Instructional Swimming

The YMCA is a national leader in swim instruction and water safety. The national YMCA aquatics programs are designed to teach personal water safety and swimming skills to everyone. Classes are divided first by age and then by skill level. Our instructors are nationally certified in CPR, First Aid, AED, Oxygen, Aquatic Safety and Swim Lessons.

Instructional Swimming programs are available for swimmers of all ages and skill levels. Private and Semi-Private lessons are also available.

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YMCA Swim lessons

Swim Lessons is the YMCA's third most widely offered program nationwide. It uses a problem-solving, guided-discovery teaching approach in a positive, caring environment. Swimming levels are categorized by age groups: 3-5, 6-14, 15-17 years and adults. The youngest age group begins at the Pike level and advances through to Starfish, while the youth age group begins at Polliwog and can progress to Porpoise.

Parent/Child Swim Lessons   |   PreSchool Swim Lessons   |   Youth Swim Lessons   |   Adult Swim Lessons

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Parent/Child Swim Lessons

The primary objective is to get both the parent and child comfortable in the water. The parent will learn how to be safe with children in and around the water. Classes are designed to allow the child to have fun in the water while the parent guides him or her to learn aquatic skills. The child will be exposed to songs and games that use basic movements in the water such as kicking, arm strokes, and breath control. (Diapers manufactured for swimming pool use are required.)

Four levels are offered based on the age of the child:

• Shrimp – ages 6-8 months
• Kipper - ages 9-12 months
• Inia - ages 13-18 months
• Perch - ages 19-36 months

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Preschool Swim Lessons

The YMCA's progressive swim program begins with preschool age children, helping them learn to swim through developmentally appropriate activities in a safe, supportive environment. YMCA swim instructors are trained to teach children the fundamentals of swimming so that they will enjoy learning and take pride in developing their skills. Swimmers also learn about pool safety, boating safety and the use of personal flotation devices.

Progressive Skill Levels for young children:

Pike ::

While adjusting to water, children learn safe pool behavior and develop independence. New swimmers learn floating, basic paddle strokes, kicking skills, and putting their faces in the water while blowing bubbles.

Eel ::

For children who have mastered the Pike skills. Students are taught to flutter kick, float, and the progressive paddle stroke. Children can swim paddling on their stomachs and back without assistance by the end of this level.

Ray ::

For children who have mastered Eel skills. Skills taught include rhythmic breathing, front crawl, back crawl, and an introduction to sidestroke and breaststroke.

Starfish ::

For children who have mastered the Ray skills. Fine tuning of the front crawl with rhythmic breathing, back crawl, breaststroke, sidestroke and an introduction of elementary backstroke.

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Youth Swim Lessons

Each skill level in the youth program builds upon the preceding level. The program is student-centered with developmentally appropriate activities that ensure the student’s safety, enhance the student’s enjoyment of the learning process, and provide consistent, progressive success for the student. Each level includes 5 components: personal safety, character development, stroke development, water games and sports, and rescue. Instructors introduce age-appropriate techniques, help swimmers refine their strokes and develop into stronger swimmers.

Progressive Skill Levels: for school-age youth:

Polliwog ::

For beginning swimmers who have had little or no formal training. Skills taught include water adjustment, front and back float, and front, back, and side paddle.

Guppy ::

For children who have mastered the Polliwog skills and who are developing confidence in the water. The class will build on the Polliwog skills and will focus on comfort in deep water. Breaststroke, sidestroke, elementary backstroke are introduced.

Minnow ::

For children who have mastered Guppy skills or those who can swim 25 yards on their front, back, and side. Skills taught include front and back crawl, breast stroke, sidestroke, and elementary backstroke.

Fish ::

For children who have mastered Minnow skills or those that can swim 25 yards of all five strokes taught in Minnow classes. The butterfly stroke will be introduced.

Flying Fish ::

For children who have mastered Fish skills or who can swim front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke, sidestroke, and elementary backstroke for 50 yards. The goal of this level is to increase endurance, speed and improve stroke mechanics.

Shark ::

For children who have mastered the Flying Fish skills or who can swim 100 yards of the strokes listed in Flying Fish and 50 yards of butterfly. Skills taught include swimming the IM and improving flip turns.

Porpoise ::

For children who have mastered all of the skills taught in Shark. This course is different than most of the other Youth Classes, it concentrates on advanced stroke technique. This course should be looked at as a prep class for competitive swimming.

