YMCAs have been teaching people to swim for more than a century. In YMCA aquatics programs, children learn to be safe around water and they feel the sense of accomplishment that comes with learning something new. Youth progressive swimming is the YMCA's third most widely offered program nationwide. It uses a problem-solving, guided-discovery teaching approach in a positive, caring environment. Kids can develop lifelong skills that can help them stay healthy.

The YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County offers swim lessons for all ages and ability levels.  See the descriptions below to identify the correct level.  Class space is limited, so be sure to check our calendar for registration dates and our schedule page for an up-to-date lesson schedule.

SKIP (6-36 months)

The purpose of these classes is to acquaint the child with the water environment and to guide parents in working with their child in the pool.  SKIP classes are for babies and toddlers 6-36 months old.  Enjoy the fun and thrill of being in the water, watching your child make new discoveries about him/herself.  A parent must accompany their child in the water.

Pre-school (3-5 years)

Pike - For those with no previous swimming experience.

Eel - Must have completed the Pike level or be comfortable and able to submerge head in large pool.  Must be able to comfortably swim with just a bubble, and 5 feet without any floatation or assistance.

Ray - Must have completed the Eel level or be able to swim on both front and back from the edge to the backstroke flags (15 feet) without floatation or assistance.  Must be able to float 20 seconds without floatation or assistance.  Must be able to jump into the water in the large pool and return to the side without assistance.

Starfish - Must have completed the Ray level or be able to swim on front and back for half the length of the pool.  Must be comfortable jumping from the diving blocks.  Must be able to change from front crawl to back float and vice-versa.  Must be able to swim underwater and touch the bottom of the shallow end with their hand.

Youth (6-12 years)

Polliwog - For those with no previous swimming experience.

Guppy - Must have completed the Polliwog level or be able to swim on front and back half the length of the pool.  Must be comfortable jumping in the pool without assistance and be able to swim short distances under water.

Minnow - Must have completed the Guppy level or be able to swim on front and back the length of the pool without floatation or assistance.  Must be able to float for 30 seconds unassisted and perform a kneeling dive.

Fish - Must be able to swim the length of the pool using rudimentary breaststroke, back crawl, and front crawl with rotary breathing.  Must be able to perform a standing dive from the deck.

Flying Fish / Shark - Must be able to swim 50 yards (twice the length of the pool) without stopping while using all the following strokes: front crawl with rotary breathing, breaststroke, back crawl, elementary backstroke, and sidestroke.  Must also be able to swim the length of the pool using the butterfly stroke.

Adult (13+ years)

Adult Beginner - A class for beginning and non-swimmers.  Participants will learn the basics of floating and rudimentary stroke development.

Adult Intermediate - For those who know how to swim, but are looking to improve their stroke.  The major strokes are taught, including front crawl, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly, sidestroke, and elementary backstroke.