We want to make sure swimming at the Y is as fun and safe as possible! Below are some of the guidelines surrounding the use of our pools and important procedures to know before your next visit.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our team.

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Swim Tests

All children 16 and under (members and guests) will be swim tested and marked with a colored wrist band. Children who have been swim tested must verify their swimming ability on subsequent visits by wearing the wrist band or be re-tested. Participants of any age may also be swim tested at the discretion of the lifeguard.

Shallow Water Swim Test – Orange Band

Participant must be able to maneuver from a vertical position to a horizontal position on their front and back, and then return to a vertical position, swim 10 yards on front, maintaining positive body position (legs should not drop past 45 degree angle)

Children who pass the Shallow Water Test will:

  • Wear an orange wrist band
  • Stay in the shallow end of the pool

Children who can’t pass the Shallow Water Test will:

  • Stay in the shallow end of the pool
  • Be supervised in the water by an adult or teen within arm’s length
  • Wear a coastguard approved PFD (personal flotation device) if between the ages of 12 months to 12 years and be identified by wearing a red wrist band - PFDs are not required in bodies of water less than 2 feet in depth
  • Age 13-16 who cannot pass the shallow water test will be required to wear a red wrist band and remain in the shallow end of the pool, no deeper than armpit depth

Deep Water Swim Test – Green Band

Participant must be able to maneuver from a vertical position to a horizontal position on their front and back, then swim half of a length of the pool, arm over arm front crawl with their face in the water into deep water, maintaining positive body position (legs should not drop past 45 degree angle), tread for 1 minute, swim the remainder of the length, exit the pool without assistance, and jump into the deep end. Swimmer may not rest or stop during the test. If the participant cannot complete all aspects of the test, the test is failed.

Children who pass the Deep Water Test will:

  • Wear a green wrist band
  • Be allowed to swim anywhere in the pool

Supervision Policy

The supervision of children is a safety precaution designed to provide an extra degree of safety beyond that provided by YMCA lifeguards for all children under 12. Adult supervision is defined as a responsible member 18 or older. Teen supervision is defined as a responsible member 17 or older.

  • Children 6 and Under: Will be supervised in the water even after successful completion of the shallow or deep water test. This supervision may be by an adult OR alternatively by a teen with an adult on deck
  • Children 7-11: Do not have to be supervised in the water, but require an adult on deck, unless they can’t pass the shallow water test. If the child cannot pass the shallow water test, in-water supervision is required

Designated Swim Times

Each branch has designated swim times when members can enjoy the pool for Lap Swim, Water Walking, and Open Swim. During these times members should understand the expectations of participating swimmers. The descriptions below outline those expectations for each activity.

Lap Swim

Lap Swim is for members who wish to use the pool for personal workouts. While swimming, the participant should maintain continuous forward movement for the entire length of the pool; without the assistance of a PFD. Swimmers 12 years old and under need to have passed the green band test to swim laps. Swimmers may be asked to share a lane or circle swim based on the number of lap swimmers.

Water Walking

Water Walking is for members who are looking for a low impact exercise or to use the pool for therapy or improved mobility. During designated water walking hours, only members over the age of 12 may utilize the pool.

Family Swim

Family Swim is an opportunity for members to use the pool for recreation. During family or open swim hours, all members regardless of swimming ability may utilize our pools.

General Open Swim Policies

Upon arrival at the pool, please check in with the lifeguard who will direct you to a specific lane. Please limit your lap swimming/water walking to 45 minutes and family open swim to 60 minutes if members are waiting in order to allow others to enjoy the pool.

Please adhere to the allowed number of lap swimmers and water walkers for each lane. If all lanes are occupied, we respectfully ask that you sit in the designated area and wait for a spot to open-- remember to give people at least 6 feet of space.

Pool capacities will be enforced and will change based on activities using the pool. If a lifeguard advises that the pool must be vacated prior to a change in program, please do so.

Cleaning will still occur at regular intervals and members waiting for a lane may be asked to temporarily wait in another area while that occurs. If using any equipment, please make sure to place used equipment in the designated bin to be cleaned.

Arguments or other disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Glass is not permitted anywhere in the pool area.