At the YMCA, our swim lessons build skills, confidence, and character. We teach people of all ages and abilities how to be safe in the water while exercising and having fun. Whether you’re splashing around with us for the first time or improving your stroke technique, you’ll feel secure knowing that the Y is here to support you.
SWIM LESSON STAGES and REGISTRATIONS
SWIM STARTERS | 6 months - 3 years
A / WATER DISCOVERY
Parents accompany children in stage A, which introduces infants and toddlers to the aquatic environment through exploration and encourages them to enjoy themselves while learning about the water.
B / WATER EXPLORATION
In stage B, parents work with their children to explore body positions, floating, blowing bubbles, and fundamental safety and aquatic skills.
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SWIM BASICS | 4 - 14 years
1 / WATER ACCLIMATION
Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water in stage 1. This stage lays the foundation that allows for a student’s future progress in swimming.
2 / WATER MOVEMENT
In stage 2, students focus on body position and control, directional change, 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.
3 / WATER STAMINA
In stage 3, students 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. Must be able to swim half the length of the pool without assistance from an instructor or flotation device.
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Moline-East Moline YMCA Swim Basics (6-14 Years)
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SWIM STROKES | 4 - 14 years
4 / STROKE INTRODUCTIONS
Students in stage 4 develop stroke technique in front crawl and back crawl and learn the breaststroke kick and butterfly kick. Water safety is reinforced through treading water and elementary backstroke. Must be able to swim the full length of the pool without assistance from an instructor or flotation device.
5 / STROKE DEVELOPMENT
Students in stage 5 work on stroke technique and learn all major competitive strokes. The emphasis on water safety continues through treading water and sidestroke. Must be able to swim the full length of the pool without assistance from an instructor or flotation device.
6 / STROKE MECHANICS
In stage 6, students refine stroke technique on all major competitive strokes, learn about competitive swimming, and discover how to incorporate swimming into a healthy lifestyle. Must be able to swim the full length of the pool without assistance from an instructor or flotation device.
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ADULT SWIM LESSONS | 15 years and older
You're never too old to learn how to swim! In these adult-only small group lessons, you will develop basic swimming skills that will help you be safe and confident in and around the water. Built for beginners all the way to learning how to properly swim laps.
PRIVATE SWIM LESSONS | 5 years and older
One-on-one instruction and a schedule that works around yours! Lessons are available in a package of 4 or 8, 45-minute lessons.
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