Together, we keep kids safe in and around water. The YMCA is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable pool experience for everyone.

All children 13 and younger must participate in a swimming skills test and will be assigned a green, yellow or red band. These bands assist our certified lifeguards in keeping our inexperienced swimmers safe. All swimmers will be asked to retest annually. Additionally, aquatics staff reserve the right to retest at any time if deemed necessary.

Thank you for your cooperation.

RED BAND  
SWIM TEST (without flotation assistance)

Youth who choose not to take a swim test
Those who are progressing toward the yellow and green band requirements
FAMILY POOL ACCESS (zero-depth entry)

Play and practice your swimming skills
Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket
AND
Stay within arms reach of parent/guardian while actively practicing swimming skills
Slide use permitted once green band is achieved
COMPETITION POOL ACCESS

Play and practice your swimming skills
Wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket
AND
Stay within arms reach of parent/guardian while actively practicing swimming skills
Use of diving board is permitted once green band is achieved.

YELLOW BAND 
SWIM TEST (without flotation assistance)

Shallow end, swim on front in horizontal position
Swim half the length of a 25-yard pool
Jump in feet first and touch bottom of pool. Surface and tread water for at least 30 seconds
FAMILY POOL ACCESS (zero-depth entry)

Play and practice your swimming skills
May swim in designated open area
Parent/guardian remains on pool deck at all times.
Slide use permitted once green band is achieved
COMPETITION POOL ACCESS

Play and practice your swimming skills
Swim and play in shallow end, no deeper than 5 feet
Parent/guardian remains on pool deck at all times
Use of diving board is permitted once green band is achieved

GREEN BAND 
SWIM TEST (without flotation assistance)

Swim 25 yards with horizontal movement and arms out of the water
Jump in feet first and touch bottom of pool. Surface and tread water for 1 minute
FAMILY POOL ACCESS (zero-depth entry)

Play and practice your swimming skills
May swim anywhere in pool
Parent/guardian remains on pool deck at all times if child is younger than 12
May use the slide

COMPETITION POOL ACCESS

Play and practice your swimming skills
May swim anywhere in the pool.
Parent/guardian remains on pool deck at all times if child is younger than 12
May use the diving board
* Because our pools vary in depth, a swimmer assessed in a shallow pool may be asked to repeat an assessment at a deeper pool.