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 3-6 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. Free swim assessments are held on Saturdays from 9am-12pm.
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. Any child 6 and under and/or non-swimmers must be accompanied by an adult in the water within arm's reach during any Family Swim.
Online registration for Spring begins on February 6th for facility members. Register early for best selection.
Spring Session - February 27, 2012 - April 22, 2012
Parent and Child Program and Preschool Swim Lessons
Special Needs Group Lesson and Supervised Free Swim
Session
Class
Member
Program
Tuesday 6-8 years old 4:00-5:00pm
Special needs group swim lessons & free swim
$120
$180
Wednesday 9-12 years old 4:00-5:00pm
Special needs group swim lessons & free swim
$120
$180
PARENT AND CHILD 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 Inea or Perch class without a parent.
PRE-SCHOOL SWIM (3 - 6 yrs)
Inea (2 ½-3 ½) – formerly Pre-Pike - This class is for the child who may attend swim class without their parent, but may still experience separation anxiety.We gently introduce the aquatic classroom environment and focus on water adjustment & comfort ability. Basic skills include blowing bubbles & putting face into water, paddling & kicking, and listening & following directions.
Perch (3-4½) - This class is designed for beginner swimmers who have just started pre-school. It teaches basic paddle stroke & kicking skills, pool safety & comfort in putting their faces in the water while blowing bubbles. We also focus on developing learning behaviors such as listening, following directions & taking turns.
Pike (3 ½-6) - This beginner’s class expands on basic swimming skills that will lead to the child paddling on their front without assistance at least 5 feet.In addition, floating (the most important survival skill) is emphasized.
Eel (3 ½-6) - Pre-skills: Gets face wet comfortably, back floats comfortably with little assistance and MUST be able to swim over 5 feet without assistance.
Ray (3 ½-6) - Pre-skills: MUST swim on front & back, without assistance, over 20 feet. In addition, the child MUST be able to float (front & back) and jumps from side of pool & 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 (7 & 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 yrs) - Strokes: Backstroke / Breaststroke / Sidestroke / Butterfly are refined over 50 yards distances, emphasis on turning and diving, front crawl with rotary breathing.
Flying Fish (7-12 yrs) - Competitive strokes are refined over 100 yards 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
Special Needs Swim Lesson & Supervised Play (6-8 years & 9-12 years) This class will include swim instruction and supervised free play with a certified instructor. The focus is to introduce aquatic safety, learn a fun way to exercise and to be social with others. Programs are tailored to address the physical, cognitive and psychological needs of each participant. In addition, we will explore opportunities your child may need to be mainstreamed into our group swim lesson program. Aides or caregivers are welcome to assist in the water at no extra charge.
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.
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.
Summer Splash Week June 18-23, 2012 Free swim lesson program. Three free swim lessons and summer safety classes. Open to boys and girsl ages 4-11 years old non-swimmers or beginners. YMCA membership is not required.
Mission Statement- The Metro YMCAs of the Oranges enriches the lives of the children, families and communities we serve, through programs that build spirit, mind and body, welcoming all people, in an environment nurturing positive values.
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