Aquatics :: Swim Lessons
YMCAs have been teaching
people to swim
for more
than a century.
YMCA Aquatic Programs
offer the opportunity to participate
in water activities during each phase of life:
parent/toddler introductory programs, youth progressive swim lessons (the YMCA's third most widely offered program nationwide), teen and adult swim classes. The North Suburban YMCA Aquatics staff works with members to develop the lifelong skills that will help them stay healthy and safe.
** See the current program guide in the footer below **
Parent/Child and Pre-School [+/-]
6 months - 4 years. Parent or trusted adult to accompany each child in the water. Diapers and rubber pants required under a swimsuit.
Shrimp / Kippers / Inia (6 - 24 months with parent)
An introduction for children to explore the aquatic environment and become more independent with the help of their parents
*Children must wear swim diapers and rubber pants (snug fitting elastic around the legs) under a swimsuit.
Perch / Pike with parent (24 - 48
months with parent)
At this level children start moving more independently through the water under their parent’s guidance.
*Children must wear swim diapers and rubber pants (snug fitting elastic around the legs) under a swimsuit.
Preschool Block (3 years – Kindergarten Must be 3 before session starts)
Children will be taught the basic skills that are the building blocks of swimming. They will also learn about personal safety, pool safety, boating safety and the use of personal floatation devices. We will perform a skill test on the first day of class. Your child will then be placed in a class with other students near the same skill level.
Gym and Swim (3 years – Kindergarten Must be 3 before session starts)
Incorporates a 45-minute gym session with various sports and games before a 30-minute swim lesson.
X-treme Swimming (3 years – Kindergarten Must be 3 before session starts)
A 45-minute X-Zone session before a 30-minute swim lesson.
Youth Programs [+/-]
Kindergarten – 8th Grade. Classes are student centered and use a problem solving, guided discovery teaching approach.
Youth Block
Children will be taught skills from the five components of the YMCA Swim
Lesson program: personal safety, personal growth, stroke development, rescue skills, water sports and games. We will perform a skill test on the first day of class. Your child will then be placed in a class with other students near the same skill level.
Splash Clinic
This one hour intensive class will focus on teaching the building blocks of swimming.
Stroke Clinic
This one hour intensive class will focus on building endurance and
stroke refinement for speed and efficiency in the water.
Prerequisite: Minnow level and above, or Director approval.
Swim Club
A carry over from our stroke clinic. We will be working on stroke development and refinement as well as endurance. We will be helping our young swimmers set goals for time and distance. This will be an in-house club only. There will be no meets.
Prerequisite: Minnow level and above, or Director approval.
Synchronized Swimming—5th-8th grade
Basic synchronized swimming skills will be taught. Skills include stroking, strength preparation, sculling and figures. As students advance, more challenging skills will be introduced. This is a great class for preparing for the GBN Aquiana’s Swim Club!
Instructional Water Polo
Classes focus on stroke techniques, water skills, strategies, and the preparation for competitive Water Polo and swim team.
Adult Swim Lessons [+/-]
High School and up. For beginner and intermediate levels. Learn the basics or develop your stroke to increase your fitness level or to compete.
Adult Begin to Swim
Aimed to teach the non-swimmer to become comfortable and confident in the water by learning the fundamentals of swimming. Various kicks, arm strokes, breathing, float and recovery, swimming on your front and back, and water acclimation will be covered. Bring goggles.
Adult Intermediate Swim
Prerequisite: Ability to swim 25 yards on your front and back comfortably, face in the water, float front and back, ability to tread. This class continues forward with progression of skills and stroke refinement for front crawl, backstroke,
breaststroke, and elementary backstroke. Drills are used to build strength, endurance, and proper breathing techniques.
Private Swim Lessons
One-on-one instruction for those individuals (age 3 years and up) who would rather not enroll in group lessons. Lessons are 30 minutes in
length. For more information call the Aquatic Department at 847-272-7250, ext 1235.
