Family YMCA of Southeast Mississippi Inc.

The weight room has plenty of good equipment and is clean and well maintained enough that I can't really complain about it. It's one of the main reasons we have a membership here, so they get 3 stars. The other main reason we're members here is the pool area, which is my biggest complaint. They close the indoor pool if there is lightning detected on radar within 10 (maybe more?) miles. What that means is there are plenty of times that I have driven to the Y, on a cloudy but otherwise nice day, and been told that the pool is closed due to lightning. I wouldn't encourage swimming in the middle of a huge thunderstorm, but this "safety first" policy is silly. You're more likely to die in a car struck by lightening than in an indoor pool. Yes, I'm serious. Google it. There are zero confirmed deaths, ever, of someone being killed by lightning while swimming in an indoor pool. In addition to the lightening policy, the hot tub is closed FREQUENTLY for no apparent reason. I don't know if it's poor maintenance or people peeing in it, but there's got to be a solution better than it being closed so frequently. The staff just hasn't found the solution, which is disappointing. Lastly, I have to note that the staff, in my experience (about a year), have all seemed good. Happy, polite, welcoming, etc. - no real complaints there. If I'm being picky, the facility could be better maintained and a bit cleaner at times, but the quality of the facility seems right in line with my expectations considering the price. Unfortunately, the other options in town for lap pools are few and far between, so I'll settle here. Just wish they'd work on a few things.

CHILD CARE CENTER: The child care director does not take concerns seriously, says she will correct concerns but things continue to happen and her director Matt R. is dismissive to your concerns as well. He will interrupt you and make excuses based off his past experiences in teaching, which is irrelevant to concerns at hand at the after school care. Front desk counselor, will express that your child is diagnosed with an illness like she is a MD instead of expressing symptoms. The director is the one that gave her the diagnosis to even say. Counselors are NOT attentive, some curse in front of the children. The counselors lack emotional awareness of your child and instead of supporting, only the disruptive kids get support. The counselors are not trained on de-escalation. Mr. Matt stated that although counselors are there, they can’t prevent issues with the kids. My child has been pushed off play ground equipment, hit her head and no follow up. My child was scared to move to the “older” girls group because the girls can be so mean to one another, no staff intervention. Very interesting. Sometimes there may or may not be an attendant at the door but you will be greeted by other kids opening the door for you. MY CHILD HAS ALSO BEEN LEFT AT THE SCHOOL because the van driver didnt see a car line one day!!!!!!!!! Explain this… again no follow up on the prevention in the future. If you are looking and wanting a place that CARE about your child’s wellbeing, has creative activities, & a positive environment with good leadership, you may want to find another option. I have had concerns for a 1 1/2 year, but stating my child had a diagnosis that was untrue was the last concern I will tolerate. Leadership and support is poor.

I am a 61 year old paraplegic and thankful to have an opportunity to exercise/swim with my grandchildren. I used the pool lift to get in and out of the pool. Thank you YMCA for making your facility wheelchair accessibility.

I've been going to the Y off and on for a few years. There are some good things about the Y, such as the free weight area. Although the free weight area could be expanded. Here are some things I notice: 1. The sauna is way too hot. Saunas should normally be around 160 degrees. Most of the time the sauna here is between 180 and 200 degrees.(Photo attached) 2. There is a cardio section upstairs and downstairs. The upstairs area should be removed and replaced with more free weights. 3. The steam room isn't cleaned like it should be. It smells terrible and there is hair on the floor. The floor also feels gritty. Wear shoes if you use it. (Photo attached) 4. Certain times of the day the basketball area is filled with kids. The noise from that area is amplified in the weight area. You have to wear Boise cancelling headphones to drown out the noise. It's given me a headache before.

Very poorly lit for safety reasons, needs more lights or change bulbs for more coverage of the whole building especially with the time change and it getting dark earlier. Needs to be well lighted and also they don't have surveillance cameras around the whole building ! Very dangerous !!