Countryside YMCA’s specialty and private swim lessons are an opportunity for you or your family to receive the training you need to be comfortable and confident in the water. We offer multiple lesson options, listed below, that are designed to meet the needs of families, individuals, group and special needs swimmers.

Adult & Teen Swim Lessons, Private, Springboard Diving, Swim Stroke Clinics, Kayak Roll, Scuba, Precompetitive Torpedoes, & Scouting Program

Descriptions of Specialty & Private Swim Lesson Classes

Adult swim lessons are an opportunity for older teens and adults to learn to swim in a smaller class setting. You'll learn to swim at your own pace, so you can advance from basic swimming skills to more advanced swimming skills during this swim instruction. Ages 13 & up Register Online

Private swim lessons are a great way to overcome your fear if you fear the water. With a professional swim instructor or coach, you'll be able to work at your own pace and learn how to relax in the water without fear or anxiety, causing you to become even more afraid of the water. In addition, adults who never learned to swim can learn to swim as adults. Swimming is a great exercise and is easy on the joints. So no matter where you are in life or if you have just never had the chance to learn, now is a great time to take advantage of the fantastic benefits of swimming as an adult.

 

Sea Turtles is the name of our unique swim lesson program designed for swimmers with special needs (ages 3 & up). One certified swim instructor will work with swimmers with special needs for a 30-minute private lesson. These swim lessons are a good way to help special needs swimmers focus on a particular swim skill, or to help them overcome a fear of the water. All Sea Turtle swim lessons are held on Sundays between 12:00pm and 5:00pm. Register Online

After registration, the Swim Lessons Coordinator will contact you via the phone number listed on your membership to schedule your time slot. You can contact the Private Lessons Coordinator at 513 932 1424 x243 or via email at Kathy.Petersen@ymcastaff.org to learn more. 

Private swim lessons are an excellent option for people of all skill levels ages 3 & up. If you're looking for a way to improve your swimming, private swimming lessons can be a great way to get the personal attention you need to learn or improve critical swimming skills customized to your unique needs and help you overcome your personal challenges. If you have a disability that makes it hard to move around in the water, a private swim lesson can help you learn how to move your arms and legs in a way that makes you more efficient in the water. 

Friends & Family Group Private Swim Lessons: We have blocked out time in the Instructional Pool Monday and Wednesday for private lessons for up to 3 family members. Participants pay for three classes and the fourth class is free. Pay for 4 lessons it is like getting 1 free. Register Online

Sunday Block Private Swim Lessons: This series of four private swim lessons allows the participant to work at a personalized level to achieve swim goals. Block private swim lessons are thirty minutes each. Participants pay for three classes and the fourth class is free. You cannot make up or reschedule any missed block swim lessons. These swim lessons are a good way to help swimmers focus on a particular swim skill, or to help overcome a fear of the water. After registration, the Swim Lessons Coordinator will contact you via the phone number listed on your membership to schedule your instructor and time slot. You can contact the Private Swim Lessons Coordinator at 513 932 1424 x243 or via email at Kathy.Petersen@ymcastaff.org to learn more. Register Online

The goal of our stroke clinics is to improve swimmer’s technique. To achieve this, we use drills to refine their stroke. All swimmers must be able to swim 25 Yards of Freestyle and Backstroke additionally swimmers need knowledge of Breast and Butterfly. Swim fins are required. Register Online

Countryside YMCA offers beginning and intermediate springboard diving instructions to youth and adults in learning competitive dives. We offer something for everyone, from beginner competitive diving to more advanced springboard diving skills. Register Online

In beginning spriongboard diving, participants learn 1-meter diving board skills including how to use the diving board safely and beginner competitive dives. Participants must have at least Stage 3 Water Stamina level swimming skills, be comfortable in deep water, and be able to swim 25 yards. Masters Diving is for adults 18 years or older and have graduated from High School. This is for those former high school or college competitive divers who wishes to continue diving or start this sport again. Your experience does not need to be recent.

Participants in intermediate springboard continue to learn springboard diving skills, safety, and beginner and intermediate competitive dives. In addition, participants must have at least YMCA Stage 4 Stroke Introduction level swimming skills, be comfortable in deep water, and be able to swim 25 yards.

Contact Karla Toye at (513) 932- 1424 ext. 243 to schedule a pre-registration evaluation. She will help you determine which class is the best one for you.

Ohio has hundreds of creeks and rivers that create great kayaking opportunities. Some of those may be a little bit more extreme than you’d want to attempt without some advanced training. In the kayak roll class, experienced kayakers work on roll techniques.

