SWIMMING

At the Y, swim lessons save lives. They provide kids and teens with the opportunity to set goals and achieve success, learn water safety and enjoy swimming as a form of exercise. Youth learn not only how to have fun learning to swim, they gain lifelong confidence in and out of the water. Trained YMCA staff teach essential swimming and water safety skills to youth ages infant-17 years in a fun and positive environment. Adult classes are available at select locations.

YMCA SUMMER

POOL LOCATIONS

Click on the buttons below to view swim lessons schedules for each pool site.

ANAHEIM HIGH SCHOOL POOL

COMING SUMMER 2024

CANYON HIGH SCHOOL POOL

COMING SUMMER 2024

CYPRESS HIGH SCHOOL POOL

SPRING REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 15TH

KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL POOL

COMING SUMMER 2024

PEARSON PARK POOL

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

Join us for free public swim at Pearson Park Pool in Anaheim. YMCA lifeguards are on duty to ensure everyone is safe.

To make a FREE reservation, please “Schedule a Visit” for EACH member of your party using your FREE YMCA Member online account. Reservations are available up to 3 weeks in advance.

FRIDAYS     2:20pm-4:00pm     June 7th – August 30th

SATURDAYS     1:30pm-4:00pm     June 8th – September 21st

SUNDAYS     1:30pm-4:00pm     June 9th – September 22nd

Please review Safety Policies before making a reservation:

  • A swim suit must be worn to enter the pool, no street clothes are allowed in the water.
  • Please follow all instructions given by lifeguards.
  • Members visiting with small children must enter the water with their children.
  • To preserve a safe and positive experience for all, disruptive or dangerous behavior (as determined by YMCA staff) is not permitted.
  • Water and snacks are allowed, but no glassware is permitted in the facility.
  • Please see supervisor on duty with any questions.

WATER
SAFETY

SWIM
ATTIRE

CONCUSSION
FACTS

LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION

This course is designed to provide the participants with the knowledge and skills needed to be a lifeguard and professional rescuer. This is a BLENDED LEARNING Course. Participants must complete online skills portion of course prior to second class meeting. Participants will be certified in CPR for the Professional Rescuer, Basic First Aid for the Community and Emergency Oxygen Administration. The course presents information on the skills and knowledge lifeguards need in pool. The comprehensive course offers up-to-date information on how to lifeguard by anticipating and preventing problems before they occur and by taking action to help those in danger when necessary. Course covers safety skills, accident prevention, scanning, guarding techniques, emergency systems, rescue skills, first aid in aquatic environments, spinal injury management, open water dangers, legal responsibilities, pool management, and information on how to get a job as a lifeguard.

All lifeguards must complete the Lifeguard Certification course.

PREREQUISITES

  • Minimum of age of 16 by the last day of the scheduled course.
  • Those under the age of 18 must have parental consent to participate in the course.
  • Swim 300 yards (12 laps of a 25-yard pool) without stopping, using the front crawl and breaststroke.
  • Tread water for 2 minutes using only legs.
  • Retrieve a 10lb weight from 7 feet, and then swim 20 yards with weight, using legs only.

Blended Learning Course

  • 7 hours of online education modules
  • 13+ hours In-Person skills

Participants must complete online learning and attend all in-person sessions:

  • Friday, June 9 4:00-7:00pm
  • Saturday, June 10, 11:30am-4:30pm
  • Sunday, June 11, 11:30am-4:30pm

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION

Participants must attend all scheduled class dates and times, demonstrate proficient land and water skills, and pass the written exam with a score of least 80 percent.

ANAHEIM FAMILY YMCA: SWIM REFUND POLICY

1. Full refunds will be approved if a Refund Request Form is received at least 5 business days prior to the start of the program.

2. Refund Requests submitted after start date of the program will be charged a $10.00 processing fee and may be approved for a partial credit. If approved, refunds will be issued as system credit, available to be used for any future registration/program fees. This is determined on a case by case basis program/department director.

3. Due to program structure and logistics, there will be no make-up classes, refunds, or system credits given for individual absences. 

4. All refunds are approved by the program director or coordinator of the program.

5. Approved requests will be refunded within 2-3 weeks by mail if originally paid by check or cash. Fees originally paid by credit/debit card can be refunded directly if card is still valid, otherwise will be issued by check.

6. Refunds may be requested as a system credit to be used towards future registration/program fees (in any Anaheim YMCA program).

7. If there is a medical reason given for the member not attending the program, a refund or system credit will be issued if documentation is provided. (ex: Doctor’s note).

8. The Anaheim Family YMCA reserves the right to cancel a program that does not have the minimum enrollment. Programs cancelled by the Anaheim Family YMCA will be refunded by credit card return, system credit, or check (based on original payment method and the member’s preference).

9. A Refund Request Form must be submitted in order to be considered for a refund. All requests are subject to program director approval and are not guaranteed.

YMCA Swim Lessons – Frequently Asked Questions

Arrival Time: We recommend arriving “swim-ready” 5 minutes before your scheduled class time. For safety reasons, please do not allow your children to sit poolside unless the instructor is present at the wall.

Swimming Attire: Most bathing suits and swim trunks are acceptable. We ask that you make sure that your child’s swimwear fits snuggly so it will not hinder any movement. Children should not wear swim suits with any built-in flotation. For swimmers with long hair, it should be securely tied back to prevent distraction and interference with skill development.

