Swim Lessons

Winter/Spring Session 2, YMCA
February 27 - April 8

Winter/Spring Session 3, YMCA
April 10 - May 20
Member Registration: March 27 & Non-Member Registration: April 3

Winter/Spring Session 4, YMCA
Swim Basics Only
May 22 - June 1, three lessons per week for two weeks
Member Registration: May 8 & Non-Member Registration: May 15

Large Pool Schedule

Warm Water Pool Schedule

Stage A: Water Discovery

Parents accompany children in this stage, which introduces infants and toddlers to the aquatic environment through exploration and encourages them to enjoy themselves while learning about the water. The goals of this stage include the following: 

• Encouraging parents to set developmentally appropriate expectations for infants and toddlers enrolled in swim lessons
• Introducing and emphasizing basic water safety to parents and providing a positive family aquatic experience
• Building relationships among and between parents and children by providing opportunities for fun and interaction in the water

Stage B: Water Exploration

In this stage, parents work with their children to explore body positions, floating, blowing bubbles, and fundamental safety and aquatic skills. The goals of this stage include the following:

• Encouraging children to move purposefully in the water in response to visual and verbal cues and using toys and flotation devices
• Emphasizing basic aquatic safety to parents
• Building relationships among and between parents and children by providing opportunities for fun and interaction in the water

Stage 1:  Water Acclimation

Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water in stage 1. This stage lays the foundation that allows for a student’s future progress in swimming.

Students in this stage focus on the following:

• Exploring the aquatic environment and personal skills with instructor help
• Developing basic skills to propel and glide through the water with instructor help
• Learning basic aquatic safety and accepting some of the responsibility for safe practices

Stage 2: Water Movement

In this stage, students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water.

Students in this stage focus on the following:

• Exploring the aquatic environment and personal skills without instructor help
• Developing basic skills to propel and glide through the water without instructor help
• Learning basic aquatic and boating safety and accepting some of the responsibility for safe practices

Stage 3:  Water Stamina

In this stage, students learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages in the event of falling into a body of water. This stage also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm and leg action.  Students in this stage focus on the following:

• Integrating arm action, leg action, and rhythmic breathing in back and front glides
• Developing forward movement on the front and back
• Practicing skills and safety techniques in deep water

Stage 4: Stroke Introduction

Students in this stage develop stroke techniques in front crawl and back crawl and learn the breaststroke kick and butterfly kick. Water safety is reinforced through treading water and elementary backstroke. Students in this stage focus on the following: 

• Developing the front crawl and back crawl 
• Introducing components of the breaststroke and butterfly
• Practicing safety techniques in deep water

Stage 5: Stroke Development

Students in this stage work on stroke techniques and learn all major competitive strokes. The emphasis on water safety continues through treading water and sidestroke. Students in this stage focus on the following:

• Developing stamina in the front crawl and back crawl
• Developing the breaststroke and butterfly
• Building endurance techniques for deep-water safety

Stage 6:  Stroke Mechanics

In this stage, students refine stroke techniques on all major competitive strokes, learn about competitive swimming, and discover how to incorporate swimming into a healthy lifestyle. Students in this stage focus on the following:

• Developing endurance in the competitive strokes
• Developing skills related to competitive swimming like flip turns
• Enhancing skills and building endurance in deep water

No matter what swim level you are at, here are ten essential items to bring along with you to ensure you have the best possible experience at the pool.

SWIMSUIT

• No matter your age, it’s important to have a swimsuit that fits properly. It should have a properly.

GOGGLES & SWIM CAP

• Not only do goggles keep the chlorine out of your eyes, but they also encourage better technique, especially if your child is new to swimming. If your child has longer hair, a hairband or swim cap will help keep the hair out of their face.

SWIM DIAPER

• Swim diapers or swim diaper covers (which are reusable) are mandatory for any child who is not potty trained at all YMCA pools.

SHOWER SUPPLIES

• The chlorine in the pool often leaves your skin dry. Remember to bring shower essentials with you including shampoo, conditioner, body wash, moisturizer and a hairbrush.*

WATER

• Remember that swimming is a form of exercise. Bring a water bottle for after your child's lesson.

TOWEL

• Bring a towel to the pool deck. It will help keep your child warm when finished his or her lesson. In addition, it prevents water puddles, which are a slip and fall hazard.

LOCK

• Don’t forget to bring a combination or key lock with you to secure your items in the locker room. If you love it, lock it up! It’s best to keep things like your cell phone, purse and wallet in a safe and dry area.

SNACK

• Kids get hungry, especially after a swim lesson. Pack a healthy treat for them to enjoy after the lesson.

FLIP FLOPS

• Footwear that is easy to slide on and off is encouraged when walking from the locker room area to the pool deck. A proper pair of flip-flops or water shoes will prevent slipping.

GYM BAG

• A proper bag to place all of your items in is a must. Pack a comfortable outfit for your child to change into after his or her lesson. 

• Children are happier and more receptive to learning If they are well-rested, eat nutritious foods, and don't stray far from their normal routine.

• Register early to get the class that works best for your child's schedule, avoiding meal and nap times.

• Let your child help pack a swim bag and a snack for after their lesson.

• Leave early so your child isn't rushed and arrives on time for their lesson.

• Wear a swimsuit under clothing for a quick change.

• Encourage children to use the bathroom before class.

• If your child is apprehensive about coming, schedule a visit a few days prior to the lesson to familiarize them with the facility and staff.

• Encourage, never force a child into the water.

• Stay positive and praise children for even small accomplishments.

Health Policy

• To ensure everyone's safety and health, please keep your child home if any of the following occur: fever, vomiting/diarrhea, pink eye, rash, severe cold/flu, open wounds, contagious disease or general "ill" feeling.

Cancellations/Delays Policy

• We'll remain open, except in rare cases of a power outage, exceptional snowfall, severe ice or extreme temperature. Delays will be posted on KDKA TV Storm Center under Sewickley Valley YMCA.

Thunder /Lightning Policy

• In the event of thunder or lightning, the pool will close, and we will clear the pool deck. The pool area will remain closed for 20 minutes after each flash of lightning or clap of thunder. Everyone must exit the pool and whirlpool.

We do not offer refunds or schedule make-ups for missed classes or cancellations due to inclement weather.