The Y pioneered the practice of swim lessons over 160 years ago and has taught generations of families how to swim. Our swim instructors teach progressive, skills-based swim lessons for all ages, from infants to seniors. Water safety is our main focus, along with swim readiness, stroke development and establishing a lifelong, healthy approach to water, exercise and fun.

Stage Descriptions for Parent/Child Classes

Waterbabies (6 months – 2 years): Introduces infants and toddlers to the aquatic environment. ​​A parent or trusted adult will be needed to accompany the child in the pool.

Paddlers (2 – 3 years): Focuses on exploring body positions, blowing bubbles, and fundamental safety and aquatic skills. ​​A parent or trusted adult will be needed to accompany the child in the pool.

Combo (6 months – 3 years): Combines the skills and knowledge from our Waterbabies and Paddlers classes into an 8 session experience. ​​A parent or trusted adult will be needed to accompany the child in the pool.

Stage Descriptions for Preschool (Ages 3 – 5) and Youth (Ages 6 – 12)

1 / Water Acclimation: Increases comfort with underwater exploration and introduces basic self-rescue skills performed with assistance.

2 / Water Movement: Encourages forward movement in water and basic self-rescue skills performed independently.

3 / Water Stamina: Develops intermediate self-rescue skills performed at longer distances than in previous stages.

4 / Stroke Introduction: Introduces basic stroke technique in front crawl and back crawl and reinforces water safety through treading water and elementary backstroke.

• Financial assistance is available for those who qualify. Register for a Y Swim Lesson today!
• Please review the Foothills Area YMCA Swim Lesson Agreement before completing your registration.
• Up to two non-member guardians as guests per swim lesson. Any other guests will be charged the day pass rate.