Policies

Fitness Benefits & Physical Readiness

Before starting any exercise program, members will be encouraged to check with their primary care physician.

First Steps to Fitness

The Winona Family YMCA offers a First Steps to Fitness program free to all members. One of our Certified Personal Trainers will meet with any member in a private, one-on-one session to determine what classes and activities are best for you as well as provide a fitness assessment to determine current fitness level.

Member Communication

Email, Facebook and website are our primary methods of communication to members. It is the member’s responsibility to inform the Y if they change their email address. Notice of membership rate changes will be communicated via electronic newsletter and website at least 30 days in advance.

Photo Release Policy

The Winona Family YMCA reserves the right to use photographs/videos taken within YMCA facilities and at YMCA events and activities for marketing and promotional purposes.

Continuity of Membership

Memberships will automatically renew unless a Hold or Cancellation Form has been received by the 20th of the month. Please contact the Member Service desk at info@winonaymca.org or click here to access these forms.

Annual Memberships: New members who pay for their yearly membership with credit card or bank draft get joiner's fee waived. Annual memberships will automatically renew unless cancellation form is received by the 20th of the month prior to the annual renewal month. A reminder is sent 2 months prior to termination in case member would like to cancel.

Guest Passes

Single-day Guest Passes are awarded to the following memberships:

Adult - 5 guest passes per calendar year
Young Adult - 5 guest passes per calendar year
Family 1 Adult - 5 guest passes per calendar year
Family 2 Adult - 10 guest passes per calendar year
Youth memberships do not have guest passes

Only the primary adult/s on each membership may utilize guest passes. If you would like to utilize a pass for your child/ren and their friends please contact the Front Desk at info@winonaymca.org or 507-454-1520 to let our Member Services staff know.

All guests must stop at the Front Desk to sign in, provide a photo ID, sign Liability waiver if not already on file within the last 12 months, and are expected follow all rules and the Code of Conduct of the Winona Family Y. Youth coming in on a Guest Pass must have waiver completed by parent or legal guardian. 

Family Definition

One or two adults in a domestic partnership who live in the same household and their dependent children 23 years of age and younger.

Financial Assistance: Members receiving financial assistance will need to reapply based on the financial documentation they provide.

Holds: A membership may be placed on hold for up to 6 months for a fee of $10 per month. Hold forms must be received by the 20th of the month.

Cancellations: The YMCA does not require contracts. Forms for membership holds, cancellations or requests to cancel ad-ons (24/7 access, coffee service, towel service, or kit locker rental) must be received by the 20th of the month. Forms are available at the front desk and https://www.winonaymca.org/forms-documents. A join fee of $25.00 will be charged when re-joining 30 or more days after cancelling your membership, or rejoining after an account closure due to non-payment.

Nationwide Membership: The Winona Family YMCA participates in the Nationwide Membership program. This means you may utilize your membership at any participating Y across the nation, provided you utilize your home Y the majority of the time. An additional waiver will be required to utilize this program. Please contact the Y you intend to visit to see if they accept Nationwide Membership. Nationwide Membership users must stop at the Front Desk to check in. Youth coming in using Nationwide Membership must have the Nationwide waiver and the Winona Family YMCA waiver completed by parent or legal guardian. 

Program Enrollment: Members may receive priority privileges for most programs, including pricing. Members of a YMCA other than the Winona Family YMCA are considered nonmembers for program usage.

Services for People with Disabilities: The Y serves people of all abilities. We provide reasonable accommodations to enable all people to participate in our programs and services. Please contact us if there is an accommodation that you need.

Join Fee: All memberships are subject to a Join Fee. If a member cancels their membership, they have a grace period of up to thirty (30) days to rejoin before they will have to pay the join fee again. The Join Fee is waived for active Military, Veterans, and those receiving financial assistance.

Involuntary Membership Cancellation Lack of Payment: If payment for membership is not received by the end of the month, membership will be canceled before the first of the following month, with a late fee of $7.50 added to the balance.

