limits as well as social distancing and cleaning efforts, we believe we can provide a safe experience for our members regardless of age.
We are exploring opportunities for outdoor classes but also need to balance that with member safety in anticipation of summer heat. We are starting small with our initial programming schedule and intend to expand.
Aquatics
Our swimming pools will be open for lap swimming and limited open swimming. We are asking members to register in advance for pool time to ensure they reserve a space.
Members must shower on the pool deck prior to entering the water.
Will I be able to shower before or after I swim?
Yes, showers are located on or adjacent to the pool deck.
We will not be offering swim lessons during Phase 1 of our reopening. As we resume operations, we will assess options for offering new swim lesson sessions.
We offer Water Exercise classes at many of our Austin-area locations. Check the schedule and make a reservation for your favorite class.
Please remember that at this time we are unable to provide equipment, so if your Water Exercise class utilizes aqua bells or other equipment, you’ll need to bring your own.
Do I need to wear a mask in Water Exercise Class?
No, class participants do not need to wear a mask while in the water.
Shared lap swimming is temporarily suspended as of December 23, 2020.
As of December 23, 2020, lap lane capacity has been reduced to one person per lane except persons from the same household.
Lap reservations are set at 45 minutes in order to allow members time to get in and out of the pool comfortably while still ensuring enough time for a substantial workout and for proper cleaning of frequently touched surfaces by Y staff between reservations.
By setting the schedule on the hour, we are enabling access to the largest number of swimmers while giving them enough time for a good workout.
Youth & Family
Child Watch is available at select YMCA locations with limited hours. Please check your individual branch hours here.
Contribute to the Y
We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors. As the leading nonprofit committed to helping everyone thrive at each stage of life, we are uniquely positioned to take on new and long-standing challenges more comprehensively than anyone else.
Your support through the YMCA of Austin’s Annual Giving Campaign makes this possible.
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