Swim Lessons at the
Cleaver Family YMCA
UPCOMING SWIM LESSONS
Enroll in swim lessons at the Cleaver Family YMCA! Our programs are about more than just the techniques and skills. They are about nurturing swimming skills, developing self-esteem and creating positive experiences that will last a lifetime.
LOCATION: 7000 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64131
Bring a swimsuit, towel and goggles (without a nose mask) to each lesson.
Disposable diapers are not allowed in the pool. Young children must wear a swim diaper and a swimsuit.
Registration is also available at the Welcome Center, or by calling 816.360.0531.
Stage A: Water Discovery
TIME: 30 minutes
Infants and young children can adjust to the water and learn basic skills with Swim Starters swim lessons at the Y. In this enrichment class, designed for children 6 months to 3 years old, one or both parents or guardians participate with their child in supervised activities that help children become more comfortable in the water.
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Cleaver - Water Discovery - Parent/Child
- 09:00 AM - 9:30 AM, Saturday
- May 21 - Jun 18
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Discovery - Parent/Child
- 09:00 AM - 9:30 AM, Saturday
- Jun 25 - Jul 23
- Mixed
Stage B: Water Exploration
TIME: 30 minutes
Water Exploration focuses on learning body positions, blowing bubbles and practicing fundamental safety and aquatic skills.
Accompanied by a parent or guardian, infants and toddlers learn to be comfortable in the water and develop swim readiness skills through fun and confidence-building experiences, while parents and guardians learn about water safety, drowning prevention, and the importance of supervision.
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Cleaver - Water Exploration - Parent/Child
- 09:00 AM - 9:30 AM, Saturday
- May 21 - Jun 18
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Exploration - Parent/Child
- 09:00 AM - 9:30 AM, Saturday
- Jun 25 - Jul 23
- Mixed
Stage 1: Water Acclimation
TIME: 35 minutes
Water Acclimation is the first stage of swim lessons and focuses on skills for beginners. In Water Acclimation, students are introduced to the pool and develop safe water habits in a fun and encouraging environment. Students become comfortable with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit a body of water in the event they fall in. This introductory stage builds the foundation for the child's future progress in swimming.
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Cleaver - Water Acclimation - Preschool
- 05:30 PM - 6:05 PM, Monday
- May 16 - Jul 18
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Acclimation - Preschool
- 05:30 PM - 6:05 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- May 17 - Jun 9
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Acclimation - Preschool
- 09:40 AM - 10:15 AM, Saturday
- May 21 - Jul 23
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Acclimation - Preschool
- 05:30 PM - 6:05 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- Jun 21 - Jul 14
- Mixed
Stage 2: Water Movement
TIME: 35 minutes
Water Movement is the second stage of swim lessons. In this stage, students focus on body position and control, forward movement, directional change and basic self-rescue skills. This stage also reinforces how to safely exit a body of water in the event of falling in.
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Cleaver - Water Movement - Preschool
- 05:30 PM - 6:05 PM, Monday
- May 16 - Jul 18
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Movement - Youth
- 06:10 PM - 6:45 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- May 17 - Jun 9
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Movement - Preschool
- 05:30 PM - 6:05 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- May 17 - Jun 9
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Movement - Preschool
- 09:40 AM - 10:15 AM, Saturday
- May 21 - Jul 23
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Movement - Youth
- 10:25 AM - 11:00 AM, Saturday
- May 21 - Jul 23
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Movement - Youth
- 06:10 PM - 6:45 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- Jun 21 - Jul 14
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Movement - Preschool
- 05:30 PM - 6:05 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- Jun 21 - Jul 14
- Mixed
Stage 3: Water Stamina
TIME: 35 minutes
Water Stamina is the third stage of swim lessons and the final stage in the Swim Basics phase. In this stage, students learn basic stroke techniques, rotary breathing and integrated arm and leg action. In the event they fall into a body of water, children learn how to swim, move to safety and exit.
