As a leader in providing swim lessons across the country, we take water safety very seriously. We believe swimming helps children learn life-long skills, develop confidence, and increases their physical activity to stay healthy. However, drowning poses a serious threat to children nationwide, and is a leading cause of accidental death for children. Our new safety guidelines were developed in collaboration with Y-USA, and other leading swim safety experts in the country to ensure the safety of your children.
SWIM SAFETY TESTING FOR SWIMMERS 1-16 YRS OLD
Groups, Members, and Guests age 16 years or younger are required to take a swim test administered by a YMCA Aquatics staff member. The swimmer will be given a red or green band based on their swimming ability. Any child 6 years of age and under must be accompanied by an adult in the water regardless of their ability to swim.
SWIM TEST REQUIREMENTS TO OBTAIN A GREEN BAND
- Swim one pool length freestyle/front crawl (25 yards) unassisted and without rest while maintaining a horizontal body position (as close as possible) for entire distance
- Jump into water over their head and return to the surface
- Tread water for one minute, turn on their back, float briefly, and then swim (either on front or back) to the side and exit the pool without using a ladder
