Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut Aquatics
YOUTH SWIM LESSONS & ACTIVITIES DESCRIPTIONS
(For additional information, dates, and pricing, see the current schedule)

Parent/Child Lessons:
Please register according to the age of the child, not the skill level. 30 minute classes.
All classes are water orientation classes. They are designed to teach your child to enjoy the water in a safe, fun and comfortable environment.

Shrimp/Kipper (6-12 mo.) Inia (13-18 mo.) Perch (19-36 mo.) Classes designed to teach your child to enjoy the water in a safe, fun and comfortable environment.

For additional information, contact the Aquatics Department  at 203-775-4444 ext. 133

Pre-school Lessons 3 to 5 years
30 minute classes
 

Pike No pre-requisites. We adjust to a group situation and learn to move through the water independent of adult support.

Eel This class is for children that can swim, float and jump with minimum flotation. Children must comfortable putting their face into the water.

Ray Rays must be able to jump in and swim 25 feet independently without flotation, float on their backs independently, and have the beginnings of a backstroke.

Starfish Starfish must be able to swim a 25 yard front crawl with rudimentary rotary breathing, a back crawl for 25 yards, float on their back for 1 minute, and tread water for 30 seconds.

For additional information, contact the Aquatics Department at 203-775-4444 ext. 133

Youth 6 to 13 years
45 minute classes

Polliwog No pre-requisites. This level teaches water orientation skills, arm stroke, kicking, rhythmic breathing, flotation and developing self-confidence.

Guppy A guppy must be comfortable immersing his or her face in the water, floating on his or her back, and swimming 30 feet independently

Minnow Minnows must be able to swim a 25 yard front crawl using consistent rotary breathing and a 25 yard back crawl. They must also be able to tread water for 1 minute as well as jump into the deep water and float for 1 minute.

Fish Fish must be able to swim a 50 yard front crawl utilizing consistent rotary breathing and a 50 yard back crawl. They must also be able to perform a front dive, float on their back for 2 minutes and tread water for 2 minutes.

Flying Fish and Shark Swimmers must be able to demonstrate advance technique in front and back crawl. Flying Fish/Shark must be able to perform the breaststroke, dolphin kick, and elementary backstroke.

For additional information, contact the Aquatics Department at 203-775-4444 ext. 133

Stroke and Turn (9 to 12 years)
The primary goal for this class is to develop stroke quality through stroke development. Both stroke repair and maintenance will be the on-going theme for this class. This process will involve swimming for endurance and learning about the concept of pacing. Students must be at a Flying Fish/Shark level to enter this class, (please see above for pre-requisites).

Private Swim Lessons
Instruction is provided on a one-to-one basis by experiences, certified instructors. Great for people who need help grasping a certain skill, getting over a hump, or training for a swim event. Lessons are ½ hour in length. They may be purchased one at a time, or as a package of five. For people ages 5 through adult. Please contact the Aquatic Office to schedule at (203)775-4444 ext. 133


Mako Swim Team
The Mako Swim Team is the Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut’s competitive swim program for swimmers age 6 and over. On this value orientated team, everyone participates in order to improve swimming technique, improve physical conditioning, learn good sportsmanship, and enjoy team fun. Swimmers must be full members. For more information, visit www.makoswim.org

Mini Mako Swim Lessons for 3-5 year olds
The Mako Swim Team is now offering Mini Mako classes for children ages 3-5 years old. The classes will be taught by a USS Certified Swim Team Coach to improve your child’s strokes. Classes will be ½ hour in length and will take place in the Therapeutic Pool. Children need to be comfortable in the water and willing to swim with or without assistance.

Junior Mako Swim Lessons for 5-10 year olds
New Junior Mako classes are now open to children ages 5-10 years old who are swimming at a Rays or Guppy Level. Junior Mako classes are taught by USA/USS Certified Swim Team Coaches. These classes focus on learning efficient stroke techniques and developing endurance for enjoyable swimming. 30 minute classes.