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Parent & Child Classes, ages 6 months-5 years Preschool, ages 3-5 School Age, ages 5-12 Teens, ages 12-17 Adults, ages 18+ Private Lessons, ages 3+ PARENT & CHILD SWIM CLASSES AGES 6 MONTHS-5 YEARS Hop in the pool with your baby or toddler and help them learn to be comfortable in the water. Parents learn about water safety and drowning prevention. Stage A Water Discovery Age: 6 months-3 years Class length: 30 minutes Qualification: None needed Adult participation: One parent or guardian per child must be in the pool for each lesson The class introduces infants and toddlers to the aquatic environment through exploration. Register Stage B Water Exploration Age: 6 months-3 years Class length: 30 minutes Qualification: Child is comfortable in the water or child has taken Stage A Water Discovery Adult participation: One parent or guardian per child must be in the pool for each lesson Focuses on exploring body positions, blowing bubbles, and fundamental safety and aquatic skills. Register Stage B Water Exploration + Yoga Age: 12-36 months Class length: 60 minutes Qualification: Child is comfortable in the water or child has taken Stage A Water Discovery Adult participation: one parent or guardian per child must be in the pool for each lesson Yoga and Swim classes for 1-2 year olds and their parents or caregivers combine age-appropriate gym activities with water skills that begin to prepare children to work directly with an instructor on their own. Register Stage 1 Water Acclimation with Parent Age: 3-5 years Class length: 30 minutes Qualification: None needed. This class is for kids who aren’t yet comfortable going under water voluntarily. Skills Practiced: ○ Bob to submerge in water ○ Front and back glide to the wall for 5 feet with no help ○ Front and back float for 10 seconds with help ○ Roll from back to front and front to back with help ○ Jump, push, turn, grab with help ○ Swim, float, swim 10 feet with help ○ Exit the water Adult participation: One parent or guardian per child must be in the pool for each lesson Preschoolers develop comfort with underwater exploration and are introduced to basic self-rescue skills performed with assistance. Register < Back to Prospect Park Swimming PRESCHOOL SWIM CLASSES AGES 3-5 YEARS This progressive program teaches kids ages 3 to 5 water adjustment, basic swimming competency, and benchmark skills. Preschool students can progress through four stages of classes. Stage 1 Water Acclimation Age: 3-5 years Class length: 30 minutes Qualification: None needed. This class is for kids who aren’t yet comfortable going under water voluntarily. Skills Practiced: ○ Bob to submerge in water ○ Front and back glide to the wall for 5 feet with no help ○ Front and back float for 10 seconds with help ○ Roll from back to front and front to back with help ○ Jump, push, turn, grab with help ○ Swim, float, swim 10 feet with help ○ Exit the water Preschoolers develop comfort with underwater exploration and are introduced to basic self-rescue skills performed with assistance. Register Stage 1 Water Acclimation & Gym Age: 3-5 years Class length: 60 minutes Qualification: None needed. This class is for kids who aren’t yet comfortable going under water voluntarily. Skills Practiced: ○ Bob to submerge in water ○ Front and back glide to the wall for 5 feet with no help ○ Front and back float for 10 seconds with help ○ Roll from back to front and front to back with help ○ Jump, push, turn, grab with help ○ Swim, float, swim 10 feet with help ○ Exit the water Gym and swim class is an opportunity to practice basic skills in the gym and adjust to the water in a group setting. Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water in Stage 1. This stage lays the foundation that allows for a student's future progress in swimming. Register Stage 2 Water Movement Age: 3-5 years Class length: 30 minutes Qualification: Child must be able to demonstrate all Stage 1 skills as follows: ○ Go underwater and comfortably open eyes without goggles ○ Float on front and back with minimal assistance ○ Jump into the pool, submerge, and return to the wall with assistance ○ This class is for kids who are not able to do a front and back float on their own. Skills Practiced: ○ Submerge to look at an object on the bottom of the pool ○ Front and back glide to the wall for 5 feet ○ Front and back float for 10 seconds ○ Roll from back to front and front to back ○ Jump, push, turn, grab ○ Swim, float, swim 5 yards ○ Tread water near the wall for 10 seconds ○ Exit the water Preschoolers focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water, while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into water. Register Stage 2 Water Movement & Gym Age: 3-5 years Class length: 60 minutes Qualification: Child must be able to demonstrate all Stage 1 skills as follows: ○ Go underwater and comfortably open eyes without goggles ○ Float on front and back with minimal assistance ○ Jump into the pool, submerge, and return to the wall with assistance ○ This class is for kids who are not able to do a front and back float on their own. Skills Practiced: ○ Submerge to look at an object on the bottom of the pool ○ Front and back glide to the wall for 5 feet ○ Front and back float for 10 seconds ○ Roll from back to front and front to back ○ Jump, push, turn, grab ○ Swim, float, swim 5 yards ○ Tread water near the wall for 10 seconds ○ Exit the water Gym and swim class combines structured gym activities with an advanced beginner level swim class for this age group. In Stage 2, students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water. Register Stage 3 Water Stamina Age: 3-5 years Class length: 30 minutes Qualification: Child must be able to demonstrate all Stage 2 skills as follows: ○ Float on front and back unassisted ○ Push off the wall on stomach with face submerged for 10 feet unassisted ○ Swim, float, swim 15 feet unassisted ○ Jump into deep water and return to the wall unassisted ○ This class is for kids who are not able to swim 10-15 yards on their front and back. Skills Practiced: ○ Retrieve an object in chest-deep water ○ Swim on front and back for 10 yards ○ Roll from back to front and front to back ○ Jump, push, turn, grab 10 yards ○ Swim, float, swim 15 yards ○ Tread water for 30 seconds ○ Exit the water Preschoolers learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages. The class also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm/leg action. Register Stage 3 Water Stamina & Gym Age: 3-5 years Class length: 60 minutes Qualification: Child must be able to demonstrate all Stage 2 skills as follows: ○ Float on front and back unassisted ○ Push off the wall on stomach with face submerged for 10 feet unassisted ○ Swim, float, swim 15 feet unassisted ○ Jump into deep water and return to the wall unassisted ○ This class is for kids who are not able to swim 10-15 yards on their front and back. Skills Practiced: ○ Retrieve an object in chest-deep water ○ Swim on front and back for 10 yards ○ Roll from back to front and front to back ○ Jump, push, turn, grab 10 yards ○ Swim, float, swim 15 yards ○ Tread water for 30 seconds ○ Exit the water Gym and swim class that combines structured gym activities with a swim class in which children learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages in the event of falling into