Swim Lessons & Aquatics Programs

Since 1931, the YMCA has been a leader in aquatics in Canada. The YMCA developed the first nationally recognized learn-to-swim program and has continued to train aquatic leaders ever since.
The YMCA focuses on helping people develop. Each swimmer is challenged to grow and improve; the achievement levels are tools to help mark progress on skill acquisition and help parents understand the instructional curriculum. Children are continually challenged and are constantly introduced to new skills within each level.
YMCA staff ensure children master the technical swimming skills while helping children understand and live the YMCA Core Values: Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility

Splashers/Bubblers

Goal in class is to build values and introduce a wide range of water activities in a fun, safe atmosphere
Skills taught include comfort in the water; splashes with arms and legs; pool area orientation; hold wall and kick feet; and front/back float assisted
(0-3 years of age, Parent participation is mandatory for session)

Bobbers, Floaters, Gliders, Divers, Surfers & Jumpers

Bobbers: hold wall kick and blow bubbles, front and back glide assisted, water hazards
(3-5 years of age, Parent participation is mandatory for session)
Floaters: bobs unassisted, front and back glide with kick 3 metres, how and when to wear a personal flotation device (3-5 years of age)
Gliders: deep water skills, front and back swim 5 metres, accessing EMS (4-5 years of age)
Divers: surface support 10 seconds, front and back swim 10 metres, boating safety (4-5 years of age)
Surfers: kneeling dive, front and back swim 15 metres, ice safety (4-5 years of age)
Jumpers: surface support 45 seconds, front and back swim 25 metres, introduction to throwing assists (4-5 years of age)

Otters, Seals, Dolphins & Swimmers

Otter: Going under water and gliding on top of the water (6-12 years of age)
Seal: Using flutter kick and rolling the body from side to side for streamlined movement through water (6-12 years of age)
Dolphin: Coordinating arms, legs and breathing for smooth propulsion during front and back crawl (6-12 years of age)
Swimmer: Front and back crawl stroke standards, treading water for 1 minute, and 25 metre endurance swim (6-12 years of age)

Star 1 – 4

Star 1: Whip kick on their back, and 75 metre endurance swim (6-12 years of age)
Star 2: Whip kick on their front, eggbeater as surface support and 100 metre endurance swim (6-12 years of age)
Star 3: Elementary backstroke, dolphin kick, and 200 metre endurance swim (6-12 years of age)
Star 4: Breaststroke, side stroke, and 350 metre endurance swim (6-12 years of age)

Star 5 – 7

Star 5: Butterfly, throwing a buoyant aid to a swimmer, create and teach a water game, and 500 m endurance swim (10 -13 years of age)
Star 6: First aid, towing someone to safety, demonstrate how to teach a skill, and 600 m endurance swim (10 -13 years of age)
Star 7: First aid, teach someone a skill using effective feedback, and 400 m in 12 minutes endurance swim (10 -13 years of age)

Please see below for a list of our lesson options.

Weekly Swim Lessons: Weekly group swimming lessons offered over the course of a nine week session. Participants are limited to one weekly swim lesson per week. YMCA Members can use their discount code to receive a 50% discount on the cost of the group lessons.

Private and Semi-Private Lessons: Private swim lessons allow YMCA-certified Swim Instructors to teach your child specific skills in a private or semi-private session. YMCA members can use their discount code to receive a 20% discount on the cost of private and semi-private lessons.

Adult/Teen Private Lessons: Private swim lessons allow YMCA-certified Swim Instructors to teach an adult/teen specific skills in a private or semi-private session. Y members receive a 20% discount, which will be credited to your account after registration.

To view schedules and sign-up for lessons, please click the ‘Register Today’ button below.

Child Memberships must be active for the duration of the session/program. Any membership cancellations during the session will result in withdrawal from programming.
Refunds minus a $20 administrative fee will be issued for cancellations requested prior to 48 hours of the program start date/time. All refund requests must be in writing (e-mail us)
Refunds will not be issued within 48 hours of the program start date. We cannot issue refunds or credits for participant absences, illness, or missed programs
Pro-rated refunds will be issued if programs are not able to operate as a result of Government or Public Health directives