YMCA of West San Gabriel Valley

On June 19th, we visited the YMCA in West San Gabriel Valley, arriving around 1:00 PM. Since our previous three visits did not require life vests, we assumed the same policy applied this time. My daughters were enjoying the pool until Valarie Gomez, the branch owner, arrived. While enforcing policies is important, it should be done consistently. My older daughter knows how to swim but cannot swim for extended periods, while my younger daughter was fine with wearing a life vest. However, the life vest provided to my older daughter was so uncomfortable that she started crying when they made her wear it. No one seemed to care except me, so I swam over to Valarie Gomez to discuss the situation. She was dismissive, not looking at me while I spoke and insisting she had to scan the pool. Frustrated, I asked her about the rules. She pointed to a policy sign across the pool, which was vague about swimming proficiency tests. I explained the situation to my daughter, and suddenly, Valarie Gomez approached us, no longer needing to scan the pool. She told my daughter, "You have two choices: either wear a life vest and stay in the pool or leave the pool if you refuse to wear one." This upset me, as her tone was inappropriate for addressing an eight-year-old. The YMCA is supposed to be family-oriented, and the owner should be more kid-friendly. My daughter became even more upset, crying harder. Frustrated by her crying and Valarie Gomez’s unprofessional behavior, I told my daughter to get out of the pool so we could leave. Due to the wet conditions, it was difficult to remove the life vest, and I had to push her a bit to help her get out quickly, fearing more trouble over the life vest rule. My daughter, now even more distressed, sat on the pool edge crying. A lifeguard came over to talk to her, but I told him to leave her alone. He then accused me of abusing my daughter, escalating the situation. Valarie Gomez intervened again, trying to kick me out. Furious, I challenged her. She made a scene, rushing to the exit and instructing the front desk to call the police. My daughter is now traumatized and never wants to return to this YMCA.

Many of the staff are very nice, but there is one middle-aged female staff member who is extremely rude. She said to my child, 'You have only two choices: either wear a life jacket or leave!' She was very harsh! I cannot understand encountering such discriminatory treatment in this wonderful community! Now my child has a psychological shadow because of this place. If you come here to learn and practice swimming, don't come. Here, children under 12 who cannot swim are required to wear a life jacket, even if parents are accompanying their children to practice swimming! If this requirement is so important, why was my child only asked to wear a life jacket on our third visit to the pool? She was really rude, and I have reason to suspect she is racially discriminating against us!

Water aerobics on Monday & Wednesday then Zumba & Chair exercises on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday have me looking & feeling better than ever at 67 years old. My 33 year old daughter loves the activities also as they help energize us as well as making us look & feel great. The people are amazing. The staff is fine. I highly recommend the Alhambra YMCA for fitness & social activities.

A beautiful place not only for physical exercise but also a place for healthy friends & family fellowship. A group of lovely staff team, well management, creates a loving & caring environment. A very clean swimming pool with the temperature not too cold and not too warm. Love it! Sophia :)

Horrible service! They got the money from regional centers for my daughter and they doesn't let my daughter play in the swimming pool, they said she doesn't has PA with her so she can't play in the swimming pool.

My son goes to their Summer camp program. Very convenient as you can drop off your child anytime after 7:30 am and pick them up as late as 5:30pm. They have weekly field trip. A nice pool on-site to swim in 2 or 3 times a week. Counselors are nice. Great option for working parents.

Ridiculous so called nonprofit organization. As a customer, they have not received any payments due to my bank accounts closure, it should have been an automatic cancellation or contact customers for confirmation situations but this place decided to build up a balance on customer even tho when customer have stopped using their facility and service since!!! You will not get a penny from me and you are for sure losing my business!! Unbelievable

Horrible staff, they are unorganized and having you waiting only to say no. Supervisor should be on site.