February 2023 Lifeguard In-service Topic
Pool Rules, Policies and Swim Band Testing
Below is an excerpt from the Cook County Community YMCA lifeguard manual outlining all current policies and procedures. Please look through this manual excerpt and following key information carefully as there are several policy changes new to 2023.
Pool Area Rules and Policies
Key Changes to Rules and Policies
The below list outlines several changes and key rules and policies that are not being consistently enforced. This list is not an exhaustive list of rules and policies for the pool area. Please read through manual excerpt above for the complete list or rules and policies. It is crucial that all lifeguards enforce all rules and policies equally and fairly. When rules and policies are not enforced equally by all guards, it creates safety issues for swimmers, confusion for children and youths and trust issues for members who ask why one guard is 'nice' and lets them break the rules while another guard is 'strict' and enforces them.
Updated Rules and Policies:
Key Rules and Policies that need better enforcement:
Updated Rules and Policies:
- Swimmers may not use the starting blocks/ platforms during open or lap swim. These training tools may only be used during YMCA programs while under the supervision of a YMCA swim coach or swim instructor.
- Swimmers must be 48" tall in order to use the water slide. Swimmers who are not 48" tall may not use the slide even if they have passed the swim band test.
Key Rules and Policies that need better enforcement:
- All age requirements for the hot tub and sauna. Children and youths under 16 years of age cannot enter the hot tub or sauna (even with parent supervision), sit on the edge or stairs of the hot tub (including dipping feet and hands in or being splashed by parents or guardians) or stand in the open sauna door.
- Pool age requirements. Children age 0 - 6 must have an adult in the water with them within arms reach even if they are wearing a lifejacket or puddle jumper. Parents may not leave a child under 7 in the water alone in order to use the hot tub or sauna.
- Showering rules. All those who enter the pool or hot tub must shower beforehand enter and whenever they change from one to the other; this includes after using the sauna.
POOL AREA AGE REQUIRMENTS AND POLICIES
Swim Band Testing
Purpose of the test
The purpose of the wristband test at the Cook County YMCA is to ensure swimmers are able to remain safe in water over their head. Not all pools are the same and therefore not all swim tests are the same. The test used at Cook County is designed based on the specific layout and obstacles present in the facility. Swimmers who have earned a wristband at other YMCAs, including other Duluth branches, will still need to take a test at Cook County in order to earn their wristband for our facility.
Once a wristband is earned, members can have it recorded in the YMCA's online member check-in system. Non-members and members of other YMCA locations will need to retake the swim test at each visit.
Once a wristband is earned, members can have it recorded in the YMCA's online member check-in system. Non-members and members of other YMCA locations will need to retake the swim test at each visit.
The test
Plunge: Jump feet-first into deep water and return to the surface.
Swim: Begin swimming toward the shallow end of the pool for 15 yards. The swimmer should swim in a strong manner with an over-arm recovery (front crawl). The swimmer's body should remain horizontal and their movement should be strong and purposeful.
Tread or Float: Float or tread at the 5' line for 20 seconds. The swimmer should remain calm and comfortable through the duration of the tread or float. The swimmer's face should remain above the water the entire time.
Swim: Continue swimming toward the shallow end and safely exit the pool using the side or stairs.
Swim: Begin swimming toward the shallow end of the pool for 15 yards. The swimmer should swim in a strong manner with an over-arm recovery (front crawl). The swimmer's body should remain horizontal and their movement should be strong and purposeful.
Tread or Float: Float or tread at the 5' line for 20 seconds. The swimmer should remain calm and comfortable through the duration of the tread or float. The swimmer's face should remain above the water the entire time.
Swim: Continue swimming toward the shallow end and safely exit the pool using the side or stairs.
Swimmers vs. Non-Swimmers
Non-Swimmers
Any child under the age of 15 who has not passed or has not taken the swim band test is a non-swimmer and should abide by the below rules:
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Swimmers
Any child who has passed the swim band test is considered a swimmer and should abide by the below rules:
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Frequently Asked Questions
My child forgot to grab their wristband on their way in, can you give them one? |
Swimmers who do not come into the pool area wearing a wristband have two options:
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My child has passed the swim test at another YMCA, can you give them a wristband? |
No. Every YMCA has different swim testing procedure that are unique to their facility. Swimmers should take the test for the Cook County YMCA before receiving their wristband.
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My child's wristband is not recorded in the system, now what? |
If the guest is not a member of the YMCA or is a member of a different YMCA then their wristband will not be recorded in our system and they will need to take the test each time they come to the Cook County Community YMCA.
If the guest is a member of the Cook County Community YMCA they will still need to take the swim test again, but you should remind them to show their wristband to the front desk as they leave for the day. The lifeguard does not record who has or has not completed the test. It is the responsibility of the member to show their wristband to the front desk on their way out after earning it. |
Can wristbands be Taken away? |
Yes. If at any time a lifeguard feels that a swimmer no longer meets the swimming skill requirements, they may be asked to re-take the swim test. If the swimmer is unable to pass the swim test during their re-test then their wristband will be revoked until they are able to pass the test again.
As youths grow, changes in body composition and muscle mass can affect the ability for a swimmer to successfully complete a swim test. |
My child is cold, can they warm up in the hot tub or sauna? |
No. Children under the age of 16 may not enter the hot tub or sauna regardless of if a parent or adult guardian accompanies them.
Children who are cold are welcome to take warm showers in the locker room area to warm up. |
My child uses the hot tub or sauna at my home/ another ymca/ a hotel/ etc. why can't they here? |
It is the Duluth Area Family YMCA's policy that no child or youth under the age of 16 may enter a hot tub or sauna on YMCA property. This policy is mandated by our insurance company and is in alignment with current safety standards for safe pool use.
Children and youths are particularly susceptible to overheating when exposed to high temperatures even for short periods of time. Overheating in children and youths may lead to seizures and other life threatening conditions much quicker than for an adult. |
I forgot my swim suit, can my child under 7 still swim without me with a lifejacket on if they stay in the shallow area? |
No. It is the Duluth Area Family YMCA's policy that no child or youth under the age of 7 may enter the pool without a parent or adult guardian in the water with them even if they are wearing a lifejacket unless they are participating in a YMCA lead program and accompanied by a YMCA teacher, childcare provider, instructor or coach.
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Can my 10 - 17 year old child act as a guardian in the pool for my 0 - 9 year old child? |
No. All child under 10 must have an adult (18+) parent or guardian present in the pool (0 - 6) or in the pool area for (7 - 9).
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