Northwest YMCA Aquatics
Swim Lesson & Jr Lifeguard Registration begins Saturday February 13, 2010.
(9:00 am for full-facility members,12 noon for program members)
Pool Schedule
Group Swim Lessons
The Northwest YMCA provides instructional swimming programs for all ages, ability levels and interests. These programs lay the foundation for a lifetime of safe and healthy activities in any aquatic environment.
Fees for group swim lessons are $24 for Facility Members and $37 for Program members. Fee covers 4 instructional lessons. For 8 instructional lessons the fees are $40 for Facility members and $55 for Program Members. Classes are limited in space and availability, so register soon!
We offer Parent-Tot lessons (SKIPs) for children 6 months to 3 years of age. Classes are 30 minutes long and a parent(s) is required to be in the water with their child. Our parent-child classes are designed to introduce both infants and parents to basic aquatic safety through the use of toys and flotation devices. Children are introduced to blowing bubbles, kicking and remaining stable with minimal or no parental support. These classes are designed to encourage a child’s independence in the water while under the watchful eye of the parent.
Children 3-5 years of age may take a Pike, Eel, Ray or Starfish class based on the following:
- Pikes are beginning level swimmers who have little exposure to water and are reluctant to put their face in water. The child’s independence in the water is encouraged as they are taught to propel themselves through the water. Basic aquatic and boating safety is also emphasized. Parent participation is optional.
- Eels are comfortable in group situations without their parent and can put their face in the water and blow bubbles, unassisted. This program develops greater confidence and comfort in group situations, as well as the ability to move through the water independent of adult support. This program will focus on basic swimming techniques.
- Rays are able to paddle with their face in the water 15 feet with minimal assistance. Grabbing the wall and elementary swimming are introduced, with an effort made to create greater independence in the water.
- Starfish can swim front crawl for 25 yards with their face in the water without assistance from an instructor. In this program, the child will increase independence in the water with a goal of learning the basics of butterfly, breaststroke and backstroke.
Children 6-12 years of age may take a Polliwog, Guppy, Minnow or Fish class based on the following:
- Polliwogs have little or no previous experience in the water. Survival float (with aid), lifesaving skills (non-swimming) and independent swim on their front and back are introduced.
- A Guppy can paddle 15 yards of the pool. Personal safety skills and lifesaving skills are emphasized. They will be introduced to the back crawl, sidestroke and treading water. Guppies have the goal of swimming front crawl for 25 yards.
- A Minnow can swim front crawl independently for 25 yards. Underwater swimming, butterfly and breaststroke are introduced with a goal of swimming front and back crawl for 50 yards.
- Our Fish program is designed for a child who can swim 50 yards front crawl independently without stopping. Surface dives and turns are introduced, with a goal of swimming butterfly and breaststroke for 25 yards and freestyle for 150 yards.
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Note to parents: We encourage you to stay for the first lesson to make your child feel at ease.
Adult Swim Lessons
We have adult swim lessons for swimmers 13 years of age and older. Adult lessons are designed to introduce basic aquatic safety and encourage independence. This class allows for individuals to become comfortable in the water, learn how to regulate breathing, learn to swim on their back and front. In this class we assist with strokes, work on stroke refinement, water safety and swimming etiquette for the more advanced participants. Instructor adjusts to the class needs, dependent on each participant’s skill level.
Adult classes are held on Saturdays from 10:00am - 10:30 am. Session dates run the same as Youth swim lessons (see above). Fees for adult swim lessons are $24 for Facility Members and $37 for Program members. Fee covers 4 instructional lessons. For 8 instructional lessons the fees are $40 for Facility members and $55 for Program Members.
Adults who wish to have specialized stroke work or are recovering from life are invited to the Swim Fit Masters Program Tuesday and Thursday from 12:00pm - 1:00pm. Registration is open and covers one month of the program. Stop in during any class to meet the coach and ask any questions you may have.
Private Swim Lessons
Private lessons let the student set the goal and the pace. Private lessons are for people of any age and any skill level. Each lesson is 30 minutes. You can also sign up your family (immediate family living in the same household) for private swim lessons. You can purchase lessons individually, or in a multi-lesson package. Take a look at our informational flier to see what is available.
Swim Lesson Refund/Credit Policy
Refunds, cancellations and moving to another session may be made up until the registration deadline. After the registration deadline refunds or session movement will not be given, as we can no longer fill that spot with another swimmer. Exceptions may be made for medical emergencies, but a doctor's note is required. If you are unsure of the skill level of your child, please contact the Aquatic Director prior to registration to ensure appropriate placement.
Polar Bear Swim ~ October 1, 2009 to March 1, 2010
Polar Bear Swim is just around the corner. We invite you to join the fun and the challenge!
