Aquatics Preschool

YMCA Aquatics is about water safety, skill development and fun for everyone. We have an aquatic program for every skill level and interest. Our programs are about more than just the techniques and skills; they are about building friendships, developing self-esteem and creating positive experiences that will last a lifetime.

Preschool Swim Classes
(3-5 years)

This is a child’s first experience in the pool without parental assistance.  The children are taught the basic skills that are the building blocks of swimming.  They also learn about pool safety, boating safety, and the use of personal flotation devices.

Beginner Classes:

PIKE
At this level, children usually begin attending classes without their parents.  This level helps children develop safe pool behavior, adjust to the water, and develop independent movement in the water.  It is designed for new swimmers, teaching basic paddle stroke and kicking skills, pool safety, and comfort in holding their faces in the water while blowing bubbles and swimming.

EEL
This advanced beginner level reinforces Pike skills.  It is for children who are comfortable in the water.  They are taught to flutter kick, dive, float, and perform the progressive paddle stroke.  Children can swim across the pool without assistance by the end of this level.

Advanced Classes:

RAY
At this level children review previous skills, improve stroke skills, build endurance by swimming on their front and back, and learn to tread water and perform more progressive diving skills.  Children can swim across the pool on their front and back without assistance by the end of this level.

STARFISH
Children at this level review previously learned skills and refine their crawl and back strokes and floating skills.  They also learn underwater swimming skills.  Children can swim the length of the pool on the front and back at the end of this level.