The purpose of the YMCA swim lessons is to develop competency in swimming skills, along with self –confidence. Our certified instructors are experienced at working with children and adults of all ages and abilities, helping participants develop a sense of security in and around the water and gain the skills necessary for one of life’s most valuable activities – swimming.

The YMCA Swim Program has several levels:
•    Parent and Child Classes
•    Pre-School Lessons for children aged 3-5 years
•    Progressive Lessons for school age children.

This format allows the instructors to group children with similar skills and abilities, facilitating instruction. The programs are designed to promote enjoyment of swimming while mastering skill sets at each level. Every child learns at his/her own pace. For the safety of each child, we do not advance individuals to the next level until they have mastered each aspect of their current level.

Learning is hard work! We encourage all parents to be aware of what the instructor is teaching and why. Please feel free to ask questions of your instructors before or after class. In addition, we encourage all members to take advantage of Family Swim to practice with your child. They will love showing off their new skills for you!

Please see the current Program Guide for information on class schedules and fees. All classes meet weekly for the duration of the session.

Important Reminder – All new Progressive level swimmers must be classified for the proper level prior to registering for classes. New swimmers can be swim tested Monday through Saturday, please call the Aquatics Department to schedule your appointment.

Aquatic Policy:
Proper attire for swim classes is required ie.bathing suits or swim trunks. Infants and toddlers must wear Swimmie diapers or rubber pants under bathing suits. Parents taking a swim class with their children are required to enter the pool. All participants are required to enter the pool area through the locker rooms, and shower off before entering the water.

Fall I Swim Lesson Schedule:September 7, 2010 - November 7, 2010

Registration begins online for facility members on Monday, August 16th.  Register early for best selection.

Parent and Child Skippers Program and Preschool Swim Lessons

Progressive Swim Lessons

Swim Lesson Fees                                                                                                                                     Swim Fit Clubs

PARENT AND CHILD SKIPPERS PROGRAM

Baby Bubbles (3 months – 2 ½ yrs) - An introduction to the aquatic environment for parents and their infants. Through songs and games, we teach basic aquatic safety, introduce water skills and have fun! The emphasis is on having a positive early experience in the water.

Stepping Stones (2 ½ - 4 ½ yrs) - Geared to children who are ready for structured lessons, but not ready for an independent class. Parent and child will work together on basic paddling and water adjustment skills, with the help of the instructor. The goal is to move the child towards feeling confident about entering a Pre-Pike or Pike class without a parent.

PRE-SCHOOL SWIM (3 - 6 yrs)

Pre-Pike (3 – 5 yrs) – Ideal for the child who is ready to attend classes without their parents, but is new to the YMCA swim lesson program. Class teaches basic water adjustment and safety skills, while introducing paddling, kicking and putting face in the water.

Pike (3 - 6 yrs) - It is designed for new swimmers, teaching basic paddle stroke and kicking skills, pool safety, and comfort in putting their faces in the water while blowing bubbles and swimming.

Eel (3 - 6 yrs) - Pre-Skills: Gets face wet comfortably, back floats comfortably with assistance and must be able to swim 5ft without assistance.

Ray (3 - 6 yrs) - Pre-Skills: Floats (front & back) without assistance, front paddle and elementary backstroke 20 ft., jumps from side of pool and swims without assistance.

Starfish (4 - 6yrs) - Instructor recommendation required. Objective: for this level is front crawl with rotary breathing elementary backstroke and back crawl, 25 yards.

YMCA PROGRESSIVE YOUTH INSTRUCTION (6 & Up)

Polliwog (6 - 11 yrs) - This is the beginning level for school-age children. During the session they will learn paddle stroke, elementary backstroke, front and back floating, treading water and safety skills while building self-confidence.

Guppy (7 - 11 yrs) - Pre-Skills: Submerges comfortably, floats without assistance, paddles 15 yards without assistance, treads water for 15 seconds.

Minnow (7 - 12 yrs) - Pre-Skills: Swim front crawl for 25 yards with rotary breathing, swim back crawl for 25 yards, tread water for 2 minutes.

Fish (7-12) - Strokes: Backstroke / Breaststroke / Sidestroke / Butterfly are refined over 50 yards distances, emphasis on turning and diving, front crawl with rotary breathing.

Flying Fish (7-11yrs) - Competitive strokes are refined over 100 years distances with emphasis on endurance.

Junior and Senior Swim Fit Clubs (7 – 11 yrs, 12 – 17 yrs) -  Swimmers learn the fundamentals of swim team training from correct competitive strokes, turns, and dives; to building endurance and learning how to circle swim.  This program is offered to children ages 7 - 17 and is suitable for swimmers who have completed the Minnow level or higher (Must be able to swim 100 yards without assistance).

SPECIALTY PROGRAMS

Adapted Aquatics (All ages)
Designed for those people whose disabilities impair mobility on land, but can function independently in the water. Our staff facilitate a program which allows participants to take part in physical activity safely and successfully.  For more information, please contact the Aquatics Department at 973 209-9622 or

Backyard Swim Program (Summer only)
The YMCA can coordinate a variety of swim lessons at your home.  Recruit friends and neighbors to join you and the YMCA will take care of everything else, from scheduling to staffing and insurance. All pools are subject to a YMCA safety inspection.

Backyard Swim Program Form

Private Swim Lessons
One on one instruction, suitable for adults or children. Lessons move at your own pace, meeting your own needs. Packages available – inquire at the Welcome Center for details.

Private Swim Lesson Form