When I was a kid, my mom enrolled me in a swim class at the local YMCA. I loved it! The YMCA still offers a variety of swim classes for kids (and adults). Check out what’s being offered by our local Bed-Stuy Y. The deadline for enrollment is today, so if you’re interested in any of these classes, hop on it!
Background on Swim Lessons at the Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA
The Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA’s philosophy of swim instruction focuses on water safety, skill development and fun for everyone. At the YMCA, kids and adults learn not only how to swim, but also about leadership, safety and rescue skills, and water activities that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.
The Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA offers swim instruction based on age range:
• Parent-Child (together), 6-36 month-olds
• Preschool, 3-5 year-olds
• Youth, 6-12 year-olds
• Teen, 12-17 year-olds
• Adult, 18+ year-olds
YMCA aquatics classes are about water safety, skill development, and fun for everyone; we have an aquatic program for every skill level and interest. Aquatics classes for children are divided into four programs:
• SKIP [Shrimp 6 to 8 months, Kipper 9 to 12 months, Inia 13 to 18 months, Perch 19 to 36 months] / My Parent & Me [3 to 5 years]
• Preschool – ages 3 to 5 years
• Youth – 6 to 12 years
• Teen – 13 to 17 years
Instructor-to-student ratios for YMCA classes are standardized nationwide through the Y of the USA:
• SKIP/My Parent & Me – 1 instructor to 10 parent/child pairs
• Preschool classes – 1 instructor to 6 students
• Youth/Teen classes – 1 instructor to 8 beginner students or 10 advanced students
The five standard components of YMCA swim lessons, which vary in terms of how they’re presented depending upon the age and ability of the students, are:
• Personal Safety – Floating, Treading, Water Safety Information…
• Personal Growth – YMCA Instructors Role Model our Mission [“to put positive principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for allâ€] and our Core Values [Respect, Caring, Responsibility & Honesty]
• Stroke Development / Water Orientation – Front Crawl, Back Crawl, Sidestroke, Breaststroke, etc.
• Water Sports & Games – Synchronized Swimming Skills, Wetball, etc.
• Rescue – Reaching & Throwing Assists, When to Call 911
Prices vary slightly depending upon the age of the child, as follows:
• SKIP/My Parent & Me and Preschool classes – Members $70.00, Program Members $110.00
• Youth classes – Members $80.00, Program Members $90.00
• Teen classes – Members $80.00, Program Members $90.00
Furthermore, in order to ensure that no one is turned away due to inability to pay, financial assistance is available for swim lessons and all other YMCA programs thanks to our Strong Kids Campaign.
This summer, swim lessons for children will be offered at Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA in 2 Summer Sessions
• June 29- July 26, 2009
• July 27, 2009- August 23, 2009
• June 29-August 23, 2009
Parents can register for either 4-week session individually or save on the overall fee by registering for all 8 weeks. Registration for the summer session begins on June 20, 2009 and ends on July 5, 2009.
Bedford-Stuyvesant YMCA
1121 Bedford Ave (at Monroe Street)
Brooklyn, NY 11216
718 789-1497
Note that the classes are great but you cannot practice during the week w/o ymca membership.
I signed up for the last session and called the director of the aquatics dept to express my concern — i did not think i could get the best out of the class w/o the ability to practice on my own– i never got a response.
This program is great if you are a member already!