At the Gateway Region YMCA, we believe every person should have the skills and confidence to safely enjoy the water.
With 21 convenient locations across St. Louis and Southwest Illinois, we offer a range of swimming classes for all ages and skill levels. Our experienced instructors are passionate about teaching water safety, building skills, and fostering a lifelong love for swimming.
Winter Swim Lessons start the week of January 6 - Enroll Today!
Programs Offered Swim Session Calendar Swim Lesson FAQs
Why Choose YMCA Swim Lessons?
Our swim lessons are designed for children and adults of all ages—from babies just getting comfortable in the water to young swimmers aiming to perfect their strokes to adults wanting to learn this life-saving skill a little later in life. We emphasize water safety, personalized attention, and a supportive environment that encourages growth and builds confidence in every lesson.
Swim Lesson Finder
Welcome to our Swim Lesson Finder, a quick and easy tool designed to help you find the perfect swim class. We'll guide you through a few simple questions to find the most suitable swim lesson stage for your child.
Parent & Child Lessons
Introduce your child to water in a fun, safe environment. Our program offers specialized swimming lessons for babies, helping infants get comfortable in the water from an early age.
Stage A: Water Discovery
Parents accompany children in stage A, which introduces infants and toddlers to the aquatic environment through play and encourages them to enjoy themselves while learning about the water.
Stage B: Water Exploration
In stage B, parents work with their children to explore body positions, floating, blowing bubbles, and fundamental safety and aquatic skills.
Enroll Today
Pre-School Lessons
Teach your child the skills and safety they need to swim confidently. Our toddler swim lessons are tailored to help preschoolers ages 3-5 build water skills in a fun environment.
Stage 1: Water Acclimation
This stage lays the foundation that allows for a student’s future progress in swimming. Develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit a body of water in the event of falling in.
Stage 2: Water Movement
Students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water. Water safety skills are continued.
Stage 3: Water Stamina
Students learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages in the event of falling into a body of water. This stage also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm and leg action.
Stage 4: Stroke Introduction
Students develop stroke technique in front crawl and back crawl and learn the breaststroke kick and butterfly kick. Water safety is reinforced through treading water and elementary backstroke.
Enroll Today
School-Age Lessons
Teach your child the skills and safety they need to swim confidently. Our swimming classes for kids focus on water safety and building confidence in young swimmers ages 5-12.
Stage 1: Water Acclimation
This stage lays the foundation that allows for a student’s future progress in swimming. Develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit a body of water in the event of falling in.
Stage 2: Water Movement
Students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water. Water safety skills are continued.
Stage 3: Water Stamina
Students learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages in the event of falling into a body of water. This stage also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm and leg action.
Stage 4: Stroke Introduction
Students develop stroke technique in front crawl and back crawl and learn the breaststroke kick and butterfly kick. Water safety is reinforced through treading water and elementary backstroke.
Stage 5: Stroke Development
Students in stage 5 work on stroke technique and learn all major competitive strokes. The emphasis on water safety continues through treading water and sidestroke.
Stage 6: Stroke Mechanics
In stage 6, students refine stroke technique on all major competitive strokes, learn about competitive swimming, and discover how to incorporate swimming into a healthy lifestyle.
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Teen & Adult Lessons
Teens and adults (ages 16+) can choose from different levels of classes, beginning with water safety and swimming competency, to building and refining swimming stroke techniques. Teens and adults can choose from group swimming instruction or private swimming lessons.
Stage 1: Water Acclimation
This stage lays the foundation that allows for a student’s future progress in swimming. Develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit a body of water in the event of falling in.
Stage 2: Water Movement
Students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water. Water safety skills are continued.
Stage 3: Water Stamina
Students learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages in the event of falling into a body of water. This stage also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm and leg action.
Stage 4: Stroke Introduction
Students develop stroke technique in front crawl and back crawl and learn the breaststroke kick and butterfly kick. Water safety is reinforced through treading water and elementary backstroke.
Stage 5: Stroke Development
Students in stage 5 work on stroke technique and learn all major competitive strokes. The emphasis on water safety continues through treading water and sidestroke.