Code of Conduct Violations: Membership to the Winona Family Y can be terminated at any time for violations to our code of conduct at the discretion of the CEO or Board of Directors. Reported violations may be submitted to the Winona Family YMCA's Conduct Committee for review. While a violation is being investigated by the Conduct Committee, a membership suspension may be in place pending committee's decision. 

The Winona Family YMCA is committed to providing a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for all and we ask all persons to act maturely, behave responsibly and to respect the rights and dignity of others at all times when in our facility, on our property or participating in our programs. Our Code of Conduct below outlines prohibited actions. This list is not all-inclusive and the YMCA reserves the right to deny, suspend or revoke membership or access privileges to any person if, in the YMCA's sole discretion, the actions or inactions of a person are detrimental to the health, safety or enjoyment of its employees, volunteers, members or participants.

The following are not permitted on YMCA premises, in YMCA vehicles or at YMCA sponsored functions:

● Card sharing, presenting false identification, or intentional abuse or non-compliance of YMCA policies

● Using tobacco, smoking, using or possessing alcohol or illegal drugs on YMCA property, in YMCA vehicles or facilities or at YMCA-sponsored programs is prohibited

● Carrying or concealing a weapon of any kind

● Harassment, verbal abuse or intimidation by words, gestures, body language, or any type of menacing behavior

● Physical contact with another person in an angry, aggressive or threatening way

● Inappropriate sexual conduct including explicit conversations or any sexual contact with another person

● Theft or behavior that results in the destruction or loss of property

● Loitering within facilities or on the grounds of a YMCA

● Use of cell phones in locker room or bathrooms

● Wearing inappropriate (i.e., containing profanity or illegal product marketing), immodest or revealing attire

● Use of social networking websites in a manner that is contrary to the YMCA's mission, is detrimental to the community, or is in violation of the law

● Any behavior or activity that is against the law

If members are in violation of the Y’s policies and procedures, or for any other improper and/or inappropriate conduct, they may be disciplined. Disciplinary action taken is at the sole discretion of the YMCA's Conduct Committee, and it reserves the right to take whatever action is deemed appropriate based on the nature of the violation. Discipline may result in a verbal, written or final warning, suspension, or immediate termination of membership if deemed appropriate.

In addition, the YMCA reserves the right to deny access or membership to any person who has been accused or convicted of any crime involving sexual abuse, is, or has been, a registered sex offender, has been arrested for or convicted of any crime involving weapons, violence, sexual abuse, or the sale, possession and/or transportation of illegal drugs. Please notify a YMCA staff person immediately if there is an accident, injury, unusual incident or you believe that this Code of Conduct is being violated. Suspension or termination of YMCA membership may result from a violation of this Code of Conduct. While an incident is being investigated, the membership of the person(s) accused of violating this Code of Conduct may be temporarily suspended pending a final decision.
 

Dress Code

To create a welcoming, safe and respectful environment for all, our dress code applies to members, program participants and guests for all facility use and program participation, on or offsite.

Required attire throughout the facility (except for the pool and locker room):

● Shirt or tank top

● Shorts or pants

● Soft sole, closed-toed shoes (except in the pool, Family Fun Center, and for designated barefoot classes such as Pilates, Yoga, or Barre, and programs such as Martial Arts)

In the Wellness Center and Fitness Studio:

● Please bring a change of shoes to avoid tracking in excess dirt, water, snow, etc. Sandals or flip-flops are not allowed.

● Jeans are not allowed due to buckles, rivets and zippers that can wear on the equipment.

Pool Deck, Whirlpool, Sauna, Steam Room:

● Appropriate swimwear

Clothing with offensive language or graphics is prohibited. The YMCA reserves the right to define inappropriate/offensive attire.

Day Passes*

If a non-YMCA member would like to use the facility during normal hours of operation, a Day Pass is available for purchase. Day Passes are available for a fee, and are good for the day of purchase during staffed hours.

Guest Passes*

Non-members may utilize a member's Guest Pass benefit with the express consent of the primary member on the account during staffed hours. Children on memberships may not utilize parent's Guest Passes without permission. Parent must notify Member Services if child may use passes.

*Day Pass & Guest Pass users must stop at the Front Desk to register/verify information, show photo ID, and sign required waivers prior to entering facility. Day/Guest Pass users under the age of 18 must have waivers signed by parent/legal guardian.

