Program Details
Program Details
- Ages: All children through age 13
- Cost: Free for YMCA facility members
- Schedule: Offered year-round; contact your branch for availability
- Locations:
- Clark County Family YMCA
- Downtown Family YMCA
- Floyd County Family YMCA
- Northeast Family YMCA
- YMCA at Norton Commons
- Oldham County Family YMCA
- Republic Bank Foundation YMCA
- Southeast Family YMCA
- Southwest Family YMCA
How It Works
Swim tests are required for all children through age 13. 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.
Swim Test Levels
- Red Level: Did not meet all criteria of the swim test or has yet to take the swim test. Must wear a properly fitting USCG approved flotation device, stay within arm's reach of a parent/guardian, or meet pool height requirements.
- Yellow Level: Did not meet all criteria of the swim test or has yet to take the swim test, but meets the height requirement at the branch where they were tested and may swim in designated areas. Must wear a properly fitting USCG approved flotation device when outside of the designated area.
- Green Level: Swims 12.5 yards confidently and treads water for 20 seconds.
Swim Testing & Necklace Colors
Our swim test program helps lifeguards identify each child's swimming ability and assign the appropriate swim level—Green, Yellow, or Red—so everyone can enjoy the pool safely and confidently. All swimmers must wear a Y-issued necklace in the pool. Visit the front desk to receive a necklace. Swim tests (initial and subsequent) are administered in the pool when a lifeguard is available.
- Green Level Swimmer – Successfully completed all steps of the swim test and can swim in any area of the pool.
- Yellow Level Swimmer – Did not meet all the criteria of the swim test, but meets the height requirement at the branch where they were tested and may swim in designated areas.
- Red Level Swimmer – Did not meet all the criteria of the swim test or has not yet taken the test, and may only swim in designated areas.
Why Choose Swim Testing at the Y?
Safety-First Mindset
Swim tests reduce risk and give parents peace of mind that children are safe in the water.
Confidence Through Clarity
Children learn what they can do—and what they’re working toward—boosting motivation and progress.
Fair and Transparent Pool Access
Swim tests help ensure consistent, skill-based guidelines for all youth, reinforcing YMCA safety protocols.
Creating A Safe Environment
The YMCA of Greater Louisville works in partnership with families, staff and volunteers to protect children from child abuse.
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