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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 temperature 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. |
 Lap Swim
Lap swim provides a unique opportunity for swimmers to work at their own pace. Swimming is a great exercise; it increases aerobic capacity, muscular endurance and flexibility. Swimming provides an ideal workout—the perfect complement to other cardio and strength activities. Please be aware of basic lap swim etiquette. Choose a lane that is appropriate for your swim speed. Before entering a lane, always communicate with other swimmers. When there are 3 or more swimmers in a lane, you must circle swim, staying on the right side. Minimum age for lap swim is 11 (unless swimmer is able to swim one lap without stopping). During lap swim, water walkers may share slow lane.
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Recreational Swim
Recreational swim provides an opportunity for all members to enjoy the water. Part or all of the pool is open for members to have fun in the water. Children under the age of 6 must be accompanied by an adult. Remember to follow all pool rules and have fun! |
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Swim Lessons
YMCAs have been teaching people to swim for more than a century. Our swim instructors are trained and certified Red Cross Water Safety Instructors and can teach lessons at all levels for children, youth and adults. Learn to be safe in the water and feel the sense of accomplishments that comes with learning a new skill. Progress at your own pace. We’ll introduce you and your family to the fun of swimming and help you develop lifelong skills.
The Southwest YMCA offers a variety of classes for all ages. Online registration is available for select classes. Preregistration is required for all Swim Lesson classes.
For more information please contact the Aquatics Coordinator, at (408) 608-6814. |
Parent/Child
Age: 6-36 months
Duration: 30 min
Parents learn to work with their children in the water. The class focuses on safe water exploration and working on water adjustment.
Preschool Beginner
Age: 3-5 years
Duration: 30 min
An ideal class for first-time swimmer that cannot swim 5 feet by themselves.
Preschool Advanced
Age: 3-5 years
Duration: 30 min
Designed for preschoolers who are able to swim 5 feet front and back crawl without assistance.
Youth Beginner
Age: Varies
Duration: 45 min
For youth able to swim 15 feet front and back crawl without assistance.
Youth Intermediate
Age: Varies
Duration: 45 min
For youth able to swim 25 yards of freestyle, backstroke, elementary backstroke, sidestroke, breaststroke and butterfly.
Youth Advanced
Age: Varies
Duration: 45 min
For youth able to swim 100 yards of freestyle, backstroke, elementary backstroke, sidestroke, breaststroke and butterfly. |
Adult Classes
Age: 15 and up
Duration: 45 min
Ideal for anyone interested in learning to swim or improving their stroke technique.
Parents learn to work with their children in the water. The class focuses on safe water exploration and working on water adjustment.
Private and Semi-Private Swim Lessons
We offer 30-minute private and semi-private lessons. If you're interested, fill out a Private Swim Lesson Match-up form available from the Front Desk. We will then contact you.
Gator Swim Team
Would your children like to join a competitive swim club? Our Gator Swim Team is open to all youth ages 6-17 who meet the minimum requirements: at least 50 yards of freestyle (with side breathing), backstroke and breaststroke; at least 25 yards of butterfly. For current Swim Lesson participants, joining the Gator Swim Team is encouraged upon completion of at least one session of Advanced Youth.
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Aqua Fitness |
Southwest YMCA Aquatics
The Southwest YMCA offers a wide variety of aquatics classes from traditional swim lessons to Arthritis Aquatics. We strive to accommodate all fitness levels in every class; you are always encouraged to work at your own pace. Please be on time to class, to allow your body to warm up. Before starting any new exercise program please consult your physician.
Intensity Levels
The Southwest YMCA provides a variety of classes for our active older adults (50+), for those of all fitness capabilities and for anyone who is returning from an illness, injury or beginning an exercise/wellness program. We have classes for Light, Moderate/Challenging, and All Levels intensity.
For more information about our Aquatics Programs, please contact our Aquatics Director at (408) 608-6838. |
Aquatics Class Descriptions
Aqua Fitness 1/Prenatal Aquatics Light
Aqua Fitness 1/Prenatal Aquatics is a water-based group exercise class that offers conditioning for all fitness levels. Water resistance is used to improve aerobic capacity, muscular endurance and flexibility. The class format allows members to choose an effort level appropriate for their fitness level. Ideal for members who are new to fitness, members who want to take a break from land-based conditioning, members who are pregnant, and those who love the water!
Aqua Fitness 2 Moderate/Challenging
Aqua Fitness 2 is a high-energy, water-based group exercise class that offers challenging athletic training. Water resistance is used to improve aerobic capacity, muscular endurance and flexibility. The class is ideal for members looking for a rigorous alternative to land-based conditioning and for those who love to work out in the water!
Arthritis Aquatics Light
Endorsed by the YMCA of the USA and the National Arthritis Foundation, this class provides an opportunity for members with arthritis, orthopedic limitations and other chronic medical conditions to exercise safely and effectively. Members are led through a 45-minute program which takes advantage of water's buoyancy and resistance to improve joint flexibility and relieve pain and stiffness.
Aqua Yoga Light
Aqua Yoga incorporates the therapeutic environment of water with the ancient practices of yoga. Stretching, gentle movement, yoga postures, breathing exercises, and meditation increase strength, mobility, balance, and flexibility while decreasing joint pain, stress and fatigue.
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Swim Lessons PDF