Swimming Lessons

Four types of swimming lessons are available year-round! Read more about each lesson type by selecting that tab.

Children learning in the swimming pool with instructor, Shawnee Family YMCA.

Structured, instructor-led classes where multiple participants learn swimming skills together, providing a social and supportive environment for improving swimming techniques. Group swim lessons typically cover a range of skills, including water safety, basic strokes, and other fundamental aspects. Instructors tailor the lessons to accommodate the diverse needs within the group while ensuring that participants progress in their swimming abilities. Group lessons offer a collaborative and encouraging atmosphere, promoting not only skill development but also a sense of camaraderie among participants. All that is asked for this class is to please bring swim attire, a willingness to learn, and parental supervision is required.

Group Lessons take place year-round in the afternoons on Tuesdays & Thursdays, and sessions are 6 classes.

Prices per student
School-year sessions: Members $45 /Nonmembers: $80

Summer Sessions: Members $45 / Nonmembers $90

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Parent and child swim lessons at the YMCA are designed to facilitate early aquatic experiences for both parents and their young children. These sessions involve a parent or guardian participating in the water with their child, creating a supportive environment for water exploration. The focus is on fostering water comfort, building basic water skills, and promoting a positive association with swimming.

The curriculum often includes activities that introduce fundamental water safety concepts, buoyancy exercises, and gentle water movements. These lessons aim to enhance the bond between parent and child while laying the foundation for future water confidence and, eventually, independent swimming skills. It’s an interactive and engaging approach to introduce youngsters to the joy and safety of being in and around water. All that is asked for this class is to please bring swim attire along with a willingness to learn.

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Price per student:
Members: $30 Nonmembers: $50

Private lessons are personalized, one-on-one swimming instruction provided by certified swim instructors. These lessons are tailored to meet the individual needs and skill levels of the participant. Whether for beginners or those looking to refine their swimming abilities, private lessons aim to provide a supportive and effective learning experience in a more personalized setting.

We will connect you with available swim instructors upon registration. This instruction is 4 lessons each, 30 minutes long. These lessons must be completed exclusively in our facility during our operational hours within the month of registration. Participants can only reschedule one of the lessons out of the four and must be communicated within a 12-24 hour advance notice. We will do our best to accommodate your swim instructor requests.

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Price per student:
Members: $60 Nonmembers: $90

This 8-class program is designed for young, capable swimmers who are ready to take their skills to the next level. Participants will learn the foundations of all four major strokes—freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly—while developing proper technique, endurance, and confidence in the water. Our goal is to equip swimmers with the skills needed to excel and best prepare them for the YMCA swim team, the Shawnee High School Swim Team, or any other competitive swim team they may choose to join.

Swimmers should come prepared with proper swim attire, including a swimsuit, goggles, and a towel, as well as a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. Whether you’re looking to refine your strokes or build a strong foundation for competitive swimming, this program will provide the guidance and training you need to succeed!

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Price per student:
Members: $60 Nonmembers: $90

Young swimmer in orange shirt swims underwater in the pool Shawnee Family YMCA

Pool & Aquatics

Bring yourself to enjoy the hot tub, lap pool, and water aerobics, or bring the family and enjoy the lazy river, splash area, and water slide. The Aquatics Center is completely indoors and open year-round. Here at the Y, it's always a good time for a swim!

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People in pool swimming, playing, having fun at the pool.

Pool Schedule

Download Printable Schedule

Water Aerobics Schedule

Mondays

8am - Carrie | 9am - Marilyn | 10am - Terri

Tuesdays

8am - Jalene | 9am - Jeri

Wednesdays

8am - Jalene | 9am - Marilyn | 10am - Terri

Thursdays

8am - Jalene | 9am - Jeri

Fridays

8am - Marilyn | 9am - Jeri | 10am - Carrie

Other Aquatics Programs & Pool Classes

Shallow water aerobics uses the natural resistance and buoyancy of water against your body to provide a wide variety of conditioning activity. Water exercise helps increase energy, stamina, and strength. Participants can use water dumbbells and/or water noodles for extra resistance.

Water Aerobics classes are generally available in the morning with multiple sessions Monday through Friday. The classes always begin in the shallow end of the lap pool.

See pool schedule above for times, dates, and instructors!
Hone your swimming skills with a team and compete against other teams at swim meets on the Y's swim team. Join the YMCA Stingrays and make a splash!

Tryouts required to participate.
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The Safety Around Water program at the YMCA is designed to educate individuals, especially children and families, on essential water safety skills to prevent drowning and promote overall water competency. This program typically includes a series of lessons and activities focused on teaching participants key elements of water safety, such as:
Basic Water Skills: Instruction on floating, treading water, and other foundational swimming techniques.
Water Safety Knowledge: Education about the dangers of water and how to recognize and respond to water-related emergencies.
Rescue Techniques: Basic rescue skills, including reaching assists and throwing assists, to aid others in distress.
Life Jacket Usage: Guidance on properly using and wearing life jackets for added safety in aquatic environments.
Awareness of Surroundings: Encouragement to be mindful of one’s surroundings and potential hazards in and around water.

The Safety Around Water program aims to empower participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to enjoy aquatic activities safely and to respond effectively in emergency situations. It plays a crucial role in building water confidence and preventing water-related accidents.

This program is not scheduled at this time. If you're interested in this program for your school or other group, contact us!
The Shawnee Family YMCA lifeguard training course that includes CPR (BLS: Basic Life Support) and First Aid, equipment-based rescues for aquatic environments, accident prevention and decision-making skills. Participants must be 16 years old by the end of the class.

Online prework, attendance, full participation, successful completion of written tests and performance of all water skills are required. If you’re interested in working as a lifeguard for the YMCA, training may be available at no cost to you. Contact our aquatics directors for additional information. The Lifeguard Certification Class includes the YMCA lifeguard certification, Basic Life Support, Basic First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen.
Requirements

Tread water for at least 2 minutes

Swim 100 yards of front crawl

Swim 50 yards each of front crawl with head up, sidestroke, breaststroke, breaststroke with head up, inverted breaststroke kick with hands on stomach

Perform a feet-first surface dive in 8 to 10 feet of water and then swim underwater for 15 feet

Perform a series of tasks given by the instructor to demonstrate listening and scanning ability as well as stamina and endurance
The YMCA welcomes all who wish to participate and believes that no one should be denied access to the Y based on their ability to pay. Through our financial aid program, the YMCA provides assistance to youth, adults and families based on individual needs and circumstances. Determining assistance amounts is handled by the YMCA in a fair and consistent manner. YMCA members can feel confident knowing they are a part of an organization that cares greatly for the well-being of all people, and is committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
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