KEEPING KIDS SAFE IN THE WATER The YMCA of Central Kentucky is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable pool experience for all. Any child 12 or under must complete the YMCA swim skills assessment and will be assigned a green, yellow or red swim band. These bands assist our certified lifeguards in keeping our inexperienced swimmers safe.   

All children under the age of 10 must have an adult 16 or older on the deck with them at all times, unless they are in a swim lesson or at a swim team practice. Please get your child’s wristband at the Member Service Desk. All swim tests will need to be retaken once a year.

RED BAND

Children who cannot demonstrate the required skills or do not wish to participate in the assessment will be classified as non-experienced and will be given a red swim band.

Swimmers that do not pass the yellow or green band testing or those that decline to take it will be considered Red Band or non-experienced swimmers. Red Banded swimmers will:  Only be allowed in the shallow area of the pool.  Require active adult supervision within arms length.  MUST be in a Coast Guard Approved flotation device (PFD). What is considered safe adult supervision?  Age 16 or older.  Actively watching swimmers in the water within arms length.  Supervise no more than 2 non-swimmers.

YELLOW BAND

A yellow band determines that the swimmer is shallow water competent (no PFD) and allows swimmers to swim in the shallow areas up to arm pit deep or less.

To receive a Yellow Band, swimmers must demonstrate the following skills:  Float on back for 30 seconds and regain vertical position on their own OR Tread water for 30 seconds.  Swim half the length of the pool, turn around and swim back on stomach unassisted.

GREEN BAND

A green band allows swimmers to use entire area of the pool. If the lifeguard feels there needs to be another swim test, or if a swimmer is struggling, they may do so at their discretion.

To receive a green Band, swimmers must demonstrate the following skills:  Jump in deep water and return to the surface.  Swim the half the length of the pool, turn around and swim back unassisted with either front crawl or breaststroke.  Float on back for 30 seconds and regain vertical position on their own.  Tread water for one minute with ears and face above water at all times.  Exit the pool without assistance.

Thank you for your cooperation. Together, we keep kids safe in and around water.

4/2015

POOL RULES and GUIDELINES YMCA of Central Kentucky         

The lifeguard has sole authority over the entire pool area. He/she must be obeyed if a rule interpretation is made or deemed an activity to be unsafe. All red band swimmers must be accompanied by a responsible adult within arms distance in the pool and remain in the shallow end. No prolonged breath holding. Diving is only permitted in 9 feet of water. No floatation devices that require air may be used . Must be U.S. Coast Guard Approved. Proper bathing attire is required at all times: swim suit/swim trunks. Children under the age of 3 must be potty trained or wear a swim diaper. Persons with open wounds or any infectious communicable diseases are not allowed in the pool. Show respect: no running, rough horseplay, dunking or pushing into the water.

Diving Board Rules:         

One person on the board at a time. One bounce. Go straight off the end of the board. No inward dives. (divers head must go away from the board) Clear the diving area quickly by swimming to the closest ladder. Non-swimmers (Red & Yellow Band swimmers) may not use the diving boards. Nobody may attempt to catch anybody at the diving area. No floatation devices may be worn off the diving boards. Do not swing on the handrails. No goggles, water shoes, or t-shirts may be worn while going off the boards.

Locker Rooms:   

Only adults accompanied by a child are allowed to use the family locker rooms. All others should use the adult men’s/women’s 19+ locker rooms. Children 7 & older should use gender appropriate Family Locker Rooms. Out of respect for youth using their respective locker rooms, all adults should remain covered in open areas while utilizing this space with their children. We appreciate you being respectful of our younger members and adhering to these rules.

Guest Policy:      

Guests must check in at the front desk inside the YMCA, not at the pool gate. Members will receive a one month free membership for all referrals made to the Y that result in a membership. Members may bring ONE guest at a time and as often as they wish throughout the year, but the same guest is limited to two visits. Members age 16 or older may host a guest in the facility. A guest/family may visit the YMCA of Central Kentucky two times in 12 months. Guests who have already visited twice in a year will be charged a $25 guest fee per visit.

Chairs Chairs are available on a first come first served basis. Please do not put any chairs in the pool.