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 Policies

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.

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

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

If there is thunder or lightning, all pools and decks will be cleared immediately. We will reopen pools 30 minutes after the last sight of lightning or sound of thunder.

Glass is not permitted anywhere in the pool area. Incidents of broken glass may result in the Y needing to drain and clean the affected pool.