Buckeye Valley Family YMCA swim lessons are taught in a caring manner where swimmers can learn about water safety, water rescue skills, water activities as well as self-confidence and self-esteem. Class size is determined by the participant’s age and safety factors to ensure that classes remain at a comfortable and fun level.
At the Y, swimming is a life skill. Our swim lessons prepare kids of all ages, from 6 months to adult, to stay safe and have fun in the water, building strong, confident swimmers. Our lessons are divided into the following categories:
- Swim Starters: Infant & Toddler;
- Swim Basics: Preschool, School Age, Teen, Adult
- Swim Strokes: School Age, Teen, Adult
YMCA Swim Lessons Program
Classes are all 30-minutes, unless otherwise noted.
PRESCHOOL
SWIM STARTERS (Parent & Child)
6 months–3 years
A - Water Discovery B – Water Exploration
Introduces parent/guardian & their infant &/or toddler to the aquatic
environment. Focuses on exploring body positions, blowing bubbles, & safety
& aquatic skills with more emphasis on preparing the child for preschool
lessons when they turn 3 years old.
SWIM BASICS
3–5 years: (6 years old if in kindergarten)
1–Water Acclimation
Beginner – No swimming experience, may still be clingy. Children should be
able to safely sit on the side of the pool, will follow a teacher's instructions,
will not decide to wander off randomly, can be away from a parent or
guardian for 30 minutes, has no separation anxiety, and does well in a group
situation.
2–Water Movement
Advanced Beginner – Some swimming experience and is comfortable in
the water and in a group situation. Will put face in water, float on front and
back with some assistance, & can glide about 5 feet unassisted. Goal is to
swim width of pool unassisted.
3/4–Stamina & Stroke Introduction
Intermediate – Can swim width of pool, unassisted, in deep water, on front
and back. Will consistently put face in water while swimming on front. Can
float 10 seconds without assistance on front and back, and tread water 10
seconds.
SCHOOL AGE
SWIM BASICS
6-12 years
1/2–Water Acclimation & Movement
Beginner – No swimming experience. Goal is to become comfortable in the
water & float, tread water, and swim width of pool unassisted.
3–Water Stamina
Advanced Beginner – Can swim width of pool, unassisted, in deep water,
on front and back. Will consistently put face in water while swimming on
front. Can float 20 seconds without assistance on front and back, and tread
water 10 seconds.
SWIM STROKES
6-12 years
4–Stroke Introduction
Intermediate – Can swim length of pool (20 yards) front crawl & back
crawl. Can tread water 1 minute and retrieve an object in chest-deep water.
Goal is to improve endurance & technique.
5–Stroke Development
Advanced Intermediate – Can swim 25 meters each, freestyle, back
crawl, breaststroke kick, and butterfly kick. Tread water 90 seconds. Goal is
to improve technique & endurance.
6–Stroke Mechanics
Advanced – Can swim 50 meters each, freestyle, back crawl, breaststroke,
butterfly. Can tread water 2 minutes using scissor and whip kick. Goal is to
improve technique & endurance.
TEEN & ADULT
SWIM BASICS
13 years and up
Water Acclimation - No swimming experience. Goal is to become
comfortable in the water & float, tread water, and swim width of pool
unassisted.
Stroke Improvement – Can swim, but would like to learn proper stroke
technique and/or improve endurance.