Be ready for your next water adventure! Experienced kayakers work on roll techniques. Class are offered on Sundays from 3:00pm to 6:00pm, and registration is on a per-day basis. Register Online

Be ready for your next water adventure! Besides SCUBA diving on your vacation, there are some places you can practice your skills not too far from home. Take a class at the Countryside YMCA to get started on your SCUBA explorations. SCUBA classes are taught by certified dive instructors. Students learn how to SCUBA dive as they earn certification from the NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors).

Call Tim Patton, dive master, at 937-974-2742 for more information. There will be an additional $70 fee paid to instructor for equipment. Register Online

Precompetitive Torpedoes - This program is a bridge for individuals between swim lessons and our competitive program using elements of both programs. Participants will gain a basic understanding of swim team working on stroke mechanics, racing starts, turns, pace clock reading, and many other swim team activities. Prerequisites: Swimmer must be 6 years of age, swim at or beyond Stage 3 swim lessons, or be able to swim 25 yards on front with rotary breathing, 25 yards of backstroke, have a working knowledge of breaststroke, and butterfly. Try-outs are required to be on the team. 

Countryside YMCA is pleased to help Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and other scouting organizations achieve their many badges and rank advancements. Badge requirements vary, but generally include completing the BSA swimmer test, reviewing safety rules and precautions, and learning the specific skills required. Some of the badges and advancements may require more aquatics classes or lessons.

  • Summer Camp Swim Tests for Boy Scouts & WEBELOS ($10/per person): They will be offered on the first Sunday of the month for Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, and May ONLY. We will move to the second Sunday if the date conflicts with a swim meet, pool closure, or holiday. Time in the pool is minimal (10-15 minutes). NEXT SWIM TEST DATES ARE JANUARY 12, FEBRUARY 2, MARCH 2, APRIL 6 and MAY 4.
  • Electives ($15/per cub scout, class size: 5-15 scouts, class length: 60-90 minutes):
    •        Tiger Cubs: Floats and Boats
    •        Wolves: Paws for Water
    •        Bears: Salmon Run 
    •        WEBELOS: First Responder Pin
    •        WEBELOS: Aquanaut Pin
  • BSA Water Rank Advancements ($15/per scout, class size: 3-8 scouts, class length: 60-90 minutes): These are scheduled through Jennifer Neiner and will ONLY run on Sunday afternoons due to pool availability. *Water skills needed to advance from Tenderfoot to 2nd Class to 1st Class Rank.
  • Boy Scouts: Swimming Merit Badge ($35/per scout, class size 3-8 scouts, class length: 90-120 minutes): The scout must have previously passed the scout swim test. These are scheduled through Jennifer Neiner and will ONLY run on Sunday afternoons due to pool availability. *Required Time: This merit badge can be completed by attending 1-2 private lessons.
  • Boy Scouts: First Aid Merit Badge ($35/per scout, class size: 3-8 scouts, class length: 90-120 minutes): These are scheduled through Jennifer Neiner and will ONLY run on Sunday afternoons due to pool availability. *Required Time: This merit badge can be completed by attending 1-2 private lessons.
  • Snorkel Prep for Sea Base ($30/per Scouts *Adults are free, Class Size:1-8 Scouts) *Required Time: This merit badge can be completed by attending 1-2 private lessons.

For more information about badge requirements, or to schedule group or individual advancements, den and troop leaders can email Jennifer Neiner at jennifer.neiner@ymcastaff.org.

Preparing for Lessons:

  • Clothes, street shoes, diaper bags, and other personal items can be stored in the locker rooms; bring your own lock and leave your valuables at home.
  • Plan to arrive with enough time to change into swimming attire.
  • Come to class dressed and ready for the pool.
  • A family-appropriate and clean swimsuit is required for all class and lesson participants.
  • Swim diapers are required for children who are not yet pottytrained.
  • All pools are heated, but those who chill easily may benefit from a swim shirt or ear bands.
  • Goggles are permitted and preferred in the pool; masks and snorkels are not, unless otherwise noted.
  • Please bring a towel to class.
  • All class and lesson participants must shower with soap before entering the pool.
  • Participants should use the restroom before class; staff are not permitted to take students to the restroom.
  • If you or your child has a fear of water or has had a bad experience with water, arrive at your class or lesson early to inform the instructor. Please let the instructor know of any information you think will help your child succeed.
  • Parents of children age six and under must remain in the pool area with their children during lessons.

*The pool might be available to Y members before or after lessons for open swimming; check the pool schedule online for the most current information. If you aren’t sure which lesson is the best match for you or your child, contact Karla Toye at 513 932 1424 ext 243 or Karla.Toye@ ymcastaff.org to schedule a free skill level assessment. If you sign up for the wrong class there is a $5 charge to switch classes.

Still have questions?

Karla Toye's got you covered: Karla.Toye@ymcastaff.org or via phone at 513 932 1424 ext 243.