Open Swim Schedules
Dive into a fun and challenging workout at the pool!
What makes swimming at the Y so awesome?
Swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise all ages can enjoy. During Open Swim we offer a variety of ways members can get involved, like: lap swimming, water walking, family swim, PFD free time, and more!
Watch the video to explore all you need to know about swimming at the Y.
Ready to learn to swim?
The YMCA offers swim lessons for all ages and abilities. Whether you want to improve your confidence around water or are learning to swim for the first time, we have certified instructors to help every swimmer.
Swim Policies
The health and safety of our members is central to the mission of the Y! As such, we require swim tests for all children who visit our pools and have implemented supervision policies to ensure everyone has a great time. Children who pass one of our swim tests will be given wrist bands to allow them to play independently in the pool.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our team.
Designated Swim Times
Each branch has designated swim times when members can enjoy the pool for Lap Swim, Water Walking, and Open Swim. During these times, members should understand the expectations of participating swimmers. The descriptions below outline those expectations for each activity.
Lap Swim
Lap Swim is for members who wish to use the pool for personal workouts. While swimming, the participant should maintain continuous forward movement for the entire length of the pool without the assistance of a PFD. Swimmers 12 years old and under need to have passed the green band test to swim laps. Swimmers may be asked to share a lane or circle swim based on the number of lap swimmers.
Water Walking
Water Walking is for members who are looking for a low impact exercise or to use the pool for therapy or improved mobility. During designated Water Walking hours, only members over the age of 12 may utilize the pool.
Family Swim
Family Swim is an opportunity for members to use the pool for recreation. During Family or Open Swim hours, all members regardless of swimming ability may utilize our pools.
Pool Supervision Requirements
All children under the age of 12 must be under adult supervision while using the pool, in addition to the supervision of our trained YMCA lifeguards. Adults supervising these child(ren) must be 18 years or older and have an active YMCA membership. However, adults accompanying their child to a swim lesson program are not required to have a Y membership.
- Children 6 and under: Must be supervised in the water even after successful completion of the shallow or deep-water test. Adults supervising these child(ren) must be 18 years or older and have an active YMCA membership.
- Children 7-11: Do not have to be supervised by an adult in the water unless they cannot pass the shallow water test. If they pass the test, an adult must supervise but can remain on the pool deck. If the child cannot pass the shallow water test, in-water supervision by an adult is required. Adults supervising these child(ren) must be 18 years or older and have an active YMCA membership.
Swim Tests
All children 16 and under (members and guests) will be swim tested and marked with a colored wrist band. Children who have been swim tested must verify their swimming ability on subsequent visits by wearing the wrist band or be re-tested. Swimmers of any age may also be swim tested at the discretion of the lifeguard.
Shallow Water Swim Test – Orange Band
Swimmers must be able to maneuver from a vertical position to a horizontal position on their front and back, and then return to a vertical position, swim 10 yards on front, maintaining positive body position (legs should not drop past 45 degree angle).
Children who pass the Shallow Water Test will:
- Wear an orange wrist band
- Stay in the shallow end of the pool
Children who can’t pass the Shallow Water Test will:
- Stay in the shallow end of the pool
- Be supervised in the water by an adult or teen within arm’s length
- Wear a coastguard approved PFD (personal flotation device) if between the ages of 12 months up to 12 years and be identified by wearing a red wrist band - PFDs are not required in bodies of water less than 2 feet in depth
- Children ages 12-16 who cannot pass the shallow water test will be required to wear a red wrist band and remain in the shallow end of the pool, no deeper than armpit depth
Deep Water Swim Test – Green Band
Participant must be able to maneuver from a vertical position to a horizontal position on their front and back, then swim half of a length of the pool, arm over arm front crawl with their face in the water into deep water, maintaining positive body position (legs should not drop past 45 degree angle), tread for 1 minute, swim the remainder of the length, exit the pool without assistance, and jump into the deep end. Swimmer may not rest or stop during the test. If the participant cannot complete all aspects of the test, the test is failed.
Children who pass the Deep Water Test will:
- Wear a green wrist band
- Be allowed to swim anywhere in the pool
Lightning
If there is thunder or lightning within 15 miles of the facility, all pools, decks, and bath house areas will be cleared immediately. We may reopen pools 30 minutes after the last sight of lightning or sound of thunder.
Glass Bottles
Glass is not permitted anywhere in the pool area. Incidents of broken glass may result in the Y needing to drain and clean the affected pool.