Locker Room Access: You must be 18 years of age or older to access the Men’s and Women’s Locker Rooms. The Inclusive Locker Rooms are open to all ages, genders, and abilities. There is a lactation room available in the Inclusive Locker Rooms reserved for nursing parents. Locker Rooms are not available during unstaffed hours.

Wellness Center Access: The Wellness Center is open to those 16 and older with no adult supervision and those 12-15 with adult supervision. The adult supervision stipulation may be waived with successful completion of a Weight Room Orientation. Teen Weight Room Orientations are available for members and non-members. Please contact the Fitness and Wellness Director to schedule your orientation.

16 and up - may use independently. Orientation is not required, but all members may receive an equipment orientation at any time. Equipment orientations are free to all our members.

12-15 years old - may use with an adult present during regular open hours (parent, guardian, sibling, care assistant). Should be direct supervision. Direct supervision means the adult should be within the vicinity of the youth. The adult shouldn't be on the treadmill while the youth is squatting, for example. As long as the youth has an adult with them, the orientation IS NOT required. It is still encouraged. 

12-15 years old - may use independent of an adult with completion of our teen weight room orientation during open hours. Teen weight room orientations must be scheduled ahead of time and be completed before the youth may use the Wellness Center independently. TWRO's are free to all members and nonmembers.

Under 12 years old CANNOT use the Wellness Center, even with an adult present.

Pool Access: Children 7 years old and under must have an adult in the pool with them at all times within arm’s reach during non-program related swim times. Children 8-10 years old may be in the pool independently if they pass a swim test and have a supervising adult watching from the deck. Anyone over 11 years old can be in the pool independently but must stay in the shallow end if they cannot pass a swim test. Pool access is not available during unstaffed hours.

Pool Rules

All lifejackets must be Coast Guard approved (noodles or water wings are not recognized as proper flotation devices)

Whirlpool, Sauna, Steam Room Access: Under 16 years old must be supervised by an adult at all times to use the whirlpool. Must be 18 years or older to use the steam room or sauna. Whirlpool, Sauna and Steam Room access not available during unstaffed hours.

Family Fun Center Access: Children aged 10 and under with adult supervision at all times. Family Fun Center not available during unstaffed hours.

Gym: Ages 10+. Younger children allowed with adult supervision at all times.

Group Fitness Classes: Ages 10+ with an adult or at instructor discretion.

Children younger than age 10 cannot be dropped off at the Y by themselves. They must be supervised by someone 18 years of age or older. Children may be denied access if they do not have an up to date Liability Waiver on file, signed by legal parent or guardian.

24/7 Access: Available for members 16 years of age and older for an additional fee and with a signed 24/7 Access waiver.

• Waivers for 16 & 17 year olds must be completed by parent or legal guardian. 
• 16-17 year olds with 24/7 access must have direct adult supervision upon entering, using, and exiting the facility. 24/7 access for minors will be revoked if they are not supervised by an adult.

It may take up to 72 hours for the access to register in our system. 24/7 Access allows members to utilize to the Wellness Center, Gymnasium, and racquetball/handball courts during unstaffed hours. Pool area, Locker Rooms, Fitness Studio and Family Fun Center are not available during unstaffed hours. All 24/7 participants must have 24/7 Access added to their accounts, have paid for the access, have signed a 24/7 waiver and Change Form, and must scan in with their own card in the vestibule. ​All YMCA rules and regulations apply during these unstaffed hours. Absolutely no guests allowed in the facilities during our unstaffed hours. We encourage members to work out with another member that also has 24/7 access, in case of an emergency.

Holiday Schedule

The Winona Family YMCA is closed, and is only accessible to 24/7 members, for the following holidays: Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Independence Day and Memorial Day.

The Y closes at 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Eve, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. The Y is closed on Sundays between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

The Winona Family Y is committed to providing financial assistance to those who are unable to afford the membership dues. Thanks to the generous support of individual and corporate contributions, the Y is able to subsidize membership and program fees on a needs-based sliding scale, based on family size and income. The process is easy and confidential. Download the application form at https://www.winonaymca.org/join-us or pick up an application from the front desk and return it to Member Services.