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Cleaver - Water Stamina - Preschool
- 06:15 PM - 6:50 PM, Monday
- May 16 - Jul 18
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Stamina - Preschool
- 05:30 PM - 6:05 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- May 17 - Jun 9
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Stamina - Youth
- 06:10 PM - 6:45 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- May 17 - Jun 9
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Stamina - Preschool
- 09:40 AM - 10:15 AM, Saturday
- May 21 - Jul 23
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Stamina - Youth
- 10:25 AM - 11:00 AM, Saturday
- May 21 - Jul 23
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Stamina - Preschool
- 05:30 PM - 6:05 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- Jun 21 - Jul 14
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Stamina - Youth
- 06:10 PM - 6:45 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- Jun 21 - Jul 14
- Mixed
Stage 4: Stroke Introduction
TIME: 35 minutes
Stroke Introduction is the fourth stage of swim lessons and the first in the Swim Strokes category. Students develop the basic frontcrawl and backcrawl strokes and are introduced to components of the breaststroke and butterfly strokes. Students also build endurance and practice safety techniques for deep water.
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Cleaver - Stroke Introduction - Preschool
- 06:15 PM - 6:50 PM, Monday
- May 16 - Jul 18
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Stroke Introduction - Youth
- 06:50 PM - 7:25 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- May 17 - Jun 9
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Stroke Introduction - Preschool
- 06:10 PM - 6:45 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- May 17 - Jun 9
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Stroke Introduction - Preschool
- 10:25 AM - 11:00 AM, Saturday
- May 21 - Jul 23
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Stroke Introduction - Youth
- 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM, Saturday
- May 21 - Jul 23
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Stroke Introduction - Youth
- 06:50 PM - 7:25 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- Jun 21 - Jul 14
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Stroke Introduction - Preschool
- 06:10 PM - 6:45 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- Jun 21 - Jul 14
- Mixed
Stage 5: Stroke Development
TIME: 35 minutes
Stroke Development is the fifth stage of swim lessons. Students continue to work on their stroke techniques and are introduced to all competitive strokes. Swimmers develop stamina in the basic frontcrawl and backcrawl strokes, learn the breast and butterfly strokes. Deep water safety and endurance are also reinforced.
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Cleaver - Stroke Development - Youth
- 06:50 PM - 7:35 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- May 17 - Jun 9
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Stroke Development - Youth
- 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM, Saturday
- May 21 - Jul 23
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Stroke Development - Youth
- 06:50 PM - 7:35 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- Jun 21 - Jul 14
- Mixed
Stage 6: Stroke Mechanics
TIME: 45 minutes
For kids able to swim the competitive strokes, Stroke Mechanics offers an opportunity to further develop skills and form. Classes use drills to improve technique and also include instruction and practice on turns and streamlines.
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Cleaver - Stroke Mechanics - Youth
- 06:50 PM - 7:35 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- May 17 - Jun 9
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Stroke Mechanics - Youth
- 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM, Saturday
- May 21 - Jul 23
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Stroke Mechanics - Youth
- 06:50 PM - 7:35 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- Jun 21 - Jul 14
- Mixed
Adult Swim Lessons
TIME: 45 minutes
It's never too late to learn to swim at the Y. Whether you're a beginner or wanting to improve your strokes, adult swim lessons help you feel more comfortable in the water, develop skills and build confidence.
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Cleaver - Adult Swim Lessons - Beginner
- 12:05 PM - 12:50 PM, Saturday
- May 21 - Jun 18
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Adult Swim Lessons - Intermediate
- 12:05 PM - 12:50 PM, Saturday
- May 21 - Jun 18
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Adult Swim Lessons - Advanced
- 12:05 PM - 12:50 PM, Saturday
- May 21 - Jun 18
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Adult Swim Lessons - Advanced
- 12:05 PM - 12:50 PM, Saturday
- Jun 25 - Jul 23
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Adult Swim Lessons - Intermediate
- 12:05 PM - 12:50 PM, Saturday
- Jun 25 - Jul 23
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Adult Swim Lessons - Beginner
- 12:05 PM - 12:50 PM, Saturday
- Jun 25 - Jul 23
- Mixed
Hurricanes and Vortex
Swim Clubs
Kids looking to take their skills to the next level can sign up for Swim Club. Vortex meets Mon. and Wed. 5:45-6:45 p.m. Hurricanes meets Mon. and Wed.
6:30-7:45 p.m. Vortex and Hurricanes both meet on Saturday at 10:15-11:15 a.m. Fees: $50 Y member, $90 community participant, per month. Visit or call the Welcome Center for more information.