Safety at the Y

As one of the nation’s leading providers of youth and family programs, the YMCA is committed to prioritizing the safety and well-being of every individual we serve. Maintaining a safe, secure, and clean environment is central to the Y's cause of strengthening community. Please review the following health and safety guidelines for all members, staff, and guests.

Safety Screening and Access

At McGaw YMCA, we prioritize safety and child abuse prevention through a variety of screening and access protocols. In alignment with a national YMCA initiative, we screen all adults (18 and older), including members, program participants, guests, and prospective staff, volunteers and Men's Residence applicants against the National Sex Offender Registry. Individuals with convictions listed on the registry are prohibited from working or volunteering at the McGaw Y, entering YMCA facilities, holding a membership, participating in programs, or residing in the McGaw Y Men's Residence.

Access requirements:

  • Member Check-In: All members are checked in by McGaw Y staff each time they enter the facility.
  • Non-Members and Visitors: Anyone age 18 or older who is not a member—including guests, program participants, and visitors—must present a valid, government-issued photo ID with date of birth (e.g., driver’s license or passport) for each visit.
  • Guest Pass Holders: Those using a guest pass of any kind must meet the same ID and screening requirements as all other visitors before entering the facility.
  • During designated large public events (e.g., Community Day), non-members may be granted entry without presenting a government-issued photo ID, provided they are attending in an open, public capacity. However, security measures such as staff supervision, event-specific check-in stations, and on-site monitoring remain in effect.

McGaw YMCA may suspend or terminate membership or facility access for anyone who falsifies identification, misuses a membership card, brings unauthorized guests, or engages in other policy violations.

Weapons: The possession, display, use, or distribution of weapons of any kind, or any object used to threaten, harm, or harass another person, is strictly prohibited on all McGaw YMCA premises. This policy applies to all YMCA programs, activities, and events, except as expressly permitted by law.

General Health and Safety Protocols

General Hygiene. To support community health and comfort, the YMCA encourages all individuals to practice good hygiene. Please wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, especially after using shared equipment or touching common surfaces. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. As a courtesy to others with allergies or sensitivities, we ask that you limit the use of strong fragrances such as perfumes, colognes, or scented oils. Smoking and the use of vaping products are not permitted on YMCA property. Mask wearing is supported and respected for anyone who chooses to wear one.

Cleaning and Sanitation. McGaw YMCA upholds high standards of cleanliness through routine cleaning and disinfection of equipment, high-touch surfaces, and shared spaces. Members are expected to support these efforts by wiping down equipment with the provided disinfectant before and after each use. Hand sanitizing stations and disinfectant wipes are readily available throughout the facility to help maintain a clean and healthy environment.

Physical Examination and Health. Before beginning a new exercise or wellness program, we recommend consulting your physician to ensure it is safe for you to participate. By accessing McGaw YMCA’s facilities, programs, or services, you affirm that you are physically able to engage in activities and that you comply with any applicable health directives. For more information, please read the full YMCA Waiver.

Illness and Communicable Conditions. To protect the health of our community, we ask that you:

  • Stay home if you are feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness (e.g., Covid-19, respiratory infection, flu, or viral condition)
  • Avoid visiting the YMCA if you have been exposed to someone with a known communicable disease
  • Cover any exposed lesions, rashes, or wounds with a waterproof, adhesive bandage
  • Follow all posted signage and staff guidance regarding health and safety protocols

The McGaw YMCA reserves the right to restrict facility access if an individual poses a health risk to others.

Creating a Child Safe Environment

The McGaw YMCA works in partnership with parents and guardians of children in Y programs to protect children from abuse. Our youth participate in a wide variety of programs, including child care, camps, sports, aquatics, mentoring and more. Our programs follow the principles of youth development, which includes the belief that children need to be physically and emotionally safe in order to learn and thrive.

To help keep children in our programs safe, we take the following steps for staff and volunteers:

  • Detailed application forms and comprehensive interview process
  • Personal and professional references
  • Criminal record checks/fingerprinting
  • Staff complete an extensive child abuse prevention training program
  • Staff and volunteers are mandated to report any suspected child abuse
  • Staff are not allowed to babysit children they meet through the YMCA
Recognizing and Responding to Child Abuse

Child abuse can take many forms—emotional, physical, sexual abuse, and neglect. Recognizing the signs and responding appropriately is a shared responsibility.

Possible signs of abuse may include:

  • Abrupt changes in behavior, anxiety, clinging, aggressiveness, or withdrawal
  • Discomfort with physical contact
  • Fearfulness or depression
  • Abuse of other children
  • Avoidance of a particular person or refusing to go to a friend’s or relative’s home for no apparent reason
  • Sexual language or behavior that is not age-appropriate
  • Unexplained bruises, welts, burns
  • Unkempt or malnourished appearance
  • Disturbed sleeping or eating patterns
  • Sexually transmitted diseases and infections

Why are children afraid to tell?

  • The abuser tells the child that their parents will be angry.
  • The abuser confuses the child about what is right and wrong.
  • The abuser tells the child that they will hurt the child's family member(s) if the child tells.
  • The abuser tells the child it is a game or a secret.
  • Children think it was their fault, or that they should have done something to prevent it.
  • The abuser may encourage the child to break rules set by their parents, causing the child to fear punishment.

What should I do if your child discloses that someone hurt them, scared them, or made them feel uncomfortable?

  • Listen and stay calm - your reaction has a powerful influence on your child.
  • Believe your child and make sure your child knows it.
  • Thank your child for telling you and praise your child’s courage.

If you have questions, concerns, or wish to report abuse:

  • YMCA Helpline to report an incident (anonymous): 1-855-347-0751 (staffed by Y-USA’s partner, Praesidium)
  • DCFS Child Abuse Hotline to report a suspicion of abuse or neglect: 800-25-ABUSE (800-252-2873 or TTY 1-800-358-5117)
  • If you believe a child is in immediate danger of harm, call 911 first.

Revised 9/5/2025

We're Here to Help

If you need more information or have questions, please email our Member Services team and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. For immediate assistance, call 847-475-7400 and press ‘1’ to speak with a Member Services team member.

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