An adult poses next to a child in a kayak
In the Countryside YMCA Instructional Pool, an instructor shows a young girl in a kayak how to paddle.

Specialty & Private Swim Lessons

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, groups, and special needs swimmers.

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

Descriptions of Specialty & Private Swim Lesson Classes

Teen/adult swim lessons are an opportunity for older teens and adults to learn to swim in a smaller class setting.  Participants will learn to swim at their own pace, so they can advance from basic swimming skills to more advanced swimming skills during this swim lesson.  We do not offer make-up lessons.

Sea Turtles is the name of our unique swim lesson program designed for swimmers with special needs.  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.  Register for Sea Turtles Private Lessons monthly, as they are not a part of the rolling registration.  Make-up lessons are not offered for any missed lessons.  After registration, the Swim Lessons Coordinator will contact you via the email listed on your membership to schedule your time slot.   The schedule will be emailed to you on the Friday before the start of lessons.  Once registration closes for the session, there will be no refunds.   You can contact the Private Lessons Coordinator 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 on 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, and 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 swimmers’ 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

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. Classes are offered on Sundays from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, 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 the instructor for equipment. Register Online

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 the swim team while 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 4 swim lessons, or be able to swim 25 yards on front with rotary breathing, 25 yards of backstroke, and have a working knowledge of breaststroke and butterfly.  Try-outs are required to be on the team.  Email questions to Krista Montgomery at Krista.Montgomery@ymcastaff.org. 

Countryside YMCA is pleased to support Scouts BSA and other scouting organizations by offering Summer Camp Swim Assessments.

Summer Camp Swim Assessments for Scouts BSA
Cost: $10 per participant
Assessments are typically offered on select Sundays from January through May. Each swim assessment takes approximately 10–15 minutes in the pool. Dates may shift due to swim meets, pool closures, or holidays.

Upcoming 2026 Swim Assessment Dates:

Advance registration is required. Click on the date above to register.

For more information about Scouts BSA and other scouting programs, den and troop leaders may contact Megan Angel at Megan.Angel@ymcastaff.org. Scheduling must be completed in advance; last-minute requests cannot be accommodated.

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