3 Washington County Family YMCA- Aquatics Safety Plan and Policy December 2018
STAFFING RATIO
The YMCA instills a minimum of 1 lifeguard to 25 participant ratio at all times. YMCA
leadership staff will evaluate if additional lifeguards are needed to accommodate the
program. The YMCA will take into account age of swimmers, swimming ability,
supervision and the activity. The YMCA also takes into consideration the areas of the
pool that will be used, the shape of the pool, along with any play features, slides or
drop-offs when determining lifeguard standards, zones, and number of overall staff on
site. The YMCA would also add additional lifeguards if lighting, glare, or environmental
factors inhibit their ability to have full view of their zone. At all times that the pool is
open, there will be a Manager on Duty who is also present in the building. This staff
person is required to check on the lifeguards every hour of their shift to ensure the
lifeguards don’t need anything, have had their breaks, and are actively scanning all
areas of their zones. Lifeguards will not actively scan pool for longer than 2 hours
without a break from guarding. This could include a water break, or stepping out for
fresh air. This will help strengthen the guarding if they are provided with regularly
scheduled breaks.
SWIM TESTING
The YMCA is committed to implementing proven prevention efforts to ensure that
children who swim in our pools are safe. All campers and program participants will be
tested to evaluate swimming competency. Any child that does not take or pass the deep
end swim test will be restricted from deep water, but may still gain access to the shallow
end of the pool. Swim tests include a 50-yard swim, treading water, and floating. If
there are any lake activities, all swimmers must wear a lifejacket.
Upon completion of the swim test, swimmers will be given a colored band. Green bands
will be given to those who can fully complete the swim test, yellow bands are given to
swimmers who can stay in shallow water, but may not cross the rope, and red bands are
for non-swimmers.
LIFEGUARD ZONES
It is critical to position lifeguards to see all areas of their assigned zone. Adjust lifeguard
positioning to do the following:
• In the event of a glare, shadows or lighting, a lifeguard should move to a better
location. Ensure that chair height is appropriate for water depth, and can reach
assigned zone in 20 seconds.
• Ensure proximity of the water’s edge to prevent blind spots directly in front of the
stand. Make sure all lines are clear so lifeguards can appropriately scan their
zone.
• Ensure lifeguards can see the bottom, middle, and the top of the water.
Our Aquatics Supervisor will continually evaluate lifeguard positions for effectiveness.
The evaluation may include using shadow drops, cameras, or simulated victims. Also
evaluate each zone at various times of the day to identify potential issues with glare as