LEARN TO SWIM AT THE YMCA

The YMCA Swim Lesson Curriculum is a core group of aquatic skills every person needs to be safe around water. As the foundation of our program, these skills allow students to learn correct swim stroke techniques. Students begin with and build upon skills they are ready to learn, helping them to celebrate their successes, build self-confidence, and enjoy learning to swim and water safety. 

Preschool Swim Lessons School Age Swim Lessons Request A Private Lesson

*As a reminder, be advised that we do not make up lessons due to participants personal schedule. The Grand Prairie YMCA will make up lessons in case we cancel classes due to inclement weather or chemical issues with the pool.*

Swim Lesson Level Flow Chart

SWIM LESSON LEVELS

- WATER ACCLIMATION

In this beginning class, children develop comfort with being underwater and learn how to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water.

Ages: 3-12

+ QUALIFICATIONS: none

- WATER MOVEMENT

In this class, children are taught skills that focus on buoyancy and movement in the water while also learning how to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water. 

Ages: 3-12

+ QUALIFICATIONS:
(1) able to go under water & comfortably open eyes without goggles
(2) able to float on front & back with minimal assistance
(3) able to jump in the pool, submerge & return to the wall with assistance

- WATER STAMINA

In this class, children focus on swimming longer distances. In the event of falling into a body of water, children learn how to swim to safety.

Ages: 3-12

+ QUALIFICATIONS:
(1) able to float on front & back unassisted
(2) able to push off the wall on stomach with face submerged for 10 feet unassisted
(3) able to Swim-Float-Swim 15 feet unassisted
(4) able to jump into deep water and return to the wall unassisted 

- STROKE INTRODUCTION

In this class, children are introduced to basic swimming strokes.

Ages: 5-12

+ QUALIFICATIONS:
(1) able to submerge & retrieve an object in chest deep water
(2) able to swim front crawl 15 yards while taking a breath
(3) able to Swim-Float-Swim 15 yards
(4) able to jump in & tread water for 30 seconds
(5) able to swim to wall & exit

- STROKE DEVELOPMENT

In this class, children continue to work on their swimming stroke technique and all major competitive strokes are introduced.

Ages: 5-12

+ QUALIFICATIONS:
(1) able to front crawl & back crawl 25 yards
(2) able to swim breaststroke kick and dolphin kick 15 yards
(3) able to tread water using multiple kicks for 1 minute  

- STROKE MECHANICS

In this class, children continue to work on their swimming stroke technique and all major competitive strokes are introduced. 

Ages: 5-12

+ QUALIFICATIONS:
(1) able to swim front crawl with bent arm recovery & rotary breathing for 25 yards
(2) able to swim back crawl with stroke rotation for 25 yards
(3) able to swim butterfly with over arm recovery
(4) able to swim breaststroke for 25 yards achieving stroke rhythm
(5) able to dive from kneeling position