Aquatics & Swimming

Want to swim a few laps at the Y, enroll in lessons, or reserve a section of the pool for family swim time?

Check out our Pool Schedule, Swim Band Policy, Swim Lesson Info, and more below. Learn about or enroll in swim lessons.
 

Text "Pool Schedule" with an image of a woman standing i in a pool with a bathing cap and floatation devices

Click the schedules below to view a printable PDF. The pool may close early on any day of the week. To stay up to date on pool closures and updates, check the homepage of the website, and our social media, or stop by the Welcome Center to enroll in facility emails. 

Those who are using our pool lanes should expect to share their lane with others. The Y cannot guarantee a lane for exclusive, personal use. Our Code of Conduct requires all who use the Y to respect the rights and dignity of others at all times, and policies direct swimmers to obey the lifeguard’s instructions at all times. Please keep this in mind during your visit.

SESSION 3 2025 POOL SCHEDULE (3/03 - 4/27)

 

Swim Lesson Registration Dates

Schedule Legend

  • Lap Swim:  Swimming from one end of the pool to the other repetitively. When space allows, swimmers may also use space during lap swim for aqua jogging and other therapeutic
    activities. All ages are welcome to lap swim but they must pass a green band test with our facility to do so and must be able to follow safe lap swim etiquette.
  • Family Rec Swim: For family groups (at least one adult plus one or more children) to practice skills and have fun in the pool.
  • Aqua Fit/Zumba/Tethered/etc: Space is reserved for participants in our water fitness classes. Participants must register at the front desk to participate. Indicated on the pool schedule with a music note sign. Class descriptions can be found on the group fitness class schedule.
  • Swim Lessons: Space is reserved for participants in our swim lesson programs only.
  • Swim Teams: Space is reserved for participants in our youth and adult swim teams only.

The Ithaca Y reserves the right to adjust or change this schedule as needed. Please be advised that occasionally events occur that force us to close one or both pools. The Ithaca YMCA does its best to notify all patrons of closures in these rare instances and reopens the pool(s) as quickly as possible.

Age Requirements:

  • All children under the age of 10 MUST have a parent or guardian accompany them at all times while in the pool; the parent/guardian may remain on the pool deck if the child is in a swim lesson or able to swim unaccompanied.
  • Children between the ages of 10-12 MUST have a parent or guardian remain within the facility, but the parent does not need to remain on the pool deck.
  • Children under 11 are not permitted to use the adult locker rooms under any circumstances. Please utilize the Universal Locker Room.

Lap Swimming Etiquette

  • Before you enter the water: Gauge the speeds of each lane and join swimmers similar to your speed.
  • All ages are welcome to lap swim but they must pass a green band test with our facility to do so and must be able to follow safe lap swim etiquette.
  • While in the water: Slowly enter the water feet first in the shallow end. When joining other swimmers, wait on the side during one lap until all swimmers have noticed that you will join the lane. If you need to get the attention of a swimmer, please gently tap them on the foot. If there are two swimmers in the lane, split the lane in half. If there are more than two swimmers, swim in a circle counterclockwise. If you are resting, chatting, aqua jogging, or stretching, please position yourself so you are not obstructing the lane for lap swimmers.
  • Passing other swimmers: Attempt to notify other swimmers of your intent to pass. If passing mid-lap, pass on the left-hand side. Slower swimmers should slow down and move over as far as possible. If passing at the wall, the slower swimmer should move to the right corner and should not push off until the pass has been completed.

See also:

 

A woman helps a child float on her back in the pool with text "Swim Bands: Test, Mark, Protect"

Swim Band Policy

We are committed to ensuring that everyone is safe while swimming in our pools. All children under the age of 13 must participate in a swim test and will be issued a red, yellow, or green swim band based on the results of their swim test. Bands must be picked up from the front desk before swimming.

Age Band Color Pool Access Parent Supervision
0-6 Red Both Pools* *Must have parent/guardian within arms' reach in both pools. There are no exceptions.
7-12 Yellow Both Pools* *Child may swim unaccompanied in the small pool or with a parent/guardian within arms' reach in large pool
12 and Under Green Both Pools Any child who has passed the swim test outlined below will be allowed to swim unaccompanied in either pool
13+ No Band Both Pools  
  • Red Swim Bands will be worn by all swimmers under the age of 7. Children must be accompanied by an adult in the pool and the adult must remain within arms’ reach of the child. There are no exceptions to this policy.
  • Yellow Swim Bands will be worn by all swimmers aged 7-12 who have not passed the green band swim test. These swimmers may swim in the small pool alone or in the large pool when within arms’ reach of a parent.
  • Green Swim Bands will be worn by all swimmers under 12 who have passed the green band swim test.

