Did you know that modern swim instruction was invented at the YMCA? Maybe that's why so many people have learned to swim at the Y, and continue to come back to enjoy our outstanding facilities. National YMCA Aquatics programs are designed to teach personal water safety, stroke development, water sports & games, rescue and personal growth skills to children. Our program is divided by age and skill levels.
What YMCA Swim Lessons class is best for my child?
The YMCA offers swim lessons for all ages and abilities. Look at the skill levels below or click here to answer a few questions regarding your child’s swimming ability in order to place them in the correct class.
Parent-Child classes are taught as a combined class for ages 6 to 36 months with the parent accompanying the child in the water. Skills are introduced at the child’s development level and build on each other as the child progresses. Basic water skills are taught through fun songs and games. Ratio: 1:12
PIKE (Beginner) Children adjust to the water and develop independent movement. Teaches basic stroke and kicking skills, floating, and pool safety.
EEL (Intermediate Beginner) For children who are comfortable in the water and able to swim five feet with faces in the water and no flotation device. Children are taught to float, kick, and perform progressive arm movements across the pool.
RAY / STARFISH (Advanced Beginner) For children who can swim 15 feet with faces in the water and no flotation device. Reviews and improves stroke skills on front, back and side, builds endurance, teaches treading water skills.
POLLIWOG (Beginner) Swim placement required if you have no taken YMCA swim lesson in the last year. Beginner level for those uncomfortable or inexperienced in the water. Teaches basic water skills including gliding with face in water, floating and kicking.
GUPPY (Advanced Beginner) Swim placement required if you have not taken YMCA swim lesson in the last year. For children able to swim 20 feet without a flotation device. Teachers swimming on front, back and side and taking a breath while swimming.
MINNOW (Intermediate) Swim Placement required if you have not taken a YMCA swim lesson in the last year. For children able to swim 25 yards on front and back with or without a flotation device. Teaches front crawl with rotary breathing, backstroke, sidestroke, beginning breaststroke.
FISH/ FLYING FISH (Advanced)Swim Placement required if you have not taken a YMCA swim lesson in the last year. For children able to swim 25 yards front crawl with rotary breathing, back crawl, sidestroke and rudimentary breaststroke. Refines breast stroke, teaches butterfly, open turns and improves other strokes.
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