AQUATIC PROGRAMS
The Formula for Aquatic Fun Begins with "Y"
"Y" + "U" = Great Times in the Water! Whether you enjoy gentle water exercise, vigorous lap swimming, team competition, or spending an evening splashing around with your kids, the YMCA is your destination for family aquatic fun.
Here's another equation the Y is famous for: Water Enjoyment = Water Safety. Swimming lessons have been a legendary part of YMCA history, and we offer proven programs for children, teens and adults.
So what are you waiting for? Jump right in and make a splash!
Swim Lessons
YMCA swim lessons for kids are based on a progression of classes which build skill and confidence at each level. No one will feel out of place or "over their head" as they work to become a better swimmer - they'll always be with kids working on similar skills!
Parent / Child Classes
For ages 6-36 months, the Shrimp-Kipper and Perch classes are a great way to introduce your tot to the water! What could be more fun than sharing the aquatic experience with your child?
Preschool Age Classes
Y-Skippers are a series of classes for 3-5 year olds which teach water adjustment and basic swimming skills. Pike, Eel, Ray, and Starfish represent beginner through advanced Y-Skipper classes.
Youth Classes
Progressive swim classes for ages 6-12 include Tadpole, Polliwog, Guppy, Minnow, Fish and Flying Fish levels. From beginner through advanced swimmer, there's a class for you!
Teen Swim Lessons
For teens only, ages 13 and over. Start with beginning skills and progress at your own rate. It's all about individualized attention, friends, and fun!
Adult Swim Lessons
There's no reason to miss out on aquatic fun! Our T.O.W. class (Terrified of Water) will help beginners and non-swimmers feel comfortable in the water. And our adult Beginner class is designed for everyone who wants to improve their strokes and technique.
Private Swim Lessons
Need more attention? Not a problem! Private and semi-private lessons are available for all ages.
YMCA Backyard Pool Program
Have a backyard pool? Be a host, and YMCA staff will treat your kids to free swim lessons! Call Emily Nannfeldt at 428-YMCA for more information.
Diving Lessons and Lifeguard Training
Diving Lessons
Plunge headlong into this beautiful and exciting art! You can learn diving basics, or improve your existing skills. For ages 7-14.
Lifeguard Training
Your springboard to a great part-time career! You'll learn the knowledge and skills it takes to be a lifeguard, and earn a certificate upon successful completion. This eight-week course includes First Aid and CPR training; minimum age is 15. Offered in the fall and winter.
The YMCA Dolphins Swim Team and Summer Swim Team
Dolphins Swim Team
The Dolphins Swim Team is a terrific way for swimmers ages 6-18 to discover the friendship, excitement, and self-confidence that comes with competitive swimming! The practice days are flexible and best of all, you can try out the Dolphins for free! You'll improve your technique, practice new swimming strokes, learn competition starts and turns, increase your physical fitness, develop a sense of team spirit, and most of all, have fun! For YMCA members only.
Summer Dolphins Swim Team – New and Open to Everyone!
If you're a swimmer age 5 to 18, you're invited to join the fun on our Summer Dolphins Team – you do not need to be a Y member and you can try it out for free! Swim meets are Friday evenings and practices are held Monday through Thursday; practice times are flexible. The summer team runs from late May through July. Click here for details.
Water Fitness Classes
Free to all members, water fitness classes provide wonderful no-impact exercise that's perfect for those with joint problems or those recuperating from injury. And we'll be the first to admit it: things are just more fun in the water! Whether you're aiming for gentle exercise or an intense cardiovascular workout, we have a water fitness class that's right for you.
Bend & Flex
Open to all, this low-intensity class is especially beneficial for those who have had physical therapy. You'll increase flexibility, improve endurance, and enhance strength without placing weight on your lower extremities.
Twinges-in-the-Hinges
Would you like to exercise but have difficulty with arthritis or pain from a physical injury? Then this low-intensity class is for you! You'll improve strength and flexibility while minimizing stress on the joints.
Bodies in Motion – New!
This class is similar to Twinges-in-the-Hinges, but features a bit more cardiovascular intensity!
Deep End Aqua Fit
This is a great cardio / muscular workout that will increase your flexibility and help you develop stronger core muscles. Held in the deep end; buoyancy belts are available for the non-swimmer.
Shallow End Aqua Fit
You'll enjoy an aerobic workout as well as muscle strengthening and flexibility exercises. Speedo Aqua Steps are used in this class; swimming skills are not required.
Hydrocize
You'll improve your strength, flexibility, and balance with this no-impact, light-cardio workout. Resistance training equipment will also be used. Buoyancy belts are available for the non-swimmer.
Open Swims, Family Swims and Family Floats!
There's plenty of time to share informal aquatic fun with
friends and family during our Family
Swims, Open Swims, and Family Floats.
- During Family Swims, anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult in the water (and for safety, we don't permit adults to supervise more than four youths).
- During Family Floats, it's OK to bring your wacky float toys for extra fun!
- During Open Swims, children under 8 years of age must be accompanied by an adult in the water.
For the latest Open and Family Swim times, check our current pool schedule (see below).
Lap Swims and Water Walking
If you enjoy lap swimming for fitness, the YMCA is for you! We usually schedule three or more lap swims a day: early mornings, noon hours, early evenings and/or late evenings.
Water walking using special floats is another great way to exercise without stressing joints! Floats are available at the pool: just put one on and try it out. In addition to our dedicated water walking times, you can also walk during Open Swims.
Current Pool and Aquatic Program Schedules
For the latest Open Swim, Family Swim, Lap Swim, and Water Walking times, check our current pool schedule:
You'll find full class descriptions, dates, and times of all aquatic activities in our program brochure:
