Because your safety is of the upmost importance to us, we set high standards for all of our YMCA aquatics instructors and lifeguards. Our employees are trained in First Aid, CPR, AED and life-saving techniques. Our lifeguards are tested and trained on their abilities on a monthly basis.
We have a Swim Policy known as "Test, Mark, Protect" to ensure the safety of our swimmers! All youth ages 6 to13 will be required to perform a swim test to determine whether or not they may swim without a life-jacket or adult supervision. All swimmers ages 5 and under must remain within arms reach of an adult (18 and older) at all times.
View Swim Test on Youtube HERE for English, Aquí para Español.
Any child not swimming next to a parent must take a swim test. The swim test includes a deep water plunge, an endurance swim, treading water for 30 seconds, more swimming and finally ends with a 10 second float on the back.
This test will prove that the swimmer has the ability to swim in water over the head and the ability to support themselves above the water until help arrives if they are in trouble. The aquatics staff reserves the right to have a swimmer retake the swim test at any point in time.
MARK
Children are marked with a swim band to signify their swimming ability.
PROTECT
Testing and marking is the way we ensure that your children are protected. A swim band shows that they have been tested and marked. If they don't have a swim band, an adult must remain with the child and/or the child must a wear a life-jacket for their protection. If the child is 5 years of age or younger, they must be within arm’s reach of an adult (18+) at all times.
