SWIM LESSONS

WHY LEARN TO SWIM AT THE Y?

The Greater Wichita YMCA provides a safe, fun, encouraging environment to help all swimmers feel comfortable learning in the water. Y swim lessons participants can expect:

LOCATIONS Choose from 9 pool branches in Andover, KS, El Dorado, KS, Newton, KS, and throughout Wichita, KS
OPTIONS Private (1:1), Small Group, Medium-Sized Classes available. 1-time, 2-week, monthly, and on-going enrollment.
QUALITY STAFF Instructors are YMCA-certified lifeguards. Many have additional accreditation and training to their credit.
GREAT PRICES To ensure access to all swimmers we offer low rates, member discounts, and income-based pricing, too.

The Greater Wichita YMCA, as part of the YMCA of the USA, approaches swim lessons as part of a life-long process of learning and enjoying swimming. We offer:

THREE STAGES of learning (1 - STARTERS, 2 - BASICS and 3 - STROKES) based on ability
SIX LEVELS of learning that expand learning, stamina, and confidence
THREE PATHWAYS For Recreation, Competitive, and Leader swimmers

To start your swim lesson journey - we suggest an in-person discussion or 1:1 lesson. If you're unsure of where you should enroll for traditional lessons, let us know. We can have a quick discussion or do a skills assessment at your first lesson.

2-WEEK AND MONTHLY (4-WEEK)SWIM STARTERS LESSONS (30 Minutes/Session, 1 Session/Week (4-Weeks))

The Greater Wichita YMCA uses the YMCA of the USA swim program for lessons including one stage and two swim-ability levels for swimmers ages 6-months to 3-years-old:

SWIM STAGE	SWIM ABILITY	DESCRIPTION
1 - SWIM STARTERS	WATER DISCOVERY	Infants and toddlers, with parents/guardians, begin to explore and get comfortable in the water
1 - SWIM STARTERS	WATER ACCLIMATION	Infants and toddlers, with parents/guardians, learn water safety and enjoy water play activities

We encourage all infants and toddlers to start with WATER DISCOVERY with a movement to WATER ACCLIMATION when the swimmer is ready. 1:1 lessons are also available for first-time/early swimmers.

Greater_Wichita_YMCA_Family_Swim_Open_Pool_Dad_Daughter_Swimming_Thumbnail_450x300

EXPLORE / ENROLL IN WATER DISCOVERY

Greater_Wichita_YMCA_2019_Swim_Lessons_Toddler_Swimming_with_Dad_Thumbnail_450x300

EXPLORE / ENROLL IN WATER EXPLORATION

2-WEEK AND MONTHLY (4-WEEK) SWIM BASICS AND SWIM STROKES LESSONS (45 Minutes/Session, 1 Session/Week)

The Greater Wichita YMCA uses the YMCA of the USA swim program for lessons including two stages and six swim-ability levels for swimmers ages 3-118:

SWIM STAGE	SWIM ABILITY	DESCRIPTION
2 - SWIM BASICS	WATER ACCLIMATION	Increase comfort with underwater exploration, introduce and assist with basic self-rescue skills
2 - SWIM BASICS	WATER MOVEMENT	Encourages forward movement in water and basic self-rescue skills performed independently
2 - SWIM BASICS	WATER STAMINA	Develops intermediate self-rescue skills performed at longer distances than in previous stages
3 - SWIM STROKES	STROKE INTRODUCTION	Front crawl, back crawl, and elementary backstroke and water safety (treading water)
3 - SWIM STROKES	STROKE DEVELOPMENT	Breaststroke, butterfly stroke, sidestroke, and advanced water safety skill learning
3 - SWIM STROKES	STROKE MECHANICS	Refine all major competitive stroke techniques and position swimming within a healthy lifestyle

Not sure where to start you or your child? Enroll based on age and your best-guess for ability or arrange for a 1:1 lesson. Our instructors will help with placement.

