Picnic grove, grills and the house rules

A day at Wedgewood Swim Club is long, and most of it happens out of the water. Between swims there is lunch, a game of wiffle ball, a nap in the shade and a walk up the hill to the pavilion. The club runs on a short list of house rules that make all of it easier, and none of them are hard once you know them.

Where food goes

Food and drinks other than water belong in the picnic area. Water is welcome anywhere at the club. The pool areas stay clear of food, gum and glass, which keeps the water clean and the deck safe for bare feet. If a child wants a snack, walk up to the picnic grove together instead of eating at the water's edge.

Glass containers are not allowed at all. Pack drinks in cans, plastic bottles or a cooler with a hard lid, and leave the jars and bottles at home. Adults can bring alcoholic drinks to the picnic area, in cans or plastic and never in glass, as long as everyone behaves responsibly. Anyone who doesn't can be asked to leave by the Manager, and repeat problems can lead to suspension or termination of membership.

Grills and open flame

The picnic area has charcoal grills and picnic tables, and members cook out there all summer. The rule is simple: members are responsible for safe use of the grills, and any open flame must be supervised by an adult. That means a grown-up stays at the grill from lighting to the last coal. Kids can help carry the buns, but they shouldn't be the ones watching the fire.

Leave your area better than you found it

Wedgewood is member-owned and member-operated, and the club asks everyone to act like it. When you're done eating, look around your table and pick up any trash, even if it isn't yours. That one habit, repeated by every family, is a big part of why one Google reviewer called the pool grounds some of the most beautiful and well maintained they had seen outside a country club. The club also asks members to take care of the shared spaces: no loitering or playing in the restroom or the entry breezeway.

Ice cream at three

Ice cream is sold in the pavilion at 3:00 PM, and the profits support the swim team. Bring correct change or small bills, which the club appreciates.

Parking, driving and smoking

The driveway has a curve, and children are often near it, so drive slowly. Park in the designated areas, don't block other cars, and leave extra room if you have a large vehicle or truck. Handicapped parking is reserved for members and guests with handicapped plates or decals. Anyone who smokes is asked to choose an appropriate area, dispose of debris responsibly and stay out of enclosed spaces.

You are responsible for your kids and your guests

Members are responsible for every child and guest they bring. If a child or a guest doesn't follow the rules, both the member and the child or guest may be asked to leave, and repeated problems can lead to suspension or termination of membership. It is worth saying the rules out loud on the drive over. The club also notes that everyone uses the pools and facilities at their own risk, and that it isn't responsible for lost or damaged personal property, so keep valuables at home.

What happens when someone breaks a rule

Lifeguards are posted at stations around the pools, and their direction must be followed at all times. A guard can remove anyone from the pool for any reason. If a lifeguard sees unsafe or objectionable behavior, the guard can bench the swimmer. A benched swimmer reports right away to a bench next to the pool, and the first benching is expected to last 20 minutes. Later ones last longer. Repeat offenders and their families get a warning that suspension or revocation of membership will follow if nothing changes, and the Board of Directors makes that call.

If you disagree with something a lifeguard asked, take the question to the manager on duty. Lifeguards aren't allowed to debate it on the spot, because the conversation would pull their eyes off the water.

A packing list for a full day

• Cans or plastic bottles instead of glass, and a cooler for them.
• Charcoal and a lighter if you plan to grill, plus an adult who will stay with the fire.
• Small bills for the 3:00 PM ice cream.
• A trash bag, so your table is easy to leave clean.
• A photo already uploaded for each family member, so check-in at the Front Desk is quick.

Rules and policies can change at any time by decision of the Board of Directors, so check the club's policy pages at the start of each season.