Stage 6: Stroke Mechanics
In stage 6, students refine stroke technique on all major competitive strokes, learn about competitive swimming, and discover how to incorporate swimming into a healthy lifestyle.
Enroll Today
Private Swim Lessons
Swimmers of all ages can work one-on-one (or two-on-one) with a swim instructor to help them reach their unique swimming goals. Contact your local YMCA Aquatic Director for more information or sign up online today!
Competitive Swim Teams
YMCA Swim Teams are perfect for swimmers looking to advance their skills, build friendships, and experience the excitement of team competition. Our swim teams provide a supportive environment where participants can improve their technique, boost their endurance, and challenge themselves in a fun, motivating setting.
Whether your child is new to competitive swimming or looking to refine their abilities, the YMCA Swim Teams offer a great opportunity to excel in the pool while making lasting connections with teammates. Join us for teamwork, training, and competition!
Y Member & Open Registration Dates
YMCA Members enjoy priority registration—one week before open registration begins—and get up to 50% off youth programs like youth sports and summer camp.
Join the YMCA today to unlock these benefits for your family!
2024-2025 Swim Session Calendar
Winter Session
January 6-March 2
Member Registration
November 4, 2024 - January 12, 2025
Open Registration
November 11, 2024 - January 12, 2025
Enroll Today
Spring 1 Session
March 3-April 27
Member Registration
January 13 - March 9
Open Registration
January 20 - March 9
Enroll Today
Spring 2 Session
Summer Sessions
Summer 1: June 2-June 29
Summer 2: June 30-July 27
Summer 3: July 28-August 24
Member Registration
Summer 1: May 5 - June 8
Summer 2: June 9 - July 6
Summer 3: July 7 - August 3
Open Registration
Summer 1: May 12 - June 8
Summer 2: June 16 - July 6
Summer 3: July 14 - August 3
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Fall 1 Session
September 1-October 26
Member Registration
August 4 - September 7
Open Registration
August 11 - September 7
Enroll Today
Fall 2 Session (2025)
October 27-December 21
Member Registration
September 8 - November 2
Open Registration
September 15 - November 2
Enroll Today
When I joined the Y, I did not know how to swim. Adult swim lessons were offered and I am currently enrolled in them. Now I can swim! This has given me a feeling of great accomplishment! My swim instructor is very encouraging, patient, and great at what she does.
— Amelia, St. Charles YMCA
The Y swim coaches have had a meaningful impact on my daughter. We moved back to the St. Louis area after being away for nearly a decade, and that led to some big feelings for my now 9-year-old. The water is her happy place, and the structure of lessons helps her be her best self while moving her body and shaking out some of the stress of new cities, new schools, and being a pre-teen.
— Anna, Carondelet Park Rec Complex
When my adult daughters were infants, they were introduced to swimming lessons at the Y. They've spent their lives with swimming as a key activity. My youngest daughter even became a lifeguard in high school and college. Now, their children, my grandchildren are swimmers. The love of swimming has been passed down and will continual to be passed down just because of those initials courses.
— Kathleen, O'Fallon Illinois YMCA
My now 21 year old, was the main one I was concerned about learning to swim, because he was always my daring one and he would be the most likely to jump in a lake for the fun of it. When he was 13 he was the only youth in his troop to earn the mile swim award at scout summer camp. He then decided to go for his lifeguard certification and his first job was a lifeguard at the O'Fallon YMCA, where he still works part-time when he is home from college and other obligations.
— Heather, O'Fallon Illinois YMCA
Ready to Make a Splash?
Sign up for YMCA swim lessons today and ensure your child’s safety, skill development, and love for the water.
Studies show that the best time for a child to start learning swim basics is between the
ages of 1 and 4, depending on individual development. YMCA swim lessons begin with Parent & Child classes designed to introduce children to water at an early age, with the help of a parent. These lessons also teach parents crucial water safety skills to better educate and protect your child.
We offer a variety of swim lessons based on age and skill level, including Parent & Child classes, Preschool Swim Lessons, Youth Swim Lessons, Private Swim Lessons, and Adult Swim Lessons. Competitive swim teams and lifeguard certification courses are also available.
Come to class dressed in your swimsuit, and don't forget to bring a towel. Goggles are optional. For Parent & Child classes, parents should also be prepared to get in the water with their child.
