Swimming pools are fantastic places for recreation and exercise, but safety is paramount, especially in areas with deep water. To ensure the well-being of all swimmers, particularly children, many pools implement swim tests for accessing deep areas. Think of it like needing a Pool Key Fob – you need to demonstrate a certain skill level to “unlock” access to the deeper parts of the pool. This article outlines the criteria for these swim tests, ensuring everyone understands the requirements for safe deep water enjoyment.
Swim Test Requirements for Deep Water Access
For younger swimmers, typically those 13 and under, a swim test is mandatory before they can use areas of the pool with unrestricted access to deep water, including diving boards. This is a crucial step in preventing accidents and ensuring children can confidently and safely navigate deeper sections. Even for older swimmers, lifeguards may request a swim test if they observe signs of weak swimming ability. Ultimately, the Manager or Lead Lifeguard has the final say in requiring a swim test for anyone, regardless of age, if there are concerns about their swimming competence.
The swim test is designed to assess basic swimming skills and water safety. It consists of three parts:
Part 1 – Swim
The swimmer starts in the shallow end and must swim one full length of the pool. Passing this section requires demonstrating continuous front crawl or breaststroke with proper breath control. Techniques like underwater swimming, “doggie paddling,” or backstroke are not allowed. Critically, the swimmer cannot stop, touch the pool wall, lane lines, or the bottom of the pool until completing the entire length. This part verifies basic swimming proficiency and stamina, essential for navigating deeper waters.
Part 2 – Jump & Tread
This section assesses the swimmer’s ability to handle unexpected entry into deep water. The swimmer must jump into the deep end, fully submerging their head. After resurfacing, they need to tread water effectively for 45 seconds using both arms and legs. Maintaining their face and mouth above the water throughout the treading period is essential. This tests the swimmer’s ability to recover from unexpected submersion and stay afloat in deep water.
Part 3 – Exit Independently
The final part evaluates the swimmer’s self-reliance in exiting the pool from deep water. The swimmer needs to orient themselves towards an exit point, such as a ladder or the pool side, and get out of the pool without any assistance. No help is permitted from parents, caregivers, or testing staff. This ensures the swimmer can independently and safely leave the deep water area if needed.
Earning Your “Deep-Water Key Fob”: The Wristband
Upon successfully completing all three parts of the swim test, the swimmer earns their “deep-water wristband.” This wristband acts as a visual confirmation, much like a pool key fob, indicating to lifeguards that the swimmer has demonstrated the necessary skills to access deep water areas safely. Once earned, the swimmer can receive their wristband upon entering the pool on subsequent visits, as early as the next day, making pool entry smoother and faster.
It’s important to remember that swimming abilities can fluctuate. Lifeguards and supervisors retain the authority to request a re-test on any day if they have safety concerns about a swimmer’s abilities. This ensures ongoing safety for everyone. If a child doesn’t pass the test on their first attempt, they can try again on their next visit to the pool. Children are allowed to attempt the test only once per day, encouraging practice and improvement for future success.
By implementing swim tests and using a system akin to a pool key fob in the form of a wristband, pools prioritize safety while still allowing swimmers to enjoy all areas of the facility. Understanding these procedures helps everyone contribute to a safer and more enjoyable pool environment.
