Swim
BUILDING STRONG & CONFIDENT SWIMMERS
SWIM LESSONS FOR All
At the Y, our Swim Program builds strong, secure, connected, and confident swimmers. We work on developing sequence-based skill sets that organically build on one another until students succeed.
>> Swim Lessons
>> Swim Evaluations
>> Aqua Exercise
>> Diving Lessons
>> Summer Camp
SUMMER CAMP
camp lagoonland
WK: 1-10 | 9AM-4PM | AGES 5-8 | COST: $400
Campers swim everyday at Camp Lagoonland (except on scheduled trip days), in addition to games, arts and crafts and field trips to local attractions. They also participate in weekly swimming lessons. Field trips may include state parks, sporting events, movies, mini-golf and more.
REGISTER
Additional camps that frequent the Berkeley Heights Community Pool at the YMCA:
Busy Bees (Ages 3-5)
Camp Cannundus (Ages 5-13)
The Summit Area YMCA offers a variety of 40+ unique camp options to ensure your child has every opportunity to enjoy the best possible summer camp experience ever! Financial assistance available.
EXPLORE ALL CAMPS
Swim Evaluations
SWIM SAFETY EVALUATION SCHEDULE
For the safety of our members, all swimmers between the ages of 3-14 are REQUIRED to take a swim evaluation administered by the BHCP Management Team. Swimmers are accessed based on their swimming abilities and provided designated color bracelets upon completion which reflect each swimmer's swimming proficiency level and the areas they are allowed to go in the pool.
Learn more here or visit our Rules, Policies & FAQ page for more details.
What is a Swim Evaluation?
All swimmers below the age of 14 are REQUIRED to take a swim evaluation administered by the BHCP Management. Swimmers will be evaluated based on their current swimming abilities. The test is required, even for swimmers who took a swim test in previous seasons. Swim Bracelets will be distributed to swimmers ages 3-14 based on current swimming ability (not age) and must be worn at all times.
Why do children need to wear Swim Bracelets?
Your Swim Bracelet certifies your swimming ability and privileges. These are quick and efficient way to indicate to lifeguards the swimming ability of each swimmer. Each child under the age of 14 MUST complete a swim evaluation and wear their designated Swim Bracelet at all times.
What if my child does not take the Swim Evaluation?
Swimmers who decline to take the Swim Evaluation will be given a red bracelet, which limits them to the shallow end of the pool.
What does my child have to do during the Swim Evaluation?
Swimmers will be asked to demonstrate their swimming abilities and stamina during a Swim Evaluation that will consist of the following requirements:
Swim Evaluation Task
• The Swim Evaluation tests the current swimming ability and stamina of the swimmer and involves the following tasks:
PART 1
Yellow bracelet
• Swim length of shallow end on front continuously (maintaining horizontal body position)
• Touch the bottom of the pool in the yellow area
• Swim length of shallow end on back continuously (maintaining horizontal body position)
• Swimmer may be asked to tread water or “bob” for at least 20 seconds
PART 2
GREEN BRACELET
• Complete Part 1 Yellow Bracelet
• Jump into deep water and safely resurface
• Swim 1 continuous length of freestyle (25 meters)
• Swim 1/2 continuous length of backstroke in the diving tank (approximately 14 meters)
• Tread water for 1 minute
• Continue swimming freestyle immediately after treading water (remainder of length)
Swim Bracelet colors denote the following:
Green Bracelet
Proficient swimmer who successfully passes Parts 1 and 2 of the Swim Evaluation.
• Swimmer must demonstrate proficiency in both front crawl and backstroke through consistent forward motion and rotary breathing
• Swimmer must be able to tread water for a minute
• Stamina and efficient body motion must be demonstrated throughout the duration of the evaluation
• Swimmers who earn a Green Bracelet are permitted to use the entire pool facility.
Yellow Bracelet
Non-swimmer who does not need flotation. Limited to the shallow end of the pool unless accompanied by an adult.
• Swimmer can demonstrate forward locomotion in the water but cannot maintain it consistently.
• Struggles to keep the body at the surface of the water while swimming and/or treading.
• Does not display the stamina necessary for deep-water swimming.
• Swimmers who earn a Yellow Bracelet will be limited to the shallow end of the pool up to the Yellow Safety Line.
