SPLASH INTO AQUATICS

Aquatics

Whether you’re looking for a cool summer activity to do with the family, a way to get healthy, the chance to join a competitive swim team or learn a life-saving skill, the Y offers something for everyone. Swimming teaches confidence, endurance, determination, teamwork and much more.

At the Y, we are committed to your safety. All of our Aquatics Programs are conducted under the supervision of certified lifeguards and trained instructors. Please review our Aquatic Safety Guidelines and Pool Rules before visiting our aquatic facilities.

The Twin Rivers YMCA has indoor and outdoor aquatic facilities. The Indoor Pool offers lap lanes and an aquatics aerobics area. The Outdoor Pool is covered from October – April each year, providing an additional “indoor-like” aquatic experience during colder months. Our pools are handicap accessible by aquatic wheelchairs or lifts. The Outdoor Pool also has a Zero Entry Area.

Lap Swim

  • When two swimmers are sharing one lane they may split the lane in half, with one swimmer staying to the right and the other to the left.
  • For three or more, swimmers will need to circle swim, going counter-clockwise. Please check with the on-duty lifeguard for help.

Open Swim

  • ALL swimmers under the age of 14 must be swim-tested by a YMCA lifeguard before leaving the Zero Entry Area.
  • Children 12 and up who have passed the swim test may swim without an adult, all others must have an adult (18+) on the pool deck at all times.
  • Parents must stay within arms reach of all non-swimmers.
  • We do not allow “water wings” or inflatable flotation devices. The Y does have swim-aids that may be used during open swim. Please ask a lifeguard if you need assistance.
  • Children that utilize swim-aids do not need to take a swim test, HOWEVER, they do need to have an adult in the pool with them.

Deep Water Swim Test

  • All children under the age of 14 are required to pass the following swim tests to use the water slide and deep water areas. 1. The swimmer must swim one length of either pool without stopping, touching the bottom, holding the side of the pool, or stopping to rest/recover.
    2. They must swim “Front Crawl” on their stomach, using an overarm stroke with their face in the water.
    3. Breathing should not interrupt their forward progress, breathing straight ahead while dog paddling is acceptable if the swimmer returns to Front Crawl.
    4. Parents and/or friends cannot be in the lane with the swimmer.
    5. The swimmer must be able to jump in the deep end and tread water for at least 30 seconds immediately after swimming the length of the pool.
  • The lifeguard has the authority to take away the swim band if he/she feels the swimmer’s skills are questionable.
  • Swim tests will be given as needed.
  • Children who cannot pass the test, but are taller than 64 inches may swim in the four-foot deep area (while wearing a lifejacket.)
  1. Aquatic safety is EVERYONE’S responsibility. If you see something, say something. 
  2. Supervising adults must actively watch children 11 years and under when in the water.
  3. Children under the age of 12 years are not permitted in the pool area without a supervising adult.
  4. PFDs (Personal Floatation Devices) are provided by the YMCA for non-swimmers if needed. Additionally, Coast Guard-approved PFDs may be brought for use.
  5. The Y supplies all pool toys. (No outside pool toys allowed.)
  6. Kickboards, water weights and swim belts are for laps and adult use only.
  7. Proper swim attire is required. Jeans, frayed clothing, shoes, sweatshirts, etc. are not permitted in the water. If you have a question about whether or not your attire is appropriate, please see an Aquatics Staff member before entering the water. Please keep in mind that the YMCA is a family-friendly facility and outfits should be modest in nature.
  8. Children who are not potty-trained are required to wear a swim diaper or rubber pants.
  9. Shower before entering the pool.
  10. Running, skipping, and any other unsafe movement is not allowed on the pool deck. Walk at all times.
  11. Underwater lap swimming and breath-holding contests are prohibited.
  12. Please refrain from playing or swinging on the pool ladder, lane lines, ropes or the pool stair handrails.
  13. Diving, pushing, dunking, throwing, horseplay, splashing and riding on shoulders is not permitted.
  14. Food and drinks should be kept away from the pool. Glass is not permitted on the pool deck.
  15. No chewing gum in the pool area.
  16. Lap lanes are not to be used for Free Swim.
  17. Profanity, arguing or abusive language of ANY KIND will not be tolerated.
  18. No person under the influence of alcohol or drugs is allowed to use the aquatic facilities.
  19. Swimming is only allowed when a lifeguard is on duty. 
  20. Always follow lifeguard instructions.
At the sound of thunder, pools and pool decks will close IMMEDIATELY and all activities will remain suspended for 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard.

