G.T. Bray Aquatic Center

Fees

FEES WAIVED FOR ALL MANATEE COUNTY POOLS AND SPLASH PADS SUMMER 2024

Regular Non-Summer Rates Are as Follows:

Daily Guest Pass: $3 per individual (includes tax). Children under 6-months free.
Includes: Pool, gymnasium, fitness center and game-room/teen center

Recreation Membership: Please visit the G.T. Bray Recreation Center Membership page for more information.

Facility Amenities

Lifeguards are present and on duty during all hours that the facility is open to enforce the rules and maintain safety and order for all patrons. Failure to follow facility rules or listen to Lifeguards on duty may result in removal from the facility with no refund.

• Pool closes for heavy rain, thunder, and/or lightening.
• The pool may close for predicted storm conditions or dangerous weather conditions. 
• All children under 15 years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult over the age of 18.
• No inflatable flotation devices allowed in the pool (water wings, pool floats, noodles, etc.)
• Anyone wearing a life jacket must have an adult in the water with them at all times, always within an arms reach.
• The entry fee applies to everyone entering the facility. Only children under 6 months are permitted free entrance.
• Eating is permitted in designated picnic areas only.
• No running on the pool deck.
• No diving outside of designated areas.
• No horseplay or unsafe behavior.
• Staff is not responsible for personal belongings left in the locker room or on the pool deck.
• Lap lane sharing may be encouraged.

Are swim suits required?

Yes, proper swimming attire is required of all guests entering any of our pools. Street clothes, long pants, undergarments, thong bathing suits, and see through bathing suits are strictly prohibited.

Approved Swimwear

• One and two piece swimwear
• Rash guards
• Wetsuits
• Swim diapers
• Religious Swimwear

Prohibited Swimwear

• Sports bras
• Revealing swimsuits / thongs
• Non-swim shirt (t-shirts, undershirts, etc.)
• Athletic shorts (basketball shorts)
• Compression shorts
• Running Shorts
• Non-swim diaper
• Undergarments
• Any garments made of cotton fabric

Why are are certain clothes prohibited?

• Cotton and similar materials can absorb the chemicals in the water, causing the water to become less effective at maintaining the proper chemical balance or may cloud the water.
• Lycra and Nylon are the best non-absorbent material for swimming and are the best fabrics for proper swim attire. 
• Other absorbent materials (ie: cotton) can break down in the water and cause fibers to clog filters
• Any "colored" material (unless specifically made for swimming) can bleed into the pool, affecting water chemistry and balance
• Street clothes can transport airborne and ultimately water born contaminants into the pool

Do infants have to wear a swim diaper?

Yes, swim diapers are required for all infants and children who are not toilet trained. They are available to purchase for a nominal cost at the front desk. Children wearing regular diapers are not permitted in any of our pools.

What types of flotation devices are allowed?

We allow all Coast Guard Approved life jackets at our facility. Inflatables, water wings and pool noodles are prohibited. Life jackets are available free of charge on a first come first serve basis.

At what age may children be allowed to swim at the pool without adult supervision?

Children 15 years and older may be left unattended at the Aquatic Center.

Do individuals who are not swimming need to pay the for the daily guest pass?

Yes, all patrons who enter the facility are required to posses an active membership or pay for a daily guest pass. Only children 6 months and under are permitted free entrance.

Can I rent the pool for a birthday party or other event?

Due to high demand, we are unable to offer rentals or reservations of any kind at this time.

Please be aware that entrance is first come, first served for all pools. If you choose to host a birthday party or other event at the facility during normal operating hours, we will be unable to make exceptions for members of your group who arrive after we have reached capacity or reserve tables. Regular facility rules will apply to all groups, so all adults should come prepared to get in the pool with children under the age of 13.

Lap Swim Definition

• All Patrons in lap lanes must swim laps
• Lap lanes are used only for continuous swimming
• Continuous swimming is defined as not stopping for over 20 - 30 seconds
• Lap lanes are available on a first come, first served basis
• The diving blocks are not to be used by lap swimmers
• Equipment such as pull buoys, masks, fins, snorkels, and paddles may be used
• The Lifeguard has a discretion to give a swim test to all patrons
  • Lap swim test consists of four (4) continuous lengths of the pool of any stroke
• No hanging on lane lines or the side of the pool during lap swim
• Stopping only permitted at either end of the pool during brief rest

Lap Swim Safety and Etiquette

• Sharing lanes will be encouraged, either splitting the lane or circling within the lane
• When sharing lap lanes, communicate with other patrons of your intentions
• When on the wall, move to the right side to avoid any collisions
• Make quick and controlled turns at either end of the pool - open turns or flip turns
• When circling, always swim on the right side of the black line in the lane
• When splitting the lane, stay on the designated side of the lane - either left or right side
• Water Aerobics, water running, and socializing is not allowed during lap swim
• If problems arise, the Lifeguard should be considered first to find a solution
  

Family / Recreational Swim

Family swim is a recreational swim time where families enjoy quality time playing together and being together in our pool. There is shallow as well as deep water areas for patrons to navigate. The open areas are free of lanes lines and provide open water.

• All children 13 years of age and under are subject to a swim test given by the lifeguard
• Children who do not pass the swim test are fitted with a life jacket. An adult is required to be in the water with these children, no further than arm's length.
• Open water areas provide a family friendly pool time to practice water safety skills
• Learning more advanced skills and swim stroke technique involves repetition and frequency, and having an open pool allows for this activity
• General exercise and water play is encouraged

Competitive Swimming

• Individual is proficient and legal in all four (4) strokes
• Individual is a member of a local competitive USA Swimming or YMCA team
• Individual is active in attending swim team's workout plan
• Individual is registered as an athlete with USA Swimming and / or YMCA
• Individual has an athlete membership card from USA Swimming and / or YMCA
• Individual competes and represents their local USA Swim team and / or YMCA
• Individual abides by the conduct rules of USA Swimming and / or YMCA