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Swim Evaluation

This is ideal for participants who are uncertain of their swimming ability. Our aquatic staff will evaluate you or your child’s skill level and recommend the appropriate next-step lessons or skills. This is also great for participants who are in need of a swim evaluation for an outside agency, i.e., sailing, rowing, etc.
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Teen Swim Lessons

This class is designed for teens ages 12-17 that have just begun to swim or teens that are interested in perfecting their strokes. This program incorporates aspects of both the Youth and the Adult YMCA Swim objectives and will allow teens to become well-rounded, experienced swimmers.
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Adult Swim Lessons

Designed for ages 16 and up, Adult Swim Lessons build on the proficiency of all YMCA swimming levels. It can be a great way to brush up on your swimming skills, or a great start for those adults afraid of the water or never had the opportunity to learn how to swim.
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Private and Semi-Private Swim Lessons

Private swim lessons offer one-on-one instruction. Instructors modify the swim lesson to the individual's goals and abilities. Semi-Private lessons enable you to swim with a friend or family member. *Available for Adults, Teens, Youth and Preschool ages.
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Home School Youth Swim Lessons and Gym

This exciting program is for boys and girls who receive their education at home. The aquatics class provides an environment that is conducive to learning, exploring and socializing in a positive setting. Students will be provided quality skill building and age appropriate activities in the swimming pool.
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Youth SPLASH

The YMCA SPLASH program is a national YMCA initiative designed to prepare children for swimming. SPLASH teaches water safety to kids ages 3-14 in addition to basic swim techniques that enable kids to safely have fun in and around the water. The SPLASH program is an inexpensive opportunity for kids to learn how to swim and helps kids and parents feel comfortable with the kids newly gained confidence and skills in and around water.
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Recreational Swimming

When swim lessons and other programs are not in session, recreational swimming is available to members. Our pools are open for family fun and individual lap exercises. Parents must accompany children under 48 inches tall into the pool and be within arms reach at all times. All children will be swim tested for deep and shallow water swimming ability. Those children who cannot pass the shallow end test will wear a lifejacket at all times.

 

 

Splash Park at Downriver

The Downriver YMCA has a full-facility outdoor Splash Park that is open to members and non-members for a nominal fee.

Splash Park Features:

• Award winning lifeguards
• Over 10,000 square feet of outdoor fun
• Two giant water slides (Note: you must be 48” tall and pass a deep end swim test to ride the slide.)
• Water toys
• Lap swimming
• Water Basketball and Volleyball
• Poolside Cafe
• Lawn chairs, umbrellas
• Zero depth entry
• Outdoor swim lessons
• Birthday Party and Special Events Rentals

Water Fitness

Join our nationally recognized water fitness program for fun and exercise in the pool. Water exercise is low impact and reduces stress on the joints. The natural resistance of water helps strengthen and tones muscles, reduces muscle soreness, enhances circulation, and promotes flexibility. Classes are open to members and program participants 14 years old and up. Water shoes recommended for all classes.

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Shallow Water Fitness

A shallow water workout for all fitness levels. The use of different equipment and a pace you set help you get the cardiovascular and toning benefits you want. The balanced workout includes warm-up, aerobic, cool-down, strength and toning, and flexibility. Intensity is easily adjusted for all levels of fitness. Participants must be comfortable in chest deep water.
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Deep Water Fitness

A DEEP water workout for all fitness levels. Use of different equipment and a pace you set help you get the cardiovascular and toning benefits you want. Enjoy a workout while suspended in the deep end of the pool with equipment to keep you afloat. The balanced workout includes warm-up, aerobic, cool-down, strength and toning, and flexibility. Intensity is easily adjusted for all levels of fitness. Participants must be comfortable in deep water.
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Water Fitness: Level 1

This class emphasizes gentle movements to promote a wide range of motion and joint flexibility with low cardiovascular activity. Class takes place in shallow water.
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Water Fitness: Level 2

Complete water fitness class using a variety of exercises and equipment. Activities may include dance, calisthenics, walking, kicking and the use of specialized equipment Intensity and impact can be varied on an individual basis. Each class consists of warm-up, aerobic, cool-down, muscle toning and flexibility segments. Class may take place in shallow water, deep water or a combination of shallow and deep water.
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Water Fitness: Level 3

This class combines all the elements of great workout. Travel through deep water strength and tone exercises to a shallow water cardio workout to a relaxing stretch set up in different circuits. This is a high intensity full body workout. Participants must be comfortable in deep water. Class may take place in shallow water, deep water or a combination of shallow and deep water.
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Water Fitness Specialty: Water Prenatal

Any pre or post natal participant can join any of the many other water exercise classes offered, with a few modifications. Previous notification to their personal physician and water exercise instructor may be required.
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Water Fitness Specialty: Water Boot Camp

