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Swim Tests

TOWN BEACH SWIM TESTS
Some campers love to swim and show-off those green swim test wristbands like trophies, but for some campers there can be a lot of anxiety and disappointment during Camp Swim Tests. Campers who do not pass a swim test can feel embarrassed, though they typically recover quickly and we remind them that everyone was there at some point EVEN THEIR LIFEGUARDS AND COUNSELORS!

Swim Tests, or Swimming Ability Determinations, are conducted and overseen by our Aquatics Director, trained WSI (Water Safety Instructor) and/or a trained Swim Assessors while Lifeguards are present. All tests are conducted under close supervision and without the use of a Personal Flotation Device (PFD).swimmer

WHY DO WE SWIM TEST?
Safety of campers is our number one priority, and it’s also the law! There’s a law commonly referred to as “Christian’s Law” to keep campers safe at beaches and waterfronts. Even campers who are avid swimmers or have pools at home don’t always pass the camp swim test. The swimming environment at camp is a bit different than at home or on vacation, there are lots of other swimmers at camp, and it can be noisy, distracting and exciting for campers. Swimming is not only healthy, educational and recreational – it’s an important life skill.

WHO TAKES THE SWIM TEST?

  • All campers who wish to swim at the Town Beach without a life jacket will be swim tested. Please know that campers do not have to take the test if they do not want to, but if they want to enter the water then they must be fitted for and wear a life jacket/PFD.  
  • Not “Beach Buddies” campers: Due to the nature of the program swim tests are not required. All Beach Buddies are assumed to be non-swimmers, and wear properly fitting PFDs and are restricted within areas classified for non-swimmers. Beach Buddies swim sessions are supervised by staff at a 1:5 ratio and by a minimum of one Lifeguard.
  • “Wayland Escapes” campers who wish to use kayaks, canoes or stand-up paddleboards must be swim tested and wear PFDs onboard watercrafts. Lifeguards and Water Craft Safety staff supervise boating activities.
  • Camp Staff who are 16 or 17 years old are also swim tested.

LIFE JACKETS
Parents can provide PFD’s from home. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) provided by a parent or guardian need to be U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) certified according to type I, II, III, size, and buoyancy, be in serviceable condition and properly fitted to each individual prior to being used for the first time. The PFD provided must be labeled with the swimmers name and an emergency phone number. The PFD must not have inflatable parts.

TOWN BEACH SWIM TEST:
A Swim Assessor, Lifeguard and Camp Aquatic Staff will observe each camper:

  • Jump into the water from the dock and fully submerge and resurface.
  • Swim a distance of 25 yards (it’s half the length of the dock)
  • No doggy-paddling allowed!
  • We don’t expect competition-level strokes, but a swimmers bodies should stay at the top of the water, parallel to the surface without dropping further than a 45 degree angle.
  • Swimmers should be able to lift his/her face out to breathe, kick steadily and keep forward motion.
  • Tread water for one minute without a break

IF A CAMPER PASSES THE SWIM TEST:
Campers who pass will be given a green wristband and can swim freely without a life jacket inside the designated swim area.

IF A CAMPER DOES NOT PASS THE SWIM TEST:
Campers who do not pass are given a red wristband to wear, and then fitted for a life jacket. The life jacket will be a PFD that is USCG certified and the appropriate size will be provided. Campers with lifejackets can swim freely in the designated swim area.

Campers can attempt the beach swim test only once per day.

All Wayland Recreation campers are welcome to visit the Town Beach free of charge to practice or re-take a camp swim test.
*Swim Assessors are available between the hours of 10:00am-11:00am or 6:30pm – 8:00pm to assist. Tell the Gate Attendant you’re there for a Camp Swim Test.

If they can’t do everything on the test, ask your child to set a goal, adjust your expectations accordingly and try to provide consistent practice time. They will eventually get there!

Our Camp Aquatics Director, Town Beach Director, team of trained Lifeguards and Camp Staff are all here to help keep swimming a favorite camp activity.

TOWN POOL SWIM TESTS

  • More Info Coming Soon