Learn how to swim with us! YMCA swimming lessons are a progressive program teaching swimming skills, stroke technique and water safety skills such as floating, treading water and safety entering and exiting a pool. Swim lessons are available for all ages, from infants to adults. Private and semi-private swim lessons are also available.
What will my child learn at YMCA Swimming Lessons?
Our progressive swim lessons offer a wide range of offerings based on age and skill and each level focuses on mastery of different skills. Our lessons are offered in three major categories, with several classes offered at each level.
Swim Starters - Accompanied by parents, infants and toddlers will learn to be comfortable in the water and develop swim readiness skills.
Swim Basics - Students learn personal water safety and achieve basic swimming competency.
Swim Strokes - Students build stroke technique and master water safety.
More detailed information about each swimming lesson level is available here. Not sure what level to start at? Contact the Cumberland YMCA or use our swim lesson selector.
How do I know which level is right for me?
This selector guide can help you decide what class would be best for your child. We offer classes by age first and then by skill level. You can also call your local Y and set up a free evaluation to see what class would be best for your child.
Parent & Child: Stages A & B -- Ages 6 months - 3 years
Preschool: Stages 1 - 4 -- Ages 3 - 5 years
School Age: Stages 1 - 6 -- Ages 6 - 12 Years
If enroll in the wrong level or feel like your child is in the wrong level class, the YMCA offers the opportunity to change levels within the first two classes of the session.
When are swimming lessons offered?
Swimming lessons are offered year-round with several different options.
Private and semi-private swimming lessons offer additional flexibility with scheduling along with individual attention.
During the summer, accelerated lessons are available in four-week sessions with two lessons per week.
How many kids are in each class?
Preschool classes have a maximum of six kids per class.
Youth classes six kids per class.
Private lessons are one-on-one.
Semi-private lessons are offered for two students.
How much do group swim lessons cost?
The cost of swimming lessons depends on the student's YMCA membership status. Private and semi-private swimming lessons are offered at a different rate.
Member Costs:
$50
Non-Member Costs:
$87
Can my children take swim lessons at the same time?
Depending on the age and skill level of your children, they may be able to enroll in the same level/class. Other times, it may be more appropriate for your children to participate in different level classes.
Yes. Both private and semi-private lessons are available. Contact the Cumberland YMCA to schedule a time that best fits your schedule.
What happens if a lesson is canceled or we miss one?
Sometimes bad weather or pool quality may cause a cancellation of lessons. If this does happen, a program credit will be placed on your account.
A full refund will be issued if a request to withdraw from class is made prior to the first day of the session.
A partial refund will be issued if a request to withdraw is made after the class has started, but before week three.
After week three of a program, no credit will be issued unless request is accompanied by a physician’s statement and then only a partial refund will be issued.
There are no make-up classes, credits, prorates, or refunds for missed classes or changes in a child/families personal schedule. Exceptions will be made for those participants with medical emergencies. Documentation may be requested.
What should I bring to swim lessons?
We recommend that you bring a swimsuit and towel to your swim lessons at minimum. Here is a list of ten things that we recommend you bring to your lessons.
What if I cannot afford my lessons?
As a non-profit, the YMCA offers financial assistance for membership and programs. Contact the welcome center at the Cumberland YMCA for more information.