Bob Hayward YMCA: AQUATICS

Lil’ Dippers

Splashers (3-18 months): Designed for parents/caregivers and child to become comfortable in the water together. Learn basic swim and safety skills in a fun and safe environment. Instruction includes comfort in the water, splashes with arms and legs, pool area orientation, songs and free time for questions and play.

Bubblers: Building on what was learned in Splashers, children 18 months to 3 years old and their parents/caregivers learn how to hold wall and kick feet, front/back float assisted, and safe swimming. Songs, games, and free time are also included.

Bobber: The 3-5 year old child is introduced to the water and learns basic breath control and assisted floats and glides.

Floater: Children 3-5 years old progress to floating, gliding and swimming on their own for a short distance.

Glider: Children master floating, gliding and swimming on their own for a short distance

Diver: Children 3-5 years old are introduced to deep water and performing the skills already learned in Floater. The swim is now 10m on their front and back.

Surfer: Children 3-5 years old are introduced to kneeling dive, front and back swim 15m, and ice safety.

Dipper: Children 3-5 years old progress to surface support of 45 sec, front and back swim 25m, and are introduced to throwing assists.

Learn To Swim

Otter: The child completes water orientation, submersion, front and back floats, front glide and kick, and a 5m swim on their front and back.

Seal: The child is introduced to deep water skills, and improves on endurance with a front and back swim of 10m. The child is also introduced to buoyant rescue objects.

Dolphin: Building on what was learned in Seal, the child spends more time in deep water. Endurance is introduced as the distance to swim on their front and back is now 15m. Front crawl is introduced.

Swimmer: The child progresses to treading water for 60 sec, a front crawl for 25m, and is introduced to resuscitation.

Star Levels

Star 1: Continuing on from Swimmer level the participant will work on developing their front crawl to the intermediate standard and back crawl to initial standard. Endurance will be developed as the participant works toward completing a 75m swim. Elementary backstroke is introduced.

Star 2: Participants continue to develop front and back crawl as well as elementary backstroke. Front crawl and back crawl starts are learned in this level as is headfirst sculling. Breaststroke is introduced.

Star 3: Building endurance and perfecting strokes is the focus of Star 3. Participants are required to complete a 300 m endurance swim. Front crawl and back crawl are at advanced standard while elementary backstroke is at intermediate standard and breaststroke is at initial standard. Foot first sculling and back crawl turn are learned.

Star 4: While working on increasing endurance, participants are introduced to sidestroke. Other strokes are being developed as well. The breaststroke start and turn as well as the front crawl turn are introduced at this time.

Star 5: Surface dives and synchro skills are at the heart of this level. Endurance is now a
500 m swim. Butterfly is the new stroke that is introduced.

Star 6: Advanced synchro skills and some water polo skills are learned at this level. As well some unique swim strokes are introduced like waltz crawl, inverted breaststroke and double over arm backstroke. Participants continue to develop their endurance with a 600 m swim.

Advanced Levels

Junior Lifeguard Club: The Jr. Lifeguard Club provides an action-packed challenge for kids who love the water and thrive in an energetic learning environment but who want more than "lessons." (Must complete star 6)

Bonze Star: Bronze Star provides training for your body and your brain. You’ll become a stronger swimmer. You’ll learn CPR and practice problem-solving and decision-making.

Bonze Medallion: Bronze Medallion Award teaches an understanding of the lifesaving principles embodied in the four components of water rescue education – judgment, knowledge, skill, and fitness. Rescuers learn tows and carries, and defense and release methods in preparation for rescues of conscious and unconscious victims. Lifesavers develop stroke efficiency and endurance in a timed swim. Prerequisite: Minimum 13 years of age or Bronze Star

Bronze Cross: Bronze Cross is designed for lifesavers who want the challenge of more advanced training including an introduction to safe supervision in aquatic facilities. Bronze Cross is a prerequisite for all advanced training programs including National Lifeguard and Instructor certification. Prerequisite: Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid

Adult Lessons: Beginner lessons geared towards the non-swimmer or those who fear the water. Stroke improvement tips and techniques are offered to the intermediate swimmer who would like to improve their swimming skills.

Private Swim Lessons: ½ hour private lessons are available:
Members: $10.00 / Non Members: $20.00