a body of water. This stage also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm and leg action. Register Stage 4 Stroke Introduction Age: 3-5 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: Child must be able to demonstrate all Stage 3 skills as follows: ○ Submerge and retrieve an object in chest-deep water ○ Swim front crawl 15 yards while taking a breath ○ Swim, float, swim 15 yards ○ Jump in and tread water for 30 seconds ○ Swim to wall and exit ○ This class is for kids who are not able to swim 15 yards of front and back crawl. Skills Practiced: ○ Swim the front crawl with rotary breathing for 15 yards ○ Breaststroke kick for 15 yards ○ Butterfly kick for 15 yards ○ Elementary backstroke for 15 yards ○ Dive from a sitting position ○ Tread water using a scissor and whip kick for one minute ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 25 yards Having mastered the fundamentals, preschoolers learn additional water safety skills and build stroke technique. Register Stage 4 Stroke Introduction & Gym Age: 3-5 years Class length: 60 minutes Qualification: Child must be able to demonstrate all Stage 3 skills as follows: ○ Submerge and retrieve an object in chest-deep water ○ Swim front crawl 15 yards while taking a breath ○ Swim, float, swim 15 yards ○ Jump in and tread water for 30 seconds ○ Swim to wall and exit ○ This class is for kids who are not able to swim 15 yards of front and back crawl. Skills Practiced: ○ Swim the front crawl with rotary breathing for 15 yards ○ Breaststroke kick for 15 yards ○ Butterfly kick for 15 yards ○ Elementary backstroke for 15 yards ○ Dive from a sitting position ○ Tread water using a scissor and whip kick for one minute ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 25 yards Gym and swim class that combines structured gym activities with a swim class in which children learn to develop stroke technique in front crawl and back crawl and learn the breaststroke kick and butterfly kick. Water safety is reinforced through treading water and elementary backstroke. Register < Back to Prospect Park Swimming SCHOOL AGE SWIM CLASSES AGES 5-12 YEARS Kids from 5 to 12 can progress through six stages of classes as they learn to swim, work to refine strokes, and advance their water skills. Advanced swimmers refine stroke techniques and mechanics in drill-focused classes, and compete throughout the city on YMCA swim teams. Stage 1 Water Acclimation Age: 5-12 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: None needed. This class is for kids who aren’t yet comfortable going under water voluntarily. Skills Practiced: ○ Bob to submerge in water ○ Front and back glide to the wall for 5 feet with no help ○ Front and back float for 10 seconds with help ○ Roll from back to front and front to back with help ○ Jump, push, turn, grab with help ○ Swim, float, swim 10 feet with help ○ Exit the water Kids develop comfort with underwater exploration and are introduced to basic self-rescue skills performed with assistance. Register Stage 2 Water Movement Age: 5-12 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: Child must be able to demonstrate all Stage 1 skills as follows: ○ Go underwater and comfortably open eyes without goggles ○ Float on front and back with minimal assistance ○ Jump into the pool, submerge, and return to the wall with assistance ○ This class is for kids who are not able to do a front and back float on their own. Skills Practiced: ○ Submerge to look at an object on the bottom of the pool ○ Front and back glide to the wall for 5 feet ○ Front and back float for 10 seconds ○ Roll from back to front and front to back ○ Jump, push, turn, grab ○ Swim, float, swim 5 yards ○ Tread water near the wall for 10 seconds ○ Exit the water Kids focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water, while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into water. Register Stage 3 Water Stamina Age: 5-12 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: Child must be able to demonstrate all Stage 2 skills as follows: ○ Float on front and back unassisted ○ Push off the wall on stomach with face submerged for 10 feet unassisted ○ Swim, float, swim 15 feet unassisted ○ Jump into deep water and return to the wall unassisted ○ This class is for kids who are not able to swim 10-15 yards on their front and back. Skills Practiced: ○ Retrieve an object in chest-deep water ○ Swim on front and back for 10 yards ○ Roll from back to front and front to back ○ Jump, push, turn, grab 10 yards ○ Swim, float, swim 15 yards ○ Tread water for 30 seconds ○ Exit the water Kids learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages. The class also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm/leg action. Register Stage 4 Stroke Introduction Age: 5-12 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: Child must be able to demonstrate all Stage 3 skills as follows: ○ Submerge and retrieve an object in chest-deep water ○ Swim front crawl 15 yards while taking a breath ○ Swim, float, swim 15 yards ○ Jump in and tread water for 30 seconds ○ Swim to wall and exit ○ This class is for kids who are not able to swim 15 yards of front and back crawl. Skills Practiced: ○ Swim the front crawl with rotary breathing for 15 yards ○ Breaststroke kick for 15 yards ○ Butterfly kick for 15 yards ○ Elementary backstroke for 15 yards ○ Dive from a sitting position ○ Tread water using a scissor and whip kick for one minute ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 25 yards Having mastered the fundamentals, students learn additional water safety skills and build stroke technique. Register Stage 5 Stroke Development Age: 5-12 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: Child must be able to demonstrate all Stage 4 skills as follows: ○ Front crawl and back crawl 25 yards ○ Swim breaststroke kick and dolphin kick 15 yards ○ Tread water using multiple kicks for 1 minute ○ This class is for kids who are not able swim the front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke across the pool. Skills Practiced: ○ Swim the front crawl with bent-arm recovery for 25 yards ○ Breaststroke for 25 yards ○ Butterfly with simultaneous arm action and kick for 15 yards ○ Back crawl for 25 yards ○ Sidestroke for 25 yards ○ Dive from a kneeling position ○ Tread water using a scissor and whip kick for 2 minutes ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 50 yards Students work on stroke technique and learn all major competitive swimming strokes. Register Stage 6 Stroke Mechanics Age: 5-12 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: Child must be able to demonstrate all Stage 5 skills as follows: ○ Swim the front crawl with bent-arm recovery for 25 yards ○ Swim back crawl with stroke rotation for 25 yards ○ Swim butterfly with over arm recovery ○ Swim breaststroke for 25 yards achieving stroke rhythm ○ Dive from kneeling position ○ This class is for kids who are not able swim the front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke across the pool and back. Skills Practiced: ○ Swim the front crawl for 50 yards and do a flip turn ○ Breaststroke for 50 yards and do an open turn ○ Butterfly for 25 yards ○ Back crawl for 25 yards and do a flip turn ○ Sidestroke or elementary backstroke for 50 yards ○ Dive from a standing position ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 150 yards ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 50 yards Students refine stroke technique on the major competitive strokes, learn about competitive swimming and discover how to incorporate swimming into a healthy lifestyle. Register Competitive Skills & Drills Age: 7-15 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: Student must be able to demonstrate all Stage 6 skills as follows: ○ Swim the front crawl for 50 yards and do a flip turn ○ Breaststroke for 50 yards and do an open turn ○ Butterfly for 25 yards ○ Back crawl for 25 yards and do a flip turn ○ Sidestroke or elementary backstroke for 50 yards ○ Dive from a standing position ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 150 yards Skills Practiced: ○ Swim any combination of strokes for more than 150 yards ○ Refining technique for all strokes ○ Water polo ○ Starts and flip turns ○ Dives Swimmers build strength and endurance while refining technique and getting ready for competitive swim team. We work on self-confidence, goal setting, and team building during aquatic activities such as conditional swimming and water polo. Register Youth Swim Team Age: 6-18 years, varies by branch Class length: 2-3 hours, 1-5 times per week. Varies by branch and age. Qualification: Contact the aquatics director to schedule a try-out. Skills Practiced: ○ Swim conditioning ○ Refining technique for all strokes ○ Competitive starts, dives and flip turns ○ Racing technique Swimmers enhance skills as a competitive swimmer, make friends, set individual goals, and compete at clubs and invitational swim meets. Brooklyn Youth Swim Teams Bedford-Stuyvesant Piranhas > Manhattan Youth Swim Teams McBurney Manta Rays > West Side Piranhas > Queens Youth Swim Teams Flushing Flyers > Cross Island Cudas > < Back to Prospect Park Swimming TEEN SWIM CLASSES AGES 12-17 YEARS Teens can progress through six stages of classes as they learn to swim, work to refine strokes, and advance their water skills. Advanced swimmers refine stroke techniques and mechanics in drill-focused classes, and compete throughout the city on YMCA swim teams. Stage 1 Water Acclimation Age: 12-17 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: None needed. This class is for students who aren’t yet comfortable going under water voluntarily. Skills Practiced: ○ Bob to submerge in water ○ Front and back glide to the wall for 5 feet with no help ○ Front and back float for 10 seconds with help ○ Roll from back to front and front to back with help ○ Jump, push, turn, grab with help ○ Swim, float, swim 10 feet with help ○ Exit the water Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and are introduced to basic self-rescue skills performed with assistance. Register Stage 2 Water Movement Age: 12-17 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: Student must be able to demonstrate all Stage 1 skills as follows: ○ Go underwater and comfortably open eyes without goggles ○ Float on front and back with minimal assistance ○ Jump into the pool, submerge, and return to the wall with assistance ○ This class is for students who are not able to do a front and back float on their own. Skills Practiced: ○ Submerge to look at an object on the bottom of the pool ○ Front and back glide to the wall for 5 feet ○ Front and back float for 10 seconds ○ Roll from back to front and front to back ○ Jump, push, turn, grab ○ Swim, float, swim 5 yards ○ Tread water near the wall for 10 seconds ○ Exit the water Students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water, while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into water. Register Stage 3 Water Stamina Age: 12-17 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: Student must be able to demonstrate all Stage 2 skills as follows: ○ Float on front and back unassisted ○ Push off the wall on stomach with face submerged for 10 feet unassisted ○ Swim, float, swim 15 feet unassisted ○ Jump into deep water and return to the wall unassisted ○ This class is for students who are not able to swim 10-15 yards on their front and back. Skills Practiced: ○ Retrieve an object in chest-deep water ○ Swim on front and back for 10 yards ○ Roll from back to front and front to back ○ Jump, push, turn, grab 10 yards ○ Swim, float, swim 15 yards ○ Tread water for 30 seconds ○ Exit the water Students learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages. The class also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm/leg action. Register Stage 4 Stroke Introduction Age: 12-17 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: Student must be able to demonstrate all Stage 3 skills as follows: ○ Submerge and retrieve an object in chest-deep water ○ Swim front crawl 15 yards while taking a breath ○ Swim, float, swim 15 yards ○ Jump in and tread water for 30 seconds ○ Swim to wall and exit ○ This class is for students who are not able to swim 15 yards of front and back crawl. Skills Practiced: ○ Swim the front crawl with rotary breathing for 15 yards ○ Breaststroke kick for 15 yards ○ Butterfly kick for 15 yards ○ Elementary backstroke for 15 yards ○ Dive from a sitting position ○ Tread water using a scissor and whip kick for one minute ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 25 yards Having mastered the fundamentals, students learn additional water safety skills and build stroke technique. This class is not currently offered at the Prospect Park YMCA. See other locations offering this class > Stage 5 Stroke Development Age: 12-17 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: Student must be able to demonstrate all Stage 4 skills as follows: ○ Front crawl and back crawl 25 yards ○ Swim breaststroke kick and dolphin kick 15 yards ○ Tread water using multiple kicks for 1 minute ○ This class is for students who are not able swim the front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke across the pool. Skills Practiced: ○ Swim the front crawl with bent-arm recovery for 25 yards ○ Breaststroke for 25 yards ○ Butterfly with simultaneous arm action and kick for 15 yards ○ Back crawl for 25 yards ○ Sidestroke for 25 yards ○ Dive from a kneeling position ○ Tread water using a scissor and whip kick for 2 minutes ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 50 yards Students work on stroke technique and learn all major competitive swimming strokes. This class is not currently offered at the Prospect Park YMCA. See other locations offering this class > Stage 6 Stroke Mechanics Age: 12-17 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: Student must be able to demonstrate all Stage 5 skills as follows: ○ Swim the front crawl with bent-arm recovery for 25 yards ○ Swim back crawl with stroke rotation for 25 yards ○ Swim butterfly with over arm recovery ○ Swim breaststroke for 25 yards achieving stroke rhythm ○ Dive from kneeling position ○ This class is for students who are not able swim the front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke across the pool and back. Skills Practiced: ○ Swim the front crawl for 50 yards and do a flip turn ○ Breaststroke for 50 yards and do an open turn ○ Butterfly for 25 yards ○ Back crawl for 25 yards and do a flip turn ○ Sidestroke or elementary backstroke for 50 yards ○ Dive from a standing position ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 150 yards ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 50 yards Students