Membership rates are approved by the Board of Directors. They will be reviewed on an annual basis. Notice of membership rate changes will be communicated via electronic newsletter and website at least 30 days in advance.

Payment Policy

Programs must be paid for at registration. Any payment plans must be made with the Accounting Coordinator.
Please note there is a $15 processing fee for late registrations made for Child Care, Camp Wenonah, and Sports. 

Members are encouraged to pay membership via Electronic bank draft or credit card. Your fees are automatically withdrawn from your checking, savings, or credit card account on the 1st of the month. A $2 per billing processing fee is added to membership or program payments made by check.

A $7.50 processing fee is added for invalid bank or credit card information for processing failure, in addition to a $7.50/month late fee.

If payment for membership is not received by the end of the month, membership will be canceled before the first of the following month, with a late fee of $7.50 added to the balance. Re-joiners will be responsible for $25 join fee.

Members or participants with a balance noted on their account cannot rejoin, use the facility, or participate in programs until the balance is paid, or a payment plan has been established with the Business Office. This does not apply to youth 17 and under paying for a day pass.

Pay Ahead

Dues may be paid in full for as many months as you choose. Payment is accepted via cash, check, or credit card.

Refund Policy

Refunds may be requested up to 60 days after the date the expense was incurred. A request for refund may be made in person, over the phone, or through email. We will accept written requests for refunds where special circumstances and hardships warrant consideration. A refund request form is used to document and process refunds. Refunds take up to 30 days to process. A full refund will be made automatically when:

● Programs are cancelled by the Y

● If cancellation occurs before program start date

A partial refund will be awarded:

● When participant moves from the Y’s service area

● Due to medical reasons

Refunds will not be awarded:

● If you do not use the membership or choose to attend scheduled meetings/sessions/programs

● After the program has started

● After the deadline for one-day / one-time programs (Ex. Special event)

● For late registration fees and deposits

● For Personal Training

● For gift cards

Types of refunds:

● Credit - A credit of the refunded amount will be posted on your YMCA Membership account. These monies must be used within one calendar year.

● Back to card - If you made payment by credit card, the returned payment will go back on the card. It is your responsibility to notify the YMCA if your card number changes.

● Refund check - If requested, a refund check may be issued. Checks may take up to 30 days.

Reservations through GroupEx Pro may be made through our website, by phone, email, or in person at the Front Desk.

Reservations may be made up to exactly 1 week in advance from the start time of the class/reservation area.

The following programs and spaces are available by reservation only:

​Group fitness classes (dry land)

Child Watch

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The racquetball courts are available without a reservation, however priority will be given to anyone that does make a reservation.

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If you are unable to attend your reservation, please cancel at least 1-hour prior to your reservation start time.

To cancel, please either call (507) 454-1520 or email info@winonaymca.org.

24/7 Access is available for members 16 years of age and older for an additional fee. 16-17 year olds with 24/7 access must have direct adult supervision upon entering, using, and exiting the facility. 24/7 access for minors will be revoked if they are not supervised by an adult. It may take up to 72 hours for the access to register in our system.

24/7 Access allows members to utilize to the Wellness Center, Gymnasium, and racquetball/handball courts during unstaffed hours and holidays.

Pool area, Locker Rooms, Fitness Studio and Family Fun Center are not available during unstaffed hours.

All 24/7 participants must have 24/7 Access added to their accounts, have paid for the access, have signed a 24/7 waiver and Change Form (if applicable), and must scan in with their own card in the vestibule. ​

All YMCA rules and regulations apply during these unstaffed hours. Absolutely no guests allowed in the facilities during our unstaffed hours. Anyone that violates this policy will be charged $10 per person, per offense, and risks losing their 24/7 access.

We encourage members to work out with another member that also has 24/7 access, in case of an emergency.

• Cell phone use is not permitted in locker rooms or restrooms.

• Keep phone calls to a minimum.

• Use earphones if playing music.

• Photos and videos with anyone in the background are not permitted without written consent.

• Cell phones and electronic devices are discouraged in the whirlpool, sauna and steam room.