Swim Lessons: Preparing for your First Day

We’re so glad you’ve chosen the Y as your swim lesson provider! The Y is committed to keeping class and lesson sizes small so swimmers get the expert, personal attention they need to succeed. If you’re new to swim lessons at the Y, here are a few tips for what to expect, what to wear, and what to bring for a successful lesson.

Register

• You don’t need to be a member of the Y to take swimming lessons! However, members get priority registration and member-only pricing. Learn more about membership here >>
• Find what lessons are available near you, pricing, and how to register >>

What to Bring to Lessons

• Photo identification or YMCA Membership Card
• Your own lock for the locker rooms. We encourage leaving any valuable items at home.
• A swimsuit
• A towel
• Sandals or flip-flops, if desired
• Swim diaper with a tight-fitting cover, if needed

Arriving for Lessons

• Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in with your membership card or photo identification.
• Wear your swimsuit or plan to arrive with enough time to change before your lesson.
• Rinse off in the shower before entering the pool. This keeps our pool clean and will help swimmers adjust to the temperature of the water.
• We encourage all swimmers to use the restroom before entering the pool.

On the First Day of Lessons

• An aquatic leader will be on the deck to welcome you and answer any questions or concerns.
• If you or your swimmer have a fear of water or are feeling exceptionally nervous, please inform a staff member. The aquatics team is eager to make everyone's experience safe and fun!

Other Expectations

• The pool might be available to Y members before or after lessons for open swimming. Check your local Y pool schedule here >>
• Pool age guidelines are applicable during all poor hours, including swim lessons. Please review the pool age guidelines here >>
• No food, drink, chewing gum, or glass is permitted on the pool deck.
• Swimmers are welcome to bring and use their own goggles but may also be asked to practice without goggles in beginner classes.
• Masks and snorkels are not permitted.
• Street shoes are not allowed on the pool deck.

Accommodation Process

The Y considers the individual needs of every person and the ability of the program to meet those needs. Please inform the Y during the enrollment process if you or a family member requires any special accommodation. This information enables the Y to better meet your needs or those of a family member, within available resources and to the extent reasonable. All staff that will be working with you or a family member with special needs will be informed of how to care for or meet those needs.