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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 seven years or older will take a swim test, earn a swim band, and 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 between the ages of seven and twelve needs to take a swim test. Children six and under will automatically receive a red band.

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.

A red information banner with the heading "RED BAND" followed by the text: "Ages 6 & under must have adult supervision in the water. All others must have a parent in the pool area." On the right side, there is an icon of an adult holding a child's hand, both standing in water, symbolizing supervision.A yellow information banner with the heading "YELLOW BAND" followed by the text: "Must remain in shallow water & have parent in pool area or facility." On the right side, there is an icon of an adult and a child standing in water, symbolizing supervision in shallow areas.A blue information banner with the heading "BLUE BAND" followed by the text: "May swim in water up to 4½ ft. Ages 7 – 10 must have parent in facility." On the right side, there is an icon of a person standing in water, representing the allowed swim depth.A green information banner with the heading "GREEN BAND" followed by the text: "Must pass swim test, may swim in all areas. Ages 7 – 10 must have parent in facility." On the right side, there is an icon of a person swimming, symbolizing full access to the pool after passing a swim test.

Swim Band Requirements

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

A two-column chart outlining swim band requirements and responsibilities for red and yellow bands. The "RED" column details: - Swim Band Requirements: Non-swimmers and youth members not 48 inches tall. - Parent Responsibility: - Ages 6 months to 6 years: Parent/caregiver must be within arm's reach. - Ages 7 to 10 years: Parent/caregiver must be actively supervising in the pool. - Ages 11 to 12 years: Parent/caregiver must be in the pool area. - Designated Swim Areas: May swim in water that does not surpass the chest or within arm's reach of a parent/caregiver. The "YELLOW" column details: - Swim Band Requirements: Non-swimmers and youth members 48 inches tall. - Parent Responsibility: - Ages 7 to 10 years: Parent/caregiver must be in the pool area. - Ages 11 to 12 years: Parent/caregiver must be in the facility. - May swim in water greater than 3½ ft with supervision within arm’s reach.A two-column chart outlining swim band requirements and responsibilities for blue and green bands. The "BLUE" column details: - Can adequately perform the following skills without stopping: - Jump into pool. - Tread water for 30 seconds. - Swim ½ length of the pool unassisted using a defined front crawl or breaststroke. - Perform a 10-second back float & 10-second front float with face in the water, pull self to an upright position, and exit the pool. - Red band is required for ages 6 & under. - Parent Responsibility: - Ages 7 to 10 years: Parent/caregiver must be in the facility. - Ages 11 to 12 years: Youth member may be in the facility unaccompanied. - May swim in water up to 4½ ft and use slides that drop into water 4½ ft or less if height requirements are met. The "GREEN" column details: - Can adequately perform the following skills without stopping: - Jump into pool. - Tread water for one minute. - Swim one length of the pool unassisted using a defined front crawl or breaststroke. - Perform a 10-second back float & 10-second front float with face in the water, pull self to an upright position, and exit the pool. - Red band is required for ages 6 & under. - Parent Responsibility: - Ages 7 to 10 years: Parent/caregiver must be in the facility. - Ages 11 to 12 years: Youth member may be in the facility unaccompanied. - May swim in any depth of water and use slides if height requirements are met. - Green band tests not available at some locations (e.g., Tri-Lakes, Memorial Park, Cottonwood Creek due to pool depth).

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 to14 years.
  • Over 500 drownings take place in guarded pools every year.
  • Most aquatic incidents happen in shallow (three - 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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