Youth Swim
BUILDING STRONG AND CONFIDENT SWIMMERS
SWIM LESSONS FOR ALL from AS EARLY AS 6 MONTHS
At the YMCA, we build strong, secure, connected and confident swimmers all year long in both our indoor and outdoor pools! Our swim programs work on developing sequence based skill sets that organically build on one another. Students learn faster, are safer in water sooner, and progress quickly through the various stages until they succeed.
SWIM LESSONS
YOUTH
Small group swim lessons
Youth group swim lessons are available for children ages 3+ and are taught by Swim Instructors who have been trained in the American Red Cross swimming program as Water Safety Instructors (WSI). Instruction levels are designed using the Red Cross’s Learn-to-Swim Levels, all which are adjusted to suit the needs of our members. Students learn personal water safety and achieve basic swimming competency by learning benchmark skills: Swim, Float, Swim and Jump, Push, Turn, Grab, etc.
• One simple sign up for a year long session date allows students to learn faster, be safer sooner, and progress quickly through the various stages until they succeed.
• Group swim lessons are 30-40 minutes per week.
• There will be a maximum of 6 children per lane for group swim lessons.
• Groups are defined by age and swimming ability levels ex. Preschool (3-5), School age (6+), Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced (see definitions below for details).
VIEW AVAILIBILITY:
Beginner
INTRO TO WATER
Teaches comfort in the water through games and song, and safety around the pool.
• Blowing bubbles (face in the water)
• Floating / proper body position in water
• Introduction of combined kicking and arm strokes
Intermediate
INTRO TO STROKE DEVELOPMENT
Introduces fundamental techniques for freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and treading water.
• Rotary breathing
• Whip and egg beater kicks
• Elementary backstroke arm movement
• Pool safety and basic self-rescue principles
Advanced
STROKE DEVELOPMENT & DEEP WATER
Concentrates on competitive strokes, boutique strokes and treading. Pre-Swim Team preparation.
• Incorporating breaststroke arms
• Scissor kick
• Head-first entry into pool (from seated, kneeling and standing position)
PARENT & CHILD
30 Minute Swim Classes
With a parent present in the water with the child, infants and toddlers from 6 months to 3 years learn to be comfortable in the water and develop swim readiness skills through fun and confidence-building experiences. This introductory course lays a foundation for learning to swim. Infants and toddlers are introduced to the aquatic environment through exploration, encouraging them to enjoy themselves while learning about the water. Parents learn about water safety, drowning prevention, and the importance of supervision. One parent* must be present in the water per child registered.
VIEW AVAILIBILITY:
*Please note: We define parent broadly, to include any adults with primary responsibility for raising children, including biological parents, adoptive parents, guardians, step-parents, grandparents, and/or any other type of parenting relationship.
PRIVATE
One-on-one private swim lessons for ages 3+
Private swim lessons are booked as 4 lessons per session to all members, ages 3+, regardless of swimming abilities or experience. Lessons are 30-minutes long and guarantee one-on-one lessons tailored to the needs of the swimmer. Private lessons are recommended to those who are looking for a custom and personalized swim lesson experience.
ADAPTIVE
Adaptive Swim Lessons are customized swim lessons for children with special needs.
Swimming aids in relaxation, teaches them new skills, helps to build muscle and stamina, all while increasing self-esteem and confidence. Skills are taught by instructors who have been trained in the American Red Cross swimming program as Water Safety Instructors (WSI). Instruction levels are designed using the Red Cross’s Learn-to-Swim Levels, adjusted to suit the needs of each child's individual ability. Parents are encouraged but not required to get in with their child. Swim lessons are held in our indoor heated pool at the Summit YMCA.
LEARN MORE
LESSON AVAILABILITY
Please note, swim classes are not available on the following dates due to holidays and scheduled swim meets:
MONDAY - 5/29
THURSDAY - 11/24
FRIDAY - 2/3
SATURDAY - 10/8, 11/26, 12/24, 12/31, 1/21, 2/4, 2/11
PROGRAM CHANGES
If a scheduling conflict arises and you need to switch your day and time, a Change Request Form must be completed. Any changes to swim lesson registration or transfers are subject to availability. Space is not guaranteed and all transfer requests are subject to approval by the Aquatics Director. If space is not available in the new swim lesson session day/time you've requested, we will contact you. Any fee differences will be charged once your request is processed. Each family is allowed one session transfer at no cost, after which a $10 change processing fee per request will be charged to your billing method on file. If your fees are reduced and result in an overpayment, the amount will be applied to your YMCA account as a system credit.
If you are withdrawing from the swim lesson program, a Change Request Form must be completed in advance to the billing date to ensure your account is adjusted appropriately. If you are withdrawing mid-program and the required minimum 2-month commitment has not been met, you will be billed for the remaining payment(s). If it has been met, you must submit this request before the 1st of the month of your upcoming billing date or it will take effect the following month. Refunds are given in accordance with the Summit Area YMCA’s refund policy. All deposits are non-refundable. A $10 service charge applies to all refunds. Credits may be used at any branch of the Summit Area YMCA. All refund requests are subject to approval by the Aquatics Director with the exception of requests for sessions cancelled by the Summit Area YMCA.
NEED AN ACCESS ID CARD?
If you are entering the Y to pick-up or drop-off a program participant and are not a Y member, you’ll need an access ID card. Access ID cards are issued individually and are not transferrable. To receive your access ID card and take your photo, visit the membership desk of the Berkeley Heights YMCA or Summit YMCA. A government issued photo ID must be presented for anyone over the age of 18. Prior to entering any YMCA facility, all visitors must complete our participation waiver online at www.thesay.org/waiver. After receiving your access ID card, you may use the SAY Mobile App to scan in for convenience. Click here for app download links, features, and FAQ, like how to add multiple barcodes.