The swim lessons curriculum allows for both standardization and flexibility. The curriculum organization ensures that swim lessons programs look and sound the same at every Y across the country. But the way students move through the curriculum can be adapted to meet the needs of all Ys in all communities.
The New Rochelle YMCA has taught thousands of students since its founding and has classes for all age ranges and abilities. We offer classes throughout the year in group, private and semi-private settings. No matter your ability, we can help you thrive in the water. Find a class that’s right for you.
Class Descriptions
Water Discovery & Exploration (18-36 Months): Develops water enrichment and aquatic readiness in children. Rather than teaching children how to survive in the water or become accomplished swimmers, we focus on developing swim readiness skills through fun and confidence-building experiences. Parents also learn essential skills on close supervision and best practices to prevent drowning. Parents learn how to supervise children in the water, how to prevent accidents, and how to plan for emergencies.
Level 1 Water Acclimation (Pre-School 3-5 & School Age 6-12): Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water in stage 1. This stage lays the foundation that allows for a student’s future progress in swimming.
Level 2 Water Movement (Pre-School 3-5 & School Age 6-12): In this stage, students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water.
Level 3 Water Stamina (Pre-School 3-5 & School Age 6-12): In this stage, students learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages in the event of falling into a body of water. This stage also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm and leg action.
Level 4 Stroke Introduction (Pre-School 3-5 & School Age 6-12): Students in this stage develop stroke technique in front crawl and back crawl and learn the breaststroke kick and butterfly kick. Water safety is reinforced through treading water and elementary backstroke.
Level 5 Stroke Development (School Age 6-12): Students in this stage work on stroke technique and learn all major competitive strokes. The emphasis on water safety continues through treading water and sidestroke.
Level 6 Stroke Mechanics (School Age 6-12): In this stage, students refine stroke technique on all major competitive strokes, learn about competitive swimming, and discover how to incorporate swimming into a healthy lifestyle.
Level 1 Teen Water Acclimation (14-18): This class that specifically for teens, focusing on developing comfort in the water and the foundations of swimming.
Level 2 Teen Water Movement (14-18): At this stage, we are focusing on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water.
Adult Swim Classes (19&Up): We also offer adult classes from beginner all the way to advance.
Senior Swim Classes (55+): We also offer senior classes from beginner all the way to advance.
Note: If your child has never taken swimming lessons before, please set up an evaluation with us by call us at 914-632-1818 or emailing us at aquatics@nrymca.org.
Privates & Semi-privates
If you are looking for more flexibility, try out private swim lessons. We will help you find an instructor that can achieve your goals on your timeline. Lessons are available for all ages and abilities.
Private lessons are 30 minutes with a 1:1 student instructor ratio.
Semi-private lessons are 30 minutes with 2:1 student ratio. In order to have semi-privates both students must be around the same age and similar swim levels.
If you want to learn more about private and semi-private lessons please give us a call at 914-632-1818 or email us at aquatics@nrymca.org