YMCA of Greater Seattle - Swim Lessons

The YMCA of Greater Seattle offers group and private swim lessons across multiple branches in the Seattle metro area. Their structured 8-stage curriculum takes swimmers from first splash to competitive strokes.

Swim Lesson Stages

Starters (6 months - 3 years, parent in water):

• Stage A: Water Discovery (6 months to crawling) - Bubble blowing, assisted floating, water entry and exit
• Stage B: Water Exploration (crawling to 3 years) - Body positions, floating techniques, pool edge movement

Basics (ages 3-12):

• Stage 1: Water Acclimation - Underwater exploration, "jump, push, turn, grab" safety skill
• Stage 2: Water Movement - Body control, front and back glide up to 10 feet
• Stage 3: Water Stamina - 15 yards front/back swimming, 25-yard "swim, float, swim"

Strokes (ages 3-12):

• Stage 4: Stroke Introduction - Front/back crawl, breaststroke, butterfly basics
• Stage 5: Stroke Development - Competitive strokes, sidestroke
• Stage 6: Stroke Mechanics - Refined technique, flip turns

Pathways (ages 6-21): Competition, leadership, and recreation tracks

Teen & Adult (12+): Beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels

Lesson Format

• Group lessons: 30 minutes, packaged in 6- or 8-class sessions
• Private lessons: 30 minutes, flexible scheduling
• All instructors certified in CPR, AED, and First Aid
• Lessons supervised by YMCA-certified lifeguards

Details

• 13+ branches across the Seattle metro area
• Members get priority registration and discounted rates
• Non-members welcome for private lessons
• Financial assistance available for families
• Registration for summer programs opens April 15 (members) / April 18 (community)