Get active in the water!
Jump in and discover why everyone from infants to seniors can benefit from being active in the water.
Through swim lessons, aquatic fitness classes, and other programs, YMCA Aquatics offers you and your family many ways to make a splash.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced swimmer, you can gain the skills and confidence you need to stay safe and enjoy the pool.
Dive Into Our Aquatics Programs
Swimming Lessons
Knowing how to swim can save your life - or even someone else's. Taught by certified YMCA instructors, our swimming lessons develop lifelong skills that help your child be safe in and around water.
Certifications
Open the door to employment and volunteer possibilities through our YMCA Aquatic Certification programs. Certification as a lifeguard and swimming instructor can lead to employment opportunities at the YMCA and elsewhere. You'll also develop leadership skills that can have a profound impact on your future success.
Aquatics Classes
The resistance of water strengthens muscles as you push and pull your both through the water. Led by trained YMCA instructors, these classes offer a host of benefits for all fitness levels, and you'll appreciate the ability to control the intensity by modifying surface area, speed, and force of movements.
Recreational Swimming - Aquatic Admission Criteria
Children ages 0 - 6:
An adult, parent or guardian (14 years of age or older) must be in the water, within arms' reach, at all times. Ratio: 1 adult per 2 children.
Children ages 7 - 9:
Children at this age may attempt an in-centre swim test conducted by a YMCA lifeguard. If they pass the test, they can swim on their own while a parent or guardian (14 years of age or older) actively supervises from the pool deck. If they do not pass the test, an adult parent or guardian (14 years of age or older) must be in the water, within arms' reach, at all times. Ratio: 1 adult per 2 children.
Youth and adults 10 years and older:
Are welcome to use the pool, subject to their swimming abilities.
What is the Facility Swim Test?
To enter deep water and/or swim independently, swimmers must:
- show comfort in the water and
- swim 2 widths of continuous front crawl in shallow water
The swim test must be demonstrated at each visit to the YMCA.
At any time, lifeguards may ask for a demonstration of swimming ability if they feel there is a question of the participant's safety.
