Aquatics Parent-Child

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.

Parent/Child Swim Classes
(6-36 months)

The primary objective is to get both the parent and child comfortable in the water.  The child will become aware of the differences between moving through water and on dry land, while the parent will become aware of how to teach his or her child to be safer in and around the water. 

Classes are designed to allow the child to have fun in the water while the parent guides him or her to learn aquatic skills.  The child will be exposed to games that use basic movements in the water such as kicking, arm strokes, and breath control.  Activities are based on the developmental abilities of the child.

SHRIMP
(6-8 months)
This is an introduction to the aquatic environment for parents and their infants.  Parents are encouraged to develop appropriate expectations for their children’s performance in the water.  They learn basic aquatic safety and have a positive experience with their children that can help them grow closer.

KIPPER (9-12 months)
This level continues to provide positive aquatic experiences for parents and infants.  The infants learn basic water skills and have fun playing with toys and flotation devices.  Parents review and learn more about basic aquatic safety.

INIA (13-18 months)
Children do more independent exploration of the aquatic environment with help from parents.  The parents again review and learn additional information about aquatic safety.  The program provides opportunities for parent-child teams to socialize with each other.

PERCH (19-36 months)
Children start moving more independently through the water under their parents’ guidance.  Parents learn more about aquatic and boating safety, and children begin to learn something about these topics as well.  At this point the instructor begins to prepare the children to work directly with an instructor on their own.