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Preschool and Youth Lessons
YMCA instructional swim lessons introduce and teach children a variety of skills in a values based environment. Children are encouraged to experience the qualities of water, learn safety, movement skills, and build confidence. YMCA swim lessons emphasize fun and positive relationships with the instructor and other children. Every member may register for one swim lesson per week, Registration required, call or visit member service.
We recognize that each child is unique and learns differently. YMCA registration promotes regular participation and learning through progression. YMCA instructors are trained to focus on each child as an individual and to use a variety of teaching methods.
YMCA Lil' Dippers (30 mins)
A SEVEN level water activity program for preschool-aged children aged 18 months to 5 years of age. The purpose of the program is to introduce YMCA Values and introduce preschoolers and the adults who accompany them to a wide-range of water activities in a safe, fun atmosphere. With no sessions, the Guelph Y will accept swimmers into a registered class at any time. Membership is required to register. We have two streams of Lil’ Dipper programs based on age, they are as followed:
Parent & Dipper (PAD) (18 MONTHS - 3YRS)
Adult and child comfortable in the water and gains an understanding of safe swimming, child splashes arms and legs, pool area orientation, introduction to floats and comfort putting face in water. PARENT OR GUARDIN MUST ACCOMANY CHILD IN THE WATER
Preschool (PRE) (4 yrs - 5 yrs)
Introduce preschoolers to a wide-range of water activities in a safe, fun atmosphere. From the basics of blowing bubbles, to Learning front swim, Preschooler is challenged according to there Swim ability. PARTICIPATES WITHOUT THEIR PARENTS
Youth Learn-to-Swim & Star Program (YTH) (6YRS-12YRS) (45 mins)
A THREE staged swim program for youth using both the YMCA Swim Program and the Lifesaving Societies life-saving-program. The purpose of the program is to introduce youth to swimming skills, lifesaving skills and aquatic sports/activities. Swimmers will progress through a minimum of 10 levels from beginner to advance. With no sessions, the Guelph Y will accept swimmers into a registered class at any time. Membership is required for registration. Our three streams are as followed:
The YMCA Learn-to-Swim program
This four-level instructional program introduces a series of easy to learn skills to non-swimmers in a values-based environment. Swimmers will progress through the skills on and individual basis.
The YMCA Star program
This four-level instructional program for youth who have completed the Learn-to-Swim program, introduces the swimmer to a wide variety of swimming and water activity skills in a values based environment. This program improves swimming ability, furthers water sport and safety skills and develops endurance and new stroke.
Aquatic Leader Corp
An innovative new aquatic program, ALC fills the void between swim lessons and the lifesaving levels. Designed as a continuous swim lesson, ALC will take swimmers from Star 5 through becoming a lifeguard.
The ALC has 5 steps: Junior (Steps 1-3) and Senior (Steps 4-5)
Throughout ALC, members will gain numerous qualifications and certifications in both the Lifesaving, Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, and Bronze Cross (link to advanced aquatic page) and First Aid. In addition, members have a chance to acquire volunteer hours as well as instructing experience. These skills will allow the participants to achieve leadership and people skills, which will help them achieve new heights, not only in aquatics, but also in future employment and other Aquatic Sports and activities.