Family/Open Swim

Little Y's: For children 6 months to 6 years old. During this time, you and your child can use the Warm Water Pool for self-one-on-one instruction. Skill sheets and equipment for each level will be accessible to practice the skills your child learns during swim lessons. There are no instructors during this time.

Big Y's: For children 7 to 11 years old. During this time, you and your child can use the Warm Water Pool for self-one on one instruction. Skill sheets and equipment for each level will be accessible to practice the skills your child learns during swim lessons. There are no instructors during this time.

Little Y’s & Big Y’s (One-on-One Swim Practice Time for Families)

What Are They?
Little Y’s (6 months–6 years) and Big Y’s (7–11 years) are special times in the Warm Water Pool where parents and guardians work one-on-one with their children to practice swim skills outside regular lessons. There are no instructors, just you guiding the session with age-appropriate skill sheets and equipment provided. (THIS IS NOT FAMILY SWIM!)

Program Highlights:

• Little Y’s: Warm Water Pool access, swim toys, skill sheets, and a self-paced environment for younger kids and their parents to build confidence.
• Big Y’s: Focus on skill development with equipment and guided practice for older children alongside a parent or guardian.

Why Join?

• Reinforce swimming lessons
• Quality bonding time
• Build water confidence
• Target specific skills
• Foster independence with support

Requirements:

• Family Membership required
• Parent/guardian must be in the water with the child
• Age appropriate (6 months–6 years for Little Y’s, 7–11 years for Big Y’s)
• Sessions are self-led—no instructors present

How to Get Started:

• Register for a Family Membership – [Join Now]
• Check the Pool Schedule – [View Schedule]
• Attend during designated Little Y’s & Big Y’s times
• Pick up a skill sheet poolside and enjoy practicing together!

Little Y’s & Big Y’s Rules & Policies

Age Requirements:

• Little Y’s: 6 months to 6 years old
• Big Y’s: 7 to 11 years old

Pool Capacity:

• Maximum of 20 people in the pool at one time
• If the pool reaches capacity, a waiting line will be managed by the Deck Supervisor

Adult-to-Child Ratio:

• 1 adult per 1 child in the water
• Adults cannot have more than one child with them at a time

Membership:

• A West Morris Area YMCA Family Membership is required to participate

• Swim Test & Wristbands:

• All children must take a swim test and wear the appropriate wristband (Red, Purple, or Green) always

• Swim tests are mandatory; refusal means pool access will be denied
• If a child is not wearing the correct band, they must retake the swim test as determined by the lifeguard or Deck Supervisor

Dress Code:

• All participants must wear bathing suits.
• Swimmers with shoulder-length or longer hair must tie it back or wear a swim cap

Available Swim Lesson Equipment:

• Skill sheets, pool noodles (1 per child), diving rings, squeezy toys, kickboards, white & black barbells, and pull buoys
• No mermaid fins, snorkels, or other equipment unless approved by the lifeguard or Deck Supervisor

Behavior Expectations:

• No pushing, horseplay, or throwing children into or around the pool
• Lifeguards and Deck Supervisors have the authority to ask you to leave if you are not actively practicing swimming skills with your child or if the rules are not being followed.

Important Notice

• This is NOT a Family Swim or Open Swim. It is specifically designated as focused swimming skills practice. Please ensure you and your child are actively engaged in skill-building during the session.

Family Swim Rules

These rules apply to all Family Swim and Free Swim programs in our pools.

General Guidelines & Membership Access

• First come, first served.
• Maximum of 30 people are allowed in the pool at one time.
• Once capacity is reached, a waiting line will be formed by the Deck Supervisor.
• Complimentary access is available for individuals, included in Family Membership.

• Youth, Teen, Adult, and Senior Members: Free access; however, the following conditions apply:
  • Youth/Teen Members must be accompanied in the pool by an adult. The accompanying adult must purchase a $10 day pass.
  • Young Adult, Adult, and Senior Members must be accompanied by a minor. The accompanying minor must purchase a $10 day pass.
  • Adults 18+ may not attend Family Swim without children.
• Community Members may use the pool when accompanied by an active West Morris Area YMCA Member.
  • A $10 guest pass per person is required.
  • Limit of 2 community guests per member per session.

Supervision & Swim Tests

• Children under 12 must always be within arm’s reach of a parent or guardian in the pool.
• Children under 14 must take a swim test and wear a wristband:

• Swim test results will be recorded for future visits.
• Swim tests are mandatory for all applicable participants. Refusal to take a swim test will result in denial of pool access.
• PLEASE NOTE: Lifeguards or the Deck Supervisor may ask a child to retake the swim test if their skills don’t match their wristband.

Pool Attire & Toys

• All swimmers must wear bathing suits.
• Hair shoulder-length or longer must be tied back or in a swim cap.

Allowed Pool Toys:

• Pool noodles
• Diving rings
• Dolls
• Small squeeze toys

Not Allowed Pool Toys:

• Large floatation devices
• Mermaid fins
• Snorkels
• Any large or unsafe toys

Note: Toy use is at the discretion of the Lifeguard or Deck Supervisor.

Safety & Conduct

• No pushing, horseplay, or rough behavior.
• No jumping into the pool or throwing others.
• All participants are required to always follow directions from lifeguards and staff.

Additional Notes

• Schedules are subject to change.
  Please check our website for the latest updates.