ABOUT SWIMMING AT OUR Y
Our Swimming Pools
We have three swimming pools available for members: the Indoor Pool, the Indoor Therapeutic Pool and the outdoor Southgate Splash Park.
Indoor Pool
Our Indoor Pool is a multi-use pool that features a 25 yard lap lane section, a water slide, and a zero depth entry and fountain area. The pool temperature is maintained between 83-85 degrees. The YMCA provides lifejackets for swimmers of any size.
Indoor Therapeutic Pool
Our Therapeutic Pool is designed to give people a place to relax after a workout, or simply revive aching joints and muscles. The pool water is maintained at the Arthritis Foundation’s recommended 94° F. The Therapeutic Pool also features several water jets that are perfect for massaging muscles. The combination of the warm water and massaging jets make the pool perfect for long relaxing experience.
Southgate Splash Park
Attached to our facility is the Southgate Splash Park Pool. The Splash Park has a lap lane section, a zero depth entry and fountains section, and a water slide. Deck chairs and umbrellas are available. The Splash Park also has its own café and picnic area, so it is the perfect place to hang out all summer. All Y family members receive a free season pass to the Splash Park.
SAFETY FIRST
Safety is our highest priority.
Adult Supervision of Children
Adult supervision of kids is really important to us, because it allows our lifeguards and aquatic safety staff to focus on the water, keeping everyone safe. Any child under the age of 9 who is not accompanied by an adult (wearing a bathing suit) will not be permitted in the pool.
Swim Testing for Youth
Any swimmer under 18 years of age must take 1 of the 2 swim tests during recreational swims. Adults may be asked to take a swim test at the lifeguard’s discretion.
Deep End Test
- Swim one length of the pool or equivalent.
- Tread water without touching the pool sides & bottom for 1 minute.
- Deep Water Plunge: Swimmer must jump into the deep end and recover to the surface.
Shallow Water Test
- Float on back and roll to front.
- Recover from floating position to standing position.
Swimmers who cannot pass either test or refuse to take either test will be issued a Personal Flotation Device (PFD). Parents with multiple children may work/play with children within arm’s reach if they are 1:1.
Swimmers will be issued a wrist band designating the area in which they may swim. (Red – shallow with PFD, Yellow – shallow PFD not required, Green – access to all areas).
For kids to ride the slide in either pool they must be 48” tall and successfully complete the deep end test.
LAP SWIM
Our Indoor Pool has four 25 yard lap lanes. We always keep at least one lap lane reserved for lap swimming. After 9pm Monday-Friday the pool becomes adults only and all lap lanes are open.
OPEN SWIM
Open Swim periods are times when the pool is open for families and individuals to just swim around. Sometimes we may need to reserve sections of the pool for private swim lessons or water exercising. We offer lifejackets, noodles, and balls, barbells, and kickboards for families and kids to use during this time.
ABOUT OUR AQUATICS PROGRAMS
Swim Lessons
The Y is a national leader in swim instruction and water safety. Instructors use games and the guided discovery teaching approach with students to learn about swimming in five different categories: personal water safety, personal growth, stroke development, water sports & games and rescues.
Swim classes are divided first by age and then by skill level. Our instructors are certified lifeguards as well as certified YMCA swim instructors.
Private lessons and semi-private lessons are also available. We recommend these classes for individuals who have very specific goals, or who need to work with a flexible schedule.
Goldfish lessons are the Y’s adaptive swim private lessons. If you have a child with special needs check out these lessons. We have instructors who are experienced in working with special needs individuals.
Swim Team
Joining a swim team develops confidence and self-discipline in kids. Besides learning new skills, kids build comraderie and enjoy the challenge of racing in the pool.
Y swim teams emphasize the value of competition through teamwork, sportsmanship and doing one’s best. Our swim coaches strive to offer a well-rounded, values-centered program for every level of swimmer.
The Downriver Y has two swim clubs, the Downriver YMCA Gators Swim Club and The Sea Monsters Swim Club, a pre-competitive swim team. Click here to learn more about our swim teams.
Water Fitness
We offer a wide range or water fitness classes to adults. We encourage all members to check out one of our member benefit water fitness classes. Exercising in the water is great for the body and can easily be adjusted to be more or less difficult.
Lifeguard & CPR Training
The Y is committed to helping educate the community on safety. Several times a year we offer both lifeguard classes and CPR training. Our lifeguard classes are through Ellis and Associates, one of the leading certifying agencies for lifeguards in America.
Participants in the lifeguard class will receive a free book and study materials. The lifeguard class will certify participants in Ellis and Associates lifeguarding, CPR, AED, Oxygen Administration, and First Aid. Best of all, the class is only a one weekend commitment, so participants can sign up on Friday and have a lifeguard certificate on Monday.
Scouting Badge Work
If you have a troop or a pack of scouts the Y is able to help them earn their swimming badges. For $10 per scout the kids will get a Y certified swim instructor to lead them through their badge requirements. After the badge work is complete, the kids are invited to stay and play in the pool.
MORE ABOUT AQUATICS
Every session we offer a specialty class like Aqua Boot Camp, or a stroke clinic to help members enjoy a variety of aquatic programs. Check out the program guide to find out what is offered this session.
