The group Swim Lessons program ensures you get the same high-quality experience at every YMCA across the country. If you or your child signs up for Swim Lessons, you can expect to:
- Get personalized attention in a caring environment
- Begin with the skills you are ready to learn
- Build self-confidence as you learn new skills
- Reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases through physical activity
- Have fun and foster friendships
- Learn an important life skill from well-trained instructors
Natural progression
All age groups are taught the same skills, but divided according to developmental milestones. The curriculum is geared toward how children and adults learn:
- Swim Starters emphasizes active supervision by a parent and teaches students how to get to safety from a short distance
- Stage A Water Discovery
- Stage B Water Exploration
- Swim Basics focus on body position and movement rather than technical form
- Stage 1 Water Acclimation
- Stage 2 Water Movement
- Stage 3 Water Stamina
- Swim Strokes work to coordinate strokes and increase comfort and endurance
- Stage 4 Stroke Introduction
- Stage 5 Stroke Development
- Stage 6 Stroke Mechanics
Emphasis on safety
In addition to teaching swimming skills, all lessons include instruction on water and personal safety—from asking permission to get into the water to boating safety principles. The Y is committed to reducing the risk of drowning, which is a leading cause of death among children and adults.
Integration of core values
The YMCA is centered on four core values: caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and equity. Swim Lessons include age-appropriate opportunities to define, model and celebrate these core values.