Stroke School is an advanced series of swim instruction for youth who are interested in stroke proficiency for swim teams or lifeguarding certifications.
The program is taught by YMCA swim instructors and is for youth who have completed the advanced level of group swim lessons, are able to swim a proficient 25-yard freestyle or have successfully completed an assessment* showing preparedness for the program (*equivalent to a black band level assessment).
Stroke School focuses on the four strokes in competitive swimming – freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly – as well as turns and dives. This program is instructional and recreational. There are no swim meets.
Stroke School is the next step for swimmers who have completed the Advanced Level of group swim lessons and is a great prequel to the YMCA’s YOTA Prep or Summer Swim Teams.
Stroke School is typically offered in the fall, winter and spring.
Registration Dates
Spring Lessons (March/April/May)
Feb. 1: Members
Feb. 15: Program Participants
Summer Lessons (June/July/August)
April 1: Members
April 15: Program Participants*
*Outdoor summer swim lessons are only available for YMCA Members.
Fall Lessons (September/October/November)
Aug. 1: Members
Aug. 15: Program Participants
Winter Lessons (December/January/February)
Nov. 1: Members
Nov. 15: Program Participants
Not all lesson days and times are available for Program Participants, due to demand.
Aquatics Directors
A.E. Finley YMCA, Linda Singh
Alexander Family YMCA, Brian Cole
Chapel Hill - Carrboro YMCA, Hannah Widener
Downtown Durham YMCA, Stanley Bass
East Triangle YMCA, David Huie
Ingram Family YMCA, Amanda Isham
Kerr Family YMCA, Ethan Clausen
Northwest Cary YMCA, Shane Tillett
Southeast Raleigh YMCA, Waleska Brown
Taylor Family YMCA, AnnaMaria Galardi
YMCA at Knightdale Station, Jeff Little