YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg Supports Families Affected by Pool Closures
WINNIPEG, MB — For the first time, YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg (Y Winnipeg) is opening its swimming lessons to the public in order to help support families who have been affected by recent public pool closures.
“We care deeply about helping kids and families build skills and confidence both in and around the water," says Cordella Friesen, President and CEO at Y Winnipeg. “We heard about the city pools closing, and we know how upsetting it can be for families who really just want their kids to learn how to be safe. We thought, ‘We already have these beautiful pools, let’s make them open to everyone.’”
Typically, Y swimming lessons are only for members, who pay a small fee in addition to their membership rates. Starting this December, the public can also sign up, with every dollar spent going back to their community.
“We’re a charity with a mission to create opportunities and help ensure the wellbeing of our communities, and this is just one way we can do that,” says Friesen.
Non-member families will pay $160 for 12 weeks of lessons per swimmer, for kids aged 6 months to 12 years. Financial assistance will also be available for families facing financial barriers.
Swimming lessons will be offered at three Community Hubs: Elmwood-Kildonan (Kimberly Avenue), South Y (Fermor Avenue), and West Portage (Portage Avenue).
Registration for all programs opens to Y members at noon (12:00 p.m.) on Monday, December 7, 2026, and public registration opens 24 hours later on Tuesday, December 8, 2026. Classes begin the week of January 4, 2027.
Y Winnipeg encourages families to join the waitlist, even if a swim class is full.
“We anticipate a lot of interest and will do everything we can to meet the demand,” says Friesen. “If a class is full with a waitlist, we do our best to find additional staff, extra room, or additional times. We believe every kid deserves the chance to learn how to swim.”
About YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg
The YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. At our core, we are passionate about creating opportunities and continuously advancing the well-being of the communities we serve. We do this by developing healthy and successful people who in turn create a positive impact in their local neighbourhoods.
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