YMCA Wood Buffalo - Learn to Swim

Health & Fitness / Learn to Swim

In the first levels of the YMCA National Swimming program (Otter, Seal, Dolphin, and Swimmer), instructors strive to have each participant feel a sense of achievement by introducing basic swim skills, and increasing comfort, confidence and endurance in the water.

Otter
Builds confidence in floating, gliding, and breath control under water.

Seal
Introduction to deep-water jumping, breath control and surface support. Swimmers will continue to develop floats, glides, and distance swims.

Dolphin
Build endurance and skills for front and back swims. Develop side breathing and treading water.

Swimmer
Improve front and back strokes endurance swims and treading water.

Aquatic Information

For your child's safety and to ensure the swimming pool is available for use by all participants, we ask the following:

Children who are not toilet trained must wear either "swimmer diapers" or plastic pants with elastic waistband and leg bands. Swim diapers are available for sale at the Membership Services desk.
Please do not feed your child within 30 minutes before entering the pool
Individuals with open cuts, respiratory infections, planterÕs warts, ringworm or any other casually transmitted pathogens are not to be brought to swim in the pool.
Swimmers must take a warm, soapy shower before entering the pool
Proper swim attire must be worn in the pool (no outdoor clothing or underwear)
Children aged 6-9 years must have direct (on deck) supervision of a parent or caregiver over the age of 16.
Children of any age who cannot touch the bottom or cannot swim 25 m must be accompanied in the water within arms reach by a parent or caregiver over the age of 16.
Workers must accompany any individual requiring a support worker and the use of a Personal Floatation Device (i.e. lifejacket) in the water. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the lifeguard on duty.

Rolling Registration

The YMCA of Wood Buffalo offers a model for our swimming lessons that allows for the progression of a participant without the hassle of continuous re-registration.

Rolling registration allows swimmers to progress through levels at their own pace. The first lesson will be devoted to level testing to ensure that children of similar abilities are grouped together.

Swim Lessons are offered in 30-minute time slots Ðallowing you to choose the time that best suits your family's busy schedule. Registration times will be announced for non-members.

Due to high demand, we ask that children do not miss more than 3 consecutive classes, excluding holidays and periods of illness. If a child is going to be absent from their class, please call ahead of time and let the aquatics department know that they will be missing to avoid the loss of your space.

Swim Lessons

Qualified swim instructors teach all lessons at the YMCA. Your child will experience the water, learn skills and have fun. Your child will continue to progress until they have reached the pinnacle of instruction for their swim level.