Red Bracelet
Non-swimmer that requires constant parental company. Coast Guard Approved flotation devices are highly recommended.
• Swimmer is not able to stay at the surface of the water without flotation.
• Swimmer shows signs of tiredness soon after beginning the evaluation.
• Swimmers who earn a Red Bracelet will be limited to the shallow end of the pool up to the Red Safety Line. Swimmers wearing a Red Bracelet must be within arm's reach of a parent at all times.
SWIM LESSONS
Updated April 2023
While swim lessons are open to all, members of the Berkeley Heights Community Pool at the YMCA & the Summit Area YMCA receive reduced pricing benefits.
OUTDOOR SWIM SCHOOL
WEEKLY SESSIONS
30 Minute Swim Lessons
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 of 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.
Beginner
SWIM LESSONS
WATER INTRODUCTION
Teaches comfort in the water through games and song, and safety around the pool.
• Blowing bubbles (face in the water)
• Floating / proper body position water
• Introduction of combined kicking and arm strokes
REGISTRATION
Monday - Thursday
5/6 - 8/10
No class on July 4, 2023
Intermediate
SWIM LESSONS
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
REGISTRATION
Monday - Thursday
5/6 - 08/10
No class on July 4, 2023
Advanced
SWIM LESSONS
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 the pool (from seated, kneeling, and standing positions)
REGISTRATION
Monday - Thursday
5/6 - 8/10
No class on July 4, 2023
PARENT* & CHILD
PACKAGE SESSIONS - 5 WEEKS - SUNDAYS ONLY
30 Minute Swim Lessons
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. Parents learn about water safety, drowning prevention, and the importance of supervision. Infants and toddlers are introduced to the aquatic environment through exploration, encouraging them to enjoy themselves while learning about the water. This introductory course lays a foundation for learning to swim. One parent must be present in the water per child registered.
*Please note: We define "parent" broadly, to include any adults with primary responsibilities for raising children; including biological parents, adoptive parents, legal guardians, step-parents, grandparents, and/or any other type of parenting relationship.
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 customized swim lesson experience.
Private lessons are only one-on-one lessons; lessons cannot be shared between siblings, relatives, or friends.
To purchase a package, please contact us. A member of the BHCPY team will contact you to assign your swim instructor. Lesson dates/times will be determined between the participant and the swim instructor. Private lessons must be used in the pool season in which they are purchased, they do not carry over from year to year.
Diving Lessons are booked as 3 lessons to ages 8+ who have received a Green Bracelet in the current pool season. Participants will learn the fundamentals of diving and competitive diving. The clinic will promote diving safety, confidence in using the boards, proper approach, jump, and diving techniques, as well as give participants a feel for what a “dive team meet” is like.
Diving lessons are only one-on-one lessons; lessons cannot be shared between siblings, relatives, or friends.
To purchase a package, please contact us. A member of the BHCPY team will contact you to assign your swim instructor. Lesson dates/times will be determined between the participant and the swim instructor. Diving lessons must be used in the pool season in which they are purchased, they do not carry over year to year.
ADULT WATER EXERCISE
GENERAL INFORMATION
BHCPY Members: Free
Non-BHCPY Members: $10/Class
Reservations are required via the SAY Mobile App or Online Schedules
Join our Water Exercise Classes and enjoy a great low-impact workout with the guidance of trained instructors. Water exercise can aid in physical therapy, loosen up stiff joints, help lessen arthritis pain, and provide a great cardio and full-body workout.
aqua fit
A low-impact, cardio, strength, flexibility, and balance workout using the waters natural resistance and aquatic strength equipment. The workouts are aimed to improve cardiovascular fitness and increase muscular strength. No swimming skills are necessary as classes are held in 4 to 5-foot deep water.|
Stay tuned for details.
EXTREME POWER WORKOUT
Fast-paced cardiovascular aquatic workout. Classes will incorporate periods of high-intensity training, to benefit cardiovascular fitness and increased metabolism. Equipment will also be utilized to increase muscular strength. Aquatic footwear is recommended.
Stay tuned for details.
QUESTIONS
If you have any questions about swim lessons, payment, and/or scheduling, please contact us using the form below.
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Berkeley Heights Community Pool at the YMCA
59 Locust Avenue
Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922