Swimming Lessons
Whether your child already knows the basics of swimming, or it is their first time in the water, we offer different levels of program for them to learn the skills that they will use for the rest of their lives!
Under the guidance of our certified and dedicated lifeguards and instructors, kids and teens will learn how to swim, develop the skills to keep themselves safe in the water and the confidence to carry them far beyond their swim lessons.
REGISTRATION
Program Registration is required every month. Registration for the next month of classes begins the last week of the current session, unless otherwise noted. Registration for
our swim lessons are done in person to ensure participants are in correct sessions/levels.
If you are a new swimmer at the YMCA of Glendale and are not a beginner, please contact the Aquatics Department to schedule a free swim test to determine your level before you register.
YMCA of Glendale
(818) 240- 4130
Pike (Ages 3-5)
Ages 3-5 years, for non-swimmers. The emphasis is on comfort in the water, development of kicking, floating, and arm paddles.
Polliwog Beginner (Ages 6-14)
For non-swimmers the emphasis is on the comfort in the water, water adjustment, floating, kicking, rhythmic breathing and paddle stroke for freestyle. Must swim at least 20 yards to move up to next level.
Polliwog Advanced (Ages 6-14)
For those who completed the Polliwog Beginner or able to swim 20 yards. The emphasis is on front and back kicking, rhythmic side breathing and paddle stroke.
Guppy (Ages 6-14)
For those who completed the Polliwog Advanced, or able to do front and back crawl, side breathing for 25 yards. The emphasis is refining the front and back crawl.
Minnow (Ages 6-14)
For those who completed Guppy or able to swim freestyle and backstroke. The emphasis is elementary backstroke.
Fish (Ages 6-14)
For those who completed Minnow, or able to swim freestyle, backstroke and elementary backstroke. The emphasis is on breaststroke.
Flying Fish (Ages 6-14)
For those who completed Fish, or able to swim freestyle, backstroke, elementary backstroke and breaststroke. Class introduces butterfly.
Shark (Ages 6-14)
For those who completed Flying Fish, or able to swim freestyle, backstroke, elementary backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. Emphasis is butterfly and refining all other techniques.
Dolphin Pre-Swim Team (Ages 6-14)
For those who completed Shark, class prepares swimmers for swim team. Emphasis is speed, endurance, competitive techniques. (group class fee)
Swim Team (Ages 6-14)
Emphasis is speed, endurance, competitive techniques. (group class fee)
Frequently Asked Questions
A proper swim suit, towel, and non-slip sandals. A swim cap is
recommended for swimmers with hair longer than shoulder length.
No special swim equipment is needed for beginners. We provide kickboards,
flotation devices, and toys.
If your child is a beginner, a swim evaluation is not needed.
If your child already knows how to swim using proper strokes and is able to
swim the length of the pool, a swim evaluation is required to determine the
appropriate advanced group level.
No. A parent or guardian must be present to assist the child with using the
restroom and changing in the locker room.
There is no trial class for swim lessons. However, you may sign the waiver at
the front desk and observe the program for approximately 10 minutes.
No. A parent or guardian must remain present during the swim lesson and
may wait in the pool patio or pool balcony.
No. You may wait in the pool balcony or pool patio but not on the pool deck.
Your lesson will be rescheduled for another day.
No. There is no guarantee. However, we will make every effort to keep your
instructor and schedule consistent.
If you do not attend your scheduled group class, you will lose that class.
Make-up classes are not provided if you miss your group classes.
If you do not attend your scheduled private class, you will lose that class.
However, if you notify the Aquatics Coordinator at least 24 hours in advance
and provide a doctor’s note, your class may be rescheduled.
Make-up classes are subject to the instructor’s availability and are not
guaranteed.
There are 8 swim classes per month for participants who attend twice a
week and 4 swim classes per month for participants who attend once a
week.
Always check the swim lesson flyer for the lesson start and end dates.
No. Participants are not allowed in the water unless it is their scheduled
lesson time.
No. Only participants who are scheduled for swim lessons are allowed in the
pool.
You need to schedule a swim test with the aquatics coordinator by calling
and making an appointment. Your child needs to be able to swim Free Style,
Back Stroke, Breast Stroke, Butterfly and perform advanced techniques.
Yes, the Y offers lifeguard training occasionally but not on regular basis.
You need to contact the aquatics department if you are interested to become
a lifeguard.