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Enjoy swimming and water exercise at the Y. |
Swimming and Aquatics
YMCA Aquatic Programs are wonderful developmental experiences that help participants build internal strengths and positive values that guide their choices and decisions, all while having fun in the water! Both youth and adults gain a sense of self-esteem when they learn to swim or improve aquatic skills. Water is a relaxing environment for effective exercise, physical therapy, skill development, stress release, and family fun.
Our lifeguards are certified in CPR, oxygen administration, Standard First Aid, and YMCA or Red Cross lifesaving. Aqua Fitness and Swim Instructors are certified in CPR and First Aid, and are either YMCA Aquatic Safety Assistants or YMCA or Red Cross lifeguards. At least one lifeguard is on duty during all aquatic activities.
The Southwest YMCA uses national aquatic program guidelines and certified instructors. For details, please call us at (408) 370-1877, email us, or visit our branch.
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Pool |
Our year-round indoor pool is one of the main attractions for our members. Our 25-yard, 5-lane (approximately 35 feet wide) pool is kept at a comfortable 84 degrees to accommodate our many members participating in a wide variety of YMCA programs. The pool depth ranges from 3½ feet to 4½ feet. YMCA swimmers are asked to read and follow pool rules and to shower before entering the water. Certified lifeguards are scheduled during pool hours to enforce facility rules, prevent accidents, handle emergency situations, and ensure your safety. |
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Swim Lessons |
 Swim Lesson Inclusion
This program is designed for children and adults with special needs who enroll in our group swim lessons. Members meet with our Inclusion Director to identify necessary accomodations. Call Courtney Lang at (408) 608-6817 for more information.
Parent/Tot
The Parent/Tot Program consists of two levels, Shrimp and Perch, designed for children 6 months to 3 years, depending on the class level. Parents accompany their children in the water. Shrimp classes have a ratio of 12 swimmers and parents to 1 instructor, while Perch classes have a ratio of 6 swimmers and parents to 1 instructor. Classes focus on safe water exploration, proper holding and towing techniques, safe water entry and exit, with instructor-led songs and games. Swim pants are required for all children under 3 years of age.
Preschool
The Preschool Program is designed for children ages 3-5. There are four levels: Pike, Eeel, Ray and Starfish. Class ratios are 1:5 for Pike and Eel, 1:6 for Ray and Starfish. The goal of this program is to teach children to become accustomed to the water and learn basic water safety.
Youth
The Youth Program consists of seven levels: Polliwog, Guppy, Minnow, Fish, Flying Fish, Shark and Porpoise, designed for children ages 6-14. Class ratios are 1:6 for Polliwog, 1:7 for Guppy, 1:8 for Minnow and Fish and 1:10 for Flying Fish through Porpoise, and Pre-Swim Team. The goal of this program is to teach children specific stroke techniques, build endurance, develop water safety techniques, and introduce Synchronized Swimming and YMCA Wet Ball. |
Adult Beginner/Intermediate
Lessons offer a supportive class environment with an emphasis on skill development, safety, and form. Beginning and Intermediate instruction are offered. Adult class ratios for beginners are 1:8 and intermediate 1:10.
Private and Semi-Private Swim Lessons
Lessons are for ages 4 years and up. For children and adults who want to learn how to swim or work on specific techniques. Private lessons are created around each individual’s needs. Semi-private lessons pairs are best for friends and families looking to do the lessons together, the YMCA does not arrange the student pairs. Registration is a first come first serve availability and worked around the pool schedule.
To register please see the Membership desk and fill out a Registration form and a Private Swim Lesson Match-up Form.
For more information please contact the Aquatics Coordinator, at (408) 608-6814. |
Swim Team / Aqua Fitness |
Gators Swim Team
The Gators Swim Team is a member of the YMCA Bay Area Swim Team League, a noncompetitive league that focuses on improving individual performance and teamwork skills through team relays. This league is designed to meet the needs of individuals who: have never participated on a swim team, are still mastering basic swim strokes, would benefit from a low pressure environment, would like to maintain their swim skills and overall heath and fitness during their off season from a competitive swim team.
Swim Team Goals
The Southwest YMCA strives to ensure that all Youth Swim Team Members meet the following goals through their active participation on the team:
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Improve their swim skills and endurance
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Learn how to set and achieve personal goals
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Increase self-confidence
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Learn and practice good sportsmanship
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Contribute positively towards the overall team spirit
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Have fun
Water Safety Training
YMCA Lifeguard Certification. Trains participants to be lifeguards for pool, lake, river, and surf environments. Minimum age is 16.
YMCA Aquatic Safety Assistant Certification. Trains participants to recognize aquatic risks and assist a lifeguard in the emergency response to an accident or injury. Minimum age is 14.
For a schedule of classes and more information, please call us at (408) 370-1877.
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Aqua Fitness Classes
An enjoyable approach to water exercises with a graduated program to fit every fitness level. All class formats include exercises designed using the water as resistance to increase cardiovascular strength, endurance, flexibility, and muscle tone. Each member may choose his or her own level of exercise in the water.
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Aqua Fitness I (Ages 11 and up)
Aqua Fitness I includes exercises designed using the water as resistance to increase flexibility and cardiovascular strength.
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Aqua Fitness II (Ages 11 and up)
A high energy, challenging class offering a total body workout.
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Aqua Yoga (Ages 11 and up)
Aqua Yoga incorporates the therapeutic environment of water with the healing practice of yoga.
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Arthritis Aquatics Program (Ages 11 and up)
Endorsed by the YMCA of the USA and the National Arthritis Foundation, this class can help improve joint flexibility and relieve pain.
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Prenatal/Postpartum Aqua Fitness
This fitness program follows guidelines for exercise before and after pregnancy as outlined by the American College of Obstetricians.
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Senior Aqua Fitness
Geared to the active senior, this class provides a great cardio workout!
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Swim Lessons Rate Sheet PDF 