A service of the West Shore YMCA and Northern York Co. School District
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DESCRIPTIONS OF CLASS LEVELS
Parent-Child Classes
Ages 6 months to 4 Years Old
AQUATOTS - 6 months - 36 months
These classes require the participation of a parent or an adult. The class emphasizes water adjustment, parental interaction and basic movements with songs and games. The classes are designed to allow the child to have fun as well as get used to being in the water. Children still wearing diapers MUST wear a swim diaper while in the pool.
PIKE w/ PARENT - 2½-4 years old
For those who are almost ready for Pike, but not yet ready to separate from the parent, or the child has not yet reached the age requirement to begin the Pike class (3 yrs). The child will wear a floatation device and, with the guidance from the instructor, will be taught the basics of swimming with their parents assistance. Child MUST have participated in Aquatots
The following classes offer children their first experience in the pool without parental assistance. They teach basic skills, pool safety, boating safety and use of personal floatation devices.
Preschool Classes
Ages 3 to 5 Years Old
PIKE 3-5 years old Beginner I
Child swims less than 10 feet with a floatbelt. This class is for children who have not had lessons before.
EEL 3-5 years old Beginner II
Child is comfortable in the water; swims between 10 and 40 feet without a belt, face in the water and/or able to take breaths.
RAY 3-5 years old Adv. Beginner I
Child swims at least 15 yards with a floatbelt, face in the water and able to take long breaths. Builds endurance and learns over arm stroke on front and back.
STARFISH 3-5 years old Adv. Beginner II
Child swims the length of the pool (25 yds.) without a belt, face in the water and with rhythmic breathing.
* The YMCA uses floatbelts bubbles to help with body alignment and to create independence around the water.
Youth Levels
6-12 Years Old
POLLIWOG Beginner
This class introduces children to the pool, floating, basic swimming and a focus on safety. The goal of this level is for the child to know front, back and side paddle stroke and be able to swim across the pool without assistance.
GUPPY Advanced Beginner
Children should be able to swim 15 yards (1/2 the length of the pool) without assistance and their face in the water. They will be working on the front and back crawl, sidestroke, wetball and safety.
MINNOW Intermediate
Must be able to swim 1 pool length with rotary breathing. Breaststroke, elementary backstroke and diving skills are introduced.
FISH Advanced Intermediate
Must be able to swim 2 pool lengths each front crawl & backstroke with good form. Will work on refining strokes, breaststroke and butterfly as well as endurance.
FLYING FISH Advanced
Must be able to swim 3 pool lengths each, front crawl, backstroke & breaststroke with good form. Butterfly and rescue skills will be worked on as well as increased endurance.