PRE-SCHOOL SWIM LESSONS

AGES

3-5

SWIM LEVELS

1-4

EXPLORE PRE-SCHOOL LESSONS

SCHOOL-AGED SWIM LESSONS

AGES

6-12

SWIM LEVELS

1-6

EXPLORE SCHOOL-AGED SWIM LESSONS

TEEN SWIM LESSONS

AGES

12-17

SWIM LEVELS

1-6

EXPLORE TEEN SWIM LESSONS

ADULT SWIM LESSONS

AGES

18-118

SWIM LEVELS

1-6

EXPLORE ADULT SWIM LESSONS

Greater_Wichita_YMCA_Swim_Program_Overview_Thumbnail_450x300

EXPLORE OUR SWIM LESSONS PROGRAMS

The Greater Wichita YMCA, as part of the YMCA of the USA, approaches swim lessons as part of a life-long process of learning and enjoying swimming. Our structure is based on:

THREE STAGES of learning (Starters, Basics, Strokes) based on ability
SIX LEVELS of learning that expand learning, stamina, and confidence
THREE PATHWAYS For Recreation, Competitive, and Leader swimmers

Our SWIM LESSONS OVERVIEW PDF shows how swimmers can progress through the various levels and stages and what they will learn as they advance.

SWIM LESSONS OVERVIEW PDF

Greater_Wichita_YMCA_2019_Swim_Lessons_Video_Thumbnail_450x300

WATCH OUR SWIM LESSONS IN ACTION

ADDITIONAL SWIM PROGRAMS AND OFFERINGS

In addition to group swim lessons - the Greater Wichita YMCA offers personalized swim opportunities including private/semi-private lessons and more.

PRIVATE and SEMI-PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS

For swimmers wanting individual attention or with specific goals, we offer private and semi-private (one-on-three ratio) lessons at all branches with pools.

AGES	6 Mos.-118 Years
SWIM LEVELS	1-6
FREQUENCY	Varies by Enrollment
SESSION LENGTH	30-45 Minutes Available
LOCATIONS	Andover Downtown East El Dorado Newton	North Northwest South West

TO ENROLL Swimmers and/or Parents/Guardians can enroll in private/semi-private lessons at any location's Welcome Desk

EXPLORE PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS

SWIM ACADEMY

For advanced swimmers wanting to focus on skills development, stamina, and speed - often with aspirations of competitive swimming.

AGES	6-18-Years
SWIM LEVELS	5-6
FREQUENCY	2x/Week (August - May)
SESSION LENGTH	45 Minutes/Session
LOCATIONS	Andover East El Dorado North Northwest	South

TO ENROLL Swimmers must perform a skills-assessment with the Aquatics Director/Staff at their desired program host branch.

EXPLORE OUR SWIM ACADEMY PROGRAM

COMPETITIVE SWIM TEAM

We participate with Missouri Valley Swimming Association and USA Swimming qualifications to offer competitive swimming at two locations.

AGES		6-18-Years
SWIM LEVELS		6
FREQUENCY		2x/Week for 8 Months (August - May)
SESSION LENGTH		Varies (Practices, Intensives, Meets, Etc.)
LOCATIONS		Andover YMCA, Northwest YMCA

TO ENROLL Swimmers must schedule a try-out with the Coach and/or Aquatics Director/Staff at their team host branch.

USE "CONTACT US" FORM TO CONTACT BRANCHES

GWYMCA_Lifeguard_In-Service_Thumbnail_450x300

LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION COURSES

The Greater Wichita YMCA trains, certifies, hires, and employees more lifeguards than any other organization in the area. We need guards for our summer Water Park and camp season as well as for year-round indoor pools, swim lessons, our SPLASH program, open swim, and more. To enroll - you must be 16+ on your first class, have a valid photo I.D. and complete an in-pool physical competency test on your first session. We offer 37-hour courses with a final written exam.

EXPLORE CERTIFICATION