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Enjoy swimming and water exercise at the Y. |
Programs: Swimming and Aquatics
YMCA aquatic programs provide developmental experiences that help participants build internal strength and positive values that guide their choices and decisions, all while having fun in the water! Both youth and adults gain a tremendous sense of self-worth when they learn to swim and improve aquatic skills. Water is a relaxing environment for effective exercise, physical therapy, skill development, stress release, and family fun.
The Northwest YMCA uses national aquatic program guidelines and certified instructors. For details, please call us at (408) 257-7160, email us, or visit our branch.
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Swim Lessons
YMCA swim lessons include five components: personal safety, personal growth, stroke development, games and fun, and water rescue. We teach in a progressive way using positive reinforcement and incorporating our four core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.
At the end of each session, your child receives a progress report that indicates the skills they have learned and the appropriate level for the following session.
We offer classes for:
Classes are available mornings, afternoons, evenings and Saturdays. |
 Private and Semi-Private Lessons
Classes are 30 minutes in length. These classes are for children 4 to 14 years old who need extra attention or have special needs, or for adults that prefer individual instruction. Semi-private lessons are for two people of similar swimming abilities. When registering for semi-private, both swimmers need to register together.
Parent/Child (Ages 6 months to 36 months)
Parents learn to work with their children in the water, emphasizing water adjustment and fun. Classes focus on safe water exploration, with instructor-led songs and games. Plastic, reusable swim diapers are required. No Huggies Little Swimmers Class is 30 minutes long
Perch Level (Ages 24 months to 36 months)
Child and parent must have completed one session of YMCA parent/child class. Child is comfortable putting his/her face in the water and blowing bubbles, is comfortable being held by another adult, and is relaxed in both front and back positions. Class is designed to aid as a transition for advanced 2 year olds to graduate to the Pike/Eel level. Class is 30 minutes long
Adult Classes (Ages 14 and up)
All classes are 40 minutes long
This class is separated into two categories:
Beginner: Those who need to become adjusted to the water and/or are uncomfortable putting their face in the water.
Intermediate: For those who are comfortable in the water and who can swim the length of the pool (25 yards without stopping). Will work on side-breathing, backstroke, elementary backstroke, breaststroke, and sidestroke.
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Preschool Levels (Ages 3 to 5 years)
All classes are 40 minutes long
PIKE: Beginner level with little or no water experience. For those who may be hesitant to put their face in the water and may be afraid of the water.
EEL: For children comfortable in the water, able to put their face in the water, and beginning to swim with an IFD (instructional flotation device).
RAY: This level is for children who can paddle on their front, side and back for 15 yards with a float-belt. They can go completely underwater and can float on their back and front independently.
STARFISH: Must be 5 years old and have completed the Ray level. They can do front, back and side paddle for 25 yards without a float-belt. This class works on endurance, refining strokes, water sports, and safety techniques.
Youth Levels (Ages 6 to 14 years)
All classes are 40 minutes long
POLLIWOG: Beginner level with little or no water experience. Participants may be hesitant to put their face in the water and may be afraid of the water.
GUPPY: Can paddle 25 yards on front, side and back with a float-belt. Front and back float for 20 seconds independently. Is comfortable swimming underwater.
MINNOW: Can swim 25 yards of freestyle with basic side breathing. Can swim front symmetrical, side alternating, back alternating, and symmetrical stroke 25 yards. Can swim underwater for 5 feet.
FISH: Can swim 25 yards of freestyle with side breathing, basic breaststroke, sidestroke, backstroke, and elementary backstroke.
FLYING FISH: Can swim 50 yards of freestyle with side breathing and open turns, breaststroke with open turns, elementary backstroke, backstroke, sidestroke, and 25 yards of butterfly.
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Specialty Classes
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Northwest YMCA Swim Club
This program emphasizes stroke technique, endurance, stroke development and fun. Participation in local YMCA swimmeets is optional. Class is one hour in length.
YMCA Lifeguard Course
The Northwest YMCA is pleased to offer this National Lifeguard Certification program this spring and summer. This course provides participants with the knowledge and skills needed to be a certified lifeguard, including detailed information on pool, lake, river, surf, and water park environments. Class certifications include: American Red Cross CPR, AED, and Oxygen Administration for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, and YMCA Lifeguard.
June 2008 Classes (Click to download PDF)
June 9-14, 2008 Lifeguard Class Info PDF
June 16-21, 2008 Lifeguard Class Info PDF
For more information on dates and fees, please contact the Aquatics Department at (408) 351-2426. |
Lap Swim
Swimming is great exercise! Do a serious water workout or just get the heart rate up a little. Lanes are designated for fast, medium, or slow-paced swimmers.
Family Swim
A special time for anyone who is interested in enjoying the aquatic facility in a fun, relaxing environment. Members have the option of doing unstructured activities at their own leisure. Children 6 years and younger must be accompanied in the water by a parent or guardian over the age of 16. |
Water Fitness
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Aqua Fitness
Water is used as resistance to improve the cardiovascular system, mobility, flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance. Exercise focuses on the entire body from stretching, walking, jogging and use of various water tools. Participants adapt the intensity of exercise from the beginner to the advanced according to their physical fitness level.
Aqua Blast
High energy, challenging fitness class offering total body exercise with an emphasis on cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, coordination and fun. Class includes a 30-minute aerobic segment, muscle toning segment using various water equipment, stretching, and cool down in a 60-minute format.
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Proactive Arthritis Water Exercise
This class was co-developed by the Arthritis Foundation and the YMCA to offer relief to people with arthritis and related conditions. Class provides gentle motions and activities in water to help increase mobility, joint flexibility, range of motion, and muscle strength and endurance. Participants benefit from physical exercise and gain support from each other.
Aqua Yoga
Combines Yoga movements with use of water properties. Participants benefit from: the release of tension, stress and muscle fatigue; increase in range of motion and flexibility; and improvement of lung capacity through breathing techniques and exercises. |
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