This progressive program teaches kids ages 3 to 5 water adjustment, basic swimming competency, and benchmark skills. Preschool students can progress through four stages of classes.

Find the right swim stage for you!

All age groups are taught the same skills but divided according to their developmental milestones. Answer a few simple questions on our Lesson Selector to find the swim stage most appropriate for you!

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We miss our swim lesson families!

We’re excited for the ability to expand our program offerings during this time. This includes offering select group swim lessons* for the Summer III Session: July 27-August 23. Online registration opens for Y Members on July 6 and Non-Members on July 13.

*Parent/Child lessons and Stages 4-6 will be offered. Ys are offering private swim lessons during this time. Click here to learn more on how we've modified our private lessons with your safety in mind.

REOPENING GUIDE
  • Age: 3-5 years
  • Class length: 30 minutes
  • Qualification: None needed. This class is for kids who aren’t yet comfortable going under water voluntarily.
  • Skills Practiced:
    ○ Bob to submerge in water
    ○ Front and back glide to the wall for 5 feet with no help
    ○ Front and back float for 10 seconds with help
    ○ Roll from back to front and front to back with help
    ○ Jump, push, turn, grab with help
    ○ Swim, float, swim 10 feet with help
    ○ Exit the water

Preschoolers develop comfort with underwater exploration and are introduced to basic self-rescue skills performed with assistance.

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  • Age: 3-5 years
  • Class length: 30 minutes
  • Qualification: Child must be able to demonstrate all Stage 1 skills.
  • Skills Practiced:
    ○ Submerge to look at an object on the bottom of the pool
    ○ Front and back glide to the wall for 5 feet
    ○ Front and back float for 10 seconds
    ○ Roll from back to front and front to back
    ○ Jump, push, turn, grab
    ○ Swim, float, swim 5 yards
    ○ Tread water near the wall for 10 seconds
    ○ Exit the water

Preschoolers focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water, while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into water.

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  • Age: 3-5 years
  • Class length: 30 minutes
  • Qualification: Child must be able to demonstrate all Stage 2 skills.
  • Skills Practiced:
    ○ Retrieve an object in chest-deep water
    ○ Swim on front and back for 10 yards
    ○ Roll from back to front and front to back
    ○ Jump, push, turn, grab 10 yards
    ○ Swim, float, swim 15 yards
    ○ Tread water for 30 seconds
    ○ Exit the water

Preschoolers learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages. The class also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm/leg action.

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  • Age: 3-5 years
  • Class length: 40 minutes
  • Qualification: Child must be able to demonstrate all Stage 3 skills.
  • Skills Practiced:
    ○ Swim the front crawl with rotary breathing for 15 yards
    ○ Breaststroke kick for 15 yards
    ○ Butterfly kick for 15 yards
    ○ Elementary backstroke for 15 yards
    ○ Dive from a sitting position
    ○ Tread water using a scissor and whip kick for one minute
    ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 25 yards

Having mastered the fundamentals, preschoolers learn additional water safety skills and build stroke technique.

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Take a Free Swim Evaluation

The Y offers free Swim Evaluations to ensure children & adults know the appropriate water safety techniques and swimming skills to focus on in Swim Lessons.
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Private Swim Lessons

Group lessons aren't for everyone, and that's okay! One-on-one time with a YMCA swim instructor might be just what you need.
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Child Watch While You Workout

Enjoy a swim at your Y while your kids have fun in a safe environment. Contact your branch for more information.
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