Swim Lessons

Developed by a group of aquatic and child development experts and field tested at pools across the country, YMCA youth swim 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/Games and Rescue. Each skill level builds upon the preceding levels, covering all the strokes, diving fundamentals and safety skills.

Getting Your Child Started in the YMCA Swim Program:
1. Determine your child's level using the descriptions listed below.
2. Decide what day and time fit's your schedule. The days and times can be found on the following
2. page.
3. Decide which session you wish to enroll in and register on the appropriate sign-up day. Session
3. dates can be found on the following page.

Keep in mind while registering:
1. Observe the registration dates. YMCA members get priority registration date.
2. Once your registration date has arrived, you may come and sign-up during regular business hours.
3. We can not do any phone reservations or any saving of saving of spaces without payment. We are
3. strictly a first come, first served operations.

Water Babies 6 Months - 3 Years 1:12 Ratio

The Primary objective of the parent/child class is to get both the parent and the child comfortable in the water. The child will become aware of the difference of moving through water and dry land, while the parent will become aware of how the teach his/her child to be safer in and around water. The child will be exposed to games that use basic movement in the water, such as kicking, arm strokes, and breath control. Activities are based on the developmental abilities of the child.

Pikes 3 Years - 5 Years 1:6 Ratio

This level is for pre-school aged children and is designed to be their first experience in the pool without parental assistance. The child is taught the basic skills that are the building blocks of swimming. A gradual, general water orientation utilizing creative water play, floating, basic arms, blowing bubbles and kicking skills.

Eels 3 Years - 5 Years 1:6 Ratio

This level is for the advanced younger child who has mastered basic floating and has no fear of the water. Emphasis will be placed on building endurance to better learn the stroke movements. Introduction to the front crawl, elementary backstroke, back crawl and treading water.

Polliwog 5 Years - 14 Years 1:7 Ratio

Beginning level for school age children, taught in the shallow end with periodic trips to the deep. No prior swimming experience necessary. Gradual water orientation, basic swimming skills, survival float and confidence building. Introduction to the front crawl.

Guppy 5 Years - 14 Years 1:7 Ratio

Children in this level will improve endurance, begin to refine the front and back crawl and are introduced to secondary strokes. Introduction to rotary breathing, treading water and diving.

Minnow 5 Years - 14 Years 1:8 Ratio

This level introduces endurance swimming. Swimmers in this level should be able to swim on their own. Mastering the front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke. An introduction to dolphin kick, elementary backstroke, and sidestroke.

Fish 5 Years - 14 Years 1:8 Ratio

Swimmers in this level will learn to perfect the four Olympic strokes. They will also refine elementary backstroke and sidestroke. Introduction to flip turns and racing starts.

Monday, Wednesday - Afternoon
$32.00 Member Fee
$47.00 Program Member Fee

Monday, Wednesday, Friday - Night
$44.00 Member Fee
$60.00 Program Member Fee

Tuesday, Thursday
$32.00 Member Fee
$47.00 Program Member Fee

Saturday
$36.00 Member Fee
$48.00 Program Member Fee

Adult Beginner 14 Years Up

For adults with little or no water experience or fear of water. Will learn swimming basics.

Private Swim Instruction All Ages

Private swim lessons are available for adults and children on a limited basis. They are one on one swim lessons set at a specific schedule with the instructor. During certain times of the year we have a long wait list for private instruction. To add your name to the wait list please fill out a form at the YMCA courtesy counter or call the Aquatics Department at Uptown 562-907-6530 or East Whittier 562-943-7241. Each lesson is 30 minutes in length and is available on first come, first served basis. After you have been called and scheduled with an instructor, payment must be made before the first lesson. Cancellations are made to the Aquatics Department 24 hours or more in advance may be rescheduled at no additonal fee.

Set of 8 Lessons: $150.00 Member Fee
$176.00 Program Member Fee

We are unable to provide make-up swim lessons missed due to your child's absence. Exceptions will be mad only in the following cases:
* If your child becomes sick during the swim lesson, up to a half credit can be given to be put toward a subsequent swim class.
*In the event that the pool closes on the child's lesson day, a make-up lesson will be scheduled or a credit will be issued.

*YMCA Aquatics follows the YMCA refund policy available at the courtesy counter.
*Always retain your receipt as you may be asked to present it.
*All class transfers must be done 3 days prior to the first day of class. Requesting a transfer or time or level is not guaranteed and you may be adked to attend the next session.
*There must be a least three students enrolled in a class time for us to be able to run the class. In the event we do not have enough children enrolled, we will try to move your child to another class time, or offer you credit or a refund instead.
*For you and your child's safety, we do not allow parents and vistiors on the pool deck. Parents may go to the obswervation widow lacated beside the pool deck.
*Make sure your child uses the restroom before the lesson. Children that have a fecial accident in the water will be subject to restriction from swim lessons for a portion of time decidable by the Aquatic Director. If your child is not potty trained, please have them wear a water diaper.
*Remember that is state law for all participants to shower before entering the pool.
*It is advised that swimmers wear a swim cap or ponytail if hair is long.