Outer Banks Family YMCA

About

Nonprofit center offering exercise classes, childcare, summer camp, and a pool.

The indoor pool at the Outer Banks Family YMCA is typically heated to a comfortable range of approximately 82-84 degrees Fahrenheit. An outdoor pool is also available seasonally, with its temperature dependent on ambient weather conditions as it is not specifically heated by the facility.

What are people saying (AI review summary)? The reviews present a mixed but predominantly negative view of the YMCA experiences. Several patrons reported significant issues, particularly concerning the outdoor pools and staff. Common complaints include rude front desk attitudes, perceived racial discrimination affecting pool access for Black children, and lifeguards exhibiting rudeness, unfairness during swim assessments for experienced child swimmers, and inconsistent rule enforcement. Delayed pool openings and general facility upkeep were also mentioned as concerns. In stark contrast, other reviews highlighted very positive experiences, praising the main facility's front desk staff (Donna, Karen, Teri, Lisa) for their welcoming, encouraging, and personalized interactions. Excellent trainers, a variety of classes, and overall helpful staff within the main gym were also highly commended. A specific positive note was made for new lane markers in the outdoor pool, despite wishes for longer usage times. This suggests a notable disparity in service quality and experience between the outdoor pool operations and the main gym facility.

Location

Gallery

Amenities

• Accepts Credit Cards
• Accessible Restroom

Reviews

Listing Reviews

July 11th, 2025

Julio Morales

I hope this was just an off day for them for some reason, but this was my first visit to the YMCA there and left with a bitter taste in my mouth. We stopped by for a day pass as we were out on an overnight school field trip with high 4 high school students ( two white and two black students) who were looking forward to enjoying the outside pool for a few hours on that hot day. The lady at the front desk had a nasty looking attitude as soon as we got to the front desk and straight said, "and who are all these people?" The trip sponsor picked that attitude up real quick and responded" These are all my children". She ended up giving us a form to fill out and said" I am sorry, you are gonna have to fill these forms out cause its too many of them..."? All students noticed the attitude and wondered what the issue was with her. Later while at the pool, one of the lifeguards just seemed rude in letting our students know some of the rules and guidelines while at the pool. The approach was just rude. I do not think it will be a place in my radar to visit and give my business to (with or without a school field trip) in the future. The outside grounds and facilities also need to be better kept.

August 12th, 2025

Heidi Sasser

My two children went twice to the pool and each time as soon as they went in they were told that the pool was closed due to hearing thunder. Mind you the weather was sunny and no rain, On 8/11 & 12. This was the exact reason given to them both times. Funny how this was the reason for two black kids but not their white mother.

August 24th, 2025

Lori Painter

We decided to try out the Y at outerbanks and were very excited for the indoor/outdoor pools. We chose to get a week pass and was directed the outdoor pool opened at 12:00pm We waited 45 minutes to get in the pool and once 12:00pm rolled around we were told "that the pool would open up 20 minutes late since the chemicals weren't where they needed to safely be to get in" after 50 minutes later the pool opened and with in the first 10 minutes of being there my children were told they could not wear goggles with nose coverings, as we waited to take the swim assessment the woman and child in front (who's child was maybe 5 years of age) was happily helped and her child was able to pass the assessment. All while the male life guard had seen my family waiting for our turn and he ignored us and went to sit down on his phone, I then walked up to him and asked "can you please give my children the swim test when you have time?" And he rolled his eyes and acted like it was an inconvenience, put his phone down and followed me to my children. Upon giving my children their swim assessment I told him my children have taken swim lessons for years and were apart of our local swim team. He than explained they had to only use breast strokes, or freestyle form of swimming for a full length pool without stopping and no doggy paddling (which for my kids is not a problem) my son went first and did an amazing breast stroke the whole way until right at the end he veered into the rope by accident and tried to recorrect himself and he got failed for that. After my daughter went she to got failed for not using "frog legs" the entire time. They both got out crying and not understanding why they got failed when a 5 year old who had to be coached the whole way through it passed. All this for just being able to prove you can go down a slide into a 5ft section of water. I had called and spoke to the desk a day after and was greeted in a very kind and understanding manner, I knew the people at the main building didnt have anything to do with our experience and were very kind in helping us sort out our issues. I stated we would no longer be using their services during our stay and that my family wouldn't be treated any different from anyone else. And hopefully the life guards they employ for their outdoor pool area can take this as a learning experience for their future guest.

April 8th, 2025

Dee Gee

Joined the OBX Y in January of this year. It's been a pretty great experience so far. Every time I come in, without fail, either Donna, Karen, Teri or Lisa welcome me by name and give words of encouragement. This action alone has made a huge difference for me, and has been a driving force of me coming back 5 days a week. These ladies are awesome! Janet is a fabulous trainer too. She showed me exercises that worked my body in such a way, my time in the gym has been cut down, and yet I'm still working the same muscle groups as when I was there longer. There are so many classes and opportunities to work on every aspect of your physique. The employees are all friendly and helpful. All in all, the OBX YMCA is a great place to get a good workout or swim in.

August 14th, 2025

Julia Scheer

Thank you, Jamie for the new lane markers in the outside pool! There is nothing better than swimming laps outside in the sun. I only wish we could use the pool longer, but mother nature has more thoughts about that than us.