Niles-Buchanan YMCA

YMCA Skippers Swimming Program stresses enjoyment, pre-swim learning activities, development of confidence in parents and children, and water safety. Class size is limited.  Ages 6mos - 5 years.

Introduces infants and parents to an aquatic environment encouraging a happy and relaxing time for both child and parent. Water adjustment, bubble blowing and back floating with support are introduced at this level.  Age 6-12 months.

Toddler is relaxed with parent and is now encouraged to begin independence in water with parent always nearby. The toddler is blowing bubbles, getting face wet voluntarily, kicks on front with support, jumps in without assistance, can do back floats with assistance and has learned safe entry in and out of pool. As the child progresses he/she is combining arm movements kicking and blowing bubbles as he/she swims. All skills learned in this program prepare the child for transition to the pre-school program.  Ages 13-36 months.

This entry level class is designed for children with little or no prior water experience. The pike with parent class will allow children to be comfortable with parent and is now encouraged to begin independence in water with parent always nearby. Water adjustment and basic introductory skills are explored with the goal of moving in the water independently with a bubble.  Ages 3-5 years.

This preschool entry level is designed for children with little or no prior water experience. Water adjustment and basic introductory skills are explored with the goal of moving in the water independently with a bubble.  Ages 3-5 years.

This level is designed for the beginner who is able to swim the width of the pool independently with a flotation bubble while splashing his/her feet. The goal of this level is to have the child swimming confidently across the pool without a flotation device.  Ages 3-5 years.

A swimmer of this level can confidently and independently swim across a width of the pool. Stroke development is started as well as building endurance to swim the length.  Ages 3-5 years.

This level begins a voyage to confidence and increased endurance. This level also introduces water safety to the swimmer.  Ages 3-5 years.

The advanced swimmer in this level has accomplished basic and is now perfecting his/her strokes. This swimmer is a prime candidate for swim team.  Ages 3-5 years.

YMCA Swimming Program is designed for children 6 - 14 years with emphasis on learning -- not passing or failing. Each level has five components to promote health and fitness: personal safety, stroke development, water sports and games, personal growth and rescue. Swimmers must complete each level before progressing to the next level. All first time participants must register for polliwog or take a swim test to determine skill level.

This is a beginning level class for children with little or no experience. Rhythmic Breathing and basic stroke skills are introduced with emphasis on water adjustment and safety.

This level swimmer has confidence and endurance to swim the length of the pool. Rotary Breathing, Elementary Back stroke kick and Back stroke introduced.

MINNOW:

This level swimmer is continuing to develop Rotary Breathing and Backstroke. Elem. Backstroke and Breaststroke kick introduced.  

This level swimmer has learned three basic strokes and should be beginning to master them. Endurance development on previously taught skills. Breaststroke and Dolphin kick introduced.

This level swimmer learns the skills and strokes required of the competitive swimmer. Emphasis on endurance and stroke development. Fish and Flying Fish are offered together.

This level swimmer has learned all four competitive strokes and has increased endurance. Introduction to preliminary lifesaving skills.

This is a beginning level class for Adults with little or no water experience. Rhythmic Breathing and basic stroke skills are introduced with emphasis on water adjustment and safety.

This level swimmer has confidence and endurance to swim the length of the pool. Rotary Breathing, Elementary Back stroke kick and Back stroke introduced.

At the YMCA, we believe it's never too late to learn how to swim. Instructors for our private lessons can help you overcome any apprehensions you may have about being in the water.  Once you become comfortable in the water, we can help you with stroke development and assist you with developing a program for endurance swimming.  Private lessons are available on a first come, first served basis.  Each lessons lasts half-an-hour.  For appointments, call 269.683.1552.