Aquatics

Campers have a swim evaluation as part of their orientation and tour of camp on the first days of each session. Blue (exceptional) swimmers must swim six lengths of the swim area (about 240 yards), jump into deep water, tread water for one minute, and then tread and/or float for nine additional minutes. White (intermediate) swimmers must complete the same evaluation as Blue swimmers, except that they swim four lengths (about 160 yards instead of six lengths). Red is our beginner swimmer classification. We urge timid swimmers and those who may need stroke improvement to take lessons prior to camp at their local YMCA.

Swim colors will be posted on your Camp-In-Touch account under the ‘News’ section. If you have questions please email Anna at annav@mcgawymca.org

At times, participants in Leadership, Wilderness, and Adventure Trip programs swim in lakes and rivers away from camp. Any teen unable to achieve the White level during evaluation must understand that their swimming activities will be restricted in those locations. Additionally, all participants wear a lifejacket while boating or swimming in any body of water with an undesignated swimming area.

We expect all participants on water-based Adventure Trips to qualify as Blue swimmers. Please email Charlie at charless@mcgwaymca.org if you anticipate a problem.

Campers spend most of their time on Camp Echo’s peninsula, surrounded by water, and many activities are water-based. As a YMCA camp located on a lake, we have long advocated for water safety. Participants not able to achieve the Blue swimmer level are required to take swim lessons as one of their Camptivities. There are opportunities to repeat the evaluation throughout the session and campers are switched into new Camptivities if appropriate. Note: Campers must be Blue or White swimmers to participate in Water Skiing, Sailing, Boating & Canoeing & Paddle Boarding.