2010 Polar Bear Swim

To maximize tribe swim time, there will be no band testing the day of Polar Bear Swims. Please make sure you understand the swim band policy so you can have as much fun as possible during your swim time.

• If your child previously earned a band, please have them wear it to the swim. If the band is lost, you can check with your branch’s Welcome Center for a replacement.

• Each branch will have open swim tests for Polar Bear participants the night before your swim.

YMCA of the Triangle Swim Test Policy:
• Children electing not to take a swim test will be allowed in the shallow water only and must wear a floatation device provided by the YMCA, if an adult (18 or older) is not in the water with the child.


Yellow Swim Band:
• The Yellow Swim Band test is for Y-Guides & Princesses 3rd grade and younger who are attending YMCA programs such as Polar Bear Swims and who are interested in swimming without a floatation device in shallow water.
• To earn a yellow swim band: Participant must be able to comfortably swim one-half length (12 1/2 yards) of the pool with face in the water and tread water for 30 seconds in the presence of YMCA aquatics staff.

Black/White Swim Band (Deep Water):
• The Black/White Swim Band test is for Y-Guides & Princesses 3rd grade and younger who are attending YMCA programs such as Polar Bear Swims and who are interested in swimming in deep water.
• To earn a black/white swim band: Participant must be able to comfortably swim one length (25 yards) of the pool on his/her stomach with face in the water using over-arm strokes with rhythmic breathing (freestyle) or breaststroke with face entering the water between breaths. Upon completion, participant must tread water for 30 seconds in the presence of YMCA aquatics staff.