Swim Lessons
at the Y
at the Y
Find Your Swim Skills. Find Your Y.
Swimming is one of life’s most essential skills. Knowing how to swim can help save your life or someone else’s, while opening the door to a lifetime of confidence, fitness, and fun in the water.
Our swim lessons are designed for kids and adults of all ages and abilities, and taught by trained, caring instructors who are committed to safety, encouragement, and progress at every level.
Why Choose YMCA Swim Lessons?
- Trusted for 125 years by families across the country
- Certified, caring instructors who focus on safety and confidence
- Proven Learn-to-Swim curriculum updated regularly with the latest techniques
- Small-group instruction that helps swimmers progress faster
- Inclusive and accessible, with financial assistance available
Whether your swimmer is just getting comfortable in the water or working on advanced skills, we meet them where they are.
Lessons for Every Age and Ability, At the Same Time!
We offer swim lessons for:
- Infants and toddlers
- Preschool
- School-age youth
- Teens
- Adults and seniors
- Beginner through advanced swimmers
View Current Swim Lesson Offerings
The YMCA Difference: Built-In Convenience
Choose your day. Choose your time. We’ll take care of the rest.
Register by day, time, and age group, and we’ll match your swimmer with a trained instructor and appropriate skill-level group. This flexible model makes it easier for busy families to find lessons that fit their schedules, without sacrificing quality instruction. If desired, participants can request specific instructors during registration, and we take this into consideration when creating the staff schedule.
Looking for even more flexibility?
Membership unlocks added benefits.
Non-members are permitted to participate in swimming lessons; however, members receive significantly greater value. Interested in additional options? Consider joining the YMCA.
YMCA members enjoy:
- Program discounts up to 50%
- Early registration access
- Ability to register for multiple sessions at once
- Flexible payment options (register now, pay later)
- Access to private, semi-private, or custom small-group lessons
Safety Comes First
Water safety is at the heart of everything we do. Our instructors emphasize:
- Safe entries and exits
- Floating and treading water
- Breath control and endurance
- Awareness of surroundings
These skills help swimmers build confidence while learning how to stay safe in and around the water.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you’re enrolling your child for the first time or returning to build on existing skills, we’re here to help every swimmer succeed.
View Current Swim Lesson Offerings
Find a pool and register today!
Programs for every stage of life, from early water exploration to lifelong fitness.
America’s swim instructor, helping communities stay safe in and around the water for over 125 years.
Thousands of children and adults develop the skills they need to be strong, confident, and safer swimmers right here at our Y.
Important Information
6 months - 3 years
Parent* & Child: Stages A-B
3 years - 5 years
Preschool: Stages 1-4
5 years - 12 years
School Age: Stages 1-6
12+ years
Teen & Adult: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced
All age groups are taught the same skills but divided according to their developmental milestones.
Can the student respond to verbal cues and jump on land?
Not yet = A/ Water Discovery
Is the student comfortable working with an instructor without a parent in the water?
Not yet = B/ Water Exploration
Will the student go underwater voluntarily?
Not yet = 1/ Water Acclimation
Can the student do a front and back float on their own?
Not yet = 2/ Water Movement
Can the student swim 10-15 yards on their own?
Not yet = 3/ Water Stamina
Can the student swim 15 yards of front and back crawl?
Not yet = 4/ Stroke Introduction
Can the student swim front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke across the pool?
Not yet = 5/ Stroke Development
Can the student swim front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke across the pool and back?
Not yet = 6/ Stroke Mechanics
Swimming Attire
Most bathing suits and swim trunks are acceptable. We ask that any swimwear fits snuggly so it will not hinder any movement. Children should not attend swim lessons with any built-in flotation.
Swim Caps
If you or your child is prone to chill, a swim cap may help. We welcome and encourage this! For swimmers with long hair, we ask that it be tied back away from the face with a rubber band so it does not interfere with learning to breathe. *No metal clips, please—they can fall out in the water and cause rust stains on our pool bottom.
Goggles
For the beginner swimmer, goggles can present a false sense of safety. If your swimmer feels that they need goggles, they may bring them.
Towel
Please bring your own towel to the lesson.
For aquatics questions at Sherwood Regional Family YMCA, email: sherwoodaqua@ymcacw.org
For aquatics questions at Clark County YMCA, email: clarkaqua@ymcacw.org
Locations offering this program
Dede
I can go at my own pace and not feel pressure to do things I can’t. Everybody is wonderful. I try to come first thing in the morning every day after I drop the kids off. I will stay after and chit-chat with everyone. It is not intimidating at all.
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