Safety is our #1 Priority

The pool is a great place to have fun and exercise but the most important thing at the Y is your safety. In an effort to provide you with the safest environment possible, our staff attends mandatory monthly in-service trainings and is audited regularly. Our member service center has lifeguard evaluations and quick checks that provide a fast, easy and effective way for you to help us assess our guards.

Whistle blasts and what they mean

• 1 whistle - Lifeguard trying to get swimmer's attention
• 2 short whistles - Lifeguard trying to get the attention of a peer
• 1 long whistle - CLEAR THE POOL IMMEDIATELY . . . Emergency situation!
  
  

YMCA Lightening Policy

• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
• We will ALWAYS clear our pool at the first sight or sound of an electrical storm.
• A mandatory 30-minute wait will follow the sound or sight of electrical activity. Please be patient. We will re-open our pool as soon as we feel it is safe for you to re-enter.
  
  

Lifeguard Auditing

In an ongoing effort to provide the safest possible environment for our members and guests, please be aware that we conduct regular lifeguard audits. Many of these audits are realistic. These audits can alarm some children so please take the time to inform any members of your group appropriately. Do not be alarmed if you witness what appears to be a rescue. Lifeguards are highly trained professionals. NEVER TRY TO ASSIST A LIFEGUARD UNLESS THEY SPECIFICALLY ASK YOU TO DO SO.

Swim Testing

Helping your family enjoy water safely is our priority. To assure the comfort and swimming confidence in shallow and/or deep water all children 14 years and under will wear a Coast Guard Approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD or Lifejacket) unless:

1) tested for Shallow Water skills (Red wristband)
2) Deep water skills (Blue wristband), or
3) of adequate height.

Adults weak in swimming skills may be asked to take a Deep Water Test to swim in deep area.

SHALLOW TEST: FLOAT on front, stand up; FLOAT on back, stand up; swim with forward progress for 15 feet.

DEEP TEST: Jump in feet first by deep end ladder, swim on the surface on your front toward the shallow end, turn around and swim back to deep end, stop before wall and tread water for 15 seconds, without touching walls, bottom, or ropes. Testing will be done every visit.

Other aquatics programs at the Michiana Family YMCA include:

•    Adult Lap Swim

•    Open Swim

•    Safety Classes

•    Swim Team

•    Water Aerobics