Visiting the pool is a great family activity, and the Y makes sure families can enjoy swimming together. We reserve “Open Swim” time in our pools every day so that individuals and families can enjoy time to play, splash and swim laps together.
Please note that safety is our highest priority and that we require children to be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Find your Y branch to see available Open Swim times.
Lap Swimming
Our Ys typically keep at least one lap lane reserved in pools at all times, and have dedicated lap swimming times throughout the day. You can always find Lap Swimming information posted on every branch’s daily pool schedules.
As a courtesy, please use the “circle swim” technique when more than three swimmers are in your lane. Find your Y branch to see Lap Swim times.
Safety is our highest priority
Adult Supervision of Children
Adult supervision of kids is really important to us, because it allows our lifeguards and aquatic safety staff to focus on the water, keeping everyone safe. Any child under the age of 13 who is not accompanied by an adult (wearing a bathing suit) during recreational swim time will not be permitted in the pool.
Swim Testing
Any swimmer under 18 years of age must take 1 of the 2 swim tests during recreational swims. Adults may be asked to take a swim test at the lifeguard’s discretion.
Deep End Test
- Swim one length of the pool or equivalent.
- Tread water without touching the pool sides & bottom for 1 minute.
- Deep Water Plunge: Swimmer must jump into the deep end and recover to the surface.
Shallow Water Test
- Float on back and roll to front.
- Recover from floating position to standing position.
Swimmers who cannot pass either test or refuse to take either test will be issued a Personal Flotation Device (PFD). Parents with multiple children may work/play with children within arm’s reach if they are 1:1.
Swimmers will be issued a wrist band designating the area in which they may swim. (Red – shallow with PFD, Yellow – shallow PFD not required, Green – access to all areas).