Green Bracelet

We joined the YMCA when we got into town. We got a full family membership for less than one gym membership in Maryland. Many of the Y locations also have pools and offer swim lessons. Isabelle has been signed up since July 9th but only had her FIRST class yesterday because of the daily late-afternoon thunderstorms that grace our presence every...single...day.

While she was waiting for class to begin yesterday, the lifeguards announced they were doing swim tests if any kids were interested. While there are very few lifeguards in Florida (very very odd to me), the YMCA has more than they probably need. They have very strict rules too. If a child under 8 years old can pass the swim test, they are allowed in the pool without a parent. If they cannot pass the swim test, a parent MUST be with them within arms reach, even in the shallow end.

Although Iz hasn't had many swim lessons since we've been here because of rain, she's in the pool every day at least for a little bit. So naturally, she's learned to swim on her own. At this point, swim lessons are just to learn the actual strokes, get stronger, and gain even more confidence. We think she'll be on the swim team by next year, and a lifeguard by the age of 8 at this point.

So yesterday, while waiting for class to start, she told Ed she wanted to take the swim test. We didn't think she would be able to pass, but of course, we don't tell HER that. The swim test requires a kid to tread water for a full minute, and THEN swim the full length of the 25-yard pool. All of this while not touching the side of the pool or the bottom (they are in the deep end for the test).

I missed the whole thing since I was stuck at home working. Ed called me immediately, the proud Papa beaming through his phone that she had PASSED her swim test. She was now a proud wearer of the elusive GREEN BRACELET which gives her the permission to swim in the YMCA pool without her pesky parents.