During Camp:

During our Summer Camps, Campers spend a lot of time in our pool and at our waterfront. We take water safety very seriously, and our staff are trained experts! Our number one goal for water safety is to provide spaces for kids to enjoy the water, build confidence, and learn the safest swimming and boating protocols, while still having fun! While there is no swimming in our lake, campers spend time paddleboarding, canoeing, and rafting, and utilize our pool almost daily--weather permitting!

For more information about aquatics during camp, check out our summer camp pages!

Swim Checks

All swimmers ages 16 and younger are required to pass a swim check before being allowed in the pool without a Coast Guard-approved flotation device (PFD) or without direct one-on-one adult supervision. Swim checks will be administered by a YMCA certified lifeguard.

To pass the swim check, swimmers must:

• Jump into the deep end of the pool (10ft), submerge fully, return to the surface and tread water for 30 seconds.
• Following treading immediately begin swimming without pushing off the wall.
• Swim front crawl in a horizontal position on stomach and on top of the water (approximately 25 yards). With out stopping to hold on or push off the side or push off the bottom.
• Exit the pool without a ladder or assistance.

Swimmers who pass the Check will receive a green wristband, and are free to swim without a life vest and anywhere in the pool. Swimmers who are still working toward passing the swim check will receive a red wristband and are required to wear a Coast Guard-approved floatation device (PFD) and are free to swim anywhere is the pool. Lifejackets are provided, or you are welcome to send a Coast Guard-approved one with your camper. We will offer one retake day during the week for any camper who wishes to try again, typically scheduled in the middle of the week. If campers do not wish to take the swim test, that is ok, and they will be issued a red band and lifejacket. Lifeguards have the discretion to require a swimmer to wear a PFD at any time or to require a swim check for any swimmer at any time.

At the Waterfront

At Camp Kirkwood, all boating activities take place on our lake and are designed with both safety and fun in mind. Our lifeguards launch first and stay on the lake, ready to supervise and support participants as they begin their boating journey safely and confidently. All participants, regardless of swim ability, are required to wear a PFD at all times at the waterfront. Our lifeguards launch first and stay on the lake, ready to supervise and support participants as they begin their boating journey safely and confidently. 

Outside Camp:

Just because you aren't a summer camper, doesn't mean you don't have the opportunity to enjoy our pool and lakefront. Over the year we provide swim lessons, community pool days, aquatic focused retreats, and fishing opportunities for all! We encourage our community to take advantage of our facilities when they are open to the public, and hope to see you not only at camp, but throughout the year as well! 

Swim Lessons

Click the link below to register for swim lessons at Camp Kirkwood. The Y’s swim lesson curriculum provides a clear progression track and is designed to help participants reach their goals. If you need additional help in determining your child’s swim stage, please contact our office or email Ray Gabin at [email protected].

Check back soon for our swim lessons starting in September! 

Private Swim Lessons

To register, please contact our office or email Ray Gabin at [email protected].