Family YMCA of St.Thomas-Elgin: Aquatics

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.

St Thomas Jumbo Jets Swim Team www.stjj.ca

Recreational Swims
A swim time for all ages, children, under the age of 6, must be accompanied by an adult (age 14+) within arms reach in the pool. Children 6 to 9 years must successfully complete a swim test so they may participate without a caregiver in the pool.
Pool Depth – 4 Feet

Adult Swim (16 years +)
Enjoy the congenial atmosphere of the pool with the company of other adults. Participants must be 16 years of age to have access at this time.

Swim Lessons
Registration required for all children and youth lessons.

Infant Toddler (Infant -3 years)
A fun, instructor-led program that introduces your child to the water through songs and games. Parents help their child learn new skills such as submersion, floating, and kicking. Limit one child per adult.

Youth Swim Lessons (ages 6-13 years)
The Learn to Swim program teaches children basic swimming strokes, skills and water safety. Levels includes: Otter, Seal, Dolphin, Swimmer. All lessons are 30 minutes in length. Parents may register their child for one lesson per week at this level.

Star Levels (ages 6-13 years)
The YMCA Star Program teaches advanced strokes, skills, endurance and water safety. Levels include: Star 1-Star 6. Star level lessons are 45 minutes in length. Parents may register their child for one lesson per week at this level.

Masters Swim (any age, Star 6 completion required)
A competitive swim program for members interested in training with others. Workouts include interval training and drills as well as stroke correction.This course is designed for those who are too young to take their Bronze Star/Bronze Cross but still need to keep up their swimming skills.

Adult Swim Lessons (14+ years)
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 Lessons
Individual one on one swim lessons are available for an additional fee. Appointments for swim instruction can be made to accommodate your schedule. Contact the Aquatics Supervisor for details.

Water Fitness Programs

Aqua Abs
Tone abdominals gently but effectively in the water. Floatation belts provided.

Aqua Step
A step class in the water using the water's properties to challenge all participants.

Aqua Prime Tyme
A gentle water class for those with arthritis, fibromyalgia or mobility concerns.

Aqua Deep
A challenging workout in the deep end. Floatation belts provided. Good for either swimmers or non-swimmers.

Aqua Shallow
An invigorating class including cardiovascular and muscle conditioning.

Leadership and Certification Programs

Bronze Star
Advanced lifesaving course designed to prepare participants for Bronze Medallion. Emphasis
is placed on rescue drills, fitness skills and victim recognition. Prerequisite: Ability to swim
25 metres, tread water for a minimum of 45 seconds, no age requirement
(recommended 12 years)

Bronze Cross
Second step in Advanced Lifesaving. Emphasis is placed on the recognition of emergencies and how to respond to these emergencies. Spinal rollovers are introduced.
Prerequisite: Current Bronze Medallion and Emergency First Aid

First Aid and CPR
Red Cross Certification Courses. Earn your certification during this weekend course.

National Lifesaving Service (NLS)
This course is required to become a certified lifeguard. You learn various lifesaving
techniques and take part in practical situations. Prerequisite: Current Bronze Cross and Standard First Aid with CPR “C”, 16 years of age and older.

NLS Recertification
Must be recertified every 2 years.