TEST. MARK. PROTECT.
The Y is committed to ensuring the safety of all children who swim in our pools. Our Youth Supervision & Swim Test Policy aims to test, mark and protect all children under 12 who use our pools. Beginning January 1, 2016, all children under 12 years must participate in a swimming skills assessment and will be provided a colored wristband based on their swimming ability. Once tested, each time a child comes into the Y for open swim, they will need to acquire their color appropriate wristband from the lifeguard at the pool during open swim. At some future time children will receive their band from the Membership Desk at check-in. Children in our swim lesson program that have passed the Guppy level will be recorded as a green band.
TEST
Deep Water Test
Consecutively without resting, child must:
- Jump into the deepest part of the lap pool and easily return to the surface.
- At the surface, tread water with head out of the water for 15 seconds.
- Comfortably swim 20 yards of the pool unassisted and without resting. Maintain crawl type stroke with rhythmic breathing (face in the water).
- Roll onto the back and float for 15 seconds.
Consecutively without resting, child must:
- Jump into the pool at the 5 foot mark and easily return to the surface.
- Tread water with head out of the water for 10 seconds.
- Swim 10 yards unassisted and without resting. Comfortably maintain a front lying swim stroke with some rhythmic breathing (face in the water). Roll onto the back and float for 10 seconds.
MARK
GREEN BAND: Swimmers that pass the deep water test may access all pool areas. Children who have passed a Guppy level 3 swim lesson or above will receive a green band. Children that are 7-11 may swim while parent or guardian (18+) remains in the Y facility.
YELLOW BAND: Swimmers that pass the shallow water test (3-5 feet), may access the shallow water of either YMCA pools up to 5 feet deep. Children that are 7-11 may swim while parent or guardian (18+) remains in the Y facility.
PROTECT
Red banded youth who are unable to stand with head, neck, & shoulders above water in the deepest part of the shallow end must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation device. In addition, the youth must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or responsible adult (age 18+) in the water with them at all times. If the child is tall enough to be in the shallow side of the pools the parent/guardian may stay on deck.
Youth Ages 0-4
Must have a parent, guardian or adult (18+) in the water with them at all times and remain within touch supervision regardless of the child’s swimming ability.
YMCA Equipment
Is reserved for swim lessons. Some toys are allowed in the pool at the discretion of the lifeguard. Unauthorized persons are not allowed in the equipment room due to safety concerns. Ask a lifeguard for assistance.
Life Jackets
U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices are allowed in the shallow end of the pool. Children in life jackets should be within arm’s reach of parent or guardian 18 years or older.