Water Specialty and Training
Water Specialty and Training
Water lovers of all ages can develop and take skills to the next level with aquatics specialty classes like competitive swimming, triathlon training, fit float, and more. We continually develop our specialty program curriculum. Please check with your Y for new offerings.
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Specialty Classes
Explore YMCA’s Specialty Swim Classes for all ages. Dive into adaptive swimming or explore scuba diving. Enhance your skills and have fun in a variety of swim levels.
Water Access for Very Exceptional Swimmers (Ages 3+).
WAVES is a 40-minute class designed to benefit people with special needs.
This program encourages participants to use their physical attributes to the best of their abilities while enhancing their spirits and minds with positive reinforcement. (Parents may be encouraged to swim with younger participants.)
Swim Training
Dive into YMCA’s Swim Training Programs. Get lifeguard certified with expert instruction, CPR, and first aid skills. Make a difference in your community’s safety.
The YMCA offers certified Lifeguard Training for ages 16 and up.
The YMCA Lifeguard Training course is the most comprehensive program available, including certifications in CPR/AED, Basic Life Support, First Aid and Oxygen Administration. Training in equipment-based rescues for aquatic environments, accident prevention and decision-making skills prepare participants for employment.
Participants must be 16 years old before the start of class. Attendance, full participation, and successful completion of written tests and performance of all water skills are required.
Participants must be able to:
- Tread water for at least 2 minutes
- Swim 100 yards of front crawl
- Swim 50 yards each of front crawl with head up, sidestroke, breaststroke, breaststroke with head up, inverted breaststroke kick with hands on stomach
- Perform a feet-first surface dive in 8 to 10 feet of water and then swim underwater for 15 feet
- Perform a series of tasks given by the instructor to demonstrate listening and scanning ability as well as stamina and endurance