Welcome to the David YMCA Aquatic Department!
We are dedicated to providing an exceptional swimming experience for the entire family. Whether you are participating in our swim lesson program, attending Aqua Aerobics, or lap swimming, we strive to offer you the highest quality facility and programs.
Follow the links below to find out more about the programs we offer, and we'll see you in the pool! Click here to view the Current Pool Schedule.
- David YMCA Parent/Child Swim Lessons
- David YMCA PreSchool Swim Lessons
- David YMCA Youth Swim Lessons
- David YMCA Phantoms Swim Team
- David YMCA Teen/Adult Programs
- David YMCA Family Aquatics Programs
- David YMCA SCUBA Programs
In swim lessons at the David YMCA, not only are you taught how to swim, but you also learn about yourself, the 6 pillars of Character Counts, safety and rescue skills, and water activities you can enjoy for a lifetime.
A variety of class times and types are available to meet your family's needs: mornings, afternoons, evenings, and Saturdays.
Not sure which lesson to place your child? It is important that children are placed in the correct level. Please consider the following class requirements and goals before registering your child. We value your feedback! Please feel free to contact our Aquatic Associate Directors, Sarah Davis or Ashley Poorman, with any questions, comments, or concerns you may have.
For information on dates, times and pricing, please refer to pages 12-19 of our Program Guide or call the David YMCA at 330-830-6275.
Parent/Child Swim Lessons (Ages 6 months to 3 yrs)
SHRIMP
Join our qualified instructors for a fun introduction to swimming for your infant. One parent is required to be in the water with the child. Classes are 30 minutes in length and involve lots of fun and singing. The class will focus on teaching the parent how to be safe with an infant in the water, how to instruct your infant in basic swimming skills, and get the infant used to the water environment. Ages 6 months - 3.
INIA
Transitional class from Shrimp. Parent will be shown how to teach his/her child how to learn basic arm & leg movements. Parent will be shown how to teach his / her child how to learn basic arm and leg movements. This is a great class for beginners with little or no experience, fear of water or separation anxiety. One parent is required to be in the water with the child. Ages 18 months - 5.
PERCH
Transitional class from Inia to Pike. Designed for water adjustment and parent separation. Class format: Weeks 1-3: parents accompany child in water. Week 4: parents sit on the side of the pool and join for free time. Weeks 5 - 6: parents will sit on the deck and enjoy! Ages 2 1/2 - 5.
PreSchool Swim Lessons (Ages 3-6)
PIKE
This level helps children develop safe pool behavior, adjust to the water, and develop independent movement in the water. It is designed for new swimmers, teaching basic paddle stroke and kicking skills, pool safety, proper use of IFDs and PFDs, and comfort with holding the face in the water while blowing bubbles and swimming. Ages 3-6.
EEL
This intermediate level reinforces Pike skills. It is for children who are comfortable in the water. They are taught to kick, dive, float, and perform the progressive paddle stroke. They also learn basic boating safety and use of PFDs. Children can swim across the pool without assistance by the end of this level.
Prerequisite Skills: *Front paddle stroke with face in the water unassisted ½ length of pool
*Back paddle, unassisted, ½ width of pool
RAY
At this advanced level children review previous skills, improve stroke skills, learn more personal, safety, and rescue skills, build endurance by swimming on their front and back, and learn to tread water and perform more progressive diving skills. Children can swim across the pool on their front and back without assistance by the end of this level.
Prerequisite Skills: *Front crawl, good form ½ length of pool
*Back paddle, unassisted, 1 length of pool
*Tread water
*Deep water confidence
STARFISH
At this advanced level children review previous skills, improve stroke skills, learn more personal, safety, and rescue skills, build endurance by swimming on their front and back, and learn to tread water and perform more progressive diving skills. Children can swim across the pool on their front and back without assistance by the end of this level.
Prerequisite Skills: *Front crawl, good form 1 length of pool
*Back paddle, unassisted, 1 length of pool
*Breaststroke intro
Youth Swim Lessons (1st Grade and up)
POLLIWOG
This is the beginning level for school-age children. It gets children acquainted with the pool, the use of flotation devices, and floating. By the end of this level, they should know the front paddle stroke, and side and back paddle. Children can swim across the pool without assistance by the end of this level.
Prerequisite Skills: This is a beginner's class, no prior swimming skills or experience required
GUPPY
The children continue to practice and build upon basic skills, now performing more skills without the aid of a flotation device. They are introduced to sidestroke, breaststroke, elementary backstroke, and diving. Children can swim a length of the pool without assistance at the end of this level.
Prerequisite Skills: *Float unassisted front and back
*Front paddle unassisted with face in water 10 yards
*Back paddle unassisted 10 yards
*Deep water confidence
MINNOW
This is an intermediate level. The children further refine the strokes they have learned as their skills become more like those normally used in swimming. They learn still more diving skills, personal safety, boating, and rescue. Having taken this level, children may now qualify to be on the David YMCA Phantoms Swim Team.
Prerequisite Skills: *Front crawl 2 lengths with good form
*Back paddle unassisted 1 length
*Tread water for 1 minute
FISH
At this point, students work to perform the crawl stroke, elementary backstroke, back crawl stroke, and sidestroke, with turns. They are introduced to the butterfly stroke. All strokes are refined as the students build endurance. Students are introduced to synchronized swimming, masks and fins, as well as advanced personal aquatic safety.
Prerequisite Skills: *Swim 4 lengths of refined front crawl
*Swim 2 lengths of backstroke
*Tread water for 5 minutes
*Swim 200 yards of any stroke
FLY FISH/SHARK
At this advanced level, students work on refining their strokes and increasing their endurance. They develop the ability to perform more complex combinations of synchronized swimming movements, learn to dive off a one-meter diving board, and are introduced to the use of a snorkel. They introduced to the inverted breaststroke, trudgen crawl, and the overarm sidestroke. Students in this level are encouraged to join the David YMCA Phantoms Swim Team to continue their swimming development.
Prerequisite Skills: *Swim 6 lengths of front crawl
*Swim 4 lengths of backstroke
*Swim 2 lengths of breast stroke
*Swim 300 yards (12 lengths) any stroke
YOUTH DIVING CLASS
- Children 1st grade and up need to be Minnow level or above
- Learn basic dives
- Approach, Approach with Jumps, Layout dive, Tuck dive and more
- Classes are 45 minutes long
YOUTH SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING
- Ages 6 & older
- Introduction to synchronized swimming
- Must be Minnow level or above
- Beautiful sport; dancing in the water
If you have a group and would like to schedule a SCUBA class, please contact Ashley Poorman at 330-830-6275 x 1108.
Phantoms Swim Team
The David YMCA Phantoms Swim Team offers the very best in competitive swimming instruction. As a member of the North East Ohio Swim League, the Phantoms swim against YMCAs across the North East region of Ohio. The Phantoms are also a USA swim team, able to participate in national competitions. Only registered USA Swimming club teams may send swimmers to Olympic time trial events.
Head Coach Sarah Davis has 7 years experience coaching Y swim teams and is a former Silver Streaks swimmer herself!
Any child age 6 to 18 may join the Phantoms Swim Team. We do ask that they be at least able to complete the skills required to register for our Minnow level swim class.
For a Phantoms information, practice & meet dates and times, please click here. If you were unable to attend the Parent Meeting, please click here for information that was passed out. Click here for the Emergency Medical Authorization and September and October calendars.
Please contact Coach Davis at 330-830-6275 x 1201 for additional information, or if you have any questions.
Teen/Adult Aquatics Programs (Ages 13 to 99)
TEEN BEGINNER SWIM LESSONS
- Ages 12 - 18
- Develop your stroke and gain endurance
- Introduction to personal safety
ADULT SWIM LESSONS
- Ages 18 & up
- Beginner and intermediate swimmers welcome
- Develop your stroke and gain endurance
- Introduction to personal safety
YMCA LIFEGUARDING
- National YMCA Lifeguarding Course
- CPR / AED, First Aid, and Oxygen Administration included
- Must pass a skill and endurance test
- Prerequisites: 16 minimum age by end of course (under 18 must have parental consent); must be able to attend all classes
- $10 non-refundable deposit required to take sill test.
- Click here for more information.
TEEN / ADULT WATER AEROBICS
Experience a workout high in intensity but low on impact! The water provides a unique fitness environment that eliminates the impact on your limbs and joints, while using the water's natural resistance to simultaneously boost intensity. Classes run continuously, do not require sign-ups, and are FREE to members. Please see the Pool Schedule for specific class times.
The David YMCA Water Aerobics program includes the following classes:
Water Pilates
- Adapted Pilates incorporates water resistance in workout
- Core strengthening, increased flexibility & stress reduction
- No impact.
- Held in shallow water -- no swimming skills required.
Water Yoga
- Experience relaxation and flexibility concepts of yoga while in the water.
- Focus on stretching, strengthening, and relaxation.
- All ability levels welcome.
- Held in shallow water -- no swimming skills required.
Water Tai Chi
- Combines the principles of water fitness and the graceful movements of Tai Chi.
- Improves balance, strength, agility, flexibility, coordination and mental focus.
- For ALL ability levels.
- Held in shallow end--no impact.
- Begins in January.
Shallow Water Aerobics
- High intensity aerobic workout, low impact.
- Water resistance tones and strengthens muscles.
Sea Circuit
- Fun, unique approach to fitness.
- Incorporates land and water drills
- High intensity aerobic workout, low impact.
- Water resistance tones and strengthens muscles.
- Aids triathlon training.
Aqua Fitness Swim
- Organized lap swimming workouts led by certified instructor
- Workouts for all levels
- Class will build muscle endurance--equipment used for increased strength.
- Must be able to swim several lengths during class
Deep Water Aerobics
- High intensity aerobic workout with low impact.
- Float belts worn for support, no swimming skills required.
- Water resistance tones and strengthens muscles.
H2O Combo
- Combines shallow and deep aerobic workouts.
- Float belts worn for support, no swimming skills required.
Arthritis Foundation Water Fitness
- Authorized Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program
- Ideal for individuals with fibromyalgia, arthritis, for those wanting to reduce pain and improve movement.
- No impact, shallow water class
Water Essential Elements
- One-on-One session instruction (Water Yoga, Tai Chi, Shallow or other).
- Perfect for those wanting individualized instruction or are intimidated by "group" style exercise classes.
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