Polar Bear Swim is your commitment to your own health and well-being. Participants will swim laps on a regular basis on your own schedule. You name the days and the distance you swim, and the YMCA will help you track the miles. This is a great opportunity to get some exercise, and challenge yourself to be the one to beat last years’ totals. Registration will occur from September 19 - November 15, 2009 and is $12 for Facility Members or $15 for Program Members. Each participant will receive a t-shirt.
Junior Lifeguard Program
This is an exciting and challenging experience for ages 9-15, and a great way to have fun in the sun while learning valuable safety and swimming skills. Included in the course will be some basic lifeguarding skills, stroke improvement, endurance training, pool safety, swim lesson assistance, first aid, team work, customer service, pool maintenance and goal setting. The last day of training will be an opportunity to work along side the aquatic staff at an event or function. Upon successful completion and certification, there will be continued opportunity to volunteer. Jr Lifeguards assist with the swim lesson program as instructional aids, help with events such as family nights and lend a hand during busy times. All participants need to bring a check to the first class for $7 payable to the Red Cross for certification fees. Registration begins Saturday, February 13, 2010.
Cost: $45 for facility members,
$55 for program members
Session 1: Saturday 9 am- 12 noon, March 13, 20, 27, April 10 AND one special event day/time April 17
Session 2: Saturday 9 am- 12 noon, April 24, May 1, 8, 15 AND one special event day/time TBA week of May 24-28
Session 3: Monday-Thursday 9 am- 12 noon, May 24, 25, 26, 27 AND one special event day/time June 4
Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor Training
Interested in teaching swim lessons or lifeguarding or both? We offer the training you need to be certified as a lifeguard or swim instructor. These certifications will deem you eligible to apply for employment at any facility in the country! Contact the pool at 229-9006 for more information. Lifeguard students must be at least 15 years old and Water Safety Instructor students must be at least 16. You are also required to demonstrate swimming skills to be admitted to either course.
Upcoming classes include March 4-24, 2010 or April 3- May 1, 2010. Information can be picked up at the pool, and registration takes place at the Pima County Recreation Office.
YMCA Swim Fit Masters Program
Are you interested in swimming for health, for fun, or just for team Camaraderie? If so, this is the program for you! Our YMCA Swim Fit club is a Masters swim program designed to serve adults 18 and over who are interested in swimming of all styles. Whether you’re training for a triathlon, trying to improve your stroke, or
swimming for fitness we have something for everyone. All practices will have a certified coach who focuses on training techniques, stroke
mechanics, and goal setting.
Who: Adults 18 years of age and older
Where: Thad Terry Aquatics Center @ the NW YMCA Pima County Community Center
When: Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 5:30am - 7:00am, Tuesday & Thursday
12:00 noon -1:00pm. (Coach will use this time for technique & stroke work. Workouts will be available from the Coach for those preferring that option.)
Cost: Annual USMS fee of $45 for each participant
YMCA members - $35.00/month
Program Members - $40.00/month
Download Registration Form
Water Fitness
Our water aerobics classes are free to YMCA members, and only $1.50 per class for non-members. These classes are great for anyone wanting to enjoy our warm water, warm weather and beautiful views. We will also be offering evening classes Monday’s and Wednesdays beginning in May.
Schedule of Classes |
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Deep Water Aerobics |
Shallow Water Aerobics |
M, W, F, S 9:00am - 10:00am |
M, W, F 10:00am - 11:00am |
T, TH 10:00am - 11:00am |
T, TH, S 9:00am - 10:00am |
Thad Terry Aquatics Club Swim Team
The Thad Terry Aquatics Club is a competitive swim team that is based at the Northwest YMCA. The team is open to beginner, intermediate and advanced swimmers ages 5 to 18. The Thad Terry Aquatics Club swim team practices year-round and competes with SAAA (Summer) and USA Swimming (Winter).
All swimmers must be registered for SAAA (summer) or USA swimming (winter) before beginning practice. Current fees are a $25 SAAA registration fee (summer) or a $58 USA Swimming registration fee (winter). These are payable to Thad Terry Aquatic Club. Monthly swim team dues (payable to NW YMCA) are $40 for Facility Members or $55 for Program Members. Discounts apply for 2 or more children in one family.
Practices are held Monday - Friday from 4:00pm - 6:00 pm. For additional details, please download the registration form.
Pool Safety Council Honor Roll
We are proud to announce that all the YMCA of Southern Arizona has received the Gold Seal of Approval and is on the Honor Roll of the Pool Safety Council. This seal of approval certifies that all pools within the YMCA of Southern Arizona are fully compliant with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, which protects swimmers from entrapment accidents in the pool. For more information, visit the Pool Safety Council's website or contact Dave Molohon.


