Swimming Lessons

Drowning is the second leading cause of injury related death
among children under the age of 15.
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The South Sound YMCA offers swimming lessons for all ages and skill levels. Our instruction program places a high value on not only teaching members basic swimming skills, but also other aspects of aquatics such as water safety, recreation and promoting the YMCA’s four core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

To ensure that your child receives the most out of his/her lesson as possible, classes are divided by age group (parent/child, preschool, youth, teen and adult) and then by skill level. This provides children and adults the proper foundation to develop a lifelong skill that can help them stay healthy.

The Five Components

The YMCA Swim Lesson Program incorporates five components. Each lesson should include a minimum of three of these components.

• Personal Safety – We emphasize being safety conscious in and around the water, learning survival skills, safety and self rescue principles.
• Personal Growth – Instructors help students to form values, become role models, develop a decision-making process and show leadership qualities.
• Water Orientation/Stroke Development – The main goal is to orient beginners to the water and refine the strokes and endurance for intermediate and advance swimmers.
• Water Sports and Games – These help to develop stamina, skill, create a positive attitude and lead to cooperation. They also serve as the introduction to a lifelong enjoyment and participation in aquatic sports.
• Rescue – Children are given a basic introduction to rescue skills including reaching and throwing assists, rescue breathing, first aid and emergency procedures