Water Safety and Swimming


From oceans to lakes to streams to swimming pools, water is everywhere: 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered in it! And while water can be an irresistible place for kids to explore, play and enjoy splashy fun, it can be risky for those who haven’t yet developed their water smarts.

America's most trusted swim instructor, the YMCA helps kids (and adults) of all ages, abilities and backgrounds develop skills they need to become strong, confident swimmers.

Benefits of Swimming


Swimming is a great way to strengthen, tone and condition muscles with little to no pressure or impact that other exercise may cause. Swimming increases muscle strength and tone quicker than many other types of exercises, according to YMCA aquatics directors. Water offers support for joints and bone. As you move into deeper water your body begins to decrease its weight bearing load. In layman’s terms, water helps support your weight. When you are immersed up to your neck, your body is only bearing 10 percent of its weight.

The Y is committed to empowering kids, and adults to lead healthy, active lifestyles. From gaining confidence to building positive relationships with friends and peers, swimming at the Y is about building and maintaining lifelong skills and healthy habits.

Swim Lessons


The Y provides children across the U.S. with access to swim lessons and water safety education. The Y introduced the country to group swim lessons over 110 years ago in 1909. Now, as one of the largest community-based organizations in the country, we teach more than a million children, especially those most at-risk of drowning, invaluable water safety and swimming skills each year.

The YMCA of Wayne and Holmes offers swimming lessons to every level of swimmer at the Ellen Shapiro Natatorium and the Orrville Branch Natatorium. We also offer SWIM TEAM opportunities for those who wish to swim competitively as well. To register click the sign up button below.

Sign Up

YMCA Swim Lesson Parent & Spectator Policy

Purpose
The YMCA is committed to providing a safe, positive, and effective learning environment for all swim lesson participants. To ensure the safety of swimmers, instructors, lifeguards, and spectators, the following guidelines apply to all swim lesson programs.

Parent Observation Policy
Parents, guardians, and spectators are welcome to observe swim lessons from the lobby
viewing areas only.
For the safety of all participants, parents and spectators are not permitted to remain on
the pool deck during swim lessons unless specifically authorized by YMCA staff.

Why This Policy Exists
This policy is designed to:

  • Allow children to focus on their instructor and lesson activities.
  • Minimize distractions for swimmers, instructors, and lifeguards.
  • Promote independence and confidence in the water.
  • Maintain a safe pool environment by limiting traffic and congestion on the pool deck.
  • Ensure lifeguards and instructors can focus their full attention on lesson participants.
  • Reduce the risk of accidents that may occur when spectators enter instructional areas.

Child Comfort and Emotional Support
It is normal for some children, especially those new to swimming lessons, to experience anxiety, hesitation, or tears during the learning process. YMCA instructors are trained to encourage and support swimmers in a positive manner. If a child becomes overly distressed, inconsolable, or unable to participate safely, YMCA staff will contact a parent or guardian and invite them to assist as needed. Our goal is always to create a positive experience while helping children build confidence and water safety skills.

Special Circumstances
The YMCA recognizes that some participants may have unique needs. Parents who believe their child requires accommodations due to medical, developmental, behavioral, or other special circumstances should discuss those needs with YMCA staff prior to the start of the session. Reasonable accommodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis; however, accommodations cannot compromise the safety of participants or the ability of staff to effectively conduct lessons.

Pool Deck Access
For safety and liability reasons, access to the pool deck is limited to:

  • Swim lesson participants
  • YMCA instructors
  • Lifeguards
  • Authorized YMCA staff
  • Individuals specifically approved by YMCA management

All others must remain in the lobby viewing areas.

Parent Communication
Parents are encouraged to communicate any concerns regarding their child's progress, comfort level, or lesson experience with the instructor or Aquatics Director before or after class.
To avoid disrupting instruction, parents should refrain from coaching, signaling, or communicating with children during lessons.

YMCA Right to Enforce Policy
The YMCA reserves the right to enforce all swim lesson policies and procedures to ensure a safe and productive environment for all participants. Failure to follow these policies may result in removal from the pool deck or, in extreme circumstances, removal from the program.

By registering for swim lessons, participants and their families acknowledge and agree to follow all YMCA swim lesson policies.

Every Kid Sports Program


Don't let program costs stop you from participating,
with The Every Kid Sports Pass we have assistance available upon qualification.

After you’ve checked your eligibility for the Every Kid Sports Pass, carefully apply and submit an application. Within 7-10 business days, our team will let you know if your application has been approved. This communication will be sent to the email used in your application. The approval email will provide instructions on how to access your funds, exclusively through the Chek™ mobile app. Once you access your funds, use them to help pay your youth sports registration fees!

Click here
to see if you qualify!

If you qualify
click here to apply!

Class Descriptions


Parent Child Lessons

Preschool Lessons

Progressive/Homeschool
Lessons

Adult/Private Swim Lessons