The YMCA has been called “America’s Favorite Swim Instructor” for over 100 years. At the Y, not only will you learn how to swim, you’ll learn about yourself, about safety and rescue skills, and about water activities you can enjoy for a lifetime. Throughout all levels, students are taught aquatic, boating safety, and rescue skills. We also offer water fitness classes and competitive swim programs for youth. Class size is determined by both safety and age of participants and is closely monitored to ensure safety. All our instructors provide caring, personal instruction. No classes are taught without a certified lifeguard on duty.

YMCA Aquatic programs are designed to teach personal water safety, stroke development, water sports and games, rescue, and personal growth skills.

Our program is divided by age and skill levels. Advancing to the next level is dependent on completion of required skills.

Students learn at their own pace. Session length does not guarantee that all will advance to the next level. Early registration is recommended.

Parent/caregiver swims with child. These classes promote water enrichment and aquatic readiness activities. All children who are not potty trained MUST wear a swim diaper and a bathing suit or plastic pants.

(6-36 MONTHS)

(3-5 YEARS)

(3-5 YEARS)

(3-5 YEARS)

(3-5 YEARS)

First swim lesson experience. Floatation Assistance used (3 bubbles). Jump into the pool with assistance, blowing bubbles, front and back float. Learns basic skills (kicking, arm strokes, etc.)

Comfortable putting face in the water. Unassisted standing jump. 25 yards front and back paddle with 2 or fewer bubbles.

For children who can float on front and back without floatation and perform front paddle stroke with rhythmic breathing. Unassisted sitting dive. 0-1 bubbles.

Children will refine front crawl, backstroke and elementary backstroke, and do a standing dive. No floatation assistance used.

(6+ YEARS)

(6+ YEARS)

Beginner. May utilize floatation assistance. Class works on

basic skills such as kicking, arm strokes, putting face in the water, and floats. Water safety included.

Advanced beginners. Children are able to swim the width of the pool without floatation assistance. Able to put face in water while swimming. Introduces rhythmic breathing, safety skills, elementary backstroke and the kneeling dive.

Intermediate.  Works on improving rotary breathing, introduces scissors kick for sidestroke and breaststroke.

(6+ YEARS)

(6+ YEARS)

(6+ YEARS)

Advanced intermediate- teaches open turns and begins butterfly. Builds endurance. Must be able to swim 50 yards of each stroke except butterfly to advance.

Advanced. This level works on refining strokes, works on the 100 and 200 yd IM, competitive starts and turns and more sophisticated rescue skills.

© WALLINGFORD FAMILY YMCA81 SOUTH ELM ST - WALLINGFORD, CT 06492P - 203-269-4497F - 203-284-0572