Centre Branch YMCA: AQUATICS

View the Swim Lesson Comparison Chart here.
View the Steps to Becoming a LifeGuard here.

Swim Lessons are changing for Fall 2011
Starting Fall 2011 all member swimming lessons will run for a 16-week long session.

Why? 16-week programs allow YMCA instructors to interact for a longer period of time with the children in their lesson. This allows instructors and children to form a closer and more lasting relationship to aid with meaningful skill development.
The 16-week program also makes registration simpler for parents and guardians. You will no longer have to register for two 8-week sessions at registration time.
If your child progresses from their current level onto the next one before the end of the 16-week session, the instructor will move your child on to new skills from the next level automatically, without having to switch instructors or levels.

Missed lessons: As before, our policy does not allow for made up lessons for any reason. If your child cannot attend their lesson you do not need to call in. If your child misses 3 straight lessons, we will contact you to inquire if you would like to continue with the swim lesson or withdraw. After 4 missed lessons your child will be removed from the swim lesson to make room for other children, exceptional circumstances will be taken into consideration.

Registration for members is Monday August 8, 2011 at 8:30 a.m.

IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION FOR SWIM LESSONS
Please search for the courses below as “split classes” which are new to Centre Branch: Surfer/Dipper, Star 1 / 2, Star 3 / 4, Star 5 / 6

NEW! Private Swim Lessons

Adult Swim
Enjoy the congenial atmosphere of the pool with the
company of other adults. Participants must be 14 years of age to have access at this time.

Adult Swim 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.

Deep Aquafit
This class has all the components of a fitness class,
including cardio, muscle strengthening and endurance
and stretching. Floatation belts provided. Particpants need not know how to swim, but should be comfortable in deep water. Pool depth minimum 7 feet.

Deep Water Swim
Deep water swim time for all ages. Children under the age of 8 must have adult caregiver supervision in the water. Come join us. Please note, deep water swim is held at a depth of 8 feet or more.

Family Swim
A swim for all family members to attend. Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian (14+) who is within arms reach in the pool. Please note Family Swim in the small pool is held at a depth of 2 feet.

Lane Swim
Increase your fitness while swimming in the pool. Lanes are designated by slow, medium, and fast speeds. Continuous swimming in the lanes is encouraged.

Recreational Swim
Recreational swim time for all ages. Children under the age of 8 must have adult caregiver supervision in the water. Come join us. Please note, Rec swim in the small pool is held at a depth of 4 feet.

Scuba Diving Rental*
An Open Water Dive certification course. Fee includes books, equipment and an open water trip. Course run by Marlyn Smith of Dive With Mar, call 519.672.3100 for details. www.divewithmar.ca

Shallow Aquafit
This class is designed to meet the cardiovascular needs of participants in the pool. This class has all the components of a fitness class, including cardio, muscle strengthening and endurance and stretching. This type of Aquafit class is ideal for cross training for fit individuals, but also for begin­ners who want an energetic exercise routine.

Therapy Aquafit
Designed for adults looking for a guided program aimed at increasing range of motion and muscle conditioning. Stretching and proper body alignment
is core components of this class.

Underwater Hockey*
Similar to ice hockey, underwater hockey uses a puck and small sticks to score goals. Players must bring a mask (no snorkel required).

Water Walking
This class is a leisurely-paced aquatic class focusing
on proper body alignment and uses the water as resis­tance for cardiovascular and muscular endurance training.

Masters Swim Club**
Masters Swim Club will be run by MultiSport Zone’s profes­sionally trained coaches. The focus of the program will be on developing speed, endurance and technique with a heavier focus on freestyle. This program will co-inside with Adult Triathlon and will have a strong triathlon element. The club will meet Monday and Wednesdays. The first hour will be coached by MultiSport Zone and the second hour is available for optional practice time.

Lifesaving Society Jr. Lifeguard Club (JLC)**
This is an action-packed aquatic challenge for those kids who love water. Club members develop and improve swim­ming and other aquatic skills with emphasis on:
swimming, lifesaving knowledge, fitness, community education, leadership, teamwork, and competition.
Prerequisite: Registration in Star Level One or higher

Leadership Programs**
The following courses may be offered during this session: Bronze Star, Bronze Medallion, Bronze Cross, National Lifeguard Service, National Lifeguard Recerts, YMCA Swim Instructors, YMCA Swim Instructor Crossover. Contact Membership Services for more information.

SWIM LESSONS (AGES 3 MONTHS-5 YEARS)

Lil Dipper -Splashers
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. Ages 3- 18 months. For safety reasons 1 child per adult.

Lil Dipper - Bubblers
Building on what was learned in Splashers, parents/
caregivers and child learn how to hold wall and kick feet, front/back float assisted, and safe swimming. Songs, games, and free time are also included. Ages 1-3 years. For safety reasons 1 child per adult please.

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

Lil Dipper - Floater/Glider*
Children 3-5 years old progress to floating, gliding and
swimming on their own for a short distance.
Children master floating, gliding and swimming on their own for a short distance.

Lil Dipper - Diver/Surfer/Dipper*
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.
Children 3-5 years old are introduced to kneeling dive, front and back swim 15m, and ice safety.
Children 3-5 years old progress to surface support of 45 sec, front and back swim 25m, and are introduced to throwing assists.

SWIM LESSONS (AGES 6-13 YEARS)

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.

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

Learn to Swim - Swimmer*/Star 1*
The child progresses to treading water for 60 seconds, front crawl swim for 25m, and is introduced to resuscitation. 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*/3*
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. 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*/5*/6*
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.
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. 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.

Inclusive Swim Program: Swim-able*
This unique and carefully designed inclusive swim program is geared towards children and youth with behavioral or learning barriers. This small-group aquatic program will
accommodate different learning styles while providing a fun and safe learning environment in the water. All participants will have the opportunity to play group games, learn about water safety and complete YMCA Swim levels at their own pace. AGES: 6-13 years. Group Size: Approximately. 4 members per class
* registration required ** registration and fee required

Swim-Able: 6-13 years: This unique and carefully designed inclusive swim program is geared towards children and youth with behavioral or learning barriers.This small-group aquatic program will accommodate different learning styles while providing a fun and safe learning environment in the water. All participants will have the opportunity to play group games, learn about water safety and complete YMCA. Swim levels at their own pace. Maximum of 4 per class

Day Camp Programs**: For more information on YMCA Summer Day Camp programs please refer to Membership Services and pick up a YMCA Summer Day Camp Brochure. Register for fun and exciting aquatic camp programs and meet lots of new friends!