We strongly believe in safety on and in the water and assess each camper’s swimming ability when they arrive at YMCA Camp Kanata.
The swim assessment allows us to consistently assign safe swimming areas based on swim abilities. Once assessed, swimmers wear a swim band indicating where they are allowed in the pool. Our purpose is for lifeguards to quickly identify a swimmer’s abilities by the colored band worn around his or her neck.
At Kanata, the swim band also determines the lake activities a camper can participate in.
If the camper is assessed as a non-swimmer, YMCA Camp Kanata will provide a United States Coast Guard approved life jacket.
Taking the Swim Assessment
Please note that campers may not use goggles during the swim assessment.
We ask campers to jump in, fully submerge, and as they resurface to begin swimming using freestyle stroke. Campers will be asked to swim another stroke of their choice (ie. Breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly, etc.) for their second lap if they are able to complete one.
Red Band: This band is for a non-swimmer who is working toward their purple band.
Purple Band: Campers who can proficiently swim at least 12.5 yards (less than half the length of the pool) and who can tread water in five feet of water or less for 30 seconds.
Blue Band: Campers who can proficiently swim at least 25 yards (one length of the pool) with their face in the water and tread water in five feet of water or less for 30 seconds.
Black Band: Campers who can proficiently swim at least 50 yards (two lengths of the pool) with their face in the water, breathing rhythmically and tread water in more than five feet of water for 30 seconds.
Bands and Activities
Pool
Our pool is divided into three areas: Pool 1 (0-2 feet deep), Pool 2 (2-5 feet deep), Pool 3 (>5 feet deep).
Campers with red bands may swim in up to 5 ft. of water in Pool 1 and 2 while wearing a life jacket.
Campers with purple bands may swim in Pool 1 without a life jacket and in Pool 2 with a life jacket.
Campers with blue bands may swim in Pool 1 and 2 without a life jacket.
Campers with black bands may swim in Pool 1, 2, and 3 without a life jacket.
Lake
Our lake has a lot to offer! All swimmers wear life jackets when they are at the lake.
Our lake swimming areas are divided up into three areas: Pool 1 (0-2 feet deep), Pool 2 (3-8 feet deep), Pool 3 (>8 feet deep).
Campers with red bands may swim in Pool 1.
Campers with purple bands may swim in Pool 1 and 2.
Campers with blue bands may swim in Pool 1 and 2.
Campers with black bands may swim in Pool 1, 2, and 3.
Attractions
The Slides may be used by campers with all bands.
The Blob may be used by campers with blue and black bands.
The Tarzan Yell Rope Swing may be used by campers with blue and black bands.
The Rockit may be used by campers with black bands.
Boating
Campers with red bands or purple bands may go canoeing.
Campers with blue bands may go canoeing and kayaking with other campers or by themselves.
Campers with black bands may go canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding with other campers or by themselves.