Aquatics Center Age Guidelines
Swim Activities Age Guidelines
Lap Swim
Lap Swim/Open Swim (4- and 6-Lane Pool) is for members age 14 and older. It is recreational pool time for members who wish to use the pool for swimming, stretching and general exercising. Lane lines are set up during this time.
Youth Lap Swim/Open Swim (6-Lane Pool) is for youth ages 8-13. During Youth Lap Swim, reservations will be open to two swimmers per lane and split the lane down the middle. All swimmers must pass a swim test before beginning their session.
Family membership required. A parent/guardian on the family membership is required to stay in the aquatic center, either on the bleachers or on the upper-level observation deck.
Swim Test Policy
All youth are required to take the swim test consisting of the following elements before being permitted to begin their session.
- Swim 50 yards without stopping. One lap must be freestyle, second lap can be choice.
- Youth must complete the swim test each time they come to the pool for Youth Lap Swim.
Youth Open Swim
Youth Open Swim (4-Lane Pool)Â is for youth ages 8-13. During Youth Open Swim, the pool will be split with safety ropes to mark drop off areas in the middle and deep end of the pool. All swimmers must pass a swim test before they can swim past the first safety rope (see below).
Family membership required. A parent/guardian on the family membership is required to stay in the aquatic center, either on the bleachers or on the upper-level observation deck.
Family Swim Time
Family Swim (4-Lane Pool) is recreational pool time for parents/guardians accompanying children ages 6 months – 13 years old in the water. Reservation is by family (up to 5 family members). Only one adult age 18+ from your household should make a reservation in McGaw Y MindBody. No one under 14 is permitted without a parent/adult family member in the water, and adults unaccompanied by children are not permitted.
Swim Test Policy for Youth Open Swim & Family Swim
Youth who are age 13 and under are required to take the swim test consisting of the following elements before using the pool. For Family Swim, this applies to youth who are under age 13 and under who want to swim past the first safety rope.Â
- The youth must swim the length of the pool (25 yards from the shallow end to the deep end) on their stomach.
- They must demonstrate basic technique of front crawl or breaststroke with the ability to put their face in the water.
- Then they must climb out, jump in the deep end, and fully submerge themselves.
- Finally, they must be able to tread water or float on their back for 30 seconds.
- The lifeguard has final discretion on passing grade.
- Upon successfully passing the deep-water swim test, youth are given a bracelet that is returned at the end of Family Swim.
- Youth who are 13 years old and under must complete the swim test each time they come to the pool for Youth Open Swim and Family Swim.
Aquatics Center Guidelines
We have established the following guidelines for pool use and participation in swimming programs and activities.
Family Swim Guidelines
The following guidelines are in place for reservations and participation in family swim time in our pools.
Lap Swim Guidelines
The following guidelines are in place for reservations and participation in lap swimming in our pools.
Swim Lesson Guidelines
We have established the following guidelines for participation in group swimming lessons at the McGaw YMCA.