Swim Lessons

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Swim Lessons

Build Confidence with each Stroke!

Developed by a group of aquatic and child development experts and field-tested at pools across the country, YMCA youth swimming lessons are presented in a student-centered environment by well-trained instructors. This program comprises five main elements: personal growth, personal safety, stroke development, water sports and games, and rescue. Each skill level builds upon the preceding levels, covering all the strokes, diving fundamentals and safety skills. Utilizing a clear progression track based upon age and ability, participants build confidence to reach swimming milestones. The four age levels are: Infant (6 months – 36 months), Preschool (3-5yrs), School Age (6-12yrs), and Teen & Adult (13+ years).

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YMCA Swim Lesson Level Descriptions:

Infant: 6 months-3 years (1:12 Ratio)

Parents accompany children in Stage A, which introduces infants and toddlers to the swimming environment through exploration and encourages them to enjoy themselves while learning about the water. Swim diapers are required.

Infant: 6 months-3 years (1:12 Ratio)

In Stage B, Parents work with their children to explore body positions, floating, blowing bubbles and fundamental safety and swimming skills. Swim diapers are required.

Preschool: 3-5 years (1:5 Ratio)
School Age: 6-12 years (1:6 Ratio)
Teen & Adult: 13+ years

Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water.

Preschool: 3-5 years (1:5 Ratio)
School Age: 6-12 years (1:6 Ratio)
Teen & Adult: 13+ years

Students focus on body position and control, directional change and forward movement in the water while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water.

Qualifications: Able to go underwater and comfortably open eyes without goggles. Able to float on front and back with minimal assistance. Able to jump in the pool, submerge & return to the wall with assistance.

Preschool: 3-5 years (1:5 Ratio)
School Age: 6-12 years (1:6 Ratio)
Teen & Adult: 13+ years

Students learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages in the event of falling into a body of water. This stage also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm and leg action.

Qualifications: Able to float on front & back unassisted. Able to push off the wall on stomach with face submerged for 10 feet unassisted. Able to swim-float-swim 15 feet unassisted. Able to jump into deep water and return to wall unassisted.

Preschool: 3-5 years (1:5 Ratio)
School Age: 6-12 years (1:6 Ratio)
Teen & Adult: 13+ years

Students develop stroke technique in front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke kick, and butterfly kick. Water safety is reinforced through treading water and elementary backstroke. Emphasis on water safety continues through treading water and sidestroke.

Qualifications: Able to submerge & retrieve an object in chest deep water. Able to swim front crawl 15 yards while taking a breath. Able to swim-float-swim 15 yards. Able to jump in & tread water for 30sec. Able to swim to wall & exit.

School Age: 6-12 years, (1:6 Ratio)
Teen & Adult: 13+ years

Students work on stroke technique and learn all major competitive strokes. The emphasis on water safety continues through treading water and sidestroke.

Qualifications: Able to front crawl & back crawl 25 yards. Able to swim breaststroke kick and dolphin kick 15 yards. Able to tread water using multiple kicks for 1 minute.

School Age: 6-12 years
Teen & Adult: 13+ years

Students refine stroke technique on all major competitive strokes, learn about competitive swimming and discover how to incorporate swimming into a healthy lifestyle.

Qualifications: Able to front crawl & back crawl 25 yards. Able to swim breaststroke kick and dolphin kick 15 yards. Able to tread water using multiple kicks for 1 minute.

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