The Y Winnipeg Difference
We're proud to offer the YMCA Canada continuous swim model where swimmers progress at their own pace, without the pressure of completing levels within the “typical” lesson time frame.
Swim lessons are available to members for a cost of $30 per child per session for 30-minute classes and $45 per child per session for 45-minute classes.
A membership is required to register, and may be paused or cancelled any time. Only the person registered for swim lessons is required to have a membership - but we encourage you to visit and explore options for the whole family!
Memberships at the Y are more than just swim lessons. They also include:
- Access to modern, top-quality fitness centres fully equipped for your cardio & strength workouts
- Fitness classes including yoga, TRX®, Cyclefit, HIIT, low impact, and more
- An abundance of drop-in activities for all ages - no registration required
- Aquatics including recreational swim, lane swim, aquafit and more
- Indoor play structures and waterslides*
- Discounts on birthday parties, day camp and more!
Most of all, as a registered charity, every Y Winnipeg membership helps us create opportunities and advance the well-being of the communities we serve.
*select locations
Y Winnipeg Swim Programs
Choose your program. Our caring instructors will group your swimmer into levels based on their individual skill & comfort.
Parent/Tot & Preschool
Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers from age 6 months to 5 years progress at their own pace as they develop comfort in the water.
Learn to Swim
Children aged 6 to 12 grow from beginners into confident, deep-water ready swimmers.
Star Swim Program
Confident swimmers aged 10+ build stamina and skill through stroke refinement, endurance and lifesaving instruction.
Registering for Swim Lessons is Easy!
Not Yet a Member? Swim participants require a membership to register for lessons.
- Explore our Membership Types
- Visit our online registration site, Select "Create An Account" in the top corner to join online!
Already a Member? Proceed directly to registration:
- Sign in to your online account using the email address associated with your membership
- Choose a swim program: Parent & Tot, Preschool Swim, Learn to Swim, Star Swim or specialty swim programs such as Junior Lifeguard Club, Adaptive Swim and Teen/Adult lessons.
Select the sub-activities to view all available dates & times for the program or location (see sample):
Enroll your child in the swim time that works for you!
TIP: Once you've registered for a program, our caring instructors will ensure your swimmer is grouped into the appropriate level according to their individual comfort and skill.
Financial assistance is available through our Member Access program.
Specialty Swim Lessons
Adaptive Swim Lessons - A swim program designed for youth with additional support needs, Smaller class sizes and more personalized instruction. A parent/support person is required to be in the water with the swimmer. Please contact a Community Hub for availability and registration support.
Come & Go Swim Lessons - Missed a swim lesson? A Come & Go Lesson is a supplemental class to your child's (4-12 years) regular lessons. Sessions focus on refining specific techniques tailored to the swimmer's current level. Register online 48 hours in advance.
Teen & Adult Swim Lessons - A supportive and beginner-friendly class. Learn basic swimming skills, water safety, and proper technique at your pace - no experience necessary.
Junior Lifeguard Club - A bridge from Star Level programs into advanced aquatic courses. Swimmers learn the building blocks of lifesaving skills and first-aid knowledge while building endurance and confidence in the water. Find program times.
Details For Our Swimmers
Yes; however, only the individual(s) taking the swim lesson are required to have an active Y membership, and memberships may be paused or cancelled any time.
Our Member Access Program can help if financial circumstances impact your ability to join.
No. A membership is not required for the parent/guardian or support person if you are enrolling in our Parent & Tot swim lessons or the Adaptive Swim program. These programs require a parent/guardian or support person to be in the water for the duration of the lessons.
Your child’s swim lessons progress cards are available online 1-2 days after the conclusion of the full swimming session. Click the link for your branch to find your card.
| >Downtown Branch | South Branch |
| Elmwood-Kildonan Branch | West Portage Branch |
Minimum height requirements are site-specific. Children 7 years of age and under will not be allowed entry into the pool unless accompanied by a Parent/Guardian/Caregiver at a ratio of 1 Parent/Guardian/Caregiver to 4 children.
CHILDREN 7 YEARS AND UNDER
Children 7 years and under who cannot swim:
- Must be accompanied by a Parent/Guardian/Caregiver at a ratio of 1:4.
- Parent/Guardian/Caregiver must be within arm’s reach of the child(ren).
- Are restricted to the shallow end.
- Must wear a Lifejacket/PFD (Personal Floatation Device) unless the ratio is 1:1.
Children 7 years and under who can swim:
- Upon demonstration of swimming ability may enter the pool without a Lifejacket/PFD.
- Must be accompanied by a Parent/Guardian/Caregiver at a ratio of 1:4.
- Parent/Guardian/Caregiver must be within arm’s reach of the children.
CHILDREN 8 YEARS AND OLDER
Children 8 years and older who do not meet the height requirements and cannot swim:
- Must be accompanied by a Parent/Guardian/Caregiver at a ratio of 1:4.
- Parent/Guardian/Caregiver must be within arm’s reach of the children.
- Are restricted to the shallow end.
- Must wear a Lifejacket/PFD unless the ratio is 1:1.
Children 8 years and older who do not meet the height requirement but can swim:
- Upon demonstration of swimming ability may enter the pool without a Lifejacket/PFD.
- Children 8 years and older who meet the height requirement and cannot swim:
- Are restricted to the shallow end.
- A Lifejacket/PFD is optional.
The on-site Swim Lesson Supervisor/Lifeguard has the right to prevent access to any part of the pool or the Aquatic Centre in its entirety should there be any safety concerns regarding the patron’s use of the facility.