refine stroke technique on the major competitive strokes, learn about competitive swimming and discover how to incorporate swimming into a healthy lifestyle. This class is not currently offered at the Prospect Park YMCA. See other locations offering this class > Competitive Skills & Drills Age: 7-15 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: Student must be able to demonstrate all Stage 6 skills as follows: ○ Swim the front crawl for 50 yards and do a flip turn ○ Breaststroke for 50 yards and do an open turn ○ Butterfly for 25 yards ○ Back crawl for 25 yards and do a flip turn ○ Sidestroke or elementary backstroke for 50 yards ○ Dive from a standing position ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 150 yards Skills Practiced: ○ Swim any combination of strokes for more than 150 yards ○ Refining technique for all strokes ○ Water polo ○ Starts and flip turns ○ Dives Swimmers build strength and endurance while refining technique and getting ready for competitive swim team. We work on self-confidence, goal setting, and team building during aquatic activities such as conditional swimming and water polo. Register Youth Swim Team Age: 6-18 years, varies by branch Class length: 2-3 hours, 1-5 times per week. Varies by branch and age. Qualification: Contact the aquatics director to schedule a try-out. Skills Practiced: ○ Swim conditioning ○ Refining technique for all strokes ○ Competitive starts, dives and flip turns ○ Racing technique Swimmers enhance skills as a competitive swimmer, make friends, set individual goals, and compete at clubs and invitational swim meets. Brooklyn Youth Swim Teams Bedford-Stuyvesant Piranhas > Manhattan Youth Swim Teams McBurney Manta Rays > West Side Piranhas > Queens Youth Swim Teams Flushing Flyers > Cross Island Cudas > < Back to Prospect Park Swimming ADULT SWIM CLASSES AGES 18+ YEARS Choose from different levels of classes, beginning with water safety and swimming competency, to building and refining swimming stroke techniques. Stage 1 Water Acclimation Age: 13+ years Class length: 60 minutes Qualification: None needed. This class is for students who aren’t yet comfortable going under water voluntarily. Skills Practiced: ○ Bob to submerge in water ○ Front and back glide to the wall for 5 feet with no help ○ Front and back float for 10 seconds with help ○ Roll from back to front and front to back with help ○ Jump, push, turn, grab with help ○ Swim, float, swim 10 feet with help ○ Exit the water Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and are introduced to basic self-rescue skills performed with assistance. Register Stage 2 Water Movement Age: 12+ years Class length: 60 minutes Qualification: Student must be able to demonstrate all Stage 1 skills as follows: ○ Go underwater and comfortably open eyes without goggles ○ Float on front and back with minimal assistance ○ Jump into the pool, submerge, and return to the wall with assistance ○ This class is for students who are not able to do a front and back float on their own. Skills Practiced: ○ Submerge to look at an object on the bottom of the pool ○ Front and back glide to the wall for 5 feet ○ Front and back float for 10 seconds ○ Roll from back to front and front to back ○ Jump, push, turn, grab ○ Swim, float, swim 5 yards ○ Tread water near the wall for 10 seconds ○ Exit the water Students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water, while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into water. Register Stage 3 Water Stamina Age: 13+ years Class length: 60 minutes Qualification: Student must be able to demonstrate all Stage 2 skills as follows: ○ Float on front and back unassisted ○ Push off the wall on stomach with face submerged for 10 feet unassisted ○ Swim, float, swim 15 feet unassisted ○ Jump into deep water and return to the wall unassisted ○ This class is for students who are not able to swim 10-15 yards on their front and back. Skills Practiced: ○ Retrieve an object in chest-deep water ○ Swim on front and back for 10 yards ○ Roll from back to front and front to back ○ Jump, push, turn, grab 10 yards ○ Swim, float, swim 15 yards ○ Tread water for 30 seconds ○ Exit the water Students learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages. The class also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm/leg action. Register Stage 4 Stroke Introduction Age: 13+ years Class length: 60 minutes Qualification: Student must be able to demonstrate all Stage 3 skills as follows: ○ Submerge and retrieve an object in chest-deep water ○ Swim front crawl 15 yards while taking a breath ○ Swim, float, swim 15 yards ○ Jump in and tread water for 30 seconds ○ Swim to wall and exit ○ This class is for students who are not able to swim 15 yards of front and back crawl. Skills Practiced: ○ Swim the front crawl with rotary breathing for 15 yards ○ Breaststroke kick for 15 yards ○ Butterfly kick for 15 yards ○ Elementary backstroke for 15 yards ○ Dive from a sitting position ○ Tread water using a scissor and whip kick for one minute ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 25 yards Having mastered the fundamentals, students learn additional water safety skills and build stroke technique. Register Stage 5 Stroke Development Age: 18+ years Class length: 60 minutes Qualification: Student must be able to demonstrate all Stage 4 skills as follows: ○ Front crawl and back crawl 25 yards ○ Swim breaststroke kick and dolphin kick 15 yards ○ Tread water using multiple kicks for 1 minute ○ This class is for students who are not able swim the front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke across the pool. Skills Practiced: ○ Swim the front crawl with bent-arm recovery for 25 yards ○ Breaststroke for 25 yards ○ Butterfly with simultaneous arm action and kick for 15 yards ○ Back crawl for 25 yards ○ Sidestroke for 25 yards ○ Dive from a kneeling position ○ Tread water using a scissor and whip kick for 2 minutes ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 50 yards Students work on stroke technique and learn all major competitive swimming strokes. This class is not currently offered at the Prospect Park YMCA. See other locations offering this class > Stage 6 Stroke Mechanics Age: 18+ years Class length: 60 minutes Qualification: Student must be able to demonstrate all Stage 5 skills as follows: ○ Swim the front crawl with bent-arm recovery for 25 yards ○ Swim back crawl with stroke rotation for 25 yards ○ Swim butterfly with over arm recovery ○ Swim breaststroke for 25 yards achieving stroke rhythm ○ Dive from kneeling position ○ This class is for students who are not able swim the front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke across the pool and back. Skills Practiced: ○ Swim the front crawl for 50 yards and do a flip turn ○ Breaststroke for 50 yards and do an open turn ○ Butterfly for 25 yards ○ Back crawl for 25 yards and do a flip turn ○ Sidestroke or elementary backstroke for 50 yards ○ Dive from a standing position ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 150 yards ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 50 yards Students refine stroke technique on the major competitive strokes, learn about competitive swimming and discover how to incorporate swimming into a healthy lifestyle. This class is not currently offered at the Prospect Park YMCA. See other locations offering this class > < Back to Prospect Park Swimming
