Swim Testing

Swim tests are required for all children ages 7–13 and are strongly recommended for younger swimmers. Testing ensures that each child’s swim ability is matched with appropriate safety guidelines.

Each swim test takes less than 5 minutes and includes:

• Jumping into water over the head and resurfacing
• Swimming 12.5 yards using a strong forward stroke
• Treading water for at least 20 seconds
• Swimming to the pool wall and exiting safely

After passing:
Children receive a breakaway colored necklace indicating their swim level. Necklaces are issued at the front desk and must be returned after each visit.

• Red Level: Non-swimmer. Must wear a life jacket, stay within arm’s reach of an adult, or meet pool height requirements.
• Yellow Level: Swims a short distance with some skill; no treading required.
• Green Level: Swims 12.5 yards confidently and treads water for 20 seconds.
  

• Ages 4 and under: A parent or guardian (18+) must be in the water within arm’s reach. 
• Ages 5–6: Parent/guardian must remain on the pool deck at all times.
• Ages 7–9: Parent/guardian must remain on YMCA property.
• Ages 10+: May use the pool independently if they pass the swim test.
• Ages 14+: May use the full pool, including lap lanes, warm water pools, and fitness classes.

Children enrolled in YMCA swim lessons are swim-tested as part of their class experience.