Tampa YMCA Swim Test Policy
It is recommended swimmers under the age of 14 take a swim test, unless actively participating in a supervised Aquatics Program. If a swimmer chooses not to take a swim test, they will be identified as a non-swimmer. Lifeguards will consider all swimmers under the age of 14 a non-swimmer unless they are identified with a green wrist band.
Swim Test Requirements and FAQ
- Jump into deep water & re-surface
- Tread water for 1 minute
- Swim 25 yards on their front
- Swimmers must be able to show forward movement. Stroke technique is not required to be perfect or pretty, but swimmer shows the ability to make forward progress.
- Should have a body position greater than 45 degrees, swimmers should not be vertical.
- Underwater swimming is not permitted, as this goes against our breath holding policy.
- Climb out of the pool without any assistance
- Will be issued a GREEN wrist band and will be required to wear the band if they wish to enter water above their armpits or utilize water slides.
- Water slides at our South Tampa YMCA and Spurlino YMCA will require swimmers to be 48 inches in height in addition to their green wrist band.
- Green band swimmers under the age of 12, will be required to have a supervising adult (18+ yrs) in the pool area at all times.
- Non-swimmers are not permitted in water above their armpits without adult supervision.
- Non-swimmers remaining in water below their arm pits are required to have a supervising adult (18+ yrs) within sight and sound. Non-swimmers are not permitted to utilize deep water or water slide attractions.
- Non-swimmers in water deeper than their arm pits will be required to wear a PFD and have supervising adult (18+ yrs) within arm’s reach.
- The supervising adult (18+ yrs) may choose whether or not to use a PFD, if they wish to work with the non-swimmer on their swimming ability.
- Regardless of swimming ability, children under the age of 5 years must have a supervising adult (18+ yrs) within arm’s reach at all times.
Every swimmer completing the swim test and receiving a “green band,” must be recorded using the Association approved template. Documentation must include the following items and kept on file until December 31st. Beginning January 1st, each year, swim test logs will be discarded and all members and guest will be asked to test again.
- Member or guest first and last name
- Member or guest date of birth (D.O.B)
- Location of swim test (i.e. YMCA location)
- Name of lifeguard performing/approving the swim test
Swimmers under the age of 14, are only required to take the swim test one time in the calendar year beginning January 1st and ending December 31st. Swim test will be valid for all Tampa YMCA locations.
- All swimmers who successfully complete the swim test (Green Band) are to have a member alert placed on their account in ActiveNet.
- This will provide a record of their swim test and will viewable by all Tampa YMCA locations. Record will include swim test date and location.
- Green swim bands may be distributed at the Welcome Center upon scanning in or pool side with a lifeguard.
Aquatic Directors, Leader on Duty (LOD) and lifeguards have the latitude on a case by case basis, to retest any swimmer with questionable swimming ability or if he/she has displayed, based on observation by the above staff, an inability to maintain minimal swim test skills.
- Example: a lifeguard has to provide assistance to a swimmer who previously pass the swim test.
- Example: a swimmer displays traits, actions, or behavior that may call into question their ability to complete the swim test.
Aquatic Directors, Leader on Duty (LOD) and lifeguards may request a swim test for any swimmer with questionable swimming ability when, in their opinion, there may be some physical or emotional condition that could create an unsafe situation.
In these cases, the lifeguard should contact their supervisor or LOD. The Aquatic Director will administer the swim test and work directly with the parent/guardian to ensure that every option is explored to all safe but fun enjoyment of the aquatic facility and features.
Camps and outside groups with swimmers under the age of 14 will be required to follow the above mentioned swim test policy. Tampa YMCA summer camps will provide time blocks leading up to each week of camp to allow for campers to take the swim test prior to their first day of camp.
Campers 7 years and younger will take the swim test each week they participate in camp. Their swim test will be documented each week of camp they attend. Campers 8 years and older will take the swim test on their first day of camp if they did not attend a pre camp swim test option. Their swim test information will be documented and may be used for the remainder of the summer.