Programs
Aquatics
Make a splash!
America’s Swim Instructor - that is how the YMCA is recognized for its pioneering work in the field of swimming. Home to the world's first filtered pool, and more importantly, the first group Swim Lessons, the YMCA has a long history and excellent reputation of teaching people how to swim. Our highly trained aquatic associates are nationally certified, holding certifications in CPR, AED, O2 Administration and Lifeguarding. Our Aquatic Directors are among the most highly trained in the country; several of them hold national faculty status and all hold advanced training in Swim Lesson Instruction and Aquatic Facility Operations and Management. With lap lanes, open swim times, water exercise classes, swim lessons, swim teams, water slides and playgrounds, the YMCA is well equipped to provide an enjoyable outlet of fun and fitness for the entire family.
Outdoor Aquatic fun
More than just a pool!

Let the YMCA be your vacation destination this summer!  Seven YMCA of South Hampton Roads locations can offer the entire family a summer of fun in outdoor pools, water spray parks, slides, water toys, baby pools and more.

As a member, you have access to all of our locations, at no additional charge.   Not a member yet?  Join now!

 

Click here for the Outdoor Aquatic Center Program and Event Guide.

Swim Lessons
YMCA Swim Lessons are taught by nationally certified instructors with additional safety training in CPR, First Aid, AED, and O2 administration. Certified lifeguards are on duty at all times. Our Swim Lessons offer a low student-teacher ratio to help children, ranging in age from 6 months to 11 years, safely develop their skills and confidence in the water. All classes consist of eight 30-minute lessons.

Parent/Child
  • Shrimp/Kippers/Inia - For children ages 6 to 18 months. Children participate with a parent; focus is on orientation and adjustment.
  • Perch - For children ages 19 to 36 months who can run and jump. Children participate with a parent; focus is on orientation and adjustment.
Preschool Children
  • Pike - For beginners ages 3 to 5, who are moving toward independence in the water.
  • Eels - For advanced-beginners ages 3 to 5, who participate without a parent. Children must have completed the Pike level.
  • Ray/Starfish - For advanced swimmers ages 3 to 5, who have completed Eels.
School-Age
  • Polliwogs - For non-swimmers or those unable to swim 20 feet. Students are introduced to pool rules, front/back float, front/back/side paddle and finning/sculling.
  • Guppies - For those who have completed Polliwogs or those able to swim 20 feet. Students learn safety swim, treading skills, bobbing, strokes and wetball.
  • Minnow - For those who have completed Guppies or are advanced beginners able to swim 50 feet with rotary breathing, survival float for one minute, and jump in deep water and recover.
  • Fish - For children who are good swimmers; skin diving, basic stroke refining, wetball, standing dive, swimming with mask and fins are emphasized.
  • Flying Fish/Shark - For children who are advanced swimmers and are able to swim 75 feet in front crawl, back crawl and breast stroke. These swimmers learn personal goal setting, bilateral breathing, snorkeling and flip turns.
  • Teen and Adult lessons are also available. Contact your local YMCA for times and dates.
Splash
  • Swim Lessons are offered to children in the fourth grade, free of charge, routinely during Spring Break. Call your local YMCA for details.
  • Contact your YMCA Aquatic Director to learn where your child can meet the YMCA’s Mascot, Vincent the Frog!
Homeschool Lessons
  • Swim Lessons are available for homeschoolers, ages 5 to 18. Call your local branch for details.
Adult Aquatics
Swim Lessons - "Adult only" classes are available. It is never too late to experience the joy and health benefits of swimming.

Arthritis Water Exercise - offered in collaboration with the Arthritis Foundation, this class is geared toward alleviating pain and improving the life quality of those with arthritis.

Water Fitness - improves cardiovascular endurance and tones muscles by using the buoyancy and resistance of the water. Water Fitness classes are designed to improve your endurance, and condition and tone muscles while burning fat.
Lifeguard Class
This is a 28-hour class offered throughout the year. Students must be at least 16 years of age and pass a swim test to participate. Contact your local YMCA for information regarding additional course pre-requisites and physical requirements.
Swim Team
Swim Team is for YMCA members only, ages 5 to 18 years. New swimmers must be at least Minnow level and pass a swim test to be enrolled. This is a recreational-based league where participation, sportsmanship, team spirit and individual stroke improvement are key focus. This program encourages and emphasizes good sportsmanship, self-discipline and achievement of goals, regardless of ability, keeping in mind the philosophy of the YMCA of developing the spirit, mind and body. Swim Team practice times are subject to change throughout the year to accommodate general membership usage and swim lesson instruction.

For more information about YMCA Swim Teams, please contact one of the following locations: For more information on our Aquatics programs, checkout your local YMCA.
The YMCA is committed to providing programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. If you and
your family need financial assistance in paying fees for YMCA programs or membership, just ask! Download
an Open Doors financial assistance application.


Home  |  News  |  Locations  |  Membership  |  Programs  |  About  |  Ways to Give  |  Employment  |  Search

Mission: To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

© 2008 YMCA of South Hampton Roads. Website by Grow Interactive