Swimming

POOL SAFETY AND ETIQUETTE

Visitors to the pool will be expected to:

  • Have a parent/guardian on the deck (13 and under).
  • Children 5 years and under MUST have a parent or guardian (19+) in the water within arm’s reach at all times, even while wearing a U.S. coast guard approved lifejacket. No exceptions.
  • Take a swim test (13 and under) to enter deep water.
  • Non-swimmers (13 and under) who cannot pass the swim test must stay in shallow water and will be required to wear a U.S. coast guard approved lifejacket or be within arm’s reach of a parent/guardian at all times while in the water.
  • Shower before entering the water.
  • Use only U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation devices.
  • Comply with the swimwear dress code:
    • No cut-offs, thongs, or string bikinis
    • No cotton clothing
    • Keep swimsuits tied and fastened at all times
    • Keep swim diapers on infants and toddler (Please change diapers in family locker rooms)

Visitors to the pool must REFRAIN from:

  • Horseplay, running, shoving, dunking, or breath holding
  • Bringing glass containers or food onto pool deck
  • Visiting if experiencing sickness or fever
  • The use of gum, tobacco, or vaping
  • Sitting or hanging on the lane ropes and safety lines
  • Bringing animals onto pool deck
  • The use of inflatables (pool rings, inner tubes, arm floaties, water wings, etc.)
  • The use of kickboards, water weights, noodles, float belts (this equipment is reserved for swim teams and water aerobics only)
  • Diving unless in designated areas (9ft area only)

Hours of Operation
Mon – Fri: 5:30 am – 8:30 pm
Sat: 6:30 am – 4:30 pm
Sun: 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Rules for swimmerS and non-swimmers

Swim Test and Earning a Swim band:

TEST. MARK. PROTECT. 

  • Youth 13 years and younger must have a guardian 19 years or older on the pool deck.
  • Youth 13 years and younger MUST take a swim test.
  • All swimmers 13 years and younger who have passed a swim test will receive an ankle band they must wear each time they swim.

Lifeguards may require any patron of the YMCA to perform a swim test at any time regardless of age.

To earn a Blue Band, swimmers must:

  1. Jump into deep water of leisure pool and resurface
  2. Swim 15 yards non-stop in good form
  3. Perform resting float for 30 seconds consistently
  4. Swim back to wall in good form
  5. Exit the water without using a ladder or steps
  • Swimmers may not touch the pool gutter, wall, ladder, floor, or lane lines for the duration of the swim test.
  • Goggles are allowed.
  • Swimmers must swim independently. They may not swim with guardians, siblings, friends, and/or others during their swim test.

To earn a Red Band, swimmers must:

  1. Jump in at 3 1/2 feet of water in the lap pool.
  2. Swim with face in water with each arm coming out of the water with each stroke in good form.
  3. Tread water for 60 seconds.
  4. Perform a resting float for 60 seconds, consistently.
  5. Swim all the way back in good form as before.

*Youth age 10 years and above with a red swim band may be in Aquatic Center independently as long as guardian is in the YMCA facility.

No Band Assigned – NON-SWIMMERS

Those who do not pass the swim test or those who decline to take the swim test are considered non-swimmers.

Non-swimmers:

  • Must be supervised by a guardian 19 years or older in the water within arms’ reach OR must wear a weight appropriate U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD).
  • A parent/guardian must remain in the water, within arm’s reach of any child 5 years and under, even while wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved lifejacket. No Exceptions.
  • Must maintain a 1:1 guardian/non-swimmer ratio when not wearing a U.S. coast guard approved lifejacket.
  • TEENS AND ADULTS 13 and older who cannot pass the swim test may remain in shallow water or must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved lifejacket in deep water.

YMCA lifeguards have the right to ask any patron to leave for noncompliance with safety rules and etiquette.

Thank you for helping us keep our pool safe for everyone.