Aquatics Youth

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.

Youth Swim Classes
(6 years and up)

Beginner Classes:

POLLIWOG
This is the beginning level for school-age children.   It gets children acquainted with the pool, the use of flotation devices, and front and back floating.  By the end of this level, they should know the front paddle stroke, side and back paddle, and some synchronized swimming and wetball movements.

GUPPY
The children continue to practice and build upon basic skills, now performing more skills without the aid of a flotation device.  They are introduced to lead-up strokes to the front and back crawl, sidestroke, breaststroke, and elementary backstroke.  More synchronized swimming and wetball skills are taught, as well as some diving skills.

Intermediate Classes:

MINNOW
This is the initial intermediate skill.  The children further refine the lead-up strokes they have learned as their skills become more like those normally used in swimming.  They learn still more synchronized swimming, wetball, and diving skills.

FISH
At this point, students work to perform the crawl stroke, elementary backstroke, back crawl stroke, and sidestroke, with turns.  They are introduced to the butterfly stroke.  They continue learning additional synchronized swimming movements, wetball skills, and diving skills, and are introduced to the use of mask and fins.

Advanced Classes:

FLYING FISH
At this advanced level, students work on refining their strokes and increasing their endurance.  They develop the ability to perform more complex combinations of synchronized swimming movements, learn to dive off a one-meter board, and develop better wetball playing skills.  They also are introduced to the use of a snorkel.

SHARK
The students at this level continue to improve their strokes, with starts and turns, and are introduced to the inverted breaststroke, the crawl, and the overarm sidestroke.  Opportunities are provided for further work on synchronized swimming, wetball, and skin diving.

PORPOISE
At this final level, students are exposed to a wide range of aquatic experiences through a class and club format.  In class these advanced swimmers learn new strokes and rescue skills, as well as develop volunteerism and leadership skills.  Through the club, they try various aquatic sports and games, with club members forming smaller groups to explore different aquatic pursuits in more depth.