youth swim classes

Private/Semi-Private Lessons
Semi-private swim lessons are limited to two (2) participants. All lessons are 30 minutes long. Please visit the membership desk to complete and/or submit a Request for Private Lessons form.

Private Swim Lessons are scheduled on a first come, first serve basis. When registration begins for classes, it also begins for Private/Semi-Private Lessons. Interested patrons should complete and/or submit a request for Private Lessons form, which can be obtained at the front desk.  Please be aware that it may take up to two weeks to schedule a lesson, and that registration ends the second week into classes.

Over the phone applicants are not accepted. Private/Semi-Private Lessons are for individuals three years and older. Semi-private swim lessons are limited to two participants. All lessons are 30 minutes long, and they begin and end with the session. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the Swim Lessons Coordinator, Kira Collins at 734-661-8045 or through email at kcollins@annarborymca.org.

Parent/Tot (Ages 6 months -3 years)
These classes are designed for both the parent and the child. Parents accompany their children into the water and work with them to learn basic swimming skills as well as water safety. The class is song- and game-oriented to keep it lively and fun! One or two adults must accompany each child.
Three levels are offered based on the age of the child:
Shrimp/Kipper - ages 6-15 months
Inia - ages 16-23 months
Perch - ages 2-3 years

Preschool (Ages 3-5)
Pike: While adjusting to water, children learn safe pool behavior and develop independence. New swimmers learn basic paddle strokes, kicking skills, and putting their faces in the water while blowing bubbles.

Eels: For children who have mastered Pike skills. Students are taught flutter kick, dive, float, and the progressive paddle stroke. Children can swim the length of the small pool paddling on their stomachs and back without assistance by the end of this level.

Rays: For children who have mastered Eels skills. Skills taught include rotary breathing, front crawl, dives and back crawl.

Starfish: For children who have mastered Rays skills. This class focuses on fine tuning of the front crawl with rhythmic breathing.

Jellyfish: For children who have mastered Starfish skills. Refinement of strokes will begin, with a focus on endurance and the start of the butterfly stroke. Location: Lap Pool.

Youth Swim Lessons (Ages 6-16)
Polliwog: For beginning swimmers who have had little or no formal training. Skills taught include water adjustment, front and back float, and front and back side paddle.

Guppy: For children who have mastered Polliwog skills. The class will build on Polliwog skills and focus on comfort in deep water.

Minnow: For children who have mastered Guppy skills or those who can swim 25 yards on their front, back, and side. Skills taught include diving, front and back crawl, breast stroke, sidestroke, and elementary backstroke.

Fish: For children who have mastered Minnow skills or who can swim 25 yards of all strokes taught in Minnow classes. Dolphin kick and underwater swimming will also be taught.

Flying Fish: For children who have mastered Fish skills or who can swim front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke, sidestroke, and elementary backstroke for 50 yards. The goal of this level is to increase endurance and improve stroke mechanics.

Shark: For children who have mastered Flying Fish skills or who can swim 100 yards of the strokes listed in Flying Fish and 50 yards of butterfly. Skills taught include swimming the IM and improving flip turns.

Synchronized Swim (Ages 8-13)
Does your child like gymnastics, dance, or swimming? Children who are interested in learning about synchronized swimming are encouraged to register. We recommend that participants purchase goggles and a nose clip.

Youth Aquatics Safety Assistance (YASA) (Ages 14 and up)
Teaches basic lifeguarding skills. Upon completion of course participants are eligible to volunteer for teaching and deck assistant positions with the aquatics department.

YMCA Lifeguard Course (Ages 16 and up)
Upon completion of this course, participants will receive a two-year certification for YMCA Lifeguarding. Participants must be able to swim 500 yards, tread water, and retrieve objects from a depth of 12 feet of water. CPR PR/AED/O2 and First Aid certifications must be obtained prior to this course; proof of these certifications are due on the first day of class. All class sessions must be attended to receive certification. Books and materials provided.

Check current offerings for this program