Several toddlers smile at their parents while mimicking an alligator with their arms during a parent-child swim lesson in the Instructional Pool at Countryside YMCA.
A toddler smiles wide while in her mother's arms during a parent-child swim lesson at Countryside YMCA
A mother supports her young daughter in the water as she calmly floats on her back during a swim lesson.

Parent/Child & Preschool Swim Lessons

Parent/Child Swim Lessons

This program promotes aquatic readiness for children from 6 months to 6 years. Parents will accompany their child in the water during the lessons and will learn ways to help their child become more comfortable in and around water. A parent or guardian at least 18 years of age must be in the water. Each swimmer needs their own adult.

Preschool Swim Lessons

This progressive program teaches basic swimming skills for children 3 years of age through Kindergarten. Children progress through three levels and are grouped by ability.

Descriptions of Parent/Child & Preschool Swim Lessons

In this water discovery parent-child swim lesson, infants and toddlers are introduced to the aquatic environment. Parents will receive guidance on developing their child’s pre-swimming ability.  Children will build pre-swimming skills through songs, games, and play.  Both parent and child will benefit from learning and having fun together during this swim lesson.  Each swimmer needs their own adult.

In this water exploration parent-child swim lesson, children learn fundamental water safety and aquatic skills, with a focus on exploring body positioning and blowing bubbles.  Parents receive guidance on developing their child’s swimming ability, while children build pre-swim skills through songs, games, and play which builds their confidence in the water.  Both parent and child will benefit from learning and having fun together during this swim lesson.  Each swimmer needs their own adult.

In this water acclimation parent-child swim lesson, parents and swim instructors prepare swimmers for independence and skill development.  Participants learn all aspects of water safety, appropriate class behavior, listening skills, and independence in the water.  Swimmers will practice bobs, proper water exit, jump-push-turn-grab(jump into water over their head, push off the bottom, turn, and grab the side of the pool) , front and back float, and swim-float-swim.  Parents will participate, but the swim class focuses on preparing children for swim independence.  Each swimmer needs their own adult.

This swim class focuses on water acclimation and is for the beginner preschool swimmer who has advanced out of the parent and child swim classes or has completed a swim evaluation.  In this class swimmers will learn all aspects of water safety, appropriate class behavior, listening skills and independence in the pool.  To advance to the next stage, children must master the following swim skills: bobs; proper water exit; jump-push-turn-grab (jump into water over their head, push off the bottom, turn, and grab the side of the pool); float on both front and back for 10 seconds; and swim-float-swim for 10 feet without a flotation device. 

This swim class focuses on water movement and is for the preschool swimmer who has advanced out of preschool stage 1 swim lessons or has completed a swim evaluation.  Participants will learn forward movement in the water and basic water self-rescue skills.  Swimmers increase their endurance and distance and learn the skill of treading water.  To advance to the next stage, children must master the following swim skills and demonstrate them without any assistance: jump-push-turn-grab (jump into water over their head, push off the bottom, turn, and grab the side of the pool); front and back float for 10 seconds; swim-float-swim for 5 yards; front and back glide 5 feet; and tread water for 10 seconds.

This swim class focuses on stamina in the water and is for the preschool swimmer who has advanced out of preschool stage 2 swim lessons or has completed a swim evaluation.  Swimmers will develop intermediate water self-rescue skills and increase their endurance and distance while mastering freestyle and backstroke.  To advance to the next stage, children must master the following swim skills: retrieve an object off the bottom of the pool; demonstrate swim-float-swim for 15 yards;  jump-swim-turn-swim for 10 yards; tread water for 30 seconds; and swim freestyle and backstroke for 10 yards each. This swim class focuses on stamina in the water and is for the preschool swimmer who has advanced out of preschool stage 2 swim lessons or has completed a swim evaluation.  Swimmers will develop intermediate water self-rescue skills and increase their endurance and distance while mastering freestyle and backstroke.  To advance to the next stage, children must master the following swim skills: retrieve an object off the bottom of the pool; demonstrate swim-float-swim for 15 yards;  jump-swim-turn-swim for 10 yards; tread water for 30 seconds; and swim freestyle and backstroke for 10 yards each.

This swim class provides swim stroke introductions and is for the preschool swimmer who has advanced out of preschool stage 3 swim lessons or has completed a swim evaluation.  Swimmers are introduced to breaststroke, butterfly, and elementary backstroke.  This swim lesson reinforces endurance and water safety through treading water and the introduction of elementary backstroke.  To advance to the next stage, children must master the following swim skills: tread water using two different strokes for 1 minute; swim using freestyle with rhythmic breathing, backstroke, elementary backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly for 15 yards each; and demonstrate that they can swim any combination of strokes for 25 yards.

Preparing for Lessons

  • Personal items can be stored in the locker rooms; bring your own lock and leave your valuables at home.

  • Come to class dressed and ready for the pool in a family-appropriate and clean swimsuit. Swimsuits are required for all class and lesson participants. Please bring a towel to class.

  • Swim diapers are required for children who are not yet pottytrained.
  • Goggles are permitted and preferred in the pool; masks and snorkels are not, unless otherwise noted.
  • 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 swim; check the pool schedules online for the most current information.

Still have questions?

If you aren’t sure which lesson is the best match for you or your child, contact Karla Roberds at 513 932 1424 ext 243 or Karla.Roberds@ymcastaff.org to schedule a free skill level assessment.

The Young Men's Christian Association

When you join the Y, you’re not only joining an amazing organization that strengthens our community, but you’re also becoming part of a community of people dedicated to improving their health and well-being.

Contact us

Still have questions

1699 Deerfield Road, Lebanon, OH 45036
Email: karla.roberds@ymcastaff.org
Phone: 513-932-1424 ext 243