Parent & Child Classes, ages 6 months-5 years Preschool, ages 3-5 School Age, ages 5-12 Teens, ages 12-17 Adults, ages 18+ Private Lessons, ages 3+ PARENT & CHILD SWIM CLASSES AGES 6 MONTHS-5 YEARS Hop in the pool with your baby or toddler and help them learn to be comfortable in the water. Parents learn about water safety and drowning prevention. Stage A Water Discovery Age: 6 months-3 years Class length: 30 minutes Qualification: None needed Adult participation: One parent or guardian per child must be in the pool for each lesson The class introduces infants and toddlers to the aquatic environment through exploration. Register Stage B Water Exploration Age: 6 months-3 years Class length: 30 minutes Qualification: Child is comfortable in the water or child has taken Stage A Water Discovery Adult participation: One parent or guardian per child must be in the pool for each lesson Focuses on exploring body positions, blowing bubbles, and fundamental safety and aquatic skills. Register Stage B Water Exploration + Yoga Age: 12-36 months Class length: 60 minutes Qualification: Child is comfortable in the water or child has taken Stage A Water Discovery Adult participation: one parent or guardian per child must be in the pool for each lesson Yoga and Swim classes for 1-2 year olds and their parents or caregivers combine age-appropriate gym activities with water skills that begin to prepare children to work directly with an instructor on their own. Register Stage 1 Water Acclimation with Parent Age: 3-5 years Class length: 30 minutes Qualification: None needed. This class is for kids who aren’t yet comfortable going under water voluntarily. Skills Practiced: ○ Bob to submerge in water ○ Front and back glide to the wall for 5 feet with no help ○ Front and back float for 10 seconds with help ○ Roll from back to front and front to back with help ○ Jump, push, turn, grab with help ○ Swim, float, swim 10 feet with help ○ Exit the water Adult participation: One parent or guardian per child must be in the pool for each lesson Preschoolers develop comfort with underwater exploration and are introduced to basic self-rescue skills performed with assistance. Register < Back to Prospect Park Swimming PRESCHOOL SWIM CLASSES AGES 3-5 YEARS This progressive program teaches kids ages 3 to 5 water adjustment, basic swimming competency, and benchmark skills. Preschool students can progress through four stages of classes. Stage 1 Water Acclimation Age: 3-5 years Class length: 30 minutes Qualification: None needed. This class is for kids who aren’t yet comfortable going under water voluntarily. Skills Practiced: ○ Bob to submerge in water ○ Front and back glide to the wall for 5 feet with no help ○ Front and back float for 10 seconds with help ○ Roll from back to front and front to back with help ○ Jump, push, turn, grab with help ○ Swim, float, swim 10 feet with help ○ Exit the water Preschoolers develop comfort with underwater exploration and are introduced to basic self-rescue skills performed with assistance. Register Stage 1 Water Acclimation & Gym Age: 3-5 years Class length: 60 minutes Qualification: None needed. This class is for kids who aren’t yet comfortable going under water voluntarily. Skills Practiced: ○ Bob to submerge in water ○ Front and back glide to the wall for 5 feet with no help ○ Front and back float for 10 seconds with help ○ Roll from back to front and front to back with help ○ Jump, push, turn, grab with help ○ Swim, float, swim 10 feet with help ○ Exit the water Gym and swim class is an opportunity to practice basic skills in the gym and adjust to the water in a group setting. Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water in Stage 1. This stage lays the foundation that allows for a student's future progress in swimming. Register Stage 2 Water Movement Age: 3-5 years Class length: 30 minutes Qualification: Child must be able to demonstrate all Stage 1 skills as follows: ○ Go underwater and comfortably open eyes without goggles ○ Float on front and back with minimal assistance ○ Jump into the pool, submerge, and return to the wall with assistance ○ This class is for kids who are not able to do a front and back float on their own. Skills Practiced: ○ Submerge to look at an object on the bottom of the pool ○ Front and back glide to the wall for 5 feet ○ Front and back float for 10 seconds ○ Roll from back to front and front to back ○ Jump, push, turn, grab ○ Swim, float, swim 5 yards ○ Tread water near the wall for 10 seconds ○ Exit the water Preschoolers focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water, while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into water. Register Stage 2 Water Movement & Gym Age: 3-5 years Class length: 60 minutes Qualification: Child must be able to demonstrate all Stage 1 skills as follows: ○ Go underwater and comfortably open eyes without goggles ○ Float on front and back with minimal assistance ○ Jump into the pool, submerge, and return to the wall with assistance ○ This class is for kids who are not able to do a front and back float on their own. Skills Practiced: ○ Submerge to look at an object on the bottom of the pool ○ Front and back glide to the wall for 5 feet ○ Front and back float for 10 seconds ○ Roll from back to front and front to back ○ Jump, push, turn, grab ○ Swim, float, swim 5 yards ○ Tread water near the wall for 10 seconds ○ Exit the water Gym and swim class combines structured gym activities with an advanced beginner level swim class for this age group. In Stage 2, students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water. Register Stage 3 Water Stamina Age: 3-5 years Class length: 30 minutes Qualification: Child must be able to demonstrate all Stage 2 skills as follows: ○ Float on front and back unassisted ○ Push off the wall on stomach with face submerged for 10 feet unassisted ○ Swim, float, swim 15 feet unassisted ○ Jump into deep water and return to the wall unassisted ○ This class is for kids who are not able to swim 10-15 yards on their front and back. Skills Practiced: ○ Retrieve an object in chest-deep water ○ Swim on front and back for 10 yards ○ Roll from back to front and front to back ○ Jump, push, turn, grab 10 yards ○ Swim, float, swim 15 yards ○ Tread water for 30 seconds ○ Exit the water Preschoolers learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages. The class also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm/leg action. Register Stage 3 Water Stamina & Gym Age: 3-5 years Class length: 60 minutes Qualification: Child must be able to demonstrate all Stage 2 skills as follows: ○ Float on front and back unassisted ○ Push off the wall on stomach with face submerged for 10 feet unassisted ○ Swim, float, swim 15 feet unassisted ○ Jump into deep water and return to the wall unassisted ○ This class is for kids who are not able to swim 10-15 yards on their front and back. Skills Practiced: ○ Retrieve an object in chest-deep water ○ Swim on front and back for 10 yards ○ Roll from back to front and front to back ○ Jump, push, turn, grab 10 yards ○ Swim, float, swim 15 yards ○ Tread water for 30 seconds ○ Exit the water Gym and swim class that combines structured gym activities with a swim class in which children learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages in the event of falling into a body of