For more information, contact Suzi Pellegrino,
Aquatics Director, 908-273-3330 x 149

Summer Program Session, June 23 to August 24, 2008

Registration begins on June 9 for Family Members

June 10 for Youth Members

DOWNLOAD Summer Youth Aquatic Classes

DOWNLOAD CURRENT YOUTH AQUATIC CLASS SCHEDULE

YOUTH AQUATICS CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

The YMCA Aquatic Program involves classes that are participant-centered. The emphasis is on learning, not passing or failing. Each developmental level is divided into five components which include personal safety, personal growth, stroke development, water games and rescue. It is not uncommon for a child to repeat any given level. Instructors review each child’s skill level 2-3 weeks before the session ends to make a proper assessment for the following session. Asessments will be given to parents.

NOTE - According to YMCA standards the instructor to participant ratios are as follows:

PARENT AND CHILD LESSONS

A great way for parents/caregivers to spend time with their child while exploring and learning about the water environment. Songs, games, and toys are tools used to teach the basics of
swimming.

Parent/Child 1 (6-18 mos. Lesson time 30 minutes) A water orientation class for parent and child that promotes basic water adaptation. Children must be 6 months by the first day of class. Class is performed in shallow water.

Parent/Child 2 (18 mos.- 2 ½ yrs. Lesson time 30 minutes) 30 minutes) A water adjustment class for parent and child. The instructor will guide the parent in teaching their child basic swim skills and independence. Class is performed primarily in shallow water but may use the deep end.

Perch (2 ½ yrs. – 3 yrs. Lesson time 30 minutes) A more structured parent and child class that will prepare the child to enter the pre-school program. Class will focus on following directions and swimming basics. Children should be swimming independent from parent with
flotation. Class will use the shallow and deep ends of the pool.

PRESCHOOL AQUATICS (Child must be 3 years old by the first day of class. Lesson time 30 minutes)

These are group classes without a parent. Lessons are 30 minutes in length and the child must be 3 years old by the first day of class. The Preschool Aquatic Program stresses enjoyment, development of children’s confidence and safety. Each class emphasizes mental and spiritual growth as well as physical development. Flotation devices are provided by the YMCA.

Pike 1 (3 – 5 yrs) A water adjustment class for the child with no swimming experience. Skills taught: paddle stroke with running and kicking with barbell.

Pike 2 (3 – 5 yrs) Prerequisite: swim independently with a flotation device. Skills taught: Paddle stroke with kick, rhythmic breathing, and back float skills.

Eel (3 – 5 yrs) Prerequisite: swim 10 ft with no flotation and swim 25 yards with limited flotation. Skills taught: rotary breathing, swimming on back, and swimming more confidently without flotation.

Sea Snake (3 – 5 yrs) Prerequisite: swim 45 ft with no flotation. This class requires instructor recommendation and can be thought of as an advanced Eel class. Skills taught: rotary breathing, swimming on back, and swimming more confidently without flotation.

Ray (3 – 5 yrs) Prerequisite: swim 25 yards with no flotation device (paddle stroke with face in the water) and 25 yards swimming on back with no flotation. Skills taught: Front crawl (freestyle), treading, and rudimentary backstroke.

Stingray (3 – 6 yrs) Prerequisite: swim 25 yards with rudimentary front crawl (freestyle) and 25 yards on back with rudimentary back crawl (backstroke). This class requires instructor recommendation and can be thought of as an advanced Ray class. Skills taught: Front crawl (freestyle), treading, and backstroke. Depending on the ability of the class participants, instructor may teach rudimentary breaststroke. Ratio 1:6

YOUTH AQUATICS (6 – 14 yrs)

A progressive swim program where participants learn at their own pace and advance when they have acquired the skills necessary for the next class level. Lessons vary from 30 to 45 minutes.

Polliwog 1 (Lesson Time 30 min.) This class is for the non-swimmer who needs a flotation device to swim independently. Skills taught: rotary breathing, paddle stroke, and back float.

Polliwog 2 (Lesson Time 30 min.) Prerequisite: must be able to swim 25 yards (1 length of pool) without flotation device on both front and back. This class is for the advanced beginner. Skills taught: rotary breathing, front crawl (freestyle) and back float sculling.

Guppy (Lesson Time 30 min.) Prerequisite: must be able to swim 25 yards (1 length of the pool) with a rudimentary front crawl (freestyle), and scull on back for 25 yards (1 length of pool). Skills taught: coordinated front crawl with rotary breathing, back crawl (backstroke), and treading water.

Starfish (Lesson Time 30 min. 6-9 yrs of age only) Prerequisite: instructor recommendation, must be able to do a coordinated lap of front crawl (freestyle) and back crawl (backstroke) without resting between lengths. This class focuses on stroke development and endurance. Participants will swim multiple laps without resting at each end. Skills taught: breaststroke, sidestroke, and elementary backstroke.

Penguins (Lesson Time 45 min, 5-9 years) Prerequiste: staff recommendation, must be able to swim 50 yards coordinated freestyle, backstroke and breastroke without resting bettween laps.  Skills taught: competitive stroke perfection, dolphin kick, rudimentary butterfly, competitive turns.

Minnow (Lesson time 45 min.) Prerequisite: must be able to swim 50 yards (2 lengths of the pool) of each front crawl (freestyle) and back crawl (backstroke) without resting in between lengths. Skills taught: rudimentary breaststroke, elementary backstroke, and sidestroke.

Fish (Lesson Time 45 min.) Prerequisite: must be able to swim 50 yards (2 lengths of the pool) of front crawl (freestyle), back crawl (backstroke), and rudimentary breaststroke without resting in between lengths. Skills taught: coordinated breaststroke, dolphin kick, open turns, and endurance swimming.

Flying Fish (Lesson Time 45 min.) Prerequisite: must be able to swim 100 yards (4 lengths of the pool) of each front crawl (freestyle), back crawl (backstroke), and breaststroke. Swimmers should need limited rest between each 100 yd swim. Skills taught: butterfly, competitive turns, and continued work on endurance swimming.

Shark (Lesson Time 45 min.) Prerequisite: must be able to swim a 200 yd individual medley ( 2 lengths each of butterfly, back crawl, breaststroke, and front crawl) continuously. Swimmers must also be able to complete the requirements of flying fish with limited rest and instruction. Skills taught: lifesaving strokes and endurance swimming.

PRE-COMPETITIVE PROGRAMS

These programs were developed as a means to teach developmental swimmers the skills needed to become competitive. Classes are formatted based on a competitive practice with a focus on increasing speed, endurance, and technique.

Seal Pups (5 – 9 yrs, Lesson Time 45 min.) Prerequisite: must be at least a Starfish level swimmer. Emphasis is on improving stroke techniques through swimming drills and endurance swimming. Some emphasis will be on competitive starts and turns depending on the make-up and skill level of the group. Ratio: 1 instructor per 12 participants

Intramurals (10 – 18 yrs, Lesson Time 45 min.) Prerequisite: must have completed Flying Fish level. Emphasis is on endurance swimming and increasing a swimmers ability to race effectively. Some emphasis will be on stroke technique, but instructors will focus on the use of stroke drills and kicking. Some emphasis will be on competitive starts and turns depending on the make-up and skill level of the group. Ratio: 1 instructor per 24 participants

Due to class ratios and to keep classes at a consistent level, we cannot offer makeup swim lessons for pre-school and youth swim classes. If your child has a long illness and cannot continue through a session, you can apply for a credit; a doctor’s note is required. We do not give credits for individual classes missed regardless of the reason.