YMCA Aquatics
Swimming Lessons
YMCA instructional swim lessons introduce and teach children a variety of skills in a values based environment. Children are encouraged to experience the qualities of water, learn safety, movement skills, and build confidence. YMCA swim lessons emphasize fun and positive relationships with the instructor and other children. Every member may register for one swim lesson per week.
Based on child development principles, the YMCA recognizes that children learn by experimenting, exploring, imitating, playing and having fun. Our instructors practice changing activities throughout the class to assist with keeping children's attention. A 30 minute class promotes and supports this learning principle.
We recognize that each child is unique and learns differently. YMCA continuous registration promotes regular participation and learning through progression. YMCA instructors are trained to focus on each child as an individual and to use a variety of teaching methods.
Children who want the option of additional swim time to practice skills and/or build endurance have the option of participating in open swim times.
YMCA Lil' Dippers
For infants to 5 years of age
Splashers and Bubblers with parent participation
Purpose: To build values and introduce a wide range of water activities in a fun, safe atmosphere
Splashers - Comfort in the water, splashes with arms and legs, pool area orientation
Bubblers - hold wall and kick feet, front/back float assisted, safe swimming
Bobbers - hold wall kick and blow bubbles, front and back glide assisted, water hazards
Floaters - bobs unassisted, front and back glide with kick 3m, how and when to wear a personal flotation device
Gliders - deep water skills, front and back swim 5m, accessing ems
Divers - surface support 10 sec, front and back swim 10m, boating safety
Surfers - kneeling dive, front and back swim 15m, ice safety
Dippers - surface support 45 sec, front and back swim 25m, introduction to throwing assists
YMCA Learn To Swim
For children 6 years +
Purpose: To build values and orient children 6+ to fundamental swim skills
Otter - rhythmic breathing, front and back swim 5m, know when to call for help
Seal - deep water skills, front and back swim 10m, buoyant objects
Dolphin - tread water 30 sec, front and back swim 25m, recognize someone in trouble
Swimmer - treat water 60 sec, front crawl 25m, introduction to resuscitation
YMCA Star Program
Purpose: To develop individuals through improving swimming ability, further water sports and safety skills, develop endurance and new strokes, as well as explore leadership skills
Star 1 - tread water 90 sec, back crawl 25m, rookie first aid
Star 2 - front and back crawl start, elementary backstroke 25m, rookie H2O proficiency
Star 3 - introduction to eggbeater, breast stroke 25m, rookie recognition and rescue
Star 4 - front crawl turn, endurance swim 400m, ranger first aid
Star 5 - eggbeater 2 min, sidestroke 25m, ranger H2O proficiency
Star 6 - water polo skills, butterfly 25m, ranger recognition and rescue
Advanced Aquatics
See YMCA Swim Instructor and Lifeguard Training below.
For a complete listing of current swimming lessons available, visit one of our three membership branches or
download a current schedule. Please note that class types and styles may vary from Branch to Branch.
St. Catharines Walker Family |
Welland/Pelham |
Niagara Falls
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YMCA of Niagara Swim Guidelines
To ensure and promote a safe aquatic experience, the YMCA of Niagara is introducing the following guidelines effective July 1, 2006. Guidelines apply to Family and Open Swims.
Children under 6 must be supervised by a parent / guardian who is at least 13 years of age and must be in the water within arm’s reach. Maximum 2 children per parent / guardian.
The YMCA strongly recommends that Children 6-9 years who are non-swimmers be accompanied by a parent / guardian who is at least 13 years and responsible for their direct supervision. Maximum 4 children per parent / guardian.
Children 6-9 years who are able to demonstrate comfort in the water by passing the swim test (2 widths of the lane pool) are able to swim without a parent or guardian.
Any organized group with children under 9 years who are non-swimmers must follow the guidelines and ensure appropriate guardian / child ratios. This includes Birthday Parties that are hosted at the Niagara Falls Branch.
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Family & Open Swim
Family Swim allows parents and their children the opportunity to enjoy the pool together. Leisure pool spray features will be available during family times.
The YMCA is open to the community through an Open Swim. Non-members who pay a fee and members can attend.
For a complete listing of current Family and Open swim times available, visit one of our three membership
branches or download a current schedule. Please note that times and availability may
vary from Branch to Branch.
St. Catharines Walker Family |
Welland/Pelham |
Niagara Falls
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Aqua Fitness
Aqua Fitness
Includes a cardio, stretching and strength component. Since exercise in the water reduces the impact on joints, it is a
gentle yet effective way to achieve fitness. Members may choose between Shallow water Aquafit, Deep water Aquafit which
requires some swimming ability and Aquafit in Moderation.
For a complete listing of current Aquafit classes available, visit one of our three membership branches
or download a current schedule. Please note that class types and styles may vary from
Branch to Branch.
St. Catharines Walker Family |
Welland/Pelham |
Niagara Falls
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Lane Swim
Lane Swim is for members who wish to use swimming for a workout. Swimmers must be able to swim the full
length of the pool continuously without support.
To ensure a positive experience for all, ropes divide the pool into lanes so you can choose whichever lane
is right for you. Lanes are provided for slow, moderate and fast swimmers, as well as an open lane for participants who wish
to water walk, exercise or swim leisurely. Swimmers are requested to swim counter-clockwise, keeping the centre of the lane
open for passing.
For a complete listing of current lane swim times available, visit one of our three membership branches or
download a current schedule. Please note that times may vary from
Branch to Branch.
St. Catharines Walker Family |
Welland/Pelham |
Niagara Falls
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YMCA Swim Instructor & Lifeguard Training
The YMCA has a long history of encouraging individuals both to assume responsibility for themselves and to express a sense
of responsibility for the welfare of others.
This sentiment is reflected in our commitment to recruiting, training and developing qualified and mature swimming
Instructors and Lifeguards.
What are the requirements to become a certified lifeguard?
- Bronze Medallion (13 years or Bronze Star)& Emergency 1st Aid/CPR(B)
- Bronze Cross
- Standard First Aid / CPR(C)
- National Lifeguard (16 years)
What are the requirements to become a certified YMCA Instructor?
Role
The YMCA Swim Instructor has completed a program of training and uses his/her knowledge and skill as a qualified teacher of
swimming, lifesaving and aquatic activities.
Pre-requisites
- Minimum sixteen years of age
- Standard First Aid
- Swim strokes at YMCA Intermediate stroke standard
For a complete listing of current NLS and Instructor courses available, visit one of our three membership branches for specific dates and times or download the Enrichment schedule below.
Enrichment Programs
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