About the Denver YMCA’s Swim Test
Who is required to take a swim test?
Swim tests are required for anyone who wishes to enter water deeper than chest level and whose swimming ability is not already known to the on-duty lifeguards. NOTE: If a lifeguard sees an individual getting tired or having trouble in deep water, they will ask the individual to stay in shallow water even if they have passed a swim test.
Pool Age Requirements:
- 7 years & under: Parent/adult supervision required in pool at all times.
- 8 – 9 years: Parent/adult must be in the facility; child must pass swim test to be in deep water by themselves.
- 10+ years: No parent/adult supervision required unless in deep water and cannot pass swim test.
How is the swim test conducted?
During a swim test, the individual must:
- Jump in pool
- Submerge
- Tread water for 1 minute
- Swim one length of the pool on their front and
- Exit the pool without using the ladder
Swim Test Guidelines
Swim Test Includes:
- Individuals must swim the length of the pool.
- Be able to move from the vertical to the horizontal and from the horizontal to the vertical.
- Tread Water for 1 minute
- All Individuals who pass the swim test will be identifiable as to passing the test with a wrist band or a mark.
- Swimmers are tested and once they pass are recorded on a log.
If an individual does not pass the swim test they must have on a pre-approved Personal Flotation device and they must be in arms reach of an adult 18 years or older.
The swim test is conducted for all Birthday parties or outside groups no matter what.
When are swim tests conducted?
- If we do not know the swimming ability of an individual
- If they will be in water greater than chest deep.
- The lifeguard can not conduct a swim test and be guarding the pool at the same time.
- We can retest at any time if a lifeguard thinks they need to be retested.
How long does the swim test take?
Swim tests take approximately 2-5 minutes to complete.
Why is treading water part of the swim test?
Treading water is important, as it allows individuals to stay afloat in deeper areas, as well as helps build endurance, strength and confidence in the water, ensuring safety in various aquatic activities. When spending time in a pool, people are often positioned vertically, so they need to be able to tread water, have the endurance to tread for one minute and possess the strength to transition from a vertical to a horizontal position to move forward the length of the pool.
Treading water is also a key water safety skill, as it allows for:
1. Situational Awareness: Treading water allows you to keep your head above the surface and maintain a vertical position. This provides better visibility of your surroundings, which is crucial in emergencies for spotting rescue opportunities or avoiding hazards.
2. Active Movement: When you tread water, you are actively moving your limbs. This can be advantageous in situations where you need to stay in one place, signal for help or navigate toward safety.
3. Buoyancy Control: Treading water gives you more control over your buoyancy, allowing you to adjust your position in the water. This can be important in rough conditions or when you need to stay afloat for extended periods. Being able to switch between treading water and floating on your back increases overall safety in the water. This is why we test the ability to move from a horizontal to a vertical position.