Pool Menu

Rules & Expectations

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What to Know Before Your Visit

  • Limited pre-packaged concessions are available. Cash, check, or credit card are accepted.
  • Food & beverage is allowed in the cabana area only, except water.
  • Swim diapers are required for those who are not toilet trained.
  • EMERGENCY ACCESS: The circular drive and fire lane at the south parking lot are closed to all motor vehicles to allow for emergency access. No stopping, standing or idling vehicles is allowed and violators may be subject to a citation.
  • All swimmers age 12 years and younger will be required to pass a swim test to use the diving board or swim in the deep end of the lap pool. See Swim Test for more information.
  • All visitors are expected to behave appropriately or will be subject to suspension set forth in the City of Madison Goodman Pool Behavior Policy
  • Children 10 and under must be actively supervised and watched within arm’s reached by a caregiver aged 16 or older.
  • Sunday Night Swim: Groups up to 6 may enjoy the pool for $15 from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm on Sunday Evenings.

IMPORTANT: Failure to follow the rules or listen to staff will result in your removal from the pool facility. Repeated offenses will not be tolerated and you could be suspended from visiting the Pool for the season. See City of Madison Goodman Pool Behavior Policy for more information.

Management reserves the right to review, change, and establish rules when deemed necessary.

General Rules

  • Respect all guests and staff members.
  • No derogative, racial, cursing or otherwise inappropriate language toward another guest or staff member.
  • Fighting, pretend fighting and/or rough housing is not allowed.
  • Swim only when a lifeguard is on duty. Obey lifeguard instructions at all times.
  • Food & beverage is allowed in the cabana area only, except water.
  • Coolers are allowed in the cabana area only.
  • Diving is permitted in the diving well only.
  • Do not enter the pool area if you have an open cut or communicable disease.
  • Inflatables, such as inner tubes, water wings, swimsuits with built-in flotation are not allowed.
  • Children under 10 must be actively supervised and watched by a caregiver aged 16 or older.
  • Swim diapers are required for those who are not toilet trained. Diaper changing on the pool deck is prohibited.
  • No smoking, vaping or any other electronic smoking devices or alcohol is permitted.
  • Spitting is not allowed.
  • Glass containers of any kind are not permitted.
  • The City of Madison is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • Leave no trace and put litter in its place.
  • Patrons arriving by car: parking is allowed in marked stalls only. No stopping, standing or idling in the circle drive or fire lane in the south parking lot.
  • Shower before entering the pool and after the use of toilet facilities.
  • Animals are prohibited in the pool facility.
  • No running, hanging on ropes, going over ropes, or being on other persons shoulders.
  • Items being thrown must be soft and squishy.
  • Must stay on the north side of the black line separating the dive well from the shallow lap lanes.
  • Kickboards, pool noodles and torpedoes are not allowed during open swim.

Lifejacket Rules

  • Only United States Coast Guard approved lifejackets are allowed.
  • A limited supply of free lifejackets are available for use while at the pool.
    • See Admissions staff to check out a lifejacket.
  • Lifejackets are not permitted in the deep water or on slides.
  • Children wearing a lifejacket must be supervised by a parent/guardian and within arm's reach.
  • Please choose a lifejacket that is appropriately sized, see attendant or lifeguard for assistance.

Slide Rules

  • All riders must be at least 42" tall.
  • Maximum rider weight is 300 pounds.
  • Warning: Water depth is 3 feet.
  • All riders must ride feet first while lying on their back with arms crossed across their chest. Do not go down the slide head first or on your stomach.
  • Riders must enter the slide in a sitting position.
  • Follow the instructions of the attendant.
  • Do not propel yourself into the ride.
  • Only one rider at a time. Absolutely no trains or chains of riders are permitted.
  • No tubes, mats, or lifejackets are permitted on the waterslides.
  • No cutoff jeans or swim wear with excessive exposed zippers, buckles, rivets or metal ornamentation; only approved swim wear allowed.
  • Riders must be in good health. Elderly persons, those suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, epilepsy, or persons using prescription medication should consult their physicians before using this ride. Individuals with medical conditions including, but not limited to, heart conditions, or back problems should not use the ride.
  • Do not use the slide while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Goggles are not allowed on the slide.
  • Follow any rule required by the manufacturer or the attraction.
  • Riders assume all risk of injury due to misuse of this slide or failure to follow these rules.
  • *WARNING: FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE RULES CAN RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH*

Diving Board Rules

  • Only one person allowed on the diving board at a time.
  • Only one bounce allowed.
  • No personal flotation devices, goggles, or flippers are allowed on the diving board.
  • You must wait on the ground until the person in front of you goes off.
  • You must wait until the previous person gets to the side or ladder before going off.
  • Jump straight off the diving board.
  • No sitting on the diving board.
  • No throwing or catching items while jumping off the diving board.

City of Madison Goodman Pool Behavior Policy (coming soon!)

Swim Test

Persons 12 years or younger are required to take a swim test to enter the deep end of the pool or use the diving board. The swim test is administered by a lifeguard and includes the following: jumping off the side of the pool into the deep water, swimming out 15 yards and back, followed by treading water for one minute before exiting the pool. Upon successfully completing the swim test, swimmers are given a special wristband for the day and their name is logged. When returning to the pool another day, please provide your name to admissions staff to receive your wristband for the day. Swimmers need to only successfully complete the swim test once per season.

Pool Closing Policy

The pool will be closed under the following circumstances:

  • If the air temperature is below 69° at opening or low attendance.
  • If rain prevents the lifeguards from seeing the bottom of the pool.
  • If there has been rain, thunder or lightening for a period of one hour and the storm is projected to continue.
  • Mechanical breakdown.
  • The Goodman Pool cannot meet the state codes for the safety, maintenance and operation of pools and water attractions.
  • By Public Health Emergency Order.

Camp Group Information

  • To reserve a group time, call 608-266-4195.
  • Camp staff and counselors are required to watch your group for the duration of your visit.
  • To cancel or reschedule, call 608-264-9292.
  • Goodman Park has picnic tables, shade, a volleyball court, and basketball courts.

Pool Terms & Definitions

Ages:

Youth:
ages 3-18
Adult:
ages 19-61
Senior:
ages 62 & over

Resident/Non-Resident: A Madison resident is one who has a Madison street address.

Family: Family is defined as persons living at the same address.

Examples include:

A day care provider working in someone's home will NOT be considered a member of the family. Applications for consideration of special circumstances should be submitted in writing to the Parks Division.