YMCA SWIM LESSONS
Swimming is a life skill, and knowing how to swim makes it possible to safely enjoy pools, water parks and the outdoors. Quality swim lessons are taught by certified YMCA swim instructors who create a fun and caring learning environment. Students learn fundamental swimming skills, while fostering a life-long appreciation for physical activity and fitness through swimming.
Currently, the Downtown Y does not have adequate staffing to accommodate group swim lessons.
Swimming Lesson Seasons
Swimming Lessons are offered for registration in seasons. At the end of each season, participants will re-register for the next season; lessons no longer following the continuous registration format. Registration is offered on a first come first serve basis.
Spring 2023 – Saturday April 15th – Saturday June 17th, 2023
Swimming lessons will be available on Saturday and Sunday mornings between 9:00am – 11:30am.
Registration
Lesson availability for the Spring season is now available and can be reviewed here; registration for the Spring 2023 season opens, available online only, on Monday March 27th at 12:00pm (noon).
If your child has not participated in YMCA swimming lessons before, when registering please select Unknown from the Level dropdown menu. Swimmers without a known level will be assessed and assigned to a level on the first day of lessons.
Due to the limited availability of spaces, participants may only register for one weekly group lesson set per season. In addition, those that are unable to commit to a full season of lessons, and expect 3 or more lessons will be missed, are asked to wait for the next season to register for lessons. Members who register for more than one lesson per week will be withdrawn from their lessons.
If a lesson timeslot is full please register for a waiting list; we will contact you if a space becomes available.
Lessons are available to all Vancouver Island Y members, regardless of home branch.
Check AvailabilityFee
Swim lessons are included, at no additional cost, in child or family memberships.
Membership at the Y provides access to many facilities and services. An active membership is required at registration and for the duration of the swim lesson season. Membership does not guarantee registration. If a member does not secure a space in swim lessons there will be no refund of membership fees.
YMCA Swim Lesson Levels
Swimming lessons are based on age at the start date of the lesson season; Preschool Age lessons 3-5 years and School Age lessons 6-12 years.
Review the YMCA Swim Lesson Criteria – what your child will learn in the lesson.
To review swim level conversion chart, click here.
Parent and Tot Swim Lessons
Learn how to enter and exit the water together; practice holds and supports to swim safely together; play games that encourage toddlers to blow bubbles in the water and get faces wet; and start to develop floating and kicking skills. Parent participation required.
Check AvailabilityAdult/Teen Learn to Swim Lessons
Adult/Teen Learn to Swim is for participants 13+ yrs and covers an introductions to front and back floats and glides, working towards a 10-15m swim on front and back, learning safe entries into shallow and deep water, breath control and underwater skills, flutter kick and treading water.
Check AvailabilityAquatic Leader in Training
The Aquatic Leader in Training program offers a unique aquatic alternative for kids who really love the water! This program keeps kids interested and active in aquatics — especially quick learners and those caught between levels or programs. Learn about lifesaving, lifeguarding and first aid while improving swimming skills in a fun environment. A great way to learn about a future career.
Check AvailabilityPrivate/Semi-Private Swimming Lessons
Private and Semi-Private Swim Lessons are for current Y members. Your membership must remain current and in good standing, for the duration of your lessons. Registration is required. Private Lesson fees are $32.50+gst per lesson; Semi-Private Lesson fees are discounted at 50% for the additional swimmer. Lessons are non-refundable.
Available to participants 3+ yrs.
Member booking the lessons is responsible for registering 2nd participant within same swimming ability and ensuring they are present for lessons.
Private Lesson availability will be limited in the Winter 2023 season while we focus on re-building our group lesson programming; availability is updated in the Online Service Portal and registration opens online January 11th at 12:00pm(noon).
Check AvailabilityReview the private swim lesson refund/cancellation policy.
SWIM LESSON PROGRESS REPORTS
Progress reports can be retrieved online using your child’s Customer ID number. If you do not have this ID number or your child’s report is not listed please email our team.