YMCA Swim Lessons promote children’s health and safety. The program supports parents and encourages their participation in teaching kids valuable life skills.
Registration Dates
Fall 2023:
Weekday Lessons:
- Fall A: Sept. 9 - Oct. 28; Member registration begins August 21, non-members August 28
- Fall B: Oct. 2 - Oct. 26; Member registration begins September 25, non-members September 27
- Holiday A: Oct. 30 - Nov. 16; Member registration begins October 16; non-member October 23
- Holiday B: Nov. 27 - Dec. 14; Member registration begins November 13; non-member November 15
Saturday Lessons:
- Fall: Sept. 9 - Oct. 28, Member registration begins August 21; non-members August 28
- Holiday: Nov. 4 - Dec. 16, Member registration begins October 16; non-members October 23
Choosing the Correct Swim Lesson
Follow the chart below to find the right level for your child, then register by clicking on the link to the right. Remember, placing a child in the incorrect level will be a disservice to both the child and the other class members. If you are not sure which level to place your child in, request a YMCA Swim Level Lesson Placement and Evaluation by contacting our swim lesson coordinator at [email protected]. A swimming instructor will be available to evaluate your child’s skills for placement into the appropriate swim lesson level.
If your child is between 6-18 months of age and can NOT yet respond to verbal cues and jump on land.
Level Description Here
If your child is between 12-36 months of age and is NOT comfortable working with an instructor without a parent in the water.
Level Description Here
If your child is 3-5 years of age and will NOT go under water voluntarily.
Level Description Here
If your child is 3-5 years of age and can NOT yet do a front or back float on their own.
Level Description Here
If your child is 3-5 years of age and can NOT yet swim 10-15 yards on their own but can submerge their head.
Level Description Here
If your child is 5 or older and will NOT go under water voluntarily.
Level Description Here
If your child is 5 or older and can NOT yet do a front or back float on their own.
Level Description Here
If your child is 5 or older and can NOT yet swim 10-15 yards on their own but can submerge their head.
Level Description Here
If your child is 4 or older and can NOT yet swim 15 yards of front and back crawl.
Level Description Here
If your child is 5 or older and can NOT yet swim front crawl, back crawl and breaststroke for 25 yards.
Level Description Here
If your child is 5 or older and can NOT yet swim front crawl, back crawl and breaststroke 50 yards.
Level Description Here
Information regarding expectations, responsibilities and frequently asked questions can be found HERE.
Lesson Category Descriptions
Swim levels along with a description of skill requirements and development are described below. The lessons will be broken into three main categories:
Adult/Teen Beginner Lessons
For learning swimmers age 13 and up, we offer weekly lessons in a small group setting. Class instruction will be designed for the needs of the students in attendance with an emphasis on safety. Please check our lesson schedule for days, times and prices.
Beyond Level 6
Swimmers are encouraged to pursue aquatics in three different ways:
Competition
We offer swim team for children ages 5 to 18 years at our State College branch.
Leadership
We offer certification and employment opportunities for lifeguards and swim instructors ages 16 and up.
- Find a lifeguarding certification class here - Bellefonte - State College
- Swim instructors need CPR/AED/First Aid certification - find a class here - Bellefonte - State College
- Already certified? Fill out an application linked below and return to your nearby YMCA of Centre County branch.
- Employment Application
Recreation
We offer lap swimming times at our State College and Bellefonte branches so you can turn swimming into a lifelong fitness activity! Pool schedules are HERE FOR STATE COLLEGE and HERE FOR BELLEFONTE.
Adaptive Lessons
Swim lessons are available to children with special needs in our therapy pool. Instructor to student ratio is low. A water wheelchair and ramp into the pool are available. Since adapted lessons meet on Friday or Saturday, the session schedule will follow the Saturday scheduled dates. The Friday evening classes are one-to-one instructor/client and the Saturday class is one-to-three instructor/client. We recommend the Saturday classes for those who are capable of working in a small group.
Private Lessons
Our private swimming lessons are a very popular alternative to our group lessons. Private lessons are 30 minute, 1 to 1 lessons with an experienced swim instructor. Lessons are designed specifically for your swimmer's needs and can be scheduled at a time that is convenient for you. Adults are welcome! Lessons can be scheduled one at a time or as packages of four.
Please fill out the private swim lesson request form linked below and submit either to the front desk of the YMCA or online to [email protected] so that we may match you up with an instructor who meets your skill and availability needs. You will pay for the lesson only after you have been contacted by the instructor to schedule your first lesson. Lessons can be rescheduled with enough notice. You may continue to schedule lessons with your matched instructor until you decide to stop.
Private Swim Lesson Request Form
Cost:
- Single Lesson: $38 for members, $57 for non-members
- 4 Lessons: $133 for members, $199 for non-members
One-On-One Classes
These special swim classes differ from lessons and are scheduled 4 at a time. They'll follow the same registration dates as swim lessons, and spaces are limited. If proof of illness or injury can be provided, a 50% credit will be issued for missed classes. Otherwise, no refunds or makeups will be issued.
For More Information
Contact Lori Lange ([email protected]) or Zach Smith ([email protected])