Swim Program Overview
Camps ‘R’ Us offers a recreational swim program during the summer. Campers come to camp classified as “non-swimmers,” meaning that they must be in water that is less than chest deep whenever at the off-campus pool facilities. In order for certain Campers to be considered “swimmers,” Camps ‘R’ Us has partnered with a swim testing company so that Campers can receive their swimming classification in an official capacity, and be able to swim in deeper water, less than chin deep when at the off-campus pool facilities.
Campers are eligible for swim testing if they are currently in 1st grade or higher. Pre-season swim testing is available for all enrolled Campers at either Freeport Rec Center or Farmingdale School District Aquatic Center.
Campers who choose to swim test must do so in each new camp year based on Department of Health guidance.
Determine Your Camper’s Need for Swim Testing
Campers are NOT required to be swim tested in order to participate in the summer swim activities at Camps ‘R’ Us. This optional testing is designed for Campers who want to be able to swim in water that is less than chin deep, as opposed to the default requirement, which is water that is less than chest deep.
Less than Chest Deep (non-swimmers)
The default swim classification for Campers is “non-swimmer,” which is not an actual determination of a Camper’s swimming ability. Rather, it is an understanding that Camps ‘R’ Us assumes that these Campers cannot swim, and therefore they must always be in water that is less than chest deep.
Less than Chin Deep (swimmers)
If a Camper passes the preseason swim test, they can be classified as a “swimmer,” which is a general ability designation that allows Campers to be in water that is less than chin deep.
What height does my child need to be in order to swim in the “big” pool?
Children generally need to be 10-12 inches taller than the pool water level in order to be “less than chest deep,” and 6-8 inches taller than the pool water level in order to be “less than chin deep.” Below is a list of pool water levels for each of our pools.
If you take you child’s height in inches and subtract the pool water level, you can determine if your child needs to be swim tested in order to be able to go in the “big pool.” Generally speaking, we recommend swim testing for children who are less than 10 inches taller than the pool water level. If your child is less than 6 inches taller than the pool water level, however, testing will not give them access to the “big pool” because they will not meet the “less than chin deep” requirement.
For example, a 10 year old 4th grader at the St. James Campus, who is 55 inches tall, does not need to be swim tested and can meet the less than chest deep requirement.
Pool Water Levels in the Main/Big Pool
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- Baldwin – 48 inches
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- Bellmore – 42 inches
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- Deer Park – 42 inches
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- East Rockaway – 48 inches
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- Farmingdale – 42 inches
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- Hicksville – 42 inches
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- St. James – 44 inches
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- Syosset – 42 inches
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- Valley Stream – 48 inches
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- Williston Park – 41 inches
Swim Testing through another Public/Private Instructor
In addition to offering swim testing through our authorized testing provider, Camps ‘R’ Us may accept swim test results from an independent testing provider, as long as the testing provider’s credentials are acceptable by the New York State Department of Health (please see the chart below).
If you are planning to provide your child’s independent swim testing results, you must also include a copy of your testing provider’s certification card or certificate. The swim test results must be documented to include all the criteria of the swim test described below. Swim test results and your provider’s certification can be uploaded directly to your camp account.
Swim Testing through Camps ‘R’ Us
Parents who would like their Camper to be swim tested for the summer camp season may sign up using this form, and follow the instructions below. All swimming classifications will be reported to Camps ‘R’ Us prior to the camp season. This is an optional swim test, and is not required for participation in the camp swim program.
Testing Locations and Schedules
Freeport Recreation Center
130 E. Merrick Road, Freeport, NY 11520
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- Saturday, May 20, 2023 | 12-1 PM
- Thursday, June 8, 2023 | 6-8 PM
- Thursday, June 22, 2023 | 6-8 PM [Full]
Farmingdale School District Aquatics Center
522 Conklin Street, Farmingdale, NY 11735
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- Tuesday, May 23, 2023 | 6-7 PM
- Tuesday, June 6, 2023 | 5:30 – 6:30 PM
- Saturday, June 10, 2023 | 11 AM – 12 PM [Full]
Testing Fees
The testing fee is $10 per child, which will be added to your CampInTouch account based on attendance at the swim testing site.
Instructions on Swim Testing Day
Please follow all posted signs and look for a Camps ‘R’ Us representative, who will take attendance and guide you to the testing area.
The Swim Test
In order to be classified a swimmer for the camp season, Campers should be able to do the following:
- Enter water and go completely under
- Recover to surface and remain there for a least 1 minute treading water or floating
- Turn themselves around and face where they are going to exit the water
- Swim for at least 25 yards on front or back
- Exit water
Campers and Parents will be told if they passed or failed the test at the time of the test, and this information will be recorded in your child’s camp account.
Test Results Reporting
Camper test results will be reported to Camps ‘R’ Us Director of Operations and confirmed via email within one week of the test with Parents of Campers who were tested.
Sign Up for Swim Testing
Parents who would like their Camper to be swim tested for the summer camp season may sign up using this form.
Please remember to bring swim goggles if your child uses them to go underwater. If you need to cancel your swim test registration, please contact us. Please do not call the testing centers.
