Swim Test Policy and Rules
Anyone under the age of 12 is required to perform a safety swim test in front of one of our certified Lifeguards. This policy is aimed at identifying the swimming capability of our younger patrons to ensure their safety as well as the safety of other members. Each test level is pass/fail and may be retaken one more time per day. After passing the test, the swimmer’s full name and most recent level will be kept in our log book for one year.
Red Band
The swimmer refused to take the test or did not pass the test. This is a non-swimmer and must have a parent in the water within arms’ reach even if they are wearing a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device. No more than two children per adult.
Yellow Band
The swimmer must jump into deep water, tread water for 30 seconds, float on his or her back 30 seconds and then swim forward across half the length of the pool continuously. The swimmer may use any stroke or method that provides continuous forward movement without touching the bottom of the pool. If they swim underwater they must break the surface regularly to breathe. The swimmer does not have to use any specific breathing pattern or technique.
Access to shallow end slides at the Lafayette Y if height requirement is met (see slide rules) and access to shallow end at the Boulder and Longmont Ys.
Green Band
The swimmer must jump into deep water, tread water for 30 seconds, float on his or her back 30 seconds and then swim forward the length of the pool without touching the bottom of the pool. The swimmer may use any stroke or method that provides continuous forward movement without touching the bottom of the pool. If they swim underwater they must break the surface regularly to breathe. The swimmer does not have to use any specific breathing pattern or technique.
Swimmers with green bands are granted access to the diving boards and slides at the Lafayette Y and to the full pool at the Longmont and Boulder Ys.
The determination of swimming capabilities and band color of all swimmers is at the discretion of the Lifeguards or the supervisor on duty. At any time, a Lifeguard or supervisor may retest or revoke the permissions of any swimmer for safety concerns or policy violation.