Swimming Accessories:

  • Swim Caps: If your child is prone to chill, a swim cap may help. We welcome and encourage this!
  • Goggles: For beginning swimmers, goggles can present a false sense of safety. If your swimmer feels they need goggles, they may bring them; however, for safety reasons a portion of lessons will be spent encouraging participants to be comfortable without goggles.
  • Ear plugs/Nose clips: If you are considering using either of these as an aid for your young swimmer, please first discuss it with your instructor. Sometimes these accessories may be more of a hindrance than an aid.

Cancellation/Sick Policy: Children who have been ill should be kept at home. This is in the best interest of their health as well as the health of other class participants and the instructor. Unfortunately, non-attendance for any reason does not entitle you to a refund or a make-up class. We will make every attempt to offer a make-up class if the YMCA must cancel a lesson. Unfortunately, alternate make-up classes cannot be offered, nor does non-attendance to a make-up class entitle you to a refund.

Bathroom Use: We encourage all participants to arrive early enough to use the restroom before class begins. For all participants who are not potty trained, we require the use of a swim diaper in the pool. Parents/Guardians must remain present on the pool deck during lessons to escort their children to the restroom, if needed.

Swim Level Placement & First Day Evaluations: Children will be evaluated by instructors on the first day of lessons to ensure they are in the proper level for their ability and skill level. If we determine your child has been placed in the wrong level, the instructor will discuss this with you and the pool supervisors and will do their best to offer an adequate solution. Children may be moved into a different class level for their safety and the integrity of the program.

Where should I watch my child’s lesson? There are several seating areas located on each pool deck. We ask that parents/guardians remain present on the pool deck during swim lessons, but leave clearance around all perimeters of the pool for lifeguard access and allow children to focus on their instructor’s directions without interference.

If I would like to talk to someone, who should I approach and when? We encourage you to introduce yourself to your child’s swim instructor. If you have questions or concerns, please communicate with them at the end of class. Our pool supervisors are also always available to speak with parents/guardians. For safety reasons, please allow our lifeguards to give their full attention to supervising swimmers; please do not bring questions/concerns to lifeguards. Instead, please address them with our pool supervisors.

How long will it take for my child to learn how to swim? Each child learns at their unique pace. The YMCA uses a developmental series of steps in a natural progression working towards mastering: water adjustment, buoyancy, body position, arm and leg development, forward movement and ending with stroke technique. In general, each child’s readiness is influenced by physical development, previous experience, and behavioral maturity.

Registration for next session: Certificates will be given on the last day of class. It is not unusual for a swimmer to repeat a level more than once because swimming is progressive. All skills must be achieved for a given level before a child can move to the next level. Classes can fill up fast, particularly in popular time slots, so register early. If your child’s recommended level on their completion certificate differs from what you’ve signed up for, please speak to the pool supervisor about moving to the correct level.

Why do I see my child playing or sitting on the side when they should be learning to swim? We pride ourselves in teaching the building blocks of swimming through four additional components: character development, safety, and water games. Through play, your child will gain considerable knowledge and skill development by staying engaged. We also set aside time to discuss and incorporate character values: caring, respect, responsibility, and honesty. Our goal is to develop a well-rounded swimmer, not just one with perfect technique.

Why does my child work on the same things every day? Repetition is the key to learning for most young children. Repeating games and skills give children something to look forward to. Swim lesson participants also feel a greater sense of success by mastering a skill they have been replicating.

What do I do if my child is crying or won’t get in the water? Children may experience fear due to separation anxiety or the overwhelming feeling caused by the pool environment. We ask that you trust our staff in helping your child overcome their apprehension. We encourage hesitant swimmers to continue attending lessons. Our instructors and pool supervisors will communicate with you if they feel your child may have better success in a parent-child class, or if they may need a little more time before they are ready for swim lessons.

What do I do if my child is misbehaving? We ask that you review appropriate class behavior and pool rules with your child. We encourage parents to lead by example and help children understand “respect” for the water, classmates, and instructors. Our instructors and lifeguards use positive reinforcement to encourage appropriate class behavior. If our staff do not have success with this approach, we will notify you to help support appropriate behavior for your child in class.

What can I do to ensure my child will learn to swim and pass their level? We do not establish passing a level as our primary definition of success. We consider learning to swim a never-ending process and as a chance to encourage motor, language and social skills as well as emotional development. It is extremely normal for a child to remain in the same class level for multiple sessions. If you have questions about your child’s swim level, please speak to a pool supervisor on site.

Any other questions, please contact the Community Services Program Director, Caitlyn Fry, at 714-635-9622, or cfry@anaheimymca.org.

FIRST AID CLASSES

The Anaheim Family YMCA offers CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and First Aid classes. Learn how to perform CPR and administer First Aid to adults, children, and infants with confidence. This course will equip you with the skills you need to save lives, protect family and friends, and feel confident if an accident occurs.

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CPR & First Aid classes teach you how to recognize and care for a variety of first aid emergencies, such as burns, cuts, scrapes, sudden illnesses, head, neck and back injuries, as well as heat and cold emergencies. You’ll also learn how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies, so you can be prepared to respond in any situation.

ANAHEIM FAMILY YMCA SITE LOCATIONS!

Interested in registering for the programs above? You can find more information on the specific locations where we currently offer these programs by clicking on the map button below.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The Anaheim Family YMCA is committed to making its programs available to everyone. We offer Financial Assistance to reduce program fees to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.