YOUTH SWIM LESSONS
Youth swim lessons emphasize water safety, skill and stroke development and are offered year-round for swimmers ages 6 - 14 of all skill levels.
Beginning swimmers are introduced to basic stroke movement and learn how to be more comfortable in the water. More advanced swimmers are instructed in stroke technique, endurance and safety skills.
Our swim lessons have a low child-to-instructor ratio to ensure plenty of time in the water. Swim lessons and classes are available during the week and on weekends to accommodate your schedule. Parents are welcome to watch lessons from the pool viewing deck.
There will be no swim lessons on Saturday, March 14 or Sunday, April 12th. Prices will be prorated.
YOUTH SWIM STAGES
STAGE :1 Water Acclimation
Ages: 6-14
Ratio 1:6
Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water in Stage 1. This stage lays the foundation that allows for a student’s future progress in swimming.
STAGE 2: Water Movement
Ages: 6-14
Ratio 1:6
In Stage 2, students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water.
STAGE 3: Water Stamina
Ages: 6-14
Ratio 1:6
In Stage 3, students learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages in the event of falling into a body of water. This stage also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm and leg action.
STAGE 4: Stroke Introduction
Ages: 6-14
Ratio 1:6
Students in Stage 4 develop stroke technique in front crawl and back crawl and learn the breaststroke and butterfly kick. Water safety is reinforced through treading water and elementary backstroke.
STAGE 5: Stroke Development
Ages: 6-14
Ratio 1:8
Students in Stage 5 work on stroke technique and learn all major competitive strokes. The emphasis on water safety continues through treading water and sidestroke.
STAGE 6: Stroke Mechanics
Ages: 6-14
Ratio 1:10
In Stage 6, students refine stroke technique on all major competitive strokes, learn about competitive swimming, and discover how to incorporate swimming into a healthy lifestyle.
Starfish (Special Needs)
Ages: 6-14
Ratio 1:6
In The Starfish class is designed for children with moderate to severe neurological, physical, and social challenges. The program is supervised by hands-on instructors who will teach swimming and exercise to do with children in the water while accompanied by a parent/guardian.
HOW TO REGISTER FOR SWIM LESSONS
Registrations for all swim lessons can be completed in person at the Meadowlands YMCA or over the phone.
You must be a Meadowlands YMCA member in good standing to register for swim lessons.
You must have a swim evaluation completed prior to registering (except those currently enrolled in swim lessons). This is to ensure the safety of your child, the other children in the lesson, and the instructor.
Online registration is not available at this time. No make-up lessons will be given for missed swim lessons.
SWIM EVALUATIONS - 4 to 14yrs old
Sometimes it’s difficult to determine which level is right for your swimmer. We offer FREE swim evaluations that assess abilities to find the proper placement for correct development.
To schedule a swim test or to try and determine which level you or your child is please contact our Aquatics Director - Joelle Nessine.