The Y Swim Lesson Difference
The YMCA developed Canada's first national aquatic program and has been teaching water safety and swimming skills for over 90 years. We offer the YMCA Canada continuous swim model. With our model, swimmers progress at their own pace, without the pressure of completing levels within the “typical” lesson time frame. We provide positive, ongoing feedback to help swimmers progress and build encouraging relationships between our certified instructors and our swimmers with small class sizes.
We believe that swimming is a critical life skill for all. We offer registered swimming lessons, including Adaptive Swim for youth with additional support needs. Teens and adults can learn with drop-in lessons and Come and Go Swim lessons provides unique flexibility for kids and families.
YMCA Swim Programs
Parent/Tot & Preschool
Parent/Tot and Preschool lessons designed to help children develop comfort in the water.
Children 6 months to 5 years old.
Learn to Swim
Progressive levels to take children from no swim experience to being safe & comfortable in deep water.
Children 6-12 years old.
Star Swim
3 levels of advanced lessons that focus on stroke development, endurance & lifesaving skills.
Children 6-12 years old.
Star Leadership
3 levels that will challenge swimmers in areas required for competitive swimming & lifesaving programs.
Children 6-12 years old.
Swim Lesson Registration Just Got Easier!
Families can find all levels of swimming at the Y, from the first introduction to the water to their first class on their own, all the way to advanced levels.
To register for swim lessons:
- Pick a Swim Program: choose from Preschool, Learn to Swim, Star Swim or Star Swim Leadership at your preferred time, day of the week and location
- We will match your child with others working at the same skill level!
Our Aquatics team will ensure that swimmers are grouped together in the appropriate swim level that best suits their comfort and skill level for each of our swim programs.
Register for Swim Lessons Today!
Registration for swim sessions is available to members on a seasonal basis for an added charge of $30 per child per session for 30-minute classes and $45 per child per session for 45-minute classes.
Specialty Swim Lessons
Adaptive Swim Lessons - A swim program for youth with additional support needs who require a smaller class size with more individual instruction. Swimmers and their support person or caregiver will work with the instructor to develop comfort in the water, water safety awareness, and swimming skills. Swimmers are required to have a caregiver or support person in the water alongside them at all times during class. To register, please contact the Aquatic Director at your branch of choice to discuss your child's specific need(s).
Come & Go Swim Lessons - Unique to Y Winnipeg. Learn to swim when and how it works for you. Sign up for the classes you want to attend starting 24 hours before the class. While the program does not focus on stroke development or swim levels, it teaches essential skills with a flexible schedule. Find sessions for kids 4-12-years-old, grouped by ability and age, or for families to learn together (ages 3+).
Teen & Adult Swim - A drop-in swim lesson for teens and adults where they will work with an instructor to develop their skills from their current ability. All skill levels are welcome.
Junior Lifeguard Club - A bridge from Star Level programs into advanced aquatic courses. JLC will teach swimmers the building blocks of lifesaving skills and first-aid knowledge while building endurance and confidence in the water.
Details For Our Swimmers
If you are not sure what level your child should be registered in, take our short “Find Your Swim Level” survey below. Ensuring your swimmers are registered for the right swim level is for both their learning and safety. Each level introduces new skills to advance their comfort level, endurance and ability to swim in different depths of water. It is important that swimmers successfully complete each level before moving on.
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 |
While swimming lessons are only for members, our Member Access Program can help if financial circumstances impact your ability to join.
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.