TEST

DEEP WATER SWIM TEST: Consecutively without resting, child must:

• PLUNGE: Jump into water that is over his/her head and easily return to the surface.
• TREAD: Keep head above water while treading for one (1) minute.
• SWIM: Swim one length of the pool (25 yards) unassisted and without resting. Maintain freestyle position with face in the water.

SHALLOW WATER SLIDE TEST: Consecutively without resting, child must:

• PLUNGE: Jump into water that is over his/her head and easily return to the surface.
• TREAD: Keep head above water while treading for 30 seconds.
• SWIM: Swim 10 yards unassisted and without resting. Maintain freestyle position with face in the
  water.

MARK

• GREEN BAND: Swimmers that pass the DEEP WATER TEST may access all pool areas.
• YELLOW BAND (Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA only): Non-swimmer ages 12 or younger may test for the SHALLOW WATER SLIDE TEST and may access designated red & yellow zones. At this level, children may swim anywhere in the Family Fun Pool with an adult 18 years or older on deck. However, child must be accompanied in the Warm Water Pool by an actively engaged adult 18 years or older within arms reach. No PFD’s on slide.
• RED BAND: Non-swimmers ages 12 or younger who do not take or pass the swim test. Child will be limited to designated red zones and must be accompanied in the water by an actively engaged adult 18 years or older within arm’s reach.

PROTECT

• All non-swimmers (YELLOW/RED wrist bands) 12 and younger must be accompanied in the water by an actively engaged adult 18 years or older within arm’s reach.
• The YMCA will make available and highly recommends the use of a US Coast Guard approved Life Jacket (PFD) in addition to requiring reach supervision (ONLY US Coast Guard approved Life Jackets permitted).
• One adult can be responsible for no more than 3 non-swimmers during open swim; PFD required.

1. What is the Test, Mark & Protect program?
   Aquatic safety at our pools is our first priority. Test, Mark & Protect is an aquatic safety program designed to identify children 12 and under that are most at risk, non-swimmers. Through participating in a swim test, non-swimmers are identified and directed towards designated non-swimmer shallow areas with arms reach adult supervision.
2. When can my child take this swim test or get banded?
   Check your local branch for details.
   Butler YMCA 724-287-4733
   Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA 724-452-9122
3. Does my child have to retest every time they come to swim?
   No. Children who pass the test will have their results recorded in our system and retesting is not required. However, children will need to check in at the membership desk each time they come into swim to receive their swim band. Lifeguards reserve the right to retest anyone who gives concern at any time.
4. My child is on the swim team, does they really need to take the swim test?
   Children who are members of RES Riptide are already in our system and do not need to take the test. Children who participate on other swim teams who want to swim in our pools will still need to take the test.
5. My child didn’t pass the swim test. When can they retake it?
   Children who do not pass the swim test may retake the test the following day.
6. My child is under 1 year, do I still need to get they a band? No. Children under the age of 1 do not need a band. Still, the child must have adult reach supervision in the pool at all times and the YMCA highly recommends the use of a US Coast Guard approved lifejacket.
7. Can I take my child into the deep end (Green Zone) if they can’t swim?
   No. For safety reasons we require that non-swimmers children remain in designated areas based on their swimming ability in addition to adult supervision and highly recommend the use of a US Coast Guard approved lifejacket.
8. If I am participating in a birthday party, rental, or camp must my child participate in a swim test?
   No. Individuals that identify themselves as non-swimmers are marked accordingly and not required to take the swim test. As a non-swimmer they are restricted to shallow water (Red Zones) in addition to other layers of protection and adult supervision. If a child 12 and under would like to swim in Green or Yellow Zones he/she must pass the appropriate swim test prior to entering the water. Individuals that have already taken the test may obtain their band from the Membership Desk. See branch for specific requirements.
9. Why is there a yellow band at the Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA?
   The Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA has a Family Fun Pool and Shallow Water Slide. Children that do not pass the green band swim test may take the yellow band Shallow Water Slide Test. Upon successful completion, the child may use the family fun pool and slide area with adult supervision from the deck area. However, the child will require reach supervision in the water if using the Warm Water Pool. When a yellow band attends another Butler County Family YMCA facility, he/she will need to wear a red band.
10. My child is 7 or under and has passed the swim test. Can they use the pool unsupervised?
    No. All children 7 and under, regardless of swimming ability, must be supervised in the aquatic facility at all times by an adult 18 and up.
11. When does my child have to wear a swim band?
    Anytime your child is in the water he/she must wear the appropriate swim band in addition to required supervision unless your child is under the direct supervision of a YMCA instructor. Likewise, if your child will be participating in open swim before or after a scheduled program (i.e. swim lessons) he/she must obtain the appropriate swim band and have the required level of adult supervisor.
12. If my child is using the Splash Pad at ARMCO Park does he/she require arms reach supervision?
    Due to the non-swimming nature of the Splash Pad, reach supervision isn’t required for children ages 3-12. All children 7 and under, regardless of swimming ability, must be supervised in the aquatic facility at all times by an adult 18 and up.