Swim Lessons

Prospective Members:
1 lesson/Week   $78
2 lessons/week  $116

Free Swimming Evaluation
If you are uncertain of the level of your child’s ability, he/she will be evaluated by our aquatic staff. Please make an appointment with out Aquatics Director, Doug Miller, by calling (309) 827-6233 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

YMCA Parent Child Swimming
(6 months – 3 years)
Parent/Child lessons are offered for children under three years of age. Children in this level must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. The primary objective at this level is for the child to have fun and become more comfortable in the water while learning basic aquatic movements. The instructor will lead parents in a variety of games and songs which will result in teacing the child through positive reinforcement. Please have your child wear rubber pants or swim diapers under their swimsuit. NO DIAPERS ALLOWED.

Thursday    5:35 pm – 6:05 pm

YMCA Preschool Swim Lessons
(3-5 years)
YMCA preschool lessons are designed for children ages three through five years. The parent does not have to accompany their child in the water, but is asked to stay in the facility during each class. Preschool lessons focus on fun, pre-swim learning skills, water adjustment through games and songs, use of personal floatation devices and diving safety.

NOTE: Children ages 3-5 must remain in the preschool program.
5 students per instructor

Pike (Beginner 1)
The Pike class is designed for new swimmers, teaching a basic paddle stroke, kicking skills, pool safety and discussion of YMCA core values.
Tuesday     5:35-6:05 pm
Tuesday     6:10-6:40 pm
Thursday    5:35-6:05 pm
Saturday    9:00-9:30 am

Eel (Beginner 2)
This advanced beginner level reinforces Pike skills. It is for children who are comfortable in the water.
Tuesday     5:35-6:05 pm
Thursday    6:10-6:40 pm
Saturday    9:00-9:30 am

Ray (Advanced Beginner 1)
Children review previous skills, improve stroke skills and learn more personal safety and rescue skills.
Tuesday    6:10-6:40 pm

Starfish (Advanced Beginner 2)
Children review previously learned skills and refine their strokes as well as personal safety, rescue and floating skills.
Thursday    6:10-6:40 pm

YMCA Youth Swim Lessons
YMCA youth lessons are designed for participants six years and older. Classes are student-centered and use a problem solving, guided discovery teaching approach.

The emphasis is on learning and not passing or failing. Each development level is divided into five components which include personal safety, personal growth, water sports and games, stroke development and rescue. Skills and activities promote health and fitness in each level.

Classes are organized by peer grouping within each level to utilize the entire pool and to maximize participation per class. Floatation devices are encouraged to help participants gain confidence and see progress quickly. Kickboards and series swimming are also incorporated into the classes to increase endurance and strength.

6 students per instructor

Polliwog (Beginner 1)
This level teaches basic paddle stroke, kicking skills, pool safety and discussion of the YMCA core values.
Tuesday     6:45-7:30 pm
Thursday    6:45-7:30 pm
Saturday    9:30-10:15 am

Guppy (Advanced Beginner 1)
Minnow is the initial intermediate level. Students are continuing to build and refine the fundamentals of swimming strokes and water safety. Opportunities to demonstrate the YMCA core values are provided.
Tuesday     6:45-7:30 pm
Saturday    10:15-11:00 am

Fish/Flying Fish
Students work to perform the crawl stroke, elementary backstroke, backstroke, sidestroke, turns and given opportunities to develop teamwork and the YMCA core values.
Saturday    10:15-11:00 am

Adult Group Swim Lessons
5 students per instructor

Begin a skill that will last a lifetime. Learn floating, front and back crawl and other strokes. No swimming experience necessary.
Tuesday    7:35-8:05 pm

Private & Semi-Private Swim Lessons
Interested participants must make arrangements with the Aquatics Director prior to registration.

Seven ½ hour sessions

Private:  One student to one instructor
YMCA members:  $63
Prospective members:  $126

Semi-Private:  Two or three students to one instructor
YMCA members:  $53
Prospective members:  $106