ENHANCED SWIM MODEL

The Y is credited for being first to develop a group swim instruction program in 1906. We have come a long way since that first group lesson, and we’re excited to present the latest upgrades to you. 

  • The YMCA offers a wide range of swimming options to improve swimming skills, build confidence in the water, and teach personal safety.

  • Students will learn water safety skills and build stroke technique, developing skills that prevent chronic disease, increase social-emotional and cognitive well-being, and foster a lifetime of physical activity.

  • All lessons are conducted under the supervision of certified life guards and taught by nationally certified swim instructors trained in CPR, AED, First Aid and Oxygen Administration.

  • Our new swim curriculum is based on extensive research, and is focused on the mastery of skills in a way that provides personalized attention and lets students set the pace.

 

GROUP SWIM LESSONS

INFANT/TODDLER (Ages 6-36 months)

Overview: Accompanied by an adult, infants and toddlers learn to be comfortable in the water and develop swim readiness skills through fun and confidence-building experiences, while parents learn about water safety, drowning prevention, and the importance of supervision. Parents work with their children to explore body positions, floating, blowing bubbles, and fundamental safety and aquatic skills. 

 

PRESCHOOL (Ages 3–5) AND SCHOOL AGE (Grades K-12)

Overview: Beginners will develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water. This lays the foundation that allows for a student’s future progress in swimming. Students learn personal water safety with two essential skills in all classes:

  • Swim, float, swim — sequencing front glide, roll, back float, roll, front glide, and exit

  • Jump, push, turn, grab — After students are comfortable submerging in the water, they will begin to learn rudimentary swimming skills, followed by work on rhythmic breathing, integrated arm and leg action and introduction to the basics of breaststroke and butterfly kick.

 

ADVANCED LESSONS (Ages 5-12)

Once students are able to successfully swim a length of the pool unassisted in any of the strokes, they are eligible to register for the Advanced Class.

Overview: Students work on refining stroke technique and learning all major competitive strokes. The emphasis on water safety continues through treading water and sidestroke. Students will learn about competitive swimming and discover how to incorporate swimming into a healthy lifestyle. 

 

TEEN SWIM LEADERS PROGRAM (Ages 12-15)

This program is a great opportunity for teens to volunteer and help with swim lessons while learning leadership skills. Teens who are interested must apply at their local Y and complete a training session prior to participation. 

TEEN AND ADULT LESSONS (Ages 13+)

For those who want to learn to swim or improve current swim ability. 

 

STROKE DEVELOPMENT CLINICS & BOOSTERS (Ages 5+)

Both are geared for advanced students who have already been introduced to swimming strokes but wish to improve or perfect their technique.

  • Stroke Boosters focus is on refining all four competitive swim strokes: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly. Swimmers work on improving endurance, technique and speed.

  • Stroke Clinics focus on mastering one specific stroke at a time, such as freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly.