My children and I have been members for years and have gone swimming for years with no issues. Today, we went to our local YMCA like normal. My son never needs a life jacket as he is almost 5ft tall. He is only 9 but almost taller than I am (his mother). He can also swim. Today they told me he had to wear a life jacket or pass the swim test, even though he was staying right next to me. They were very rude to me (First Lady came up and said he did not need one so long as I stayed with him which I did) next one was very rude and said he had to have one. So he decided to take the tests bc the jackets are too small and the adults joke him bc he is so large that the childrens don’t fit him. He has very bad anxiety over things and will not jump into a pool or climb down ladders. He said he wanted to go through the water to do the test but they were mean to him and made a face about it when he said no to the ladder. They told him he had to use the ladder. I went over and said that he does not use ladders. (He is a tall 9 year old and has not got used to his long legs and he broke his leg last year so he is a bit unsteady on it) but they would not let him refuse the ladder. They also said he had to float in his back for 5 minutes to pass the swim test! Which is ridiculous. He had never needed to float in his back for 5 minutes to pass the swim tests. He has only ever needed to swim two laps. They were mean to him and very rude to him. When he got decided not to do it and walked off the life guard hollers after him repeatedly “Hey kid when you going” in a mocking tone. They need to be taught how to behave to children who are a little different.
Desired outcome: Teach life guards how to behave around neurodivergent children.