Choose Your Child’s Swim Lesson Level

When registering, please select the swim lesson level that best matches your child’s current swimming ability. Age is not the only factor we use to determine placement. If you are unsure between two levels, please choose the level that best describes what your child can currently do independently.

Beginner 1

For swimmers who are new to swimming or are not yet comfortable swimming independently.

This level is designed for children who are still becoming comfortable in the water and need significant assistance from an instructor. Skills may include water comfort, blowing bubbles, floating, kicking, basic arm movements, entering/exiting the pool, and learning basic water safety.

Choose Beginner 1 if your child:

• Is uncomfortable or nervous in the water
• Cannot swim independently across the pool
• Needs an instructor or adult to assist them in the water
• Is still learning to float, kick, or put their face in the water

Beginner 2

For swimmers who are comfortable in the water and can swim independently for short distances but are still developing basic swimming skills.

Children in Beginner 2 are ready to build independence and improve their freestyle and backstroke skills while continuing to work on water safety and confidence.

Choose Beginner 2 if your child:

• Is comfortable in the water
• Can swim independently for a short distance
• Can float and kick independently
• Is learning or beginning to use freestyle and backstroke
• Still needs help developing endurance and swimming technique

Beginner 3

For swimmers who have developed basic swimming skills and are ready to become stronger, more confident swimmers.

Beginner 3 focuses on improving freestyle and backstroke, increasing swimming distance, learning proper breathing, and becoming more independent in the water.

Choose Beginner 3 if your child:

• Can swim independently across the pool
• Can perform basic freestyle and backstroke
• Is comfortable putting their face in the water
• Can swim longer distances but needs to improve technique and endurance
• Is not quite ready for a full Intermediate class

Intermediate

For swimmers who are comfortable and confident swimming independently and are ready to develop stronger strokes and endurance.

Intermediate swimmers should be able to swim continuously and demonstrate basic freestyle and backstroke skills. Lessons will focus on improving technique, breathing, endurance, and introducing additional strokes and skills.

Choose Intermediate if your child:

• Swims confidently without assistance
• Can swim multiple lengths of the pool
• Has a solid freestyle and backstroke
• Can comfortably put their face in the water and breathe while swimming
• Is ready to work on additional strokes, endurance, and technique

Advanced

For strong, experienced swimmers who are ready for more challenging stroke, endurance, and competitive swimming skills.

Advanced swimmers should be confident in the water and have strong foundational swimming skills. Lessons may include stroke refinement, starts, turns, endurance, and more advanced swimming techniques.

Choose Advanced if your child:

• Is a strong, confident swimmer
• Can swim multiple lengths of the pool with ease
• Has strong freestyle and backstroke skills
• Is comfortable with breaststroke and/or butterfly
• Is interested in improving technique, endurance, or competitive swimming skills

🏀 What About Gym?

Every child registered for the Homeschool Gym & Swim program will participate in both gym and swim each Thursday.

When you register, you will only select your child’s swim lesson level and swim time. You do not need to choose a separate gym time.

Gym groups will be organized by age and program enrollment, and children will rotate between gym and swim throughout the afternoon. Your child’s complete Thursday schedule, including their gym time and swim time, will be emailed to you after registration.

Because swim lessons are divided by ability, children may have different gym and swim times than other children in their age group. This allows us to keep swim classes appropriately grouped by skill while still providing age-appropriate gym activities.

📅 Program Schedule

Thursdays | 1:00–3:00 PM
8-week program beginning September 24

Weeks 1–7 will include Gym + Swim.

Week 8 will be a special Family Open Swim with no gym class.

Please select your child’s swim level carefully during registration. Swim placements may be adjusted by YMCA aquatics staff if an assessment indicates that a different level would be a better fit for your child.