GROUP SWIM LESSONS The Y Swim Lesson Program is a nationally recognized program with a history of success. We are professional, safe, and incorporate character development (honesty, respect, caring, and responsibility) into every swim lesson. While our immediate goal for each level is to teach various swimming skills, our long term goal is to develop a sense of self-worth, an attitude of service to community, and to inspire personal values in each child that participates in our program. When you sign up for either the preschool or youth lessons they will be evaluated on the first day of class and placed in a YMCA swim level based on their swimming skills. Halfway through the lessons you will receive a mid session report telling you how your child is doing in their specific level. After the last lesson is complete, participants will receive a progress report which will determine if they progressed to the next level. The following descriptions are the different levels where your child could be placed based upon ability.
PARENT / CHILD LESSONS Baby Shrimp Lessons (6 months-18 months) The Shrimp Level is designed to get both the parent and the child comfortable in the water. The child will become comfortable moving in the water while the parent learns how to teach their child to be safe in and around the water. They will work on blowing bubbles and kicking. These fun classes teach through music and games while the parent guides the child through basic aquatic skills. Toddler Perch Lessons (19 months – 36 months) Perch level builds on what a child learned in the previous Shrimp level. In this level the children will work on floating, changing body positions, and moving through the water on their front and back with an inflatable floatation device (IFD) by themselves. These fun classes also teach through music and games.
PRESCHOOL LESSONS, AGES 3-5 YEARS PIKE Pikes work towards becoming comfortable in the water while learning how to be safe around water. EEL Eels will begin to work on basic stroke development, including the front, back and side strokes which will aid with overall endurance. RAY Rays will work on front and back paddle, breast stroke and rhythmic breathing. Elementary backstroke will be introduced at this level.
YOUTH LESSONS AGES 6-12 YEARS OLD POLLIWOG In Polliwog, children will become acquainted with the pool and comfortable in the water. Skills will include submerging while blowing bubbles, front and back floats, flutter kicking on their front, back, and side, as well as paddling. GUPPY In Guppy, children will continue to build endurance while working on basic stroke components for front crawl (with rhythmic breathing), back crawl, and sidestroke as well as receiving an introduction to elementary backstroke, breaststroke, diving, and reinforcement of basic safety practices. MINNOW In Minnow, children work on refinement of strokes with proper breathing techniques and building endurance.
ALL ABOUT FAMILY
GROUP SWIM LESSONS BLOCK SCHEDULING YMCA swim lessons are offered in a block scheduling format to make it as easy as possible for families with multiple children to schedule lessons conveniently. This allows children who differ in age and skill level to participate in swim lessons at the same or similar times, while being in the class most appropriate for them. Please call or visit your local Y for a schedule of classes. Because the Y believes safety around water is something that every child deserves to know, we do have scholarships available. Please inquire at your local branch.
PRIVATE AND SEMI-PRIVATE LESSONS– ALL AGES We offer private and semi private swimming lessons for both adults and children, which is perfect if you prefer individual or small group instructor attention. Maybe you started learning to swim as a child, but never quite mastered it? Maybe you’re afraid of the water? Maybe your child is a little nervous about learning to swim, so you’d like to ensure they have special attention in a one-on-one or small group environment? Whatever the reason, we’re here to help you learn to swim confidently, with a certified and supportive instructor, so you can enjoy the beautiful bodies of water in our communities – whether it’s a pool, lake, or ocean. Our private lessons are 30-45 minute one on one lessons tailored to your individual needs and goals. Prices vary based on location. Our semi private lessons are 30-45 minute two-on-one lessons tailored to the participants’ needs and goals. These lessons are usually purchased for siblings, friends, or spouses. Prices vary based on location.
ADAPTIVE SWIM LESSONS The YMCA of Greater New Orleans offers adaptive swim lessons to children with special needs who are unable to participate in traditional swim lessons because of learning disabilities, hyperactivity, physical limitations, or developmental delays. Offerings vary based on location. Please contact Association Aquatics Director Rachael Jonas at rachaelj@ymcaneworleans.org to discuss options and availability.