Children are the victims in nearly half of all drownings in the US each year according to the Center for Disease Control. Drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related deaths for children 12 and under with nearly half of those children drowning in guarded pools. In additional, five times as many children are victims of near-drowning incidents each year.
The Mahaska County YMCA is committed to implementing proven prevention efforts to ensure that children who swim in our pool are safe. To end that, according to industry standards, children ages 12 and under will be tested to evaluate swimming competency.
For aquatic patrons ages 12 and under:
To pass the swim test, a child must confidently demonstrate to a lifeguard the following skills (in this order):
• Swim one length of the pool on their front without touching the bottom or sides of the pool or lane lines
• Take 10 or less second of rest
• Tread for 1 minute with ears and chin out of the water
Swimmers who pass, will receive a GREEN wristband and gain full access to the pool and does not need a flotation device.
Swimmers that do not pass or do not wish to take the test, will be assessed based on height. If a child who does not pass can stand in the deepest part of the shallow end with their armpits out of the water, they will receive will receive a RED wristband and will be required to stay in the shallow end, and does not need a flotation device. If the child cannot stand in the shallow end with their armpits out of the water, they will receive a YELLOW wristband AND and flotation device, and will gain full access to the pool.
Babies and toddlers are exempt from swim testing or needing a flotation device if they are held in the arms of an adult the entire time they are in the pool.
This policy will be strictly adhered to at all times and does not substitute the need for the direct and active supervision of a parent/guardian of at least 18 years of age.
The results from a swim test are valid for the remainder of the calendar year. If a child with a red or yellow wristband would like to try again for a green wristband, they can retest once a week.
All Personal flotation devices must be coast guard approved. Patrons who require a PFD will be provided one.