Swim Test: The child will jump into the deep end and recover. Tread water for 1 minute with ears remaining above water. Swim 25 yards continuously, face in the water, using either front crawl or breaststroke. Underwater swimming is not permitted. Swim tests may be taken no more than once per day. The swim test must be administered by a certified lifeguard.

Please Note: Maximum adult to-non-swimmer ratio in the large pool is 1:2. If swimming with more than 2 non-swimmer children, please utilize the small pool or personal floatation devices to maintain safety.

Swim Lessons

Can my child participate in a program they do not meet the age requirements for? No. Swim lessons are tailored to each age group and are taught differently based on the different developmental ages. Classes are also taught at different pool depths for different-sized children.

May I hire an outside swim instructor or conduct lessons for children other than my own at the Y? No. Non-YMCA facilitated swim lessons are prohibited in the pool. Doing so may result in loss of membership or access to the facility. 

Do I have to get in the water with my A/B/Preschool child? Yes, this is a requirement for these levels.

Can an extra adult get in the water with us (for A/B/Preschool classes)? Can extra adults watch from the pool deck? Yes.

Who is teaching my child's class? Please email the Aquatics Director at kprasek@ithacaymca.com to discuss instructor preferences before you register.

How many private lessons will it take for my child to learn how to swim? Swimming is a complicated skill and all children learn at different paces, so we cannot answer that question. If you would like some guidance and to discuss the best place for your child, email the Aquatics Director at kprasek@ithacaymca.com.

What happens if I need to miss a week? All of our programs are non-refundable. We will issue a credit when classes are missed for medical or military reasons, and we do require documentation. Please email the Membership Director at ericharson@ithacaymca.com for any questions relating to credits. We are unable to offer any makeup swim lessons due to instructor and pool availability.

Can I come to a different class just for this one week? I have a conflict. No. We maintain strict ratios in our classes to ensure we are offering high-quality, safe swim lessons so we cannot allow participants to switch between classes.

I'm still not sure which level is appropriate. Can I set up a skills assessment? Yes. Please email the Aquatics Director at kprasek@ithacaymca.com.

Can my child wear flippers or use a kickboard in the small pool? No. There is no use of flippers or kickboards while in the small pool. 

What does my child need for swim lessons? A swimsuit and towel. Goggles are optional but often helpful. Children who are not potty trained must wear a swim diaper. All other equipment is available at the Y. *Due to concerns about spreading pink eye, the Y does not loan goggles to anyone. Goggles may be purchased at the front desk in both youth and adult sizes.

Barracudas

What level should my child be swimming at before they can register for Barracudas? A 5 or 6, a level 4 swimmer may participate if they meet all of the prerequisite skills.

What are the prerequisites for Barracudas? Children must be able to swim at least 50 yards (one full lap) each of front crawl, backstroke, and breaststroke, and must be familiar with the butterfly (at least able to do dolphin kick). Additionally, swimmers must be comfortable swimming at least 800-1000 yards (16-20 full laps) throughout practice.

Is Barracudas competitive? Will children participate in swim meets? Our team does not compete because our pool is too shallow for diving so we are unable to teach starts (diving). Barracudas will prepare swimmers for club, modified, and varsity teams - we prefer to think of it as a pre-competitive team.

I'm still not sure my child meets the prerequisites. Can I set up a skills assessment? Yes. Please email Aquatics Director Katie Prasek at kprasek@ithacaymca.com.

Masters

Do I have to have been a competitive swimmer in the past to participate in Masters? No! Masters is for any adult 18+ who would like to improve their technique and endurance in the pool. The prerequisite is being able to swim 50 yards (one full lap) front crawl.

What if I already know how to swim and just want a workout and some coaching? Masters is the place for you! We have several coaches and work with several different ability levels.

What if I want to compete again? Our coaches can help prepare you for that as well!

Who are the coaches? Kevin Vallely.

What is the clinic portion of Masters? The clinic portion is optional - it consists of dryland coaching using videos to help teach and improve technique.

Can I try it just for one night to see if it's the right program for me? Yes! Folks who would like to try Masters for the evening may attend for free.

What if I cannot swim 50 full yards yet? We offer adult swim lessons as well and the instructors are fantastic at helping people meet their goals. Please see the swim lesson flyer for more details.

Is it worth getting a membership to the Y just to participate in Masters? Yes, because you will have access to the pool during the week to practice and complete workouts given by the coaches.

For any questions not answered in this FAQ, please contact Katie Prasek, Aquatics Director, kprasek@ithacaymca.com or Lily Harbol, Swim Lesson Coordinator lharbol@ithacaymca.com .