The YMCA has long been recognized as a pioneer and leader in the field of aquatics. We have taught people to swim for more than a century.

In YMCA aquatics programs, children learn to be safe in and around water and build a sense of accomplishment from learning something new.

We teach kids lifelong skills that can help them stay healthy while instilling our core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Water exercise also benefits participants of all ages by providing a buoyant environment that removes impact from exercise to reduce the risk of injury while offering excellent cardiovascular and strength training opportunities.

Download a registration form and waiver for swim lessons or register online. (Please read class descriptions carefully to ensure you are registering for the correct class.)

SWIMMING  LESSONS
We offer swimming lessons for all ages at all of our locations. At the Downtown Branch, our indoor pool is heated to 84*, offering us the opportunity to provide lessons year-round. At our Northeast and Pullum branches, we offer lessons during the summer at our outdoor pools. Our award-winning youth swimming program of instruction, training and testing allows for progressive skill development from beginner to advanced skills and strokes.

Children ages 3-12 are placed in lessons according to their age and ability.  Preschool classes (3- to 5-year-old's) stress water safety, water adjustment and beginning swimming skills. Progressive lessons (6-year-old's and up) allow for development into advanced skills and strokes. We maintain a 1:6 instructor-to-student ratio.

_{YOUTH SWIM LESSONS}
3- to 5-year-old swimmers
Pike This class works on the students becoming comfortable with the instructor in the water and begins to learn first steps in swimming
Eel This class works on becoming stronger in the water and to learn to swim without assistance
Ray Students in this class have to be comfortable putting their face in the water and holding their breath as they swim
Starfish Advanced skills; increased endurance, back crawl, treading water

6- to 12-year-old swimmers
Polliwog This class works on basic stroke development and becoming comfortable in the water
Guppy Students in this class should be able to swim without assistance with the face in the water for a short distance
Minnow Students in this class should be able to swim with their face in the water for a full length of the pool
Fish Swimmer level, able to swim freestyle with rotary breathing, back stroke and side crawl for 25 yards
Flying Fish Advanced swimmer, must be able to successfully perform front, side back crawl and breast stroke
Porpoise/Shark Advanced swimmer competent in all strokes

PARENT-TOT LESSONS
Together, both the parent and the child (ages 6 months-3 years) are introduced to the joy of aquatics. Water adjustment and play are the first priorities. Parents work with children to blow bubbles, kick, and float on both their belly and back. This class is a wonderful introduction that prepares the child for YMCA swim lessons. No diapers, please.

ADULT SWIM LESSONS
Classes meet once a week on Saturdays for eight weeks. Participants set the pace of the class, and each participant receives individual attention and guidance.



DOWNTOWN BRANCH SCHEDULE (year-round lessons)
_{Youth Lessons Schedule}
Weekday classes run for three weeks on Monday/Wednesday/Friday, with the Friday of the third week available for a makeup day if needed. Weekday classes begin at 4 pm, 4:30 pm, 5 pm and 5:30 pm. Saturday classes meet once a week for eight weeks. We will adjust classes offered and number of instructors based upon member demand. Registration opens one week prior to start of session.

Parent-Tot Schedule
Class meets Tuesdays/Thursdays from 9:30-10 am (for 4 weeks) or Saturdays from 9:20-9:50 am (for 8 weeks).

Adult Lessons Schedule
Adult Beginners meets from 12:45-1:30 pm; Adult Intermediate meets from 1:40-2:25 pm.

COST: $25/session for family members; $50/session for program participants

Download a 2010 calendar of start/end dates for swim sessions at Downtown.


AQUATIC FITNESS CLASSES
We also offer a variety of fitness classes in the pool. The resistance of the water provides additional intensity to a workout without the risk of injury that participants may experience on the land. Plus the aquatic environment is especially supportive to those recovering from injury, arthritis sufferers, seniors concerned about their balance and expectant mothers.




View the Downtown Branch pool schedule.

For more information on our aquatics programs, contact 
Downtown Head Lifeguard Bonnie Steffensmeier.
Northeast Branch Program Director Mark Baker
Pullum Branch Associate Branch Director Dottie Thomas