YMCA Louisville coach teaching children during swimming lessons
Female swim instructor talking with man holding young daughter

Swim Lessons

The YMCA is the nation's favorite swim instructor. We teach people of all ages and from all backgrounds that water can be fun — not feared — if you know how to stay safe in and around water.

Swim Lessons

Everyone should know how to swim! YMCA swim lessons are designed to teach this lifelong skill to children and adults of all skill levels in a safe environment. 

Develop confidence around water as you learn water safety skills and stroke technique, and discover the health benefits of swimming when integrated into your workout plan.

Looking for specific information? Use the links below to find what you're looking for.

Why the Y

  • SKILL DEVELOPMENT

    From beginner to advanced swim lessons, your child will build upon their skills year after year.

  • SAFE

    Safety has always been, and will continue to be, our top priority. The Y conducts background checks for all staff that engage with children. Our staff is highly trained in childcare including CPR and First Aid. There is also ongoing professional development.

  • CONFIDENCE

    Children gain the confidence they need to try new things, make new friends, and do well in school.

  • SELF-ESTEEM

    When you feel good about yourself, you have the courage to try new things and have new experiences.

Locations
  • Offered at the following YMCA locations: Clark County, Downtown, Floyd County, Northeast, Norton Commons, Oldham County, Republic Bank Foundation, Southeast, and Southwest.
Schedule

Year-round

Starting Price

Starting at $41. Prices vary based on level and location.

Age Range

Swim lessons for kids: 6 months to 12 years

Adult swim lessons: 13 and up

The Y is for everyone. If you're looking for financial help, we offer affordable membership and program rates based on household income. Please stop by the branch or give us a call to discuss whether you are eligible for assistance.

Children swimming at YMCA Louisville swimming pool

The Y is for everyone. If you're looking for financial help, we offer affordable membership and program rates based on household income. Please stop by the branch or give us a call to discuss whether you are eligible for assistance.

At a Glance

Our swim lessons are about more than just the techniques and skills. They are about nurturing swimming skills, developing self-esteem and creating positive experiences that will last a lifetime.

Swim lessons provide a wealth of benefits that go far beyond the water. Studies connect many additional benefits including improved motor skills, cognitive development, strength, self-esteem and social confidence.

Program Levels

  • Female swim instructor talking with man holding young daughter

    Swim Starters - Parent/Child (Ages 6 months - 3 years)

    Parents accompany their infant or toddler in the water, exploring fundamentals like blowing bubbles, back floats and essential safety around water skills.

    Register for Parent/Child Swim Lessons

  • Smiling young girl with goggles in pool

    Swim Basics - Preschool Swim Lessons (Ages 3 - 5 years)

    Swimmers will progress through classes that help teach safety around water, increase comfort with underwater exploration, introduce self-rescue skills, encourage forward movement and momentum. Classes will also rhythmic breathing with integrated movements.

    Register for Preschool Swim Lessons

  • Children swimming at YMCA Louisville swimming pool

    Swim Strokes - School-Age Swim Lessons (Ages 6 - 12 years)

    Swimmers that have advanced beyond Swim Basics will progress through learning techniques for front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke kick, butterfly kick and elementary backstroke. Safety skills are reinforced through continued work on treading water and sidestroke. More advanced swimmers will refine technique for all major competitive stokes.

    Register for School-Age Swim Lessons

  • Woman swimming at YMCA Louisville

    Stroke and Turn Clinics

    Having mastered the fundamentals, students learn additional water safety skills and build stroke technique, developing skills that prevent chronic disease, increase social-emotional and cognitive will-being, and foster a lifetime of physical activity.

    Register for Stroke and Turn Clinics

  • Smiling female swim instructor teaching older man how to swim

    Adult Swim Lessons

    It's never too late to learn how to swim. We offer adult swim lessons for ages 13 and up. Our trained aquatics staff will teach you to learn to float, acquire safety skills or become a proficient lap swimmer. We offer private or group adult swim lessons.

    Register for Adult Swim Lessons

  • YMCA Louisville coach teaching children during swimming lessons

    Adaptive Swim Lessons

    This program is specifically designed to help children ages 3-12 neurological, developmental and cognitive challenges learn independent swimming and water safety.

    Please contact your branch to register for adaptive swim lessons.

Parent Resources

Already registered for swim lessons or want more detailed information about what to expect? Use the links below to view and download parent resource documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there ways to save money on swim lessons?

Yes! Join the Y to save and enjoy special member prices on swim lessons. You can also find out more about reduced rates through our financial assistance program.

Are private swim lessons available?

Private classes offer the opportunity to have one-on-one instruction at any level. Private lessons are available at select branches. Please contact your local branch for detailed scheduling and upcoming sessions, or check our schedules for availability.

Creating A Safe Environment

The YMCA of Greater Louisville works in partnership with families, staff and volunteers to protect children from child abuse. Learn about how we keep kids in our programs safe.

Still Need Help?

Contact Us

For any questions, please contact your local branch for more information.

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