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.
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 follow the continuous registration format. Registration is offered on a first come first serve basis.
Spring 2025 Season April 7th – June 15th, 2025 – Registration Full
Summer 2025 Season July 7th-Aug 24th 2025
Registration
Summer 2025 registration will be available online only, on Monday June 23th at 12:00pm (noon). Registration is based on the age of the child as of the first day of their preferred lesson set.
If your child has not participated in YMCA swimming lessons before, when registering please select Unknown from the Level dropdown menu. If your child has participated in swimming lessons at another facility, please email a copy of their report card to swimming@vancouverislandy.ca. 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 Members who register for more than one lesson per week will be withdrawn from their lessons.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 (memberships on Hold are not considered active) is required from time of registration through 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
*Pre-registration for Parent and Tot Lessons is not required at the Downtown Y
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 Swim Lessons
*Pre-registration for Adult/Teen Swim Lessons is not required at the Downtown Y
Adult/Teen Beginner Swim Lessons
The Beginner Swim Lessons cover an introduction 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.
Adult/Teen Intermediate Swim Lessons
The Intermediate Swim Lessons are designed for adults and teens who are able to comfortably swim 10 metres unassisted and are looking to start perfecting their swim strokes, such as back/front crawl. Through the lessons, the instructor will help develop foundational swim strokes and endurance.
Check AvailabilityAquatic Leader in Training
The Aquatic Leader in Training (ALIT) 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 programs. Must be able to swim 8 lengths of the pool. Learn about lifesaving, lifeguarding and first aid while improving swimming skills in a fun environment. A great way to learn about a future career. ALIT does not run during the summer months; please refer to Advanced Aquatics programming for alternative course options.
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.
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.
Progress Report