Group Swim Lessons
YMCA swim lessons are offered in group lessons for all ages and abilities including parent and child classes as early as 6 months. YMCA lessons use a learn-to-swim progression from water acclimation to stroke mechanics that meets the needs of swimmers at all stages. Participants learn water safety skills and stroke development in a fun and supportive environment that emphasizes character development and physical fitness.
Group swim lessons are held Monday-Thursday and Saturdays of every month.
| Days | Time | Lesson Length |
| Monday + Wednesday | 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM | 30 minutes |
| Tuesday + Thursday | 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM | 30 minutes |
| Saturday | 9:45 AM – 2:15 PM | 45 minutes |
Lesson level availability may be adjusted based on interest. For any questions, email LakewoodAquatics@lbymca.org.
Swim Lesson Stages
Ages 6 months–3
Dive in a join the fun with a Parent and Child Class! Stage A, introduces infants and toddlers to the aquatic environment through exploration and encourages them to enjoy themselves while learning about the water. At the same time introducing key safety skills in the Safety Around Water Curriculum.
Ages 6 months–3
In Stage B, parents work with their children to explore body positions, floating, blowing bubbles, and fundamental safety and aquatic skills. At the same time introducing key safety skills in the Safety Around Water Curriculum.
Ages 3–12
Jump into swimming with our Stage 1 class! This class is geared towards beginners. Students develop comfort with underwater exploration. Swimmers also learn how to safely exit in case of falling into a body of water. This stage lays the foundation that allows for a students future progress in swimming.
Please note although the goals are the same, curriculum may slightly differ for 3-5yrs swimmers in comparison to school aged.
Choose an age group below to register:
Ages 3–12
Already comfortable in the water? In Stage 2, swimmers focus on breath control and working towards becoming more independent swimmers. Swimmers focus on body position, control, and forward movement in the water while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water.
Please note although the goals are the same, curriculum may slightly differ for 3-5yrs swimmers in comparison to school aged.
Choose an age group below to register:
Ages 3–12
Looking to master the safety around water techniques? In stage 3, swimmers learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages in the event of falling into a body of water. This stage also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm and leg action. In order to pass Stage 3, swimmers need to be able to swim-float-swim at least 15yds independently and complete the jump-push-turn-grab sequence successfully.
Please note although the goals are the same, curriculum may slightly differ for 3-5yrs swimmers in comparison to school aged.
Choose an age group below to register:
Ages 3–12
Jump into our intermediate class at Lakewood Family YMCA! Swimmers in Stage 4 start to learn the stroke components and develop stroke technique in freestyle and backstroke. Swimmers also focus on building stamina. Water safety is reinforced through treading water and elementary backstroke. To pass to Stage 5, swimmer must have the basics mastered for Freestyle and Backstroke and the stamina to swim 25yds.
Choose an age group below to register:
Ages 6–12
Looking to improve your stroke technique? Swimmers in Stage 5 learn the basics of Breaststroke, Butterfly, flip turns and diving and work on stroke techniques. Swimmers will also gain stamina and pacing knowledge. The emphasis on water safety continues through treading water and sidestroke. Swimmers in Stage 5 are encouraged to start learning about our Swim Team!
Ages 6–12
One more level to go! In Stage 6, swimmers refine stroke technique of all four strokes. Swimmers who pass Level 6 will have mastered the basic knowledge of diving, flip turns, and all safety techniques. Swimmers will learn about competitive swimming through the Lakewood Barracuda Swim Team, and discover how to incorporate swimming into a healthy lifestyle.
Swimmers who pass Level 6 should contact us at LakewoodAquatics@lbymca.org to schedule a tryout for the Lakewood Family YMCA Swim Team!
Ages 13+
It’s never too late to learn! Teen & Adult swim lessons are great for swimmers at any level, whether you are trying to enhance your skills or you’re completely new to the water. Our trained YMCA Swim Instructors are trained to be able to help teens/adults at all skill levels. This is a great class to get more involved in our Lakewood Family YMCA Aquatics Programs, build strength, and comfortability in the water.
