What is a swim test?
Why do I have to take a swim test?
How old do I have to be?

These are questions that you have undoubtedly heard at your pool. A swim test is a crucial part of your facility's safety program. Every community has a minimum age requirement, which allows a child to swim unaccompanied by an adult. This does not always mean that a child can be left alone at the pool, but it is the best way of assuring the pool staff, parents and children of their swimming limitations.

Your lifeguards are instructed to administer the same swim test every year. USA Pools will administer the following test:

1. Each swimmer will be asked to swim the length of the pool without touching the bottom.
2. Tread water for one (1) minute.

A list will be kept in order to keep an ongoing record of those who can swim without a guardian present in the water.