YMCA Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer know there is a strong connection between being a strong swimmer and being a strong mariner. Confidence in and on the water are critical elements of Camp. We strongly believe in safety on and in the water and improving the swimming ability of all our campers. Therefore, we assess each camper’s swimming ability when they arrive at Camp. Each camper receives a swim band and has the option for daily instructional swim lesson taught by a trained swim instructor. We understand that our campers have varying degrees of skill, and we make every effort to ensure the swim test and the daily swim instruction are positive experiences.
Below are the criteria for the swim assessment:
Red Band
This band is for a non-swimmer that is working towards earning a Purple Band.
Purple Band
Plunge into less than 5 feet of water and resurface unassisted.
Tread water for 30 seconds.
Swim 12.5 yards.
Black Band
Plunge into more than 5 feet of water and resurface unassisted.
Tread water for 30 seconds.
Swim 50 yards with rhythmic breathing.
White Band
Plunge into more than 5 feet of water and resurface unassisted.
Tread water for 30 seconds.
Swim four 25-yard lengths (100-yards total) in a natural body of water with rhythmic breathing using freestyle, breaststroke or backstroke.
There are opportunities to continue expanding swimming ability through the following specialty classes.
- Competitive Swimming
- Diving
- Swim the Neuse (Must be 13 years or older)
- Water Aerobics (Seafarer only)
- Water Ballet (Seafarer only)
- Water Polo