YMCA of Northwest
Florida
aquatics
Aquatics
Personal Training
Massage Therapy
Whenever you face
trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the
testing of your faith produces endurance.
James 1:2-3
Swimming Lessons
We offer swimming lessons for all ages at all of our locations. At the Downtown Branch, our indoor pool is heated to 84*, offering us the opportunity to provide lessons year-round. At our Northeast and Pullum branches, we offer lessons during the summer at our outdoor pools. Our award-winning youth swimming program of instruction, training and testing allows for progressive skill development from beginner to advanced skills and strokes.
Children ages 3-12 are placed in lessons
according to their age and ability. Preschool classes (3- to
5-year-old's) stress water safety, water adjustment and beginning swimming
skills. Progressive lessons (6-year-old's and up) allow for development into
advanced skills and strokes. We maintain a 1:6 instructor-to-student ratio.
3- to
5-year-old swimmers
Pike -
This
class works on the students becoming comfortable with the instructor in the
water and begins to learn first steps in swimming
Eel -
This
class works on becoming stronger in the water and to learn to swim without
assistance
Ray - Students in this class have to be comfortable putting their face in the water and holding their breath as they swim
6- to
12-year-old swimmers
Polliwog
– This class works on basic stroke development and becoming comfortable in
the water
Guppy -
Students in this class should be able to swim without assistance with the
face in the water for a short distance
Minnow -
Students in this class should be able to swim with their face
in the water for a full length of the pool
Instructor A
4-4:30 pm
Pike
Eel
4:30-5 pm
Eel
Ray
5-5:30 pm
Pike
Ray
5:30-6 pm
Polliwog
Guppy/Minnow
DOWNTOWN BRANCH (YEAR-ROUND LESSONS)
Youth Swim Lessons
Weekday classes run for three weeks on Monday/Wednesday/Friday, with the
Friday of the third week available for a makeup day if needed.
Saturday classes meet once a week for eight weeks.
Mon/
Wed/ Fri Youth Swim Lessons
Instructor B
3- to 5-year-old
First time lessons
3- to 5-year-old
3- to 5-year-old
3- to 5-year-old
3- to 5-year-old
First time lessons
3- to 5-year-old
6- to 12-yr-old
First time lessons
6- to12-year-old
| Pike (3- to 5-year-old's) | 10-10:30 am |
| Polliwog (6- to 12-year-old's) | 10:45-11:15 am |
| Eel/Ray (3- to 5-year-old's) | 11:30 am-noon |
| Guppy/Minnow (6- to 12-yr-old's) | 12:15-12:45 pm |
Adult Swim Lessons
Classes meet on Saturdays for eight weeks.
Participants set the pace of the class, and each participant gets individual
attention and guidance depending on ability and desire. Adult Beginners meet
from 12:45-1:30 pm.; Adult Intermediate meets from 1:40-2:25 p.m.
Parent/Tot Swim
Together, both the parent and the child (ages 6 months-3 years) are introduced to the joy of aquatics.
Water adjustment and play are the first priorities. Parents work with children
to blow bubbles, kick, and float on both their belly and back. This class is a wonderful
introduction that prepares the child for YMCA swim lessons. No diapers, please.
Two sessions are available: Saturdays from 9:20-9:50 a.m. (for 8 weeks) or
Tuesdays/Thursdays from 9:30-10 a.m. (for 4 weeks).
Cost: $25/session for family members; $50/session for program members
Aquatic Fitness Classes
We also offer a variety of fitness classes in the pool at our Downtown Branch. The resistance of the water provides additional intensity to a workout without the risk of injury that participants may experience on the land. Plus the aquatic environment is especially supportive to those recovering from injury, arthritis sufferers, seniors concerned about their balance, and expectant mothers. Here's a look at the aquatic fitness choices available Downtown:
Aquamotion
Provides a low impact cardiovascular workout with a special emphasis for people who have arthritis and/or other limiting medical conditions. Body toning, flexibility, range of motion, and endurance-building are all a part of each class.
Deep Water
Aerobics
With the use of buoyancy equipment, the entire class is conducted in the deep water,
providing an intense cardiovascular workout. The deep water provides greater
resistance than shallow water, but there is no impact. Tuesday and Thursday evening
classes provide special emphasis for but not limited to the prenatal/postnatal exerciser.
Aquafitness
Designed for swimmers and non-swimmers who are water lovers. This refreshing and social exercise class gives you a total body workout in a non-choreographed design. This means one does not always have to think about what is the next step. A good program for those who have built up to a full hour class.
Wet & Wild
This fast-moving water class is designed for the individual who is looking for a cardiovascular challenge through choreographed moves and an intense level of energy. Never the same class twice, this class will stimulate your body as well as your mind!
Power Hour
The Power Hour starts with a warm up, then 45 minutes of caloric-burning, high energy aerobic water exercise to music. A strength conditioning, toning and flexibility segment wraps up a super workout. Hydrofit cuffs, hand buoys and a variety of deep and shallow water routines make this class an overall body toning and cardio-pumping session.
Click here to view a copy of the current Downtown pool schedule.
For more information on our
aquatics programs, contact
Downtown Branch's Fitness/Aquatics Director Erin Fergus at
efergus@ymca-nwflorida.org
Northeast/Myrtle Grove Branch's Program Director Mark Baker at
mbaker@ymca-nwflorida.org.
Pullum Branch's Wellness Director Dottie Thomas at
dthomas@ymca-nwflorida.org.