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1. What kind of toys & floatation are welcome?

We welcome Coast Guard approved floatation devices. These flotation devices, most typically lifejackets are designed to keep a child’s face out of the water (be sure to check the label because not all are). Coast Guard approved floatation have been designed and tested to keep a child's face out of the water. Other lifejackets and flotation devices do not guarantee that. We welcome most toys if they are being used as a toy and not a swimming aid or float. This means noodles, balls, diving toys ext.

2. Does every child need to take a swim test?

We do not require every child to take a swim test unless they wish to go into the lap pool or diving pool. For the swim test they will be asked to swim 50 yards (down and back) in the lap pool, on their front with their arms coming out of the water while they swim. They may rest on the opposite side of the pool for about 10 seconds then swim back. This does have to be completed on each visit for any child under the age of 14. We do this to insure that they have the stamina and endurance to participate in all the activities while swimming in deeper water.

3. What is the pool supervision policy?

We require that children 5 and younger have a parent in the pool area with them. If a parent is not present, that child will be sat out until a parent is present. Children 6 and older can be in the pool area with out a parent but will be asked to stay where they can touch unless they have taken the swim test.

4. When do the pools have limited availability?

The Lap Pool has limited availability Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 pm due to swim team practice. However, there are always 3 lanes available to the public, these lanes are located on the north side of the deck.

The Hydro Pool is closed during swim lessons Monday through Thursday from roughly 5 to 7:45 p.m. During the summer months it is closed additionally in the morning from roughly 9 am to 12 pm

5. I’m interested in Learn-to-swim classes, which class should my child be in?

We are a Red Cross Learn-to-Swim facility and offer a variety of levels, days of the week and times throughout the year. New beginner participants are welcome to sign up for Parent Child, Puddle Jumpers, Preschool 1 or Level 1 based on the age of the child. If you feel they are more advanced, we offer swim evaluations where one of our certified staff hops in the water with the child to assess their skills and abilities. This insures correct level placement for your child and protects the quality of the lessons for others previously registered.  

6. Why is each pool a different temperature?

The Nampa Recreation Center follows the American College of Sports Medicine guidelines for pool temperatures.

• The lap/competition pool is between 80 & 81 degrees
• The deep pool is approximately 83 degrees 
• The Hydro-Therapy pool is between 90 to 91 degrees 
• The Recreation pool is about 86 - 88 degrees 
• The spa is 102 degrees