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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.

AGES: 6 months - 12 years
FEES: Vary by Session
LOCATION: 7000 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64131

Swim Lesson Details

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.

NEW: Swim Conditioning Program

In addition to the levels of lessons listed below, we now offer Swim Conditioning for students who have completed swim lessons. The program focuses on continuing to build endurance and stroke technique on all major competitive strokes and encourages swimming as part of a healthy lifestyle. Register Online

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Stage A: Water Discovery

AGES: 6 months - 2 years

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.

Stage B: Water Exploration

AGES: 6 months - 2 years

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.

Stage 1: Water Acclimation

AGES: Preschool, ages 3-5 years

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.

Stage 2: Water Movement

AGES: Preschool, ages 3-5 years or Youth, ages 6-12 years

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.

Stage 3: Water Stamina

AGES: Preschool, ages 3-5 years or Youth, ages 6-12 years

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.

Stage 4: Stroke Introduction

AGES: Preschool, ages 3-5 years or Youth, ages 6-12 years

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.

Stage 5: Stroke Development

AGES: Youth, ages 6-12 years

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.

Stage 6: Stroke Mechanics

AGES: Youth, ages 6-12 years

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.

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. 

Swim Conditioning

Youth Swimmer
Aquatic Conditioning is one offering from the competitive pathway students can pursue following YMCA swim lessons. The program focuses on continuing to build endurance and stroke technique on all major competitive strokes and encourages swimming as part of a healthy lifestyle.