WYOMING COUNTY SWIM LESSONS
The Y is the starting point for many youth to learn about becoming and staying active, and developing healthy habits they’ll carry with them throughout their lives. And the benefits are far greater than just physical health. Whether it’s gaining the confidence that comes from learning to swim or building the positive relationships that lead to good sportsmanship and teamwork, participating in swim lessons is about building the whole child, from the inside out.
PreSchool (Ages 3-5)
The YMCA of the USA has established four progressive levels for the Preschool Swim Program. Each level is designed to teach beginner skills such as kicking and paddling while building each child’s endurance. Children in the program will gain self-confidence and become more comfortable in the water. Safety skills are taught at all the levels and water awareness is stressed throughout the program.
All children between the ages of 3-5 who have not taken a swim lesson at the YMCA will start at the PIKE/EEL level.
Our 30-minute lesson allows our instructors the necessary time to provide the students with a quality lesson and is short enough to keep the child’s attention throughout the class. Free play is encouraged and children will learn many games and songs as they progress through the program.
Upon completion of the four levels or becoming 6 years old a child will become eligible for the YMCA's Youth Progressive Swim Program. A brief description of the skills taught at each level is provided below.
PIKE/EEL - This class is for first time swimmers. Pool rules, floating, kicking and paddle strokes are taught. Swimmers will use floatation devices provided by the YMCA to assist them during class.
RAY/STARFISH- Upon completion of PIKE/EEL level a child will progress to RAY/STARFISH. At this level children begin to become comfortable swimming without a floatation device. Treading water, bobbing in deep water and front and back somersaults are taught at this level as is front crawl, backstroke and the introduction of rotary breathing.
Youth (Ages 6 and Up)
The YMCA of the USA has developed six progressive levels for our youth swim lessons. Each level is designed to teach new skills while fine tuning what students have already learned. Endurance and safety are stressed at each level and as a student progresses through the program the skills will become more difficult to learn.
We have established a 45-minute time frame for our youth swim lessons. The 45-minutes allows for the instructors to plan for a perfect mixture of learning and fun. As a child progresses through the levels more emphasis will be placed on learning skills in preparation for swim team.
Students will receive a certificate when successfully completing a level. A brief description of each level is provided below.
All children between the ages of 6-12 who have not taken a swim lesson at the YMCA will start at the Polliwog/Guppy/Minnow level.
POLLIWOG/GUPPY/MINNOW- This is the beginner level for our Youth Swim Lessons. Basic paddle techniques and kicking are taught at this level. Many of the students will use floatation devices provided by the YMCA to help them complete the Polliwog level. Endurance is stressed from the start as students grow stronger. Rotary breathing is taught in the Guppy level, while front and back crawl are perfected and breast stroke is introduced in Minnow.
FISH/FLYING FISH/SHARK- Elementary backstroke is introduced in the Fish level. Endurance is stressed as students will need to tread water for three minutes. Butterfly is introduced in Fish, and perfected in the higher levels. All strokes are perfected in Shark where an individual medley is a component.
Private Swim Lessons
Private swim lessons are available for adults and children, who wish to learn to swim on an individual basis. Lessons will be scheduled based on the instructors avaliablity, pool avaliablity and students schedule.
Competitive Swim Class
The YMCA now offers a swim class designed to prepare youth for the rigors of a swim team. Participants must pass a swim test (50 yards freestyle with rotary breathing) in order to take part in this fun, exciting new class. Participants will refine all strokes, build endurance, and get the skills that they will need for a swim team.