Swim Lessons at the Keene Family YMCA

Learning to swim is a critical skill and at the Y we’ve been teaching kids to swim for decades. The Y offers swim programs for children of all ages and skill levels, each taught by experienced instructors who strive to meet your child where they are, and offer them the opportunity to develop physically, emotionally and socially through fun, safe and challenging activities. Most importantly, your child will learn how to keep themselves safe in and around the water.

Learn to Swim at the Y!

YMCA swim lessons boast an innovative curriculum designed to advance an individual swimmer’s skills and help them develop proficiencies in personal safety, submersion, stroke work, endurance, and physical fitness.

Each swimmer will progress through the levels as they reach established benchmarks and demonstrate the necessary skills to advance. Classes run in 8-week sessions, with shorter sessions during the summer months. Choose the class that’s appropriate for your child. If you need assistance, our instructors are there to help make sure your child is placed in the class that’s right for them based on age and skill level.

Toddler & Preschool Swim Lessons

It all starts here! Our Toddler & Preschool Swim Lessons are a perfect introduction to the water for kids ages six months to five years. Aquatot and Preschool Water Acclimation classes require an adult to participate with the child.

Aquatot

Ages 6 months to 3 years

Blowing bubbles and splashing around are the foundation to water fun. In this beginner class, parents or caregivers work with their child to explore body positions, floating, and fundamental water safety skills.

Preschool Water Acclimation (P1)

Ages 3-5 years

This beginner class introduces basic strokes, increases comfort with underwater exploration, and assists students with developing the basics. This first stage lays the foundation that will allow a student to further progress in swimming.

Preschool Water Movement (p2)

Ages 3-5 years

It’s time to take it to the next level! Building upon the skills learned in Water Acclimation, students in this class focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water, while continuing to practice basic self-rescue skills.

Preschool Water Stamina (p3)

Ages 3-5 years

In this advanced preschool class, swimmers develop stamina over longer distances while developing intermediate self-rescue skills, rhythmic breathing, and integrated arm and leg action.

School Age Swim Lessons

For those swimmers who began in the Toddler & Preschool program, our School Age Swim Lessons offer a smooth transition to more challenging activities in the water. For those who are new to swimming when they enter the program, these classes offer a gentle introduction and the individualized attention they need to increase their comfort level and build a strong foundation that will allow them to progress with confidence.

Youth Water Acclimation (Y1)

Ages 6-12

This class introduces basic strokes while increasing confidence with underwater exploration and developing basic skills. This first stage lays the foundation that will allow your child to further progress in swimming.

Youth Water Movement (Y2)

Ages 6-12

It’s time to take it to the next level! Once your child has a solid understanding of the basics and feels comfortable in the water, they’re ready to focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water. This class will also help them continue to develop and practice basic self-rescue skills.

Youth Water Stamina (Y3)

Ages 6-12

In this class students develop their stamina across longer distances. This stage helps swimmers develop intermediate self-rescue skills, rhythmic breathing and integrated arm and leg action.

Youth Stroke Introduction (Y4)

Ages 6-12

In this advanced class, students will develop their stroke technique in front and back crawl. The class focuses on refining rotary breathing, and introduces components of more advanced strokes.

Youth Stroke Development & Mechanics (Y5/6)

Ages 6-12

Students in this class work on more advanced stroke technique and are introduced to all major competitive strokes.

Junior Dolphins

Ages 9-15

Children in this class must have passed level 5/6 or have been recommended by the Aquatics Director.

Adult Swim Lessons

Though our primary focus is teaching children to swim, there are opportunities for adults to advance their skills at the Y as well.

Adult Stroke & Endurance

Ages 15+

This coached workout is ideal for swimmers who already swim at an intermediate-advanced level and are looking to increase their overall performance through stroke drills and endurance-based swimming. Participants must be able to swim a front crawl for a minimum of 50 yards.

Tagged Social Responsibility (Core)