Swim Lessons

The goal of Newton YMCA Swim Lessons is for everyone to have a fun, positive experience. If you have any questions about swim lessons contact Sue Field, Aquatics Coordinator.

Swim Lessons
Session I: Aug. 30 – Oct. 16
(no class on Labor Day)
Session II: Oct. 25 – Dec. 11
(Monday evening session is not available during Session II)
Registration: Thursday, Aug. 18 for Y-members Thursday, Aug. 25 for non-members Registration opens these dates for both sessions.

Fees: Y Members $17
Non-Members $50

YMCA Swim Lessons are taught by trained instructors. On the first day of class, please have children dressed in their swimsuits and ready to swim. Any child who has a cold, fever, diarrhea, or ear infection should not attend class.

DESCRIPTION OF CLASSES

PARENT/CHILD (AGE 6-36 MONTHS)
The objective of this program is to get both the parent and child comfortable in the water. In these 30-minute classes, the child will become aware of the differences between moving through water and on dry land while parents learn how to teach their child to be safer in and around the water.

PIKE (AGE 3-5 YEARS)
Pike is designed for beginning swimmers. Basic paddle stroke and kicking skills, pool safety, and comfort in the water are the focus.

EEL (AGE 3-5 YEARS)
Eel is for the swimmer who will put his/her face in the water and is able to kick and float with a floatation device. Participants are taught to perform the progressive paddle stroke and are beginning to swim without a floatation device.

RAY/STARFISH (AGE 3-5 YEARS)
At this level children review previous skills, improve stroke skills, learn more about personal safety and rescue skills, and build endurance.

YOUTH PROGRAM (AGE 6 & UP)
This program consists of five main components: personal growth, personal safety, stroke development, water sports and games, and rescue. Each skill level builds on the preceding level, with six levels covering all the strokes, diving fundamentals, and safety skills.

POLLIWOG
This is the beginning level for school-age children. Children become acquainted with the pool, the use of instructional floatation devices, and floating. By the end of this level, participants should know the front crawl, and backstroke, and are introduced to elementary backstroke. Children should be able to swim 15 feet without assistance upon completion of this level.

GUPPY
Children continue to practice and build upon basic skills at this level. Swimmers are introduced to lead-up strokes to sidestroke and breaststroke, and learn rotary breathing. Some diving skills are taught as well. To pass to the next level, children must be able to swim the length of the pool without assistance.

MINNOW
This is the intermediate level. Children begin to improve the strokes they have learned as their skills become more refined. They learn more diving skills, personal safety and rescue, and improve stroke technique.

FISH
At this level, students continue improvement on front crawl, elementary backstroke, backstroke, and sidestroke. They are introduced to the butterfly and open turns. Swimmers continue learning diving skills, personal safety and rescue skills, and new water sports, such as water polo.

FLYING FISH/SHARK
At the advanced level of Flying Fish, students work on refining their strokes and increasing endurance. Students in the Shark level are introduced to competitive stroke technique. Opportunities are provided for further work on personal safety and rescue skills.

Private Swim Lessons
One-on-one instruction is available by appointment for children and adults. Contact Aquatics Director to schedule with an instructor.
Fees: 1/2 hour lesson
             Y Members $15
             Non Members: $30

Contact
Sue Field
Aquatics Coordinator
641-792-4006
sue.field@newtonymca.org