East Whittier YMCA Schedule

Uptown Whittier YMCA Schedule

YMCA Progressive Group Swim Lessons

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

YMCA Swim Lessons Level Descriptions:

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 parent will become aware of how to teach his/her child to be safer in and around water. Activities are based on the developmental abilities of the child.  Swim diapers are required.

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.  Skill Pre-requisite: none

Eels:                                         3 years-5 years                            1:6 Ratio
This level is for the advanced younger child who has mastered front glide and has no fear of the water.  Emphasis will be placed on building endurance to better learn the stoke movements. Introduction to the front crawl, elementary backstroke, back crawl and treading water. Skill Pre-requisite:
Must know independent front and back floating, front and back glide for 12 yards, and front crawl with face in the water out to an instructor at a distance of 12 yards.

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. Skill Pre-requisite: none

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. Skill Pre-requisite: Must know independent front and back floating, front and back gliding, and front crawl with face in the water out to an instructor at a distance of 12 yards.

Minnow:                                 5 years -14 years                           1:8 Ratio
This level introduces endurance swimming. It will provide an Introduction to dolphin kick, elementary backstroke, and sidestroke.    Skill Pre-requisite: Must know freestyle with side breathing, backstroke and treading water.

Fish:                                       5 years-14 years                            1:8 Ratio
Swimmers in this level will learn to perfect the four Olympic stokes.  They will also refine elementary backstroke and sidestroke.  Introduction to flip turns and racing starts. Skill Pre-requisite:  Must know freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and be able to swim easily for distance.

Adult:                                    14 years -up                                                1:7 Ratio
Adult of all levels welcome.  Will work with you at your skill level.  Fear cases welcome!
Skill Pre-requisite:  none