YMCA Programs for Aquatics

YMCAs have been teaching people to swim for more than a century. In YMCA aquatics programs, children learn to be safe around water and they feel the sense of accomplishment that comes with learning something new. Youth progressive swimming is the YMCA's third most widely offered program nationwide. It uses a problem-solving, guided-discovery teaching approach in a positive, caring environment. Kids can develop lifelong skills that can help them stay healthy.

Other YMCA aquatics programs include infant-parent classes, preschool classes, classes for people with disabilities and classes for teens and adults. These include water exercise and therapy and water sports, including synchronized swimming and master competitive swimming for people 18 and over. Competitive programs are also available for youth.

Many YMCAs offer special classes to help children and families learn how to be safer in and around water, including YMCA Splash. YSplash is an aquatics orientation and safety program providing instruction on swimming skills and basic water safety, offered annually at many YMCAs. The nearly week-long event offers water familiarization, swim lessons and, often, pool games, contests and parent education sessions, usually at a nominal fee.