Test, Mark, Protect

Swim testing helps us determine which areas of the pool are appropriate for your child’s swimming ability. It also gives our lifeguards a consistent way to identify swim levels and helps us maintain a safer environment for everyone.

Children under the age of 12 who can walk independently must have a swim level recorded in our system. If your child’s swim level isn’t on file, they’ll need to take a swim test. Infants and children who cannot walk independently will be given a RED swim band.

The YMCA may also ask any swimmer to take a test based on observations of their swimming ability.

Swim tests take approximately 5 minutes. Depending on the desired access, children will be asked to swim the length of the pool, tread water, float on their back, exit the pool, and jump into the pool.

GREEN → Full Pool Access

GREEN swim bands allow children to use designated pool areas, including lap lanes and deep water. To earn a GREEN swim band, swimmers must demonstrate the ability to:

• Swim the length of the pool.
• Tread water for 30 seconds.
• Float on their back for 30 seconds.
• Exit the pool without using a ladder.
• Jump into the deep end, swim, turn around, and grab the wall.

YELLOW → Shallow Water Access

YELLOW swim bands allow children to use designated shallow-water areas up to 4 feet deep. To earn a YELLOW swim band, swimmers must demonstrate the ability to:

• Swim 15 yards.
• Tread water for 15 seconds.
• Float on their back for 15 seconds.
• Exit the pool without using a ladder.
• Jump into water 4 feet deep, push off, turn around and grab the wall.

RED → Non-Swimmer

RED swim bands are for children who do not meet the requirements for a GREEN or YELLOW swim band, or have not yet completed a swim test. Children with RED swim bands must remain within arm’s reach of an adult while in the pool area. Additional support may be needed for children who cannot stand or walk independently in the water.

Yes. All children under 12 who can walk independently must have a recorded swim level or complete a swim test, regardless of their swimming experience.

Not necessarily. Once your child’s swim level is recorded in our system, they won’t need to retake the test at every visit. However, if a lifeguard observes behavior or swimming ability that raises safety concerns, they may require your child to complete another swim test.

Children don’t need to retake the test at every visit once their swim level is recorded. Families may speak with Aquatics staff about retesting opportunities.

Your child can still enjoy the pool! Their swim band will indicate which areas they may use and what level of adult supervision is required.

Yes. Please speak with your branch’s Aquatics Department about retesting. The YMCA may require at least one week between the original test and a retest.

Swim bands are reusable, color-coded breakaway necklaces that children wear while swimming. Each color represents a swim level and determines which areas of the pool a child may access.

Your child will receive their swim band at check-in for each swim visit. Please return the swim bands to the marked receptacles before leaving the facility.

GREEN → Full Pool Access

GREEN swim bands allow children to use designated pool areas, including lap lanes and deep water. To earn a GREEN swim band, swimmers must demonstrate the ability to:

• Swim the length of the pool.
• Tread water for 30 seconds.
• Float on their back for 30 seconds.
• Exit the pool without using a ladder.
• Jump into the deep end, swim, turn around, and grab the wall.

YELLOW → Shallow Water Access

YELLOW swim bands allow children to use designated shallow-water areas up to 4 feet deep. To earn a YELLOW swim band, swimmers must demonstrate the ability to:

• Swim 15 yards.
• Tread water for 15 seconds.
• Float on their back for 15 seconds.
• Exit the pool without using a ladder.
• Jump into water 4 feet deep, push off, turn around and grab the wall.

RED → Non-Swimmer

RED swim bands are for children who do not meet the requirements for a GREEN or YELLOW swim band, or have not yet completed a swim test. Children with RED swim bands must remain within arm’s reach of an adult while in the pool area. Additional support may be needed for children who cannot stand or walk independently in the water.

No. Swim bands determine where children may swim, not whether adult supervision is required. All children under 12 must have an accompanying adult in the pool area, regardless of their swim band color.

It depends on your child’s age and swim level.

• Children under age 7 who have not been tested: Must remain within arm’s reach of an adult.
• Children ages 7–11 with a RED swim band: Must remain within arm’s reach of an adult.
• Children ages 7–11 with a YELLOW or GREEN swim band: A parent or responsible adult must remain on the pool deck or in the water with them.

All children under 12 must have an accompanying adult in the pool area at all times, regardless of swim band color.

A Water Watcher is an adult age 18 or older who actively supervises children under 12 in the pool area. Water Watchers must wear a waterproof YMCA lanyard while in the pool area so lifeguards can identify them.

Yes. Water Watchers must be YMCA members. The only exception is for Youth Memberships, who may be accompanied by one Community Guest serving as their Water Watcher.

Active supervision means paying close attention to the children in your care and being ready to respond if they need help. Stay focused on your children and avoid distractions while supervising them in and around the water.

One adult may be responsible for no more than three children with RED swim bands at one time. Families may need more than one Water Watcher to meet this requirement.

No. A GREEN swim band allows your child to access all designated pool areas, including deep water, but it does not remove the adult supervision requirement for children under 12 years of age.

Yes. Youth Members may use the pool when accompanied by an adult who serves as their Water Watcher. The adult must check in at the front desk and wear a Water Watcher lanyard in the pool area. Only one accompanying adult is permitted under this arrangement.

All applicable swim band and supervision requirements still apply.

Visit the front desk before heading to the pool. Staff will check your child’s recorded swim level and provide the corresponding swim band. If your child’s level isn’t on file, staff can help you schedule a swim test.

If a test cannot be completed safely that day, your child will receive a RED swim band until testing can take place.

Swim levels are based on a standardized assessment administered by YMCA Aquatics staff. Please contact your branch’s Aquatics Department if you have questions or concerns about your child’s recorded level or test results.

No. Your child’s recorded swim level is available across Harrisburg Area YMCA branches, and they’ll receive the corresponding band at check-in. If you visit another YMCA organization through Nationwide Membership, that location may have different swim testing requirements.

Additionally, if you are visiting our facilities as a guest, your child will also need to complete a swim test if they are under 12 years of age.

Swim testing is incorporated into YMCA Swim Lessons. Your child’s swim level will be recorded at the beginning and end of the session.

Swim testing is incorporated into our pre-competitive programs and Swim Team practices. Your child’s swim level will be recorded once a test is complete.

No. The existing West Shore YMCA Water Park supervision rules remain in place.

• Children ages 3 and under must be actively supervised by an adult in the water.
• Children ages 4–11 must be actively supervised by an adult in the pool area.

If you plan to move from the Water Park to the lap pool, please plan ahead. Children swimming in the lap pool will need a swim band.