YMCA youth swim lessons emphasize water safety, skill and stroke development and are offered year-round for swimmers ages 6 - 12 of all skill levels. YMCA swim lessons emphasize water safety, skill and stroke development.
Beginning swimmers are introduced to basic stroke movement and learn how to be more comfortable in the water. More advanced swimmers are instructed in stroke technique, endurance and safety skills.
YMCA swim lessons have a low child-to-instructor ratio to ensure plenty of time in the water. Swim lessons and classes are available during the week and on weekends. Parents are welcome to watch lessons from the pool deck.
All children are evaluated at the beginning of each session and placed in the appropriate level based on demonstrated ability.
Swim Lesson Critical Skills
Beginner
- Tread water for 15 seconds without floatation
- Jump, push, turn and grab
- Float on back for 20 seconds without floatation
- Streamlined front glide for 10 feet with roll
- Swim 12.5 yards front crawl with floatation
- Swim 12.5 yards elementary backstroke with floatation
Intermediate
- Tread water for 30 seconds without floatation
- Jump into water and resurface (5 ft. minimum)
- Perform a seated dive
- Swim 12.5 yards front crawl
- Swim 12.5 yards backstroke
- Swim 12.5 yards breaststroke
Advanced
- Swim 25 yards front crawl
- Swim 25 yards backstroke
- Swim 25 yards breaststroke
- Perform a standing dive
- Swim 12.5 yards sidestroke
The Y knows each child is different and will advance at his or her own pace. Learning to swim takes time and patience. Y swim instructors will let parents know how each child progressed at the end of the session.
Registration Dates
Spring Lessons
Feb. 1: Members
Feb. 15: Program Participants
Summer Lessons
April 1: Members
April 15: Program Participants*
*Outdoor summer swim lessons are only available for YMCA Members.
Fall Lessons
Aug. 1: Members
Aug. 15: Program Participants
Winter Lessons
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 Tillett
Poole Family YMCA, Jaime Jewett
Taylor Family YMCA, AnnaMaria Galardi
Southeast Raleigh YMCA, Waleska Brown
YMCA at Knightdale Station, Jeff Little