Medford Boat Club Swim Program 2023
Welcome to the Medford Boat Club Swim Program for 2023! Our program offers swimming in a lifeguarded area of Upper Mystic Lake, youth swim lessons, endurance swimming, and a traditional Buoy Swim for members at the end of the season.
Here are some highlights of our program:
Safety
This is our highest priority, and it's why we have a staff of American Red Cross-certified lifeguards working at the club. All Members and Guests must follow the Club Safety Rules, at all times. Children too young to understand these rules must be supervised at all times. Also, please be advised that THERE ARE NO LIFEGUARDS OR SWIM INSTRUCTORS ON DUTY AT THE BACK BEACH.
Swim Test
- All children (both members and guests) under the age of 14 must pass a mandatory swim test in order to swim from the main dock (where lifeguards are stationed) to the swim platform.
- Children must have passed Levels 1 and 2 of the MBC swim program.
- Children must pass the test every season.
- Swim freestyle from the swim dock to the sail dock and back, then tread water for 30 seconds.
- Lifeguards will keep a record of who has passed the test, and once passed, your child can swim independently to the swim platform.
When do you hold swim tests?
We will hold swim tests three times daily, at 12:00pm, 3:00pm, and 5:00pm.
What if my child does not pass the test?
If your child does not pass the test the first time, he/she can take the test again in one week's time. We encourage you to enroll your children in swim lessons on Opening Day, which is on June 17th.
To whom should I speak if I have concerns?
If your child does not pass the test, please remember that we have their safety in mind.
Kayak Test / Sail Test
- All children (both members and guests) under the age of 14 who would like to use a kayak (unattended) or take sail lessons must pass a slightly longer swim test.
- Children under the age of 14 may use the kayaks in the designated area of the lake after passing the kayak/sail test.
Does my child have to take separate swim and kayak tests?
No. If your child wants to kayak and has already passed Levels 1 and 2 of MBC's swim lessons, he/she can just take the kayak test -- and that will count for swim as well.
What is it?
Swim four lengths in the lanes between the docks (two freestyle, two of any other stroke) plus two minutes of treading water.
What else?
Once your child passes the kayak test, the lifeguards will give her/him a sticker to place on the back of her/his MBC ID card. All kayakers must have their own safety whistles attached to their life vests. Anyone using a kayak must adhere to the Kayak Protocol
Is there a special kayak membership?
Yes, for a modest annual fee of $25, your entire family (all members under your family membership) can have access to the kayaks for the season. Please remember to sign up for your kayak membership on or after Opening Day on June 17th.
Swim Lessons
Who teaches lessons?
All lead instructors are Water Safety Certified by the American Red Cross.
How do I sign up?
Please sign up at MBC Opening Day on June 17th - and remember that lessons are very popular, particularly at levels 1-3.
When do lessons begin?
Classes begin June 2023.
Daytime Lessons: Mondays/Wednesdays and Tuesdays/Thursdays
Level 1: 10:00-10:50am
Level 2: 11:00-11:50am
Level 3: 1:00-1:50pm
Level 4: 2:00-2:50pm
Levels 5 and 6: 3:00-3:50pm
Evening Lessons: Mondays/Wednesdays or Tuesdays/Thursdays
Levels 1 and 3: 5:00-5:50pm
Levels 2 and 4: 6:00-6:50pm
Levels 5 and 6: 7:00-7:50pm
Noodles in the Swim Area
- Adults may have a noodle whenever they want.
- Noodles are located in the metal bin before the swim gate.
- Please put all noodles back in the bin when you are done using them.
- Children can have noodles during Noodle Hour (see below).
- NO OTHER FLOTATION DEVICES ARE ALLOWED
Noodle Hour
Noodle hour will be held Monday- Friday from 12:00-1:00pm and Saturday-Sunday 2:00-3:00pm, Children will still have to have passed swim test in order to swim out to the platform, unless accompanied by a parent.
Endurance Swimming
Adults can swim laps anytime. Children can swim laps with a guard present Monday-Friday from 4:00-5:00pm.
MBC Buoy Swim
The annual Medford Boat Club Buoy Swim is a 1.5 mile endurance swim for competitive and fitness swimmers. The route is around the Upper Mystic Lake. The Buoy Swim will take place in Aug date TBD. The MBC will email more information about the Buoy Swim in July.
We hope that you have a wonderful summer swim experience at MBC! We look forward to seeing you at the lake.
Best,
Angela Herbst, 2023 Swim Chair
[email protected]