At the YMCA, we offer swim lessons for the beginner and for people looking to improve their strokes. Teen and adult swim lessons are for people age 13 and older. These lessons are offered in two categories:
Swim Basics
These lessons are focused on beginning swimmers with an emphasis on water acclimation, movement and stamina. Participants learn personal water safety and achieve basic swimming competency by focusing on two benchmark skills:
- Swim, float, swim - sequencing front glide, roll, back float, roll, front glide and exit
- Jump, push, turn and grab
Swim Strokes
These lessons are designed for established swimmers who are expanding their skills for activities such as fitness lap swimming, triathlon training or preparation for lifeguarding. Lessons are designed to focus on stroke introduction, development and mechanics. All major competitive strokes are introduced and refined, along with reinforcement of water safety skills such as treading water and sidestroke.
Interested participants who are unsure of their ideal placement between Swim Basics and Swim Strokes are encouraged to contact our branch staff listed below for consultation.
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 and Hope Valley Farms YMCAs, Stanley Bass
East Triangle YMCA, David Huie
Ingram Family YMCA, Amanda Isham
Kerr Family YMCA, Ethan Clausen, Aquatics Coordinator
Kraft Family YMCA, Madison Temple
Northwest Cary YMCA, Shane Tillet
Poole Family YMCA, Jaime Jewett
Southeast Raleigh YMCA, Waleska Brown
Taylor Family YMCA, AnnaMaria Galardi
YMCA at Knightdale Station, Jeff Little