Swim Lessons
The YMCA offers swim lessons for every age and ability. Group lessons provide a fun, social way to learn water safety and build skills. Semi-private lessons pair two swimmers with one instructor for faster progress and individualized attention. Private lessons offer one-on-one instruction and flexible scheduling to focus on confidence, stroke development, or personal goals. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your technique, there’s a lesson option for you.
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Benefits of Swim Lessons with the YMCA:
- America’s most trusted swim teacher with nationally practiced swim and water safety curriculum
- Indoor, heated pool open year-round
- Skilled, trained swim instructors certified in CPR, AED, and First Aid
- Two lifeguards are always on duty
- Different class size options (Group, Semi-Private, Private)
- Lessons for every level of swimmers and of all abilities
- Affordable pricing and financial assistance are available to make swim safety accessible to all
- And a full fitness facility available to members before, during, or after swim lessons

Parent & Child Swim Lessons
For children from 6 months to 3 years old, YMCA Swim Starters swim lessons help children become comfortable in water and teach parents about water safety.

Youth Group Swim Lessons
When your kids take swim lessons at the Y, they’ll gain confidence and learn new skills in a fun, caring environment. Not to mention the benefits of staying active and healthy!

Private & Semi-Private Swim Lessons
Private lessons are a great for kids who don’t do well in large groups, teens & adults for are just learning to swim, or any age looking to perfect their stroke.

Adult & Teen Swim Lessons
The pool just isn't for kids. Join the fun and learn something new! Our adult swim lesson program offers individualized instruction for every level.

Parent & Child Swim Lessons
Designed for infants and toddlers with a parent or guardian in the pool, this class builds comfort in the water, early readiness skills, and safe habits. The focus is less on strokes and more on helping parents learn how to keep their children safe, practice active supervision, and guide them with confidence. Research shows many drownings occur when caregivers are distracted—these lessons emphasize prevention through education and awareness. With regular exposure, children grow more comfortable in the water, building a strong foundation for future swimming skills.

Youth Group Swim Lessons
Designed for children, these classes build swimming skills, endurance, and water safety in a supportive group setting. Lessons progress through stages that teach fundamental strokes, rotary breathing, and safe water habits, helping kids grow more confident and capable in the pool. Preschool and Youth Group Swim Lessons take place with a minimum of 3 participants and a maximum of 6 participants to ensure personalized attention.

Private & Semi-Private Swim Lessons
Semi-private lessons pair two swimmers with one instructor, creating a small group setting that encourages faster progress, teamwork, and individualized attention. Lessons are available for preschoolers, youth, and adults, with placement determined by a quick swim test on the first day.
Private lessons provide one-on-one instruction with flexible scheduling for children, teens, or adults at any level. Instructors create a personalized plan to build confidence, develop new skills, or refine stroke technique, with options for 4- or 8-lesson packages.

Adult & Teen Swim Lessons
It’s never too late to learn! Designed for ages 13+, these lessons provide a supportive setting to build confidence, improve technique, and feel safe in any water—pool, lake, or ocean. Beginners focus on fundamentals, while more advanced swimmers work on stroke refinement and endurance. Group, semi-private, and private lesson options are available to fit every swimmer’s needs.
Swim Lesson Levels
In 2017, YMCAs nationwide introduced a new Swim Lesson structure to provide a consistent, high-quality experience for all swimmers. Using a clear progression track based on age and ability, participants build confidence and reach important skill milestones. With drowning the second-leading cause of death for children ages 5–14, the Y is committed to teaching life-saving skills so everyone can be safe in and around the water.
Benefits for Families:
Lessons for all ages and abilities
Personalized attention from certified instructors
Clear communication of progress
Nationwide Stages system: Swim Starters, Swim Basics, and Swim Strokes

Swim Starters – Water Discovery (Ages 6 months–3 years)
This parent-child class introduces infants and toddlers to the water in a safe, playful environment. Children build comfort and early swim-readiness skills through fun activities, while parents learn water safety, drowning prevention, and the importance of supervision.
Schedule: 30 minutes per lesson
Swim Starters – Water Exploration (Ages 6 months–3 years)
In this parent-child class, infants and toddlers build comfort in the water through fun activities that teach body positions, blowing bubbles, and basic safety skills. Parents learn water safety, drowning prevention, and the importance of active supervision, making Swim Starters an experience that builds confidence for the whole family.
Schedule: 30 minutes per lesson

Swim Basics – Water Acclimation (Ages 3–12)
The first stage of Swim Basics introduces beginners to the pool and builds safe water habits in a fun, encouraging environment. Swimmers practice underwater exploration, learn to exit safely if they fall in, and gain the comfort and confidence needed for future swim progress. Available for Preschool (3–5) and Youth (6–12), with lessons tailored to developmental milestones.
Schedule: Weekday 30-minute lessons • Weekend 45-minute lessons

Swim Basics – Water Movement (Ages 3–12)
In this stage, swimmers build body control, forward movement, and directional change while practicing self-rescue skills. Lessons reinforce water safety, including how to safely exit if they fall in. Available for Preschool (3–5) and Youth (6–12).
Schedule: Weekday 30-minute lessons • Weekend 45-minute lessons

Swim Basics – Water Stamina (Ages 3–12)
The final stage of Swim Basics builds endurance and safety skills. Swimmers practice rotary breathing, arm and leg coordination, and basic stroke techniques. They also learn how to swim to safety and exit the water if they fall in. Available for Preschool (3–5) and Youth (6–12).
Schedule: Weekday 30-minute lessons • Weekend 45-minute lessons

Swim Strokes – Stroke Introduction (Ages 3–12)
The first stage in Swim Strokes teaches front crawl and back crawl basics while introducing breaststroke and butterfly. Swimmers build endurance, refine technique, and practice deep-water safety skills. Available for Preschool (3–5) and Youth (6–12).
Schedule: Weekday 30-minute lessons • Weekend 45-minute lessons
Swim Strokes (Ages 6–12)
This stage focuses on stroke development, safety, and endurance. Swimmers build stamina in front crawl and back crawl while learning breaststroke and butterfly. Lessons also reinforce deep-water safety and refine technique across all competitive strokes.
Schedule: Weekday 30-minute lessons • Weekend 45-minute lessons

Stroke Techniques (Ages 6–12)
For swimmers who can already perform the competitive strokes, this stage focuses on refining technique, building endurance, and learning skills like racing starts, flip turns, and streamlines. Lessons combine drills and practice in deep water to strengthen form and prepare swimmers for more advanced opportunities, including Swim Club at Y centers without Stroke Mechanics classes.
Schedule: Weekday 30-minute lessons • Weekend 45-minute lessons

Contact
General Swim Lesson Questions
Aquatics Coordinator
AQProgram@ymcasuperiorcal.org
916.452.9622 ext. 104
Gold Country Swim Lessons
Program Director
alester@ymcasuperiorcal.org
530.274.4739
All Other Aquatics Information
Aquatics Director
AquaticsDirector@ymcasuperiorcal.org
916.452.9622 ext. 104