water. This stage also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm and leg action. Register Stage 4 Stroke Introduction Age: 3-5 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: Child must be able to demonstrate all Stage 3 skills as follows: ○ Submerge and retrieve an object in chest-deep water ○ Swim front crawl 15 yards while taking a breath ○ Swim, float, swim 15 yards ○ Jump in and tread water for 30 seconds ○ Swim to wall and exit ○ This class is for kids who are not able to swim 15 yards of front and back crawl. Skills Practiced: ○ Swim the front crawl with rotary breathing for 15 yards ○ Breaststroke kick for 15 yards ○ Butterfly kick for 15 yards ○ Elementary backstroke for 15 yards ○ Dive from a sitting position ○ Tread water using a scissor and whip kick for one minute ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 25 yards Having mastered the fundamentals, preschoolers learn additional water safety skills and build stroke technique. Register Stage 4 Stroke Introduction & Gym Age: 3-5 years Class length: 60 minutes Qualification: Child must be able to demonstrate all Stage 3 skills as follows: ○ Submerge and retrieve an object in chest-deep water ○ Swim front crawl 15 yards while taking a breath ○ Swim, float, swim 15 yards ○ Jump in and tread water for 30 seconds ○ Swim to wall and exit ○ This class is for kids who are not able to swim 15 yards of front and back crawl. Skills Practiced: ○ Swim the front crawl with rotary breathing for 15 yards ○ Breaststroke kick for 15 yards ○ Butterfly kick for 15 yards ○ Elementary backstroke for 15 yards ○ Dive from a sitting position ○ Tread water using a scissor and whip kick for one minute ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 25 yards Gym and swim class that combines structured gym activities with a swim class in which children learn to develop stroke technique in front crawl and back crawl and learn the breaststroke kick and butterfly kick. Water safety is reinforced through treading water and elementary backstroke. Register < Back to Prospect Park Swimming SCHOOL AGE SWIM CLASSES AGES 5-12 YEARS Kids from 5 to 12 can progress through six stages of classes as they learn to swim, work to refine strokes, and advance their water skills. Advanced swimmers refine stroke techniques and mechanics in drill-focused classes, and compete throughout the city on YMCA swim teams. Stage 1 Water Acclimation Age: 5-12 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: None needed. This class is for kids who aren’t yet comfortable going under water voluntarily. Skills Practiced: ○ Bob to submerge in water ○ Front and back glide to the wall for 5 feet with no help ○ Front and back float for 10 seconds with help ○ Roll from back to front and front to back with help ○ Jump, push, turn, grab with help ○ Swim, float, swim 10 feet with help ○ Exit the water Kids develop comfort with underwater exploration and are introduced to basic self-rescue skills performed with assistance. Register Stage 2 Water Movement Age: 5-12 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: Child must be able to demonstrate all Stage 1 skills as follows: ○ Go underwater and comfortably open eyes without goggles ○ Float on front and back with minimal assistance ○ Jump into the pool, submerge, and return to the wall with assistance ○ This class is for kids who are not able to do a front and back float on their own. Skills Practiced: ○ Submerge to look at an object on the bottom of the pool ○ Front and back glide to the wall for 5 feet ○ Front and back float for 10 seconds ○ Roll from back to front and front to back ○ Jump, push, turn, grab ○ Swim, float, swim 5 yards ○ Tread water near the wall for 10 seconds ○ Exit the water Kids focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water, while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into water. Register Stage 3 Water Stamina Age: 5-12 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: Child must be able to demonstrate all Stage 2 skills as follows: ○ Float on front and back unassisted ○ Push off the wall on stomach with face submerged for 10 feet unassisted ○ Swim, float, swim 15 feet unassisted ○ Jump into deep water and return to the wall unassisted ○ This class is for kids who are not able to swim 10-15 yards on their front and back. Skills Practiced: ○ Retrieve an object in chest-deep water ○ Swim on front and back for 10 yards ○ Roll from back to front and front to back ○ Jump, push, turn, grab 10 yards ○ Swim, float, swim 15 yards ○ Tread water for 30 seconds ○ Exit the water Kids learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages. The class also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm/leg action. Register Stage 4 Stroke Introduction Age: 5-12 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: Child must be able to demonstrate all Stage 3 skills as follows: ○ Submerge and retrieve an object in chest-deep water ○ Swim front crawl 15 yards while taking a breath ○ Swim, float, swim 15 yards ○ Jump in and tread water for 30 seconds ○ Swim to wall and exit ○ This class is for kids who are not able to swim 15 yards of front and back crawl. Skills Practiced: ○ Swim the front crawl with rotary breathing for 15 yards ○ Breaststroke kick for 15 yards ○ Butterfly kick for 15 yards ○ Elementary backstroke for 15 yards ○ Dive from a sitting position ○ Tread water using a scissor and whip kick for one minute ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 25 yards Having mastered the fundamentals, students learn additional water safety skills and build stroke technique. Register Stage 5 Stroke Development Age: 5-12 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: Child must be able to demonstrate all Stage 4 skills as follows: ○ Front crawl and back crawl 25 yards ○ Swim breaststroke kick and dolphin kick 15 yards ○ Tread water using multiple kicks for 1 minute ○ This class is for kids who are not able swim the front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke across the pool. Skills Practiced: ○ Swim the front crawl with bent-arm recovery for 25 yards ○ Breaststroke for 25 yards ○ Butterfly with simultaneous arm action and kick for 15 yards ○ Back crawl for 25 yards ○ Sidestroke for 25 yards ○ Dive from a kneeling position ○ Tread water using a scissor and whip kick for 2 minutes ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 50 yards Students work on stroke technique and learn all major competitive swimming strokes. Register Stage 6 Stroke Mechanics Age: 5-12 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: Child must be able to demonstrate all Stage 5 skills as follows: ○ Swim the front crawl with bent-arm recovery for 25 yards ○ Swim back crawl with stroke rotation for 25 yards ○ Swim butterfly with over arm recovery ○ Swim breaststroke for 25 yards achieving stroke rhythm ○ Dive from kneeling position ○ This class is for kids who are not able swim the front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke across the pool and back. Skills Practiced: ○ Swim the front crawl for 50 yards and do a flip turn ○ Breaststroke for 50 yards and do an open turn ○ Butterfly for 25 yards ○ Back crawl for 25 yards and do a flip turn ○ Sidestroke or elementary backstroke for 50 yards ○ Dive from a standing position ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 150 yards ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 50 yards Students refine stroke technique on the major competitive strokes, learn about competitive swimming and discover how to incorporate swimming into a healthy lifestyle. Register Competitive Skills & Drills Age: 7-15 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: Student must be able to demonstrate all Stage 6 skills as follows: ○ Swim the front crawl for 50 yards and do a flip turn ○ Breaststroke for 50 yards and do an open turn ○ Butterfly for 25 yards ○ Back crawl for 25 yards and do a flip turn ○ Sidestroke or elementary backstroke for 50 yards ○ Dive from a standing position ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 150 yards Skills Practiced: ○ Swim any combination of strokes for more than 150 yards ○ Refining technique for all strokes ○ Water polo ○ Starts and flip turns ○ Dives Swimmers build strength and endurance while refining technique and getting ready for competitive swim team. We work on self-confidence, goal setting, and team building during aquatic activities such as conditional swimming and water polo. Register Youth Swim Team Age: 6-18 years, varies by branch Class length: 2-3 hours, 1-5 times per week. Varies by branch and age. Qualification: Contact the aquatics director to schedule a try-out. Skills Practiced: ○ Swim conditioning ○ Refining technique for all strokes ○ Competitive starts, dives and flip turns ○ Racing technique Swimmers enhance skills as a competitive swimmer, make friends, set individual goals, and compete at clubs and invitational swim meets. Brooklyn Youth Swim Teams Bedford-Stuyvesant Piranhas > Manhattan Youth Swim Teams McBurney Manta Rays > West Side Piranhas > Queens Youth Swim Teams Flushing Flyers > Cross Island Cudas > < Back to Prospect Park Swimming TEEN SWIM CLASSES AGES 12-17 YEARS Teens can progress through six stages of classes as they learn to swim, work to refine strokes, and advance their water skills. Advanced swimmers refine stroke techniques and mechanics in drill-focused classes, and compete throughout the city on YMCA swim teams. Stage 1 Water Acclimation Age: 12-17 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: None needed. This class is for students who aren’t yet comfortable going under water voluntarily. Skills Practiced: ○ Bob to submerge in water ○ Front and back glide to the wall for 5 feet with no help ○ Front and back float for 10 seconds with help ○ Roll from back to front and front to back with help ○ Jump, push, turn, grab with help ○ Swim, float, swim 10 feet with help ○ Exit the water Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and are introduced to basic self-rescue skills performed with assistance. Register Stage 2 Water Movement Age: 12-17 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: Student must be able to demonstrate all Stage 1 skills as follows: ○ Go underwater and comfortably open eyes without goggles ○ Float on front and back with minimal assistance ○ Jump into the pool, submerge, and return to the wall with assistance ○ This class is for students who are not able to do a front and back float on their own. Skills Practiced: ○ Submerge to look at an object on the bottom of the pool ○ Front and back glide to the wall for 5 feet ○ Front and back float for 10 seconds ○ Roll from back to front and front to back ○ Jump, push, turn, grab ○ Swim, float, swim 5 yards ○ Tread water near the wall for 10 seconds ○ Exit the water Students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water, while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into water. Register Stage 3 Water Stamina Age: 12-17 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: Student must be able to demonstrate all Stage 2 skills as follows: ○ Float on front and back unassisted ○ Push off the wall on stomach with face submerged for 10 feet unassisted ○ Swim, float, swim 15 feet unassisted ○ Jump into deep water and return to the wall unassisted ○ This class is for students who are not able to swim 10-15 yards on their front and back. Skills Practiced: ○ Retrieve an object in chest-deep water ○ Swim on front and back for 10 yards ○ Roll from back to front and front to back ○ Jump, push, turn, grab 10 yards ○ Swim, float, swim 15 yards ○ Tread water for 30 seconds ○ Exit the water Students learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages. The class also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm/leg action. Register Stage 4 Stroke Introduction Age: 12-17 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: Student must be able to demonstrate all Stage 3 skills as follows: ○ Submerge and retrieve an object in chest-deep water ○ Swim front crawl 15 yards while taking a breath ○ Swim, float, swim 15 yards ○ Jump in and tread water for 30 seconds ○ Swim to wall and exit ○ This class is for students who are not able to swim 15 yards of front and back crawl. Skills Practiced: ○ Swim the front crawl with rotary breathing for 15 yards ○ Breaststroke kick for 15 yards ○ Butterfly kick for 15 yards ○ Elementary backstroke for 15 yards ○ Dive from a sitting position ○ Tread water using a scissor and whip kick for one minute ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 25 yards Having mastered the fundamentals, students learn additional water safety skills and build stroke technique. This class is not currently offered at the Prospect Park YMCA. See other locations offering this class > Stage 5 Stroke Development Age: 12-17 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: Student must be able to demonstrate all Stage 4 skills as follows: ○ Front crawl and back crawl 25 yards ○ Swim breaststroke kick and dolphin kick 15 yards ○ Tread water using multiple kicks for 1 minute ○ This class is for students who are not able swim the front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke across the pool. Skills Practiced: ○ Swim the front crawl with bent-arm recovery for 25 yards ○ Breaststroke for 25 yards ○ Butterfly with simultaneous arm action and kick for 15 yards ○ Back crawl for 25 yards ○ Sidestroke for 25 yards ○ Dive from a kneeling position ○ Tread water using a scissor and whip kick for 2 minutes ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 50 yards Students work on stroke technique and learn all major competitive swimming strokes. This class is not currently offered at the Prospect Park YMCA. See other locations offering this class > Stage 6 Stroke Mechanics Age: 12-17 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: Student must be able to demonstrate all Stage 5 skills as follows: ○ Swim the front crawl with bent-arm recovery for 25 yards ○ Swim back crawl with stroke rotation for 25 yards ○ Swim butterfly with over arm recovery ○ Swim breaststroke for 25 yards achieving stroke rhythm ○ Dive from kneeling position ○ This class is for students who are not able swim the front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke across the pool and back. Skills Practiced: ○ Swim the front crawl for 50 yards and do a flip turn ○ Breaststroke for 50 yards and do an open turn ○ Butterfly for 25 yards ○ Back crawl for 25 yards and do a flip turn ○ Sidestroke or elementary backstroke for 50 yards ○ Dive from a standing position ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 150 yards ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 50 yards Students refine stroke