Swimming Lessons

Fall 2021 Update: Swimming Lessons Returning!

We are very excited to begin offering swimming lessons again this fall. We will continue to follow all the protocols to ensure that your family has a safe and comfortable time in the pool.

For registration information regarding swim lessons and other children and youth programs, please visit our member communication page.

To register for swim lessons, please use your Member Portal, or visit us in person to connect with our membership team. 

Swim Lesson Availability

*Updated September 11th 2021. Please refer to our Program Schedule for the most up to date information. 

Wondering Which Swim Program to Register Your Child For?

Use the form below to determine which swim program to register your child for, or to connect with the Aquatic Supervisor to book an in-water assessment.

YMCA Swim Level Assessment

COVID-19 Precautions for Swim Lessons 

• Class sizes are managed to ensure sufficient space for physical distancing. 
• Equipment and toys are cleaned and disinfected frequently. 
• Lessons will be run in registered sessions to limit the number of people each swimmer may come in contact with. 
• In-water caregiver participation is required for all swimmers 0-5, and swimmers 6 or older who are working on the Otter or Seal levels. 
• Swimmers in Dolphin, Swimmer, and Star Leadership levels can swim independently and will need to self-manage physical distancing with support from instructors. Caregivers are welcome to participate at these levels as well, and may be requested if a swimmer needs some extra support.

Once-per-week swim lessons are included as a part of membership for members 6 months and up. Registered weekly group lessons are available for children and youth 6 months – 12 years, and weekly drop in lessons are available for youth and adults 13 and up

Swim Levels – 6 months to 12 years 

Please click here for our swim lesson level guide to read a detailed description for our swim levels offered here at the Guelph Y. 

Instructors will complete an assessment of each swimmer on the first class of each session or season to ensure their class placement is appropriate for their skill level. Swim assessments can be scheduled to help determine what category your swimmer should register in. Contact us using the information below for more information or to schedule an assessment.

Drop In Lessons – Adults & Teens 13+

Drop-in Adult and teen swim lessons are available for all skill levels and interests. Instructors will help you to set and achieve your goals! 

Private Swimming Lessons 

For swimmers looking for a one-on-one class, we offer private swim lessons. Instructors will use specific progressions and feedback to work on swim skills at the swimmers own pace. 

Attendance Policy 

In response to a high-demand for swimming lessons, if a swimmer does not attend swimming lessons for 3 consecutive weeks, the participant will be removed from their time slot. The swimmer is more than welcome to rejoin the class or choose a new time slot, provided there are time slots available. If your swimmer will be absent, please call 519-824-5150 ext. 225 or email swimlessons@guelph.ymca.ca and let a member of the Guelph Y's aquatics team know. We thank you in advance for your cooperation and look forward to seeing you in the pool! 

Child Protection and Admission Policy

• Children ages 0 to 9 years must be signed into and out of their swimming lesson on the pool deck by a responsible adult. Meet your child(ren)s instructor on the deck before and after class to sign in/out.
• Children ages 0 to 5 years must be accompanied by a responsible adult who is within view of the pool during their lessons.
• Youth ages 10 to 12 years may access youth programming independently.