We recommend not eating a large meal before swimming. Please use the bathroom before coming to the pool. All children who are not potty trained must wear a swim diaper.
You can easily register online by selecting your nearest YMCA location. Click here to enroll in the current session and lesson level appropriate for your child.
Our swim lessons typically run for 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the program and level. Each swim session usually consists of multiple weekly lessons over the course of 4 to 8 weeks. Click here to view the 2024-2025 Swim Lesson Session Calendar.
We use SwimGen to keep parents informed about their child’s swim lesson experience. Through SwimGen, you’ll receive regular updates, a mid session report and an end of session report that details your child’s accomplishments and areas of focus for continued improvement. Click here to download the SwimGen mobile app.
Water safety is a top priority at the YMCA. In every lesson, we teach children how to be safe around water, including floating techniques, how to enter and exit the pool safely, and the importance of supervised swimming.
Parents must remain in the building during their child’s swim lesson. The Y offers designated pool viewing areas for parents who would like to watch their child’s lesson.
If you are not a YMCA member attending lessons, stop by the Welcome Center to pick up your Super Fan Pass. Super Fan Passes are valid for the entire year and must be presented at the Welcome Center when arriving for your swimming lesson.
We offer a Swim Level Selector tool to help you find the perfect swim lesson for your child based on their age and ability. You can also contact our aquatics team for personalized recommendations.
The Y guarantees 6 out of 8 group swim lessons each session and 3 out of 4 group swim lessons for mini sessions. If the Y doesn't uphold this guarantee, we will prorate and credit the account for future sessions. All system credits will be applied at the end of the session.
In the case of inclement weather, our YMCA guidelines require us to close the pool to all activities if lightning and thunder is within 6 miles of our facility. Lifeguards are trained to judge this and have the final say on all closures. Pool and wet areas must be cleared and closed until 30 minutes after the last evidence of lightning and thunder is present.
YMCA swim lessons stand out due to our emphasis on safety, accessibility, and community-focused instruction. With over 21 locations across St. Louis and Southwest Illinois, we provide flexible scheduling and affordable rates for families looking for quality swim education.
The YMCA also offers financial assistance to ensure all children can participate in our programs. Learn more about financial assistance and download the application today.
Dive in with the YMCA Super Fan Pass: No Waiting, Just Cheering!
Get ready to be the ultimate swim lesson supporter with the YMCA's Super Fan Pass! This pass is your all-access ticket to poolside excitement—no need to wait in line. Whether you're a proud parent, grandparent, or family friend, the Super Fan Pass ensures you won’t miss a moment of your swimmer's big achievements.
How to Get Your Super Fan Pass:
✅ Visit your local YMCA Welcome Center and request a Super Fan Pass.
✅ Present your photo ID.
✅ Grab your pass and enjoy the game!
Note: The Gateway Region YMCA is proudly accredited by Praesidium and strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy regarding child abuse. We require ID checks and conduct screenings to ensure the safety of all members at our branches.
Did You Know?
Parents and guardians have a critical role to play in teaching their kids water safety skills – but they don’t have to do it alone! Each year, the Y teaches more than one million kids life-saving swimming and safety around water skills.
of drowning fatalities for children under 5 happen in home pools or hot tubs.
people die from unintentional drowning every year in the United States.
Pioneers of Swimming Lessons
Did you know the YMCA invented group swimming lessons? Since 1909, we've been teaching generations of swimmers, ensuring water safety and fostering a love for the water.
175 Years of Swimming Instruction
The Gateway Region YMCA has proudly provided swimming lessons across the St. Louis area for 175 years, helping individuals of all ages become confident, skilled swimmers.
Join the Legacy
Our swim lessons continue to build strong, confident swimmers while promoting safety and community. Join us and be part of a tradition that has helped millions dive into success.
Register TodayImpact Beyond the Pool
At the Gateway Region YMCA, we understand that learning to swim is about more than mastering strokes. It’s about instilling confidence, teaching responsibility, and helping children build lifelong friendships.
Looking for swimming lessons near me? Join us at any of our 21 convenient locations throughout the St. Louis region, and let your child discover their full potential—in and out of the water.