Swim Lessons
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 816.285.9622.
Stage A: Water Discovery
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
- Feb 4 - Feb 25
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Discovery - Parent/Child
- 09:00 AM - 9:30 AM, Saturday
- Mar 4 - Mar 25
- Mixed
Stage B: Water Exploration
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
- Feb 4 - Feb 25
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Exploration - Parent/Child
- 09:00 AM - 9:30 AM, Saturday
- Mar 4 - Mar 25
- Mixed
Stage 1: Water Acclimation
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, Tuesday, Thursday
- Feb 7 - Mar 2
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Acclimation - Preschool
- 09:40 AM - 10:15 AM, Saturday
- Mar 4 - Apr 29
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Acclimation - Preschool
- 05:30 PM - 6:05 PM, Monday
- Mar 6 - Apr 24
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Acclimation - Preschool
- 05:30 PM - 6:05 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- Mar 7 - Mar 30
- Mixed
Stage 2: Water Movement
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, Tuesday, Thursday
- Feb 7 - Mar 2
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Movement - Youth
- 06:10 PM - 6:45 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- Feb 7 - Mar 2
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Movement - Preschool
- 09:40 AM - 10:15 AM, Saturday
- Mar 4 - Apr 29
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Movement - Youth
- 10:25 AM - 11:00 AM, Saturday
- Mar 4 - Apr 29
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Movement - Preschool
- 05:30 PM - 6:05 PM, Monday
- Mar 6 - Apr 24
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Movement - Youth
- 06:55 PM - 7:30 PM, Monday
- Mar 6 - Apr 24
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Movement - Preschool
- 05:30 PM - 6:05 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- Mar 7 - Mar 30
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Movement - Youth
- 06:15 PM - 6:50 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- Mar 7 - Mar 30
- Mixed
Stage 3: Water Stamina
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
- 05:30 PM - 6:05 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- Feb 7 - Mar 2
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Stamina - Youth
- 06:10 PM - 6:45 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- Feb 7 - Mar 2
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Stamina - Preschool
- 09:40 AM - 10:15 AM, Saturday
- Mar 4 - Apr 29
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Stamina - Youth
- 10:25 AM - 11:00 AM, Saturday
- Mar 4 - Apr 29
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Stamina - Preschool
- 06:15 PM - 6:50 PM, Monday
- Mar 6 - Apr 24
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Stamina - Preschool
- 05:30 PM - 6:05 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- Mar 7 - Mar 30
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Water Stamina - Youth
- 06:15 PM - 6:50 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- Mar 7 - Mar 30
- Mixed
Stage 4: Stroke Introduction
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
- 06:10 PM - 6:45 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- Feb 7 - Mar 2
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Stroke Introduction - Youth
- 06:50 PM - 7:25 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- Feb 7 - Mar 2
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Stroke Introduction - Preschool
- 10:25 AM - 11:00 AM, Saturday
- Mar 4 - Apr 29
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Stroke Introduction - Youth
- 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM, Saturday
- Mar 4 - Apr 29
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Stroke Introduction - Preschool
- 06:15 PM - 6:50 PM, Monday
- Mar 6 - Apr 24
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Stroke Introduction - Youth
- 06:55 PM - 7:30 PM, Monday
- Mar 6 - Apr 24
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Stroke Introduction - Preschool
- 06:15 PM - 6:50 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- Mar 7 - Mar 30
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Stroke Introduction - Youth
- 07:00 PM - 7:35 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- Mar 7 - Mar 30
- Mixed
Stage 5: Stroke Development
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
- Feb 7 - Mar 2
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Stroke Development - Youth
- 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM, Saturday
- Mar 4 - Apr 29
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Stroke Development - Youth
- 07:00 PM - 7:45 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- Mar 7 - Mar 30
- Mixed
Stage 6: Stroke Mechanics
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
- Feb 7 - Mar 2
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Stroke Mechanics - Youth
- 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM, Saturday
- Mar 4 - Apr 29
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Stroke Mechanics - Youth
- 07:00 PM - 7:45 PM, Tuesday, Thursday
- Mar 7 - Mar 30
- Mixed
Adult Swim Lessons
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
- Feb 4 - Feb 25
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Adult Swim Lessons - Intermediate
- 12:05 PM - 12:50 PM, Saturday
- Feb 4 - Feb 25
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Adult Swim Lessons - Advanced
- 12:05 PM - 12:50 PM, Saturday
- Feb 4 - Feb 25
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Adult Swim Lessons - Beginner
- 12:05 PM - 12:50 PM, Saturday
- Mar 4 - Mar 25
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Adult Swim Lessons - Intermediate
- 12:05 PM - 12:50 PM, Saturday
- Mar 4 - Mar 25
- Mixed
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Cleaver - Adult Swim Lessons - Advanced
- 12:05 PM - 12:50 PM, Saturday
- Mar 4 - Mar 25
- Mixed
Hurricanes and Vortex
Swim Clubs
For kids ready to take their swim skills to the next level, Swim Club provides an opportunity to work on strokes, build endurance and participate in meets in a positive and fun atmosphere. This semi-competitive group is ideal for the swimmers who have completed swim lessons, have a knowledge of the four competitive strokes and may have an interest in participating on a competitive swim team in the future. Visit or call the Welcome Center for more information.