The Grand River Area Family YMCA provides a year-round aquatics program, both instructional and recreational for all ages, abilities, levels, and interests. Our aquatics program lays a foundation of water skills and safety guidelines so participants can enjoy a lifetime of safe, healthy, aquatic activities. For any Aquatics questions, please call the Y at (660) 646-6677.
Swim Test
Safety first! The pool is a great place to have fun and exercise, but the most important thing at the Y is your family's safety. Helping you enjoy the water safely is our highest priority. To assure that every child is comfortable and confident in the pool, all children under the age of 15 wishing to use the deep (West) end of the pool, must pass a swim test and wear a swimming bracelet at all times. YMCA lifeguards and/or staff members will administer swim tests and award swim bracelets to those children who are able to complete the test successfully. On future visits, Children who have passed the swim test may pick up their bracelet at the Welcome Center before heading to the locker rooms and pool area.
Children under the age of 8 (0-7 years) must have a responsible adult in the water within arm’s length at all times. Children able to pass the swim test may enter the deep end of the pool with their swimming bracelet. They, however, must still be within arm's length of their responsible adult.
Children between the ages of 8 and 14 who are unable or unwilling to complete the swim test, must remain in the shallow (East) end of the pool. Children in the shallow end of the pool, may wear a Coast Guard Approved Personal Flotation Device. These items are not provided by the YMCA.
Children between the ages of 8 and 14 who are able to demonstrate to a YMCA lifeguard or staff member that they are comfortable in the pool by successfully completing the swim test, will be given a swimming bracelet. These swimmers may use the entire pool, and are not required to have an adult in the pool.
These guidelines and a full listing our pool rules can be downloaded here.
Swim Lessons
Our swim classes are about more than just teaching techniques; they are about building confidence and nurturing potential, progressing with your needs and abilities, from introductory to competitive.
Baby & Me - Water Discovery (6 months - 2 years
Start water discovery with parental/guardian assistance. Formerly known as Parent & Child.
PreK - Water Exploration (2 - 4 years)
Begin water exploration and introduce basic safety and swimming skills with instructor assistance.
Level 1 - Water Acclimation (4 - 5 years)
Increase comfort with underwater exploration and introduces basic self-rescue skills performed with assistance.
Level 2 - Water Movement (5 - 6 years)
Encourages forward movement in water and basic self-rescue skills performed independently.
Level 3 - Water Stamina (6 - 7 years)
Develops intermediate self-rescue skills performed at longer distances than in previous stages.
Level 4 - Stroke Introduction (7+ years)
Introduces basic techniques in front crawl and back crawl and reinforces water safety through treading water and elementary backstroke.
Special Needs Swim Lessons (7+ years)
Special Needs Swim Lessons are specifically designed to emphasize the strengths and unique attributes of each swimmer. Lessons focus on water safety and developing swimming skills and are customized for each swimmer's emotional and developmental abilities. Available upon request. Please all the Aquatics Director at (660) 646-6677 for more information.
Adult Swim Lessons (18 years & Older)
The YMCA is here to help you learn how to swim at any age! Whether you are starting from the beginning or you are looking to improve your strokes, we are here to help you learn how to swim confidently in a comfortable and supportive environment. Each 30-minute session is scheduled between the instructor and the participant.
Private
One-on-one swim lessons with a trained swim instructor are available beginning at age 3. Each 30-minute session is scheduled between the instructor and the participant.
Have a sibling or friend who wants to join in? Get two lessons at one time. Ask us about Group Adult and Semi-Private Lessons?