Updated 5-27-25
Please note: For the summer of 2025, band testing will be completed during designated times.
Band testing will be given from 11am-12pm and 3pm-4pm.
Bands Tests are given by the Manager, Chief Guard or Board Members.
All children aged 12 years old and younger (guests as well as members) are required to pass a swimming proficiency test to be permitted in the main pool unaccompanied by a parent or responsible adult swimmer. Fox Hollow offers a Low, a Medium and a High Band. Each band is a separate color for easy identification by the Lifeguards.
(Tri-county qualifiers (in an individual event) from the previous season are exempt from band testing but will be issued a band if 12 and under. Please see a guard to receive a band. A test is not required)
All band holders will have their names and band type recorded in our computer system for reference.
High Band: allows access to the entire pool, including the diving well.
Medium Band: allows access to all areas of the pool, EXCEPT the diving well.
Low Band: allows access to the shallow end of the pool only
Any child 12 years old or younger who has passed a High, Medium, or Low band test will be permitted in their band’s designated section of the pool unaccompanied.
A child with a low or medium band is only permitted in unbanded areas of the pool if accompanied by a responsible adult swimmer or parent. The parent or responsible adult must be in the water within arm’s reach of the medium band tested child.
Unbanded children under 12: Any child 12 years old or younger who has not passed a High, Medium or Low band test will only be permitted in the main pool if they are accompanied by a parent or responsible adult swimmer. The parent or responsible adult must be in the water within arm’s reach of the medium band tested child.
The expectation is that parents/guardians will respect these rules and our staff for enforcing the rules. If there are repeated incidents involving disrespect toward our staff or an inability to follow the band rules, we reserve the right to take back a band.
Any member who forgets their band may borrow a “guest band” which must be returned at the end of the day.
Guests who pass the band test will receive a band. Repeat guests will not have to repeat the band test each visit as their names will have been recorded in the computer system.
Requirements:
All swimming tests must be done using a forward stroke (breaststroke or “freestyle”), to the satisfaction of the lifeguard or manager following the below requirements. Whether Freestyle or Breaststroke, the stroke must be legal per USA Swimming Rules.
If swimming breaststroke, the swimmer must remain on the breast. The stroke is a cyclical stroke meaning one arm pull followed by one leg kick. The head must break the surface after each complete cycle. A breaststroke kick must be used. No alternating, scissors or butterfly kick is allowed.
A swimmer who does not successfully complete a band test will have to wait until at least the next day before attempting another band test. Re-testing will occur by a manager or Board Member, not a lifeguard.The determination of whether the tests have been successfully completed will be made by the Manager, Chief Guard or Board Member giving the test and will be considered final.
Parents are not allowed to assist in the water with their child or to provide any assistance to their child during the test.
No “doggie paddling”, turning on the back/side, or stopping for a rest will be allowed.
If swimming freestyle, the arms must fully rotate out of the water. The face must be in the water and proper breathing to either side must occur.
High Band- Swim two lengths of the pool without stopping and adhering to the above stroke requirements, then immediately tread water (within 2 minutes of finishing the swim) for two minutes, then jump or dive off the diving board.
Middle Band- Swim one length of the pool without stopping and adhering to the above stroke requirements, then immediately tread water (within 2 minutes of finishing the swim) for one minute.
Low Band- Due to continual safety concerns, the low band test will have stricter requirements for the summer of 2025. Swim to the rope and back without walking, and following the above stroke requirements. The swimmer must not show distress or hold onto the wall.
