Going to the Northside Family Aquatic Center | Social Story™*

The purpose of this page is to assist families, caregivers, and individuals in navigating new experiences with ease at Wheaton Park District facilities, parks, programs and events; creating a welcoming environment for everyone in our community.

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I am going to the Northside Family Aquatic Center.
I will need to pack or wear my swimsuit and a change of clothes.
I can also bring a towel, water bottle, goggles, sandals and sunblock. Sunglasses and earplugs can be helpful too.
It's okay to feel excited, curious, or unsure about visiting the pool.
When I arrive, I will visit the check-in desk. I will need to show staff my pool pass or pay to enter.
Some areas may be wet and slippery. To stay safe, I will need to walk while visiting the aquatic center. There is no running allowed.
There will be a lot of people visiting the aquatic center. It may be loud and echoey. I might hear splashing, talking, or whistles.
If it feels too loud or busy, I can wear headphones or ask to go to a quieter area.
The check-in desk also has a Sensory bag I can borrow. It has headphones and fidget tools.
there are lockers, changing rooms, showers, and bathrooms for me to use during my visit. I can also use the family changing room.
When I am ready, I will find a place to sit and put down my belongings. I can use a lounge chair or the sun hill.
I will need to apply sunscreen throughout the day so I do not get a sunburn.
There are several different areas at the aquatic center. There is a pool, sand play area, diving board, drop slide, zero depth pool and snack bar.
If it isn't safe to use an area, it may be closed.
I may need to wait in line when visiting the snack bar or using the diving board and drop slide.
If I do not know how to swim, I can still enjoy going in the water, but I need to stay with an adult at all times.
and I should never go too deep for me to reach the bottom.
There are depth markers around the outside of the pool that can tell me how deep the water is in that area.
if I need to use a floatation device, I can bring my own or I can borrow one from staff. While using a floatation device, an adult must stay in the water with me at all times.
I will listen to the lifeguard and the adult who is with me. Lifeguards help keep everyone safe.
When I swim, there may be splashing. I can move to calmer areas if I need to. I should also be mindful of splashing others.
If I need help or have any questions, I can ask an aquatic staff member. They can also help me find my family or friends when I get lost.
Sometimes everyone needs to get out of the pool for safety or to hear announcements. I will exit the pool, find my family or friends and listen to staff members.
When I am ready to leave, I will dry off and gather my things.
I will go back and walk through the entrance and leave with my family or friends.