Swimming at the Y

Swim Lessons

At the Y, we believe everyone should learn to swim, for both recreation & safety!  The Y introduced the country to the concept of group swim lessons more than 100 years ago.

Swimming skills are progressive, so it’s important to pick the right level for you. Our YMCA trained and certified instructors cover swimming skills, stroke technique, and water safety in a friendly and encouraging environment. Whether in a private or group lesson, all ages can learn with our six (6) stage program.

Private & Semi-Private Swim Lessons

Prefer to have 1-1 instruction for yourself or your little one? Our certified Y swim instructors provide private and semi-private lessons are for all swimming abilities in kids age 3 and above.

30-minute lessons are scheduled with an instructor and participant(s). For any age, students learn the basics of swimming, refine current skills, and perfect stroke mechanics with personalized lesson plans.

Please note: private swim lessons are only offered at certain locations. 

Special Needs Swim Lessons

The YMCA’s swim program setting provides a unique experience with an emphasis on skill learning, social interaction, and fun. We strive to positively impact youth with special needs in the Philadelphia and the surrounding regions by providing safe, fun, and interactive programs to grow and socialize in a nurturing environment.

We offer several programs for all abilities at select Y locations! Plus - our facilities are accessible for everyone and provides specialty equipment to serve every member’s ability level.

Stroke and Turn Clinic

Calling all advanced swimmers!

The Y Swim Clinic is designed for swimmers who have advanced through YMCA Swim Lessons and are able to swim a length of the pool of both front and back crawl. Participants should also have rudimentary breaststroke and butterfly strokes. Be sure to browse! Different stages may be available for different locations.

The expertise of his instructor, her patience, humor and how well she worked with my son and all of the other children. You can tell she really loves what she does and I hope my son has her again as an instructor.

- Parent, Willow Grove

I was able to see measurable and clear improvement in my 2 year old's swimming ability and confidence in the water. I am very impressed with the skills she developed at such a young age. We'll be back for more!

- Parent, Boyertown

My son started lessons at the Y in May not knowing how to swim at all. After his last lesson this past weekend, he is swimming underwater totally on his own and is SO confident in the water.

- Parent, Upper Perkiomen Valley