YMCA Aquatics is about water safety, skill development and fun for everyone. At the YMCA, aquatics include swim lessons for all ages, water exercise, lifeguard certification, fitness and water safety. We have an aquatic program for every skill level and interest. Our programs are about more than just the techniques and skills; they are about building friendships, developing self-esteem and creating positive experiences that will last a lifetime.

YMCA Swim Lessons

The YMCA offers a wide range of swimming options for the whole family. Swimming builds self-confidence and develops the whole person & spirit, mind and body. Classes are divided into ability groups and trained instructors emphasize personal safety, swimming skills, endurance and social skills, while guiding students with praise and encouragement.

Water Exercise

Studies show that 20 minutes of serious water aerobics burns more fat calories than jogging a mile. Studies also show that the harder you push in the water, the more resistance the water gives back. Plus, with no impact on your joints, water exercise is great for injury recovery purposes. Schedules are available at your YMCA Welcome Centers.

Private Swim Lessons

Available for ages 3 and up. Register at the Welcome Center. Fees are as follows, and lessons will be held a minimum of once a week.

Facility Member: $100/4, 30-min classes
Program Member: $120/4, 30-min classes

SWIM LESSONS

Fall Swim Lessons Session 1

Ages	Dates	Days	Times	Locations
3-12 years	Aug 25-Sep 17	Mon/Wed	4:45pm	Perry YMCA
3-12 years	Aug 26-Sep 18	Tue/Thu	4:45pm	EA Smith YMCA
3-12 years	Aug 25-Sep 17	Mon/Wed	5:30pm	Perry YMCA
3-12 years	Aug 26-Sep 18	Tue/Thu	5:30pm	EA Smith YMCA
3-12 years	Aug 25-Sep 17	Mon/Wed	6:15pm	Perry YMCA
3-12 years	Aug 26-Sep 18	Tue/Thu	6:15pm	EA Smith YMCA

Fall Swim Lessons Session 2

Ages	Dates	Days	Times	Location
3-12yrs	Sep 22-Oct 15	Mon/Wed	4:45pm	Perry YMCA
3-12yrs	Sep 23-Oct 16	Tue/Thu	4:45pm	EA Smith YMCA
3-12yrs	Sep 22-Oct 15	Mon/Wed	5:30pm	Perry YMCA
3-12yrs	Sep 23-Oct 16	Tue/Thu	5:30pm	EA Smith YMCA
3-12yrs	Sep 22-Oct 15	Mon/Wed	6:15pm	Perry YMCA
3-12yrs	Sep 23-Oct 16	Tue/Thu	6:15pm	EA Smith YMCA

Lifeguard Certification Courses

This certification course is designed to give participants the skills and knowledge needed to be a lifeguard. The comprehensive course offers up-to-date information on how to guard, anticipate and prevent problems, and to take action to help those in danger. It also covers safety and survival skills every swimmer needs to know, accident prevention, guarding techniques, emergency systems, rescue skills and first aid in aquatic environments. Lifeguards must be certified in First Aid/Professional Rescuer CPR/Automated External Defibrillator/Oxygen Administration (offered during class).

Course Requirements:
•    Minimum age of 16 by the end of the course. If under the age of 18, must have parental consent.
•    Must be a STRONG swimmer and pass a prerequisite swim test on the first day of class.
•    Must attend every class in session.
No exceptions.

See Welcome Center for additional requirements and registration information.

Preschool (3-5 years)

Preschool (3-5 years, children must turn 3 by the start of the session)

Beginner Classes:

Pike: Children adjust to the water and develop independent movement. Teaches basic stroke and kicking skills, floating, and pool safety.

Eel: For children who are comfortable in the water and able to swim 5 feet with faces in the water and no flotation device. Children are taught to float, kick, and perform progressive arm movements across the pool.

Advanced Classes:

Ray: For children who can swim 15 feet with faces in the water and no flotation device. Reviews and improves stroke skills on front, back and side, builds endurance, and teaches treading water skills.

Starfish: For children who can swim 20 feet without flotation device on front, back and side. This advanced level refines strokes.

Youth (6 years and up)

(6 years and up, child must turn 6 by the start of the session)

Beginner Classes:

Polliwog: Swim placement required if you have not taken YMCA swim lessons in the last year. Beginner level for those uncomfortable or inexperienced in the water. Teaches basic water skills including gliding with face in water, floating and kicking.

Guppy: Swim placement required if you have not taken YMCA swim lessons in the last year. For children able to swim 20 feet without a flotation device. Teaches swimming on front, back and side and breathing while swimming.

Intermediate Classes:

Minnow: Swim placement required if you have not taken YMCA swim lessons in the last year. For children able to swim 25 yards on front and back with or without a flotation device. Teaches front crawl with rotary breathing, backstroke, sidestroke, beginning breaststroke.

Fish: Swim placement required if you have not taken YMCA swim lessons in the last year. For children able to swim 25 yards of front crawl with rotary breathing, back crawl, sidestroke and rudimentary breaststroke. Refines breast stroke, teaches butterfly, open turns and improves other strokes.

Advanced Classes:

Flying Fish: Swim placement required if you have not taken YMCA swim lessons in the last year. For children able to swim 50 yards front crawl, back crawl, breast stroke, elementary backstroke, sidestroke and 15 yards butterfly; teaches water rescues, snorkeling and endurance.

*Youth intermediate and advanced classes are offered at the EA Smith YMCA only.

Swim Team

 There is a reason that the YMCA is referred to as “America’s Favorite Swim Instructor.” Swim Team offers meaningful experiences for swimmers of all levels with an emphasis on helping kids exemplify the YMCA core values of respect, responsibility, honesty, caring and faith.

Our “Everyone Swims, Everyone Wins” approach makes the team experience enjoyable for all swimming levels. Each practice and meet is an opportunity for swimmers to set and reach new goals and enjoy a positive team environment.

Fall Swim Team

Tryouts:
EA Smith YMCA: Aug 29, 5:30pm-6:00pm
Perry YMCA: Aug 28, 5:30pm-6:00pm

Practice Information:
EA Smith YMCA: Mon & Wed, 5:30pm-7:00pm
Perry YMCA: Tue & Thu, 5:30pm-7:00pm

Ages: 4-14 years

Season: Sep 2-Oct 25

Meet Schedule:
Sep 13, Sep 27, Oct 11, Oct 25

Facility Member: $65
Program Member: $115

All new members must try out prior to registering. Participants must be able to swim 2 lengths of the pool (50 yards) unassisted and without stopping.