Swim, Sports, & Play
Youth Swim Lessons
Make A Splash
At the Y we believe the ability to swim is a critical life skill for every child, teen and adult. Our experienced swim instructors teach the nationally recognized Y Progressive Swim Program. We focus on personal safety and personal growth opportunities, stroke development, rescue techniques and water sports and games. Our swim lesson design encourages positive values and promotes growth in a fun and caring atmosphere. By educating and partnering with parents and families we’re determined to prevent drowning in our community.
All of our swim instructors are:
- Certified in CPR from the American Red Cross
- Certified in First Aid from the American Red Cross
- Certified as a Y Swim Lesson Instructor (from the Y) and/or a Water Safety Instructor (from the American Red Cross) OR
- Are working toward one of the above two instructor certifications
We employ only the best staff, all of whom exhibit our values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility—and who are passionate about teaching children the life skill of swimming.
Classes for younger children take place in our Program Pool
Classes for older children take place in our Lap Pool
To schedule a free evaluation to determine your child’s level, please email Jess Lukas or call 802 862 8993 x143.
Pre-registration is required. Swim lessons run for six weeks, Winter Season (January 9 - February 19) and Early Spring Season (February 20 - April 1), and all lessons take place in the pools in Burlington. Please click the 'Register' button for days and times.
Social Infant & Parent Swim (Ages 6 Months-36 Months)
This 30 minute class provides the highest quality of early water experiences for children from 6 months to 3 years. Kids progress through four levels, from water adjustment through basic skills. Program instruction is directed toward helping parents work with children and we focus on creating a special, fun time for parents and children to interact through water games, songs and basic movements. One adult must accompany each child.
Parent Pike (Ages 3-5)
This 30 minute class is for children who are not ready to be away from an adult for swim lessons. This is a transitional class that will introduce skills to the child and adult together. Graduation day is when the parents are out of the water and the children are comfortable in the class. One adult must accompany each child.Pike (Ages 3-5)
Children are introduced to their first experience swimming without a parent. Instructors work with students to teach independence and confidence in the water through basic swim skills and safety.Eel (Ages 3-5)
Instructors focus on stroke development, endurance and building independence and confidence while swimming. Children must be comfortable on their back and putting their face in the water while swimming.
Ray/Starfish (Ages 3-5)
Instructors continue stroke development work, as well as proper breathing techniques and introducing timing with arm & leg movements.
Polliwog (Ages 6-12)
Polliwog instructors focus on the basics of kicking, arm motions, breathing, floating and safety with beginner swimmers. Polliwog classes take place in the Program Pool.
Guppy (Ages 6-12)
Our guppies begin their transition from the program pool into the lap pool. They begin rhythmic breathing as well as refining, backstroke and continuing to build endurance while learning safety skills and having fun.
Minnow (Ages 6-12)
Minnows work on refining strokes, building endurance and begin diving. Minnows should be able to complete 25 yards of freestyle, backstroke, breast stroke and elementary backstroke. Minnow classes take place in our Lap Pool.
Fish (Ages 6-12)
Fish instructors work with swimmers to refine strokes, increase endurance and introduce butterfly, open turns and survival floating.
Flying Fish / Shark (Ages 6-12)
Flying fish and shark instructors continue working on stroke development and stamina building to work towards completing 100 yards of front crawl, backstroke, butterfly and breaststroke. A focus on water safety is maintained as flying fish and sharks are becoming young adults who might be thinking about jobs as swim instructors and life guards.
Porpoise Club (Ages 12 & up)
Porpoises are those children who have passed the Fish level and are looking for more than a traditional swim lesson. Porpoises do a fitness swim workout each hour long class, as well as learn lifeguarding and water safety skills. As a continuation of the youth swim lessons, swimmers will develop further aquatic skills while allowing young adults to better their safety skills in the water and incorporate our core values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility. Participants will be introduced to elements of First Aid, CPR, lifeguarding and swim instruction skills with the goal of becoming a teaching assistant when they are prepared to.
In the Swim of Things (Ages 13 & up)
This program is designed for non-swimmers and less experienced swimmers unable to swim the length of the pool. Instructors focus on safety, skill development, and becoming comfortable in the pool.
Adaptive Swim Lessons
Individual 30 minute lessons for people with physical or developmental needs. Students will work one-on-one with an instructor. An application must be completed two weeks prior to lesson start date. Call Jess Lukas at 862-8993 ext. 143 for more information.
$20 per lesson
Private & Semi-Private Swim Lessons
Enjoy a personalized swim lesson with a qualified instructor no matter what your age! Your swim instructor will cater the lessons to specifically meet your needs and goals. Days and times will be arranged for the convenience of instructors and students; lessons last 30 minutes in length. To schedule a private or semi-private swim lesson, please contact Jess Lukas at jlukas@gbymca.org or 862-8993 ext. 143.
Private Lessons: $20 Members / $40 Non-Members
Semi-Private Lessons (2-5 swimmers): $15 Members / $35 Non-Members
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