YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region

A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
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Swim Guidelines

The Y is committed to providing safe, fun aquatic environments to our communities.

We follow the aquatic industry standards of test, mark, and protect. Every child will need to wear the appropriate band every time the use our pool facilities. Below, are our association-wide swim guidelines.

Swim Testing
Safety is our highest priority. Everyone under 4ft tall will be given a red band. Those over 4ft will be given a yellow band. Anyone under the age of 11 can take a green band swim test and upon turning 11 the swimmer will age out of the Swim Band System. 

A Family Who Swims Together, Stays Together
Adult supervision of kids is important as it allows our lifeguards and aquatic safety staff to focus on the water, and keeping everyone safe. Children ages six and under must be accompanied by an adult. Children ages seven to ten must have a parent or caregiver in the facility.

Swim Band Requirements

The Y is committed to providing safe, and fun aquatic environments to our communities.

The process for turning in your swim band card and picking up your swim band at check-in may differ by location. Please check with the front desk at your local YMCA for their specific procedure.

Red
  • Under 48 inches
PARENT RESPONSIBILITY
  • Parent/caregiver must be within arm’s reach of the child
  • Parent/caregiver may supervise no more than two red band children, and one child must wear a life jacket.
  • Exceptions for three or more red bands may be granted by aquatics leadership, in which case all must wear life jackets.
DESIGNATED SWIM AREAS
  • Must swim with parent/caregiver within arm’s reach at all times
SLIDE RULES
  • Allowed on Tri-Lakes slide only.
YELLOW
  • 48 inches or over
PARENT RESPONSIBILITY
  • Parent/caregiver must be within arm’s reach of the child
  • Parent/caregiver may supervise no more than two red band children, and one child must wear a life jacket.
  • Exceptions for three or more red bands may be granted by aquatics leadership, in which case all must wear life jackets.

 

DESIGNATED SWIM AREAS
  • May swim in water up to 3.5ft. May swim in water greater than 3.5ft with parent/caregiver within arm’s reach at all times.
SLIDE RULES
  • Allowed on Tri-Lakes slide only.
GREEN
  • No height requirement. Must pass the swim test.
Swim Test
  • Jump into pool.
  • Do 1 bob.
  • Tread water for 30 sec.
  • Swim one length of the pool unassisted using a defined front crawl or breaststroke.
  • Perform a 10-second back float
  • Pull self to an upright position and exit the pool.

 

PARENT RESPONSIBILITY
  • Up to 10 years old
  • Parent/caregiver must be in the facility
  • 11-12 years old
  • Youth member may be in the facility unaccompanied.
DESIGNATED SWIM AREAS
  • Must swim with parent/caregiver within arm’s reach at all times
SLIDE RULES
  • Must meet height requirement to use slides.

Life Jacket Policy

A parent/caregiver may not have more than two red band children in their care. One child will be required to wear a life jacket. Each pool has a limited supply of life jackets. You are welcome to bring your own life jacket(s). Life jackets must be Coast Guard-approved.

Water Safety

Facts

  • 3,700+ people drown each year, of which 1,500 are children.
  • Drowning remains the second-leading cause of injury-related death for children ages one to 14 years.
  • Over 500 drownings take place in guarded pools every year.
  • Most aquatic incidents happen in shallow (three to five feet) water.

Best Policies

  • Protect non-swimmers, especially younger children, by restricting them to the shallow end and adding additional layers of protection.
  • Swim test and designate swim areas based on participants' swimming abilities.
  • Supervise every non-swimmer actively, within arm's reach of a parent or caregiver.

Safe Pools Have Rules

  • Always walk in the pool area.
  • Food, gum, and glass containers are prohibited.
  • Swimsuits are required. Swim diapers must be worn for non-potty-trained children.
  • Horseplay, wrestling, roughhousing, and foul language are not permitted.
  • Children ages six and younger must be within arm's reach of a parent or caregiver.
  • A parent/caregiver may only supervise two red band children at a time. One of the children must remain in a life jacket at all times.
  • All flotation devices must be Coast Guard-approved.
  • Underwater distance swimming and breath-holding are not permitted.
  • Swim equipment shall be used during lap swimming and aquatic programs only.
  • Diving is permitted only in areas with at least nine feet of water.
  • For patron safety, lifeguards have final discretion.
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YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region, a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization.
Association Offices: 207 North Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
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