technique on the major competitive strokes, learn about competitive swimming and discover how to incorporate swimming into a healthy lifestyle. This class is not currently offered at the Prospect Park YMCA. See other locations offering this class > Competitive Skills & Drills Age: 7-15 years Class length: 45 minutes Qualification: Student must be able to demonstrate all Stage 6 skills as follows: ○ Swim the front crawl for 50 yards and do a flip turn ○ Breaststroke for 50 yards and do an open turn ○ Butterfly for 25 yards ○ Back crawl for 25 yards and do a flip turn ○ Sidestroke or elementary backstroke for 50 yards ○ Dive from a standing position ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 150 yards Skills Practiced: ○ Swim any combination of strokes for more than 150 yards ○ Refining technique for all strokes ○ Water polo ○ Starts and flip turns ○ Dives Swimmers build strength and endurance while refining technique and getting ready for competitive swim team. We work on self-confidence, goal setting, and team building during aquatic activities such as conditional swimming and water polo. Register Youth Swim Team Age: 6-18 years, varies by branch Class length: 2-3 hours, 1-5 times per week. Varies by branch and age. Qualification: Contact the aquatics director to schedule a try-out. Skills Practiced: ○ Swim conditioning ○ Refining technique for all strokes ○ Competitive starts, dives and flip turns ○ Racing technique Swimmers enhance skills as a competitive swimmer, make friends, set individual goals, and compete at clubs and invitational swim meets. Brooklyn Youth Swim Teams Bedford-Stuyvesant Piranhas > Manhattan Youth Swim Teams McBurney Manta Rays > West Side Piranhas > Queens Youth Swim Teams Flushing Flyers > Cross Island Cudas > < Back to Prospect Park Swimming ADULT SWIM CLASSES AGES 18+ YEARS Choose from different levels of classes, beginning with water safety and swimming competency, to building and refining swimming stroke techniques. Stage 1 Water Acclimation Age: 13+ years Class length: 60 minutes Qualification: None needed. This class is for students who aren’t yet comfortable going under water voluntarily. Skills Practiced: ○ Bob to submerge in water ○ Front and back glide to the wall for 5 feet with no help ○ Front and back float for 10 seconds with help ○ Roll from back to front and front to back with help ○ Jump, push, turn, grab with help ○ Swim, float, swim 10 feet with help ○ Exit the water Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and are introduced to basic self-rescue skills performed with assistance. Register Stage 2 Water Movement Age: 12+ years Class length: 60 minutes Qualification: Student must be able to demonstrate all Stage 1 skills as follows: ○ Go underwater and comfortably open eyes without goggles ○ Float on front and back with minimal assistance ○ Jump into the pool, submerge, and return to the wall with assistance ○ This class is for students who are not able to do a front and back float on their own. Skills Practiced: ○ Submerge to look at an object on the bottom of the pool ○ Front and back glide to the wall for 5 feet ○ Front and back float for 10 seconds ○ Roll from back to front and front to back ○ Jump, push, turn, grab ○ Swim, float, swim 5 yards ○ Tread water near the wall for 10 seconds ○ Exit the water Students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water, while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into water. Register Stage 3 Water Stamina Age: 13+ years Class length: 60 minutes Qualification: Student must be able to demonstrate all Stage 2 skills as follows: ○ Float on front and back unassisted ○ Push off the wall on stomach with face submerged for 10 feet unassisted ○ Swim, float, swim 15 feet unassisted ○ Jump into deep water and return to the wall unassisted ○ This class is for students who are not able to swim 10-15 yards on their front and back. Skills Practiced: ○ Retrieve an object in chest-deep water ○ Swim on front and back for 10 yards ○ Roll from back to front and front to back ○ Jump, push, turn, grab 10 yards ○ Swim, float, swim 15 yards ○ Tread water for 30 seconds ○ Exit the water Students learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages. The class also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm/leg action. Register Stage 4 Stroke Introduction Age: 13+ years Class length: 60 minutes Qualification: Student must be able to demonstrate all Stage 3 skills as follows: ○ Submerge and retrieve an object in chest-deep water ○ Swim front crawl 15 yards while taking a breath ○ Swim, float, swim 15 yards ○ Jump in and tread water for 30 seconds ○ Swim to wall and exit ○ This class is for students who are not able to swim 15 yards of front and back crawl. Skills Practiced: ○ Swim the front crawl with rotary breathing for 15 yards ○ Breaststroke kick for 15 yards ○ Butterfly kick for 15 yards ○ Elementary backstroke for 15 yards ○ Dive from a sitting position ○ Tread water using a scissor and whip kick for one minute ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 25 yards Having mastered the fundamentals, students learn additional water safety skills and build stroke technique. Register Stage 5 Stroke Development Age: 18+ years Class length: 60 minutes Qualification: Student must be able to demonstrate all Stage 4 skills as follows: ○ Front crawl and back crawl 25 yards ○ Swim breaststroke kick and dolphin kick 15 yards ○ Tread water using multiple kicks for 1 minute ○ This class is for students who are not able swim the front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke across the pool. Skills Practiced: ○ Swim the front crawl with bent-arm recovery for 25 yards ○ Breaststroke for 25 yards ○ Butterfly with simultaneous arm action and kick for 15 yards ○ Back crawl for 25 yards ○ Sidestroke for 25 yards ○ Dive from a kneeling position ○ Tread water using a scissor and whip kick for 2 minutes ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 50 yards Students work on stroke technique and learn all major competitive swimming strokes. This class is not currently offered at the Prospect Park YMCA. See other locations offering this class > Stage 6 Stroke Mechanics Age: 18+ years Class length: 60 minutes Qualification: Student must be able to demonstrate all Stage 5 skills as follows: ○ Swim the front crawl with bent-arm recovery for 25 yards ○ Swim back crawl with stroke rotation for 25 yards ○ Swim butterfly with over arm recovery ○ Swim breaststroke for 25 yards achieving stroke rhythm ○ Dive from kneeling position ○ This class is for students who are not able swim the front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke across the pool and back. Skills Practiced: ○ Swim the front crawl for 50 yards and do a flip turn ○ Breaststroke for 50 yards and do an open turn ○ Butterfly for 25 yards ○ Back crawl for 25 yards and do a flip turn ○ Sidestroke or elementary backstroke for 50 yards ○ Dive from a standing position ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 150 yards ○ Swim any combination of strokes for 50 yards Students refine stroke technique on the major competitive strokes, learn about competitive swimming and discover how to incorporate swimming into a healthy lifestyle. This class is not currently offered at the Prospect Park YMCA. See other locations offering this class > < Back to Prospect Park Swimming