The Grand River Area Family YMCA provides a year-round aquatics program, both instructional and recreational for all ages, abilities, levels, and interests. Our aquatics program lays a foundation of water skills and safety guidelines so participants can enjoy a lifetime of safe, healthy, aquatic activities. For any Aquatics questions, please call the Y at (660) 646-6677.
Swim Test
Safety First! The pool is a great place for fun and exercise, but the most important thing at the Y is your family’s safety. Helping you enjoy the water safely is our top priority. To ensure every child is confident and comfortable in the pool, all children ages 8–14 who wish to use the deep (West) end must pass a swim test and wear a swim bracelet at all times. Swim tests will be administered by YMCA lifeguards or staff. In order to pass the swim test, children must be able to swim a complete lap (to the deep and back) without stopping, tread water for 30 seconds in the deepest part of the pool, float on their back for 30 seconds, and climb out of the pool without using the ladder.
Children Under Age 8
Children ages 0–7 must have a responsible adult in the water and within arm’s reach at all times. They may enter the deep end only if accompanied by their adult, who must remain within arm’s reach throughout.
Children Ages 8–14
Children ages 8–14 may come to the pool without a supervising adult.
Those who can not pass or choose not to take the swim test must remain in the shallow (East) end of the pool. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices may be worn but are not provided by the YMCA.
Those who pass the swim test will receive a swim bracelet and may swim in all areas of the pool without an adult in the water.
Swim Lessons
Our swim classes are about more than just teaching techniques; they are about building confidence and nurturing potential, progressing with your needs and abilities, from introductory to competitive.
Baby & Me - Water Discovery (6 months - 2 years)
Start water discovery with parental/guardian assistance. Formerly known as Parent & Child.
PreK - Water Exploration (2 - 4 years)
Begin water exploration and introduce basic safety and swimming skills with instructor assistance.
Level 1 - Water Acclimation (4 - 5 years)
Increase comfort with underwater exploration and introduces basic self-rescue skills performed with assistance.
Level 2 - Water Movement (5 - 6 years)
Encourages forward movement in water and basic self-rescue skills performed independently.
Level 3 - Water Stamina (6 - 7 years)
Develops intermediate self-rescue skills performed at longer distances than in previous stages.
Level 4 - Stroke Introduction (7+ years)
Introduces basic techniques in front crawl and back crawl and reinforces water safety through treading water and elementary backstroke.
Special Needs Swim Lessons (7+ years)
Special Needs Swim Lessons are specifically designed to emphasize the strengths and unique attributes of each swimmer. Lessons focus on water safety and developing swimming skills and are customized for each swimmer's emotional and developmental abilities. Available upon request. Please all the Aquatics Director at (660) 646-6677 for more information.
Adult Swim Lessons (18 years & Older)
The YMCA is here to help you learn how to swim at any age! Whether you are starting from the beginning or you are looking to improve your strokes, we are here to help you learn how to swim confidently in a comfortable and supportive environment. Each 30-minute session is scheduled between the instructor and the participant.
Private
One-on-one swim lessons with a trained swim instructor are available beginning at age 3. Each 30-minute session is scheduled between the instructor and the participant.
Have a sibling or friend who wants to join in? Get two lessons at one time. Ask us about Group Adult and Semi-Private Lessons?