Dive Into Aquatic Programs Today

SWIM LESSONS

The Y’s swim lesson curriculum is offered in both group and private settings and helps bridge the gap between learning to swim and water safety. Parents can reference the Lesson Selector to easily determine stage placement for where their child will start.

Private Lessons are great for individuals who need a flexible schedule, or who want to achieve specific goals at their own pace and are offered for children and adults.
At the Y, we are committed to your safety. All of our Aquatics Programs are conducted under the supervision of certified lifeguards and trained instructors. Please review our Aquatic Safety Guidelines and Pool Rules before visiting our aquatic facilities.

Class Descriptions

Accompanied by a parent, infants and toddlers learn to be comfortable in the water and develop swim readiness skills through fun and confidence-building experiences, while parents learn about water safety, drowning prevention, and the importance of supervision. These are group classes and must have four participants to be held.
Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water. This stage lays the foundation that allows for a student’s future progress in swimming. Broken into two age groups, each will be taught the same skills but divided according to their developmental milestones.
Students focus on body position and control, directional change and forward movement while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water.
Students learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages in the event of falling into a body of water. This stage introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm and leg action.

Students work on stroke technique and learn all major competitive strokes. The emphasis on water safety continues through treading water and sidestroke.

For ages 13 and up. Please contact Susan Decker at sdecker@trymca.org to schedule your Adult Swim Lessons.

RIPTIDE SWIM TEAM

Reach for excellence and enjoy the spirit of competition.

The Riptide Swimming program has something for everyone who wants to be involved in swimming. We focus on teaching the fundamentals from the beginning and reinforcing those techniques with drills designed to encourage stroke development. We offer many levels and think of swimming as a lifelong experience that can be enjoyable for all ages.

Join the team! Contact:
Susan Decker, Aquatics Coordinator
sdecker@trymca.org
252.638.8799

Questions? Contact Us:
Skip Nitardy, Aquatics Director & Riptide Coach
snitardy@trymca.org
252.638.8799

Safe Sport Information

At the Twin Rivers YMCA, a positive team culture and athlete protection is both fundamental and required. Every coach on the Twin Rivers YMCA team believes and is committed to athlete protection. Safeguarding our athletes with clear protection policies and a safe environment is a process and responsibility that requires commitment from every parent, athlete, coach, official, board member and volunteer. The documents listed below will help you understand what your role is. Having clear policies and procedures are more than just documents on our website. We believe in and practice this core value daily…that healthy relationships and boundaries are life skills. Please join our team in this commitment.​

Master Swim Program

Intermediate and advanced adult swimmers are invited to join a Masters Swim Group. This group meets twice a week to improve stroke technique, strength and endurance. The group meets on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:30 – 8:30 am.

For More Info, Contact:
Skip Nitardy, Aquatics Director & Riptide Coach
snitardy@trymca.org
252.638.8799

Lifeguard Certification

Throughout the year, the Twin Rivers YMCA conducts Red Cross Lifeguard Certification classes for persons interested in working for the YMCA or other aquatic facilities. We are always looking for new lifeguard team members and offer discounts and hiring incentives for those who complete the certification process and become employed by the Y.

Prerequisites:

– 15 years of age (by the end of the classes)
– Parental consent for participants under the age of 18
– 300-yard swim
– Tread water for 2 minutes using legs only
– 10lb weight retrieval from the bottom of the pool (timed)

For More Info on Lifeguard Certification, Contact:
Teresa Tefft, Director of Health & Wellness
ttefft@trymca.org
252.638.8799

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