This class is for swimmers who are looking for a serious competitive coaching atmosphere. It is designed to focus on techniques, stroke correction, strength training, cardio conditioning and timed sets/swims. All participants should be able to swim 100 yard freestyle within 4 minutes prior to class registration. This is a great class for former or current competitive swimmers, tri-athletes and cross trainers.
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Water Fitness Specialty: Water Core Strengthening

This water exercise class strengthens and tones all muscle groups concentrating on the core muscles, with special attention to the abdomen and back. May be conducted in deep and/or shallow water.
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Water Fitness Specialty: Water Pilates

This class is designed to utilize water to tone and develop muscles; strengthen the core; improve posture; strengthen the back; flatten the stomach; improve flexibility and stamina. This class is excellent for participants who have a desire to do land Pilates, but experience certain land restrictions.
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Water Fitness Specalty: Water Walk and Talk

Thirty minutes of brisk water walking and social interaction with little impact on your joints. The water offers great resistance to your movements helping you to burn calories, enhance your physique and strengthen your cardiovascular muscles.
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Water Fitness Specialty: Silver Splash and AOA

From the designers of Silver Sneakers, Silver Splash and Active Older Adult Water Programs are specially designed classes incorporate flexibility, strength, cardiovascular endurance, and fun into every session. Participants go through gentle exercises in warm water. These movements have many benefits for Active Older Adults and the no-impact exercises reduce pain due to arthritis and other physical conditions. No swimming ability is needed.
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Water Fitness Specialty: Water Arthritis

These water exercises include low impact exercises designed for people with limited joint motion, strength or cardio-respiratory function. Held in warm water, these classes can help improve flexibility, muscle endurance, range of motion and balance.
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Competitive Swimming

Through sports such as Competitive Swimming the YMCA has instilled ideals, values and behavior based on its purposes and goals. Sport in the YMCA has never been an end in itself, but rather a vehicle for achieving more global purpose. The YMCA promotes broad participation in its swim teams, not just fine-tuning elite athletes but also introducing young children to the sport through positive competition. Teaching fundamental skills; encouraging lifetime involvement in physical activity; and strengthening the values of fitness, health, self-respect and respect for others are central themes in the YMCA sports philosophy.

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YMCA Swim Team Websites Keep up with your teammates, view meet schedules and results, and more... North Oakland Waves South Oakland's YPAC Swim Team Macomb YMCA Marlins Birmingham Blue Dolphins Livonia Blue Racers Farmington Sting Rays

Swim Team - Competitive Swimming

The YMCA Competitive Swim Team programs encompass all ages and levels of ability from beginners through Olympic qualifiers. The program has been created to provide careful development and steady progression through the stages of competitive swimming. The teams provide a family-oriented swimming program in which parents work cooperatively with the coaches and Y staff to provide a comprehensive experience. Swimmers compete in dual meets, invitational meets and championship meets against other YMCAs. Many of the teams also compete in USA Swimming meets. For further information about these teams, please see the website links on this page.

Swim Club - PreCompetitive Swimming

This is designed for any swimmer aged 4 and older who can complete at least 1 length of the pool doing either the front crawl or backstroke (unassisted by flotation). The class concentrates on endurance, stroke development and strength training.
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Private Swim Training

One on one customized instruction with a certified swim instructor.
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Competitive Stroke Clinic

This class is designed for competitive swimmers looking for a great way to improve stroke technique and efficiency in the water and to become a more successful swimmer. It is usually conducted by the USA, YMCA and ASCA certified swim team coaches, has a small swimmer to coach ratio (7:1) and sometimes can include a video analysis to move a participant to the next level.
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Ells Lifeguard Training

The Ellis Lifeguard program is nationally recognized and designed to provide the knowledge and training to prepare the participant for the professionally demanding occupation of a lifeguard. This certification course emphasizes the preventative aspect of aquatic emergencies and the skills training needed to handle emergency situations.

Upon completion of the class, the participant will receive and Ellis Lifeguard License or course completion card that includes certification for CPR, First Aid, Oxygen Administration, and AED usage.

Prerequisites:

Must be at least 16 years old prior to the beginning of class. If participant is under 18 years of age a legal guardian signature is required. Must pass an endurance swim: swim 200 yard front crawl, breast stroke, side stroke, 2 minutes treading water, surface-dive feet first 10 feet. Participants must attend all classes

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JR. Lifeguard Course/Camp

Kids 8-14 years old are taught lifeguard rescue techniques, CPR and First Aid Skills. They will also learn how to work as a team and what it takes to be a professional lifeguard.
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