We strongly believe in safety in and on 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 may swim.The brightly colored swim band helps lifeguards quickly identify a swimmer’s abilities.
At Kanata, the swim band indicates the sections of the pool and lake the camper can swim in and determines the lake activities they can participate in.
If the camper is assessed as a non-swimmer they wear a red band, and we will provide a United States Coast Guard approved life jacket.
Assessment
Meet Ryan Eves, executive director of Camp Kanata, as he talks about the importance of the swim assessment and the requirements for each band.
Swimming, Boating and Activities
Swim less than 12.5 yards (less than half the pool) with signs of struggle or camper is noticably uncomfortable in the water.
Pool: Pool Area 1 while wearing a life jacket
Lake Swim Area: Lake Area 1
Attractions: Double Water Slide
Boating: Canoes
Proficiently swim at least 12.5 yards (less than half the length of the pool).
Pool: Pool Area 1 without a life jacket and Pool Area 2 while wearing a life jacket
Lake Swim Area: Lake Area 1 and Lake Area 2
Attractions: Double Water Slide
Boating: Canoes
Proficiently swim at least 25 yards (one length of the pool) with their face in the water and tread water in more than five feet of water for 30 seconds.
Pool: Pool Area 1 and Pool Area 2 without a life jacket
Lake Swim Area: Lake Area 1 and Lake Area 2
Attractions: Double Water Slide, The Blob and the Tarzan Rope Swing
Boating: Canoes and kayaks with other campers or by themselves
Proficiently swim at least 50 yards (two lengths of the pool) with their face in the water, breathing rhythmically and tread water in the nine foot deep end for 30 seconds.
Areas to swim:
Pool: Pool Area 1, Pool Area 2 and Pool Area 3 without a life jacket
Lake Swim Area: Lake Area 1, Lake Area 2 and Lake Area 3
Attractions: Double Water Slide, The Blob, Tarzan Rope Swing, Rockit
Boating: Canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards with other campers or by themselves
Pool and Lake Areas and Depths
Different swim bands are allowed in different parts of the pool and the lake depending on depth.
The pool is divided into three areas: Pool 1 (0-3 feet deep), Pool 2 (3-5 feet deep), Pool 3 (>5 feet deep).
Our lake swimming areas are divided up into three areas: Lake 1 (0-2 feet deep), Lake 2 (3-8 feet deep), Lake 3 (>8 feet deep).
All swimmers wear a life jacket when they are at the lake.