The YMCA has been America's leading swim instructor for more than 100 years. But our aquatics programs extend beyond instruction. We also provide recreational and specialty aquatics programs for all ages and abilities, including parent-child classes, water exercise and therapy, water safety and rescue. Programs and classes vary seasonally.
Swimming lessons are a valuable skill for kids at an early age. At the Y, we want your child to build confidence in their swimming abilities, and that starts with learning to swim. To view swimming lessons and times, please click below.
Like all Y programs, swim, sports and play is open to all with financial assistance available.
The YMCA Swim Lesson Curriculum is a core group of aquatic skills every person needs, to be safe around water. Your child will not only gain confidence in their swimming abilities, but they will develop good sportsmanship in the water with their instructor. As the foundation of our program, these skills allow students to learn correct swim stroke techniques. Participating in Swimming Lessons students begin with and build upon skills they are ready to learn, helping them to celebrate their successes, build self-confidence, and enjoy learning to swim and water safety. For those students we need further assistance the Y offers Private Swimming Lessons, providing one on one guidance. Overall students will have fun, foster friendships and make swimming a lifelong pursuit for healthy living. Find out how the Y Swim Lessons experience is unique.
Descriptions of Swim Lesson Levels:
Skipper - Ages 3 to 5 years. During this stage of development we promote teaching beginning swim skilss with age appropriate methods that include games and activites to emphasize water safety and character development. This class will utilize a skipper stand for their safety and to help build confidence.
Polliwog - Beginner introductor level for children at least 5 years of age. Emphasizes basic water skills and personal safety.
Guppy - Intermediate Level I. Further development of skills and personal safety.
Minnow - Intermediate Level II. This level emphasizes the development of strokes and personal safety.
Fish - Advanced level. Children at this level work on their technique and endurance.
Private Swim Lessons - Some children need special attention so they can learn basic or advanced aquatic skills. Private swim lessons can greatly benefit youngsters by providing them with one-on-one instruction with a qualified swim teacher.
Dolphin Swim Club - This a great next step for kids who know how to swim. It's an opportunity to develop your child's overall cardiovascular endurance and muscular development, plus, it's fun! Participants must be able to swim 2 laps of the pool.
Join the Y team to help save lives every day and gain valuable skills while you have fun! The Lifeguard Certification course gives participants the skills and knowledge needed to be lifeguards in the pool. It offers up-to-date information on how to guard, anticipate and prevent problems and take action to help those in danger. It also covers safety and survival skills every swimmer needs to know, accident prevention, guarding techniques, emergency systems, rescue skills and first aid in aquatic environments.
With a lifeguarding certification, you can also become a swimming instructor, as well as a lifeguard at the YMCA.
When you give to the Y, you are funding life-changing programs that help thousands of children, adults and families in the Santa Maria valley to learn, grow and thrive.
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