Programs - Learn to Swim
Swim Lessons
Our youth aquatics program is designed to teach personal water safety, stroke development, water sports and games, rescue and personal growth skills to children. Our program is divided by age and skill levels. Children learn at their own pace, and advancing to the next level is dependent on the child's completion of required skills. Please keep in mind that the session length does not guarantee that all children will advance to the next level. All of our YMCA instructors are trained and certified.
Start Swimming at the Y
Registration for Summer Swim Lessons is now open! Visit your local Y branch, or register online. Try our Swim Flow Chart to help you determine your child's swim level.
How Old is Your Child?
This tool is designed to assist parents in evaluating their child’s swimming skills. The YMCA will provide a quick swim evaluation during the first day of each swim session to ensure correct level placement for the child’s best learning environment. Please answer the questions below regarding your child's swimming ability to place him or her in the correct class.
Parent/Child Classes
The parent/child classes are taught as a combined class for ages 6 to 36 months with the parent accompanying the child in the water. Skills are introduced at the child's development level and build on each other as the child progresses. Basic water skills are taught through fun songs and games.
Now that you know your child’s swim level, register online or at your local Y.
Will Your Child Go Underwater?
Pike (beginner)
Children adjust to the water and develop independent movement. Teaches basic stroke and kicking skills, floating and pool safety.
Now that you know your child’s swim level, register online or at your local Y.
Can Your Child Float On His or Her Front and Back?
EEL (Intermediate Beginner)
For children who are comfortable in the water and able to swim five feet with face in the water and no floatation device. Children are taught to float, kick and perform progressive arm movements across the pool.
Now that you know your child’s swim level, register online or at your local Y.
Can Your Child Swim Above Water on His or Her Own?
EEL (Intermediate Beginner)
For children who are comfortable in the water and able to swim five feet with face in the water and no floatation device. Children are taught to float, kick and perform progressive arm movements across the pool.
Now that you know your child’s swim level, register online or at your local Y.
Ray/Starfish (Advanced Beginner)
For children who can swim 15 feet with his or her face in the water and no floatation device. Reviews and improves stroke skills on front, back and side, builds endurance, teaches treading water skills.
Now that you know your child’s swim level, register online or at your local Y.
Will Your Child Go Underwater and Float on His or Her Back Without Help?
Polliwog (Beginner)
Swim placement required if you have not taken Y swim lessons in the last year. Beginner level for those uncomfortable or inexperienced in the water. Teaches basic water skills including gliding with face in water, floating and kicking.
Now that you know your child’s swim level, register online or at your local Y.
Can your child swim the width of the pool with his or her face in the water?
Guppy (Advanced Beginner)
Swim placement required if you have not taken YMCA swim lesson in the last year. For children able to swim 20 feet without a flotation device. Teaches swimming on front, back and side and taking a breath while swimming.
Now that you know your child’s swim level, register online or at your local Y.
Can your child swim a lap of front and back crawl with good form?
Minnow (Intermediate)
For children who can swim 15 feet with his or her face in the water and no flotation device. Reviews and improves stroke skills on front, back and side, builds endurance, teaches treading water skills.
Now that you know your child’s swim level, register online or at your local Y.
Can Your Child Swim Front and Back Crawl, Breaststroke & Dolphin Kick?
Minnow (Intermediate)
For children who can swim 15 feet with his or her face in the water and no flotation device. Reviews and improves stroke skills on front, back and side, builds endurance, teaches treading water skills.
Now that you know your child’s swim level, register online or at your local Y.
Fish/Flying Fish (Advanced)
Swim Placement required if you have not taken a YMCA swim lesson in the last year. For children able to swim 25 yards front crawl with rotary breathing, back crawl, sidestroke and rudimentary breaststroke. Refines breast stroke, teaches butterfly, open turns and improves other strokes.
Now that you know your child’s swim level, register online or at your local Y.
Swim lessons are available at Volusia Flagler YMCA locations. Contact your local Y for more information.
