YMCA Wood Buffalo - Aquatics FAQ

Health & Fitness / Aquatics FAQ

How old does my child have to be to attend a swimming lesson on their own?
⇒ Children 3 years and older can attend independent lessons.

Can I bring two children with me to a parent-assisted class?
⇒ Each child in a parent-assisted class must have a guardian 14 years of age or older.

How old does my child have to be to go in the water alone without a parent?
⇒ Children 10 years and under must have a guardian in the water within arms reach at all time during every open or family swim.

Can my child attend a fitness swim with me?
⇒ Children must be over the age of 10 and be able to swim one length of the pool independently.

What is rolling registration?
⇒ Rolling registration is a new model for our swimming lesson program that allows for the progression of a participant without the hassle of continuous re-registration. Rolling registration allows swimmers to progress through levels at their own pace.

How can I get feedback about my child's progression in their swim class?
⇒ Progress reports will be issued to each child. At any point in time, parents are encouraged to talk to the child's instructor and ask for feedback.

Can I leave during my child's swim lesson?
⇒ All parents with children under the age of 10 must stay in the pool viewing area during lessons.

What is the dress code for the pools?
⇒ All participants are encouraged to wear swimsuits while in the pool. If t-shirts and shorts must be worn they must be light in colour and completely doused in the shower prior to going in the pool.

Where do I go when I have concerns regarding aquatics?
⇒ Please contact the Aquatics Supervisor in the Aquatics Office beside the pool. By phone, the Aquatics Department can be reached at 780-790-9622 ext. 241.

Aquatic Information

For your child's safety and to ensure the swimming pool is available for use by all participants, we ask the following:

Children who are not toilet trained must wear either "swimmer diapers" or plastic pants with elastic waistband and leg bands. Swim diapers are available for sale at the Membership Services desk.
Please do not feed your child within 30 minutes before entering the pool
Individuals with open cuts, respiratory infections, planterÕs warts, ringworm or any other casually transmitted pathogens are not to be brought to swim in the pool.
Swimmers must take a warm, soapy shower before entering the pool
Proper swim attire must be worn in the pool (no outdoor clothing or underwear)
Children aged 6-9 years must have direct (on deck) supervision of a parent or caregiver over the age of 16.
Children of any age who cannot touch the bottom or cannot swim 25 m must be accompanied in the water within arms reach by a parent or caregiver over the age of 16.
Workers must accompany any individual requiring a support worker and the use of a Personal Floatation Device (i.e. lifejacket) in the water. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the lifeguard on duty.

Rolling Registration

The YMCA of Wood Buffalo offers a model for our swimming lessons that allows for the progression of a participant without the hassle of continuous re-registration.

Rolling registration allows swimmers to progress through levels at their own pace. The first lesson will be devoted to level testing to ensure that children of similar abilities are grouped together.

Swim Lessons are offered in 30-minute time slots Ðallowing you to choose the time that best suits your family's busy schedule. Registration times will be announced for non-members.

Due to high demand, we ask that children do not miss more than 3 consecutive classes, excluding holidays and periods of illness. If a child is going to be absent from their class, please call ahead of time and let the aquatics department know that they will be missing to avoid the loss of your space.

Swim Lessons

Qualified swim instructors teach all lessons at the YMCA. Your child will experience the water, learn skills and have fun. Your child will continue to progress until they have reached the pinnacle of instruction for their swim level.