Whether you’re a toe dipper or a fish, YMCA Calgary offers lessons for everyone.

Being able to swim is a valuable life skill and a great way to have fun, get exercise, build confidence and develop friendships. Our programs help individuals of all ages and skill levels feel comfortable in the water while developing good technique and water safety awareness. 


Dive in to learn about YMCA Calgary’s swimming programs and find the right fit for you or your family.

Click below to find out the swimming level you are looking for: 

You're ready for Parent & Tot swim lessons!


Splashers*  Parents participate with  children 0-18  mths old  with  instruction directed toward the  parent. The main  movement skill  taught is  to make the child and adult comfortable in the water with the child able to splash both arms and legs.  

Bubblers* Parents participate with children 18 mths-3 yrs with instruction directed toward the  parent. the  main movement skill taught is the child able to hold the wall kick feet and blow bubbles. *occasionally taught within the same class
 

Find a class near you!

You're ready for Adult swim lessons!

Beginner lessons geared towards the non-swimmer or those who fear the water. Stroke improvement tips and techniques are offered to the intermediate swimmer who would like to improve their swimming skills.

Find a class near you!

You're ready for Bobbers swim lessons!

This beginner level focuses on  safety, entering and  exiting the pool, progression for submersion and short swims, assisted floats and propulsion.
 

Find a class near you!

You're ready for Floater swim lessons!

At this level, children learn deep water awareness, pool rules, how to wear a  personal floatation device (PFD), assisted jumps into the water, unassisted submersion, blowing bubbles, and retrieving objects. 
 

Find a class near you!

You're ready for Glider swim lessons!

This intermediate level introduces deep  water activities and front and back swims to a distance of 5m. 
 

Find a class near you!

You're ready for Diver swim lessons!

In this intermediate level, children continue to develop deep water skills,  work on arm action and increase front and back swim distances to 10m. 
 

Find a class near you!

You're ready for Surfer & Jumper swim lessons!

Surfer* - This advanced level explores diving, surface support, creative pool  entries and extends swim distances to 15m - 25m. 

Jumper* - In this advanced level, children further refine front and back crawl to distances of 25-50m, deep water activities and skills are explored. 

*occasionally taught within the same class
 

Find a class near you!

You're ready for Otter swim lessons!

An introductory level for beginner swimmers ages 6-12 years old, Otter will teach your child the basics of pool safety, going underwater, and gliding on their front and back.

The first of four levels in our national YMCA Learn to Swim program, Otter teaches your child how to stay safe in the water and to develop their swimming skills. During these classes, your child will also select from an optional list of skills to learn during the session.

Otters is taught in small groups by a certified YMCA Swim Instructor who encourages your child to actively participate in their own learning.

Find a class near you!

You're ready for Seal swim lessons!

Seal is for children 6-12 years old who have completed Otter or who have equivalent skills. In this level, they will further develop the skills of gliding, kicking, and submerging.

The second of four levels in our national YMCA Learn to Swim program, Seal teaches your child how to stay safe in the water and to develop their swimming skills. While in these classes, children will also select from an optional list of skills to learn during the session.

Seal is taught in small groups by a certified YMCA Swim Instructor who will encourage the children to build their confidence in the water.
 

Find a class near you!

You're ready for Dolphin swim lessons!

Dolphin is for children 6-12 years old who have completed Seal or who demonstrate an equivalent skillset. Your child will be introduced to swimming on their front, back, and underwater.

The third of four levels in our national YMCA Learn to Swim program, Dolphin teaches kids how to stay safe in the water and to develop their swimming skills. While in these classes, your child will also select from an optional list of skills to learn during the session.

Dolphin is taught in small groups by a certified YMCA Swim Instructor who will be cheering your child on as they complete their first full swim strokes!
 

Find a class near you!

You're ready for Swimmer swim lessons!


Swimmer is for children 6-12 years old who have completed Dolphin or have equivalent skills. In this class, kids will learn front and back crawl, and how to tread water.

The last level in our national YMCA Learn to Swim program, Swimmer teaches children how to stay safe in the water and to develop their swimming skills. Children at this level will have achieved a solid foundation of swimming skills and be able to front swim for a distance of 25 metres.

Swimmer is taught in small groups by a certified YMCA Swim Instructor who will inspire your child to reach their potential in the water.
 

Find a class near you!

You're ready for Star 1 swim lessons!

Star 1 is for children 6-12 years old who have completed the Swimmer level in our Learn to Swim program. In this class, kids will learn to use the whip kick on their back and the egg-beater motion for treading water. We will help your child continue to develop front and back crawl technique and endurance.

As the first level of our YMCA Star Program, in Star 1 we also introduce your child to other aspects of swimming. Kids select which new skills they would like to learn from a list that includes competitive swimming, lifesaving, synchronized swimming, aquatic fitness, and water polo.

Star 1 is taught in small groups by a certified YMCA Swim Instructor who will guide your child through each lesson.
 

Find a class near you!

You're ready for Star 2 swim lessons!

Star 2 is for children 6-12 years old who have completed Star 1 or who show an equivalent skill level. At this level, we focus on the backstroke and continue to help kids refine their stroke technique and increase their endurance.

The second level of our YMCA Star Program, in Star 2 we continue to encourage your child to build on the optional skills they selected in Star 1. Your child may choose to try something new, or continue to focus on one area — the choice is theirs! Optional skills include competitive swimming, lifesaving, synchronized swimming, aquatic fitness, and water polo.

Star 2 is taught in small groups by a certified YMCA Swim Instructor who will share their passion for swimming.
 

Find a class near you!

You're ready for Star 3 swim lessons!

The third level of our YMCA Star Program, Star 3 is for children 6-12 years old who have completed Star 2 or who show an equivalent skill level. At this level, your child will focus on the breaststroke and egg-beater motion for treading water, while continuing to build endurance in the pool. We will also introduce young swimmers to introductory lifesaving concepts.

Building on the optional skills learned in Star 2, participants will select from a new set of skills they would like to learn. They may choose to try something new or focus on one area — the choice is theirs! Skills include competitive swimming, lifesaving, synchronized swimming, aquatic fitness, and water polo.

Star 3 is taught in small groups by a certified YMCA Swim Instructor who will nurture the love of swimming in your child.
 

Find a class near you!

You're ready for Star 4 swim lessons!

Star 4 is for children 6-12 years old who have completed Star 3 or who show an equivalent skill level. At this level, we will help your child focus on the sidestroke and we will continue to introduce lifesaving skills.

Your child will also carry on with exploring other interests in the pool by selecting more optional skills to learn. They may choose to try something new or focus on one area — the choice is theirs! Options include competitive swimming, lifesaving, synchronized swimming, aquatic fitness, or water polo.

Star 4 is taught in small groups by a certified YMCA Swim Instructor who will work with your child to learn each new skill.
 

Find a class near you!

You're ready for Star 5 swim lessons!


Star 5 is for children 10 years and older who have completed Star 4 or who show an equivalent skill level. We will introduce the butterfly stroke along with lifesaving and first aid elements from the Rookie and Ranger levels of the Canadian Swim Patrol program.

Swimmers will also have the opportunity to continue to develop advanced aquatics skills by selecting from a range of options: advanced strokes, water polo, synchronized swimming, or aquatic fitness.

Led by a certified YMCA Swim Instructor, swimmers will work together in groups to reach their goals. After completion of Star 5, your child will be eligible to be certified as a Rookie in the Canadian Swim Patrol program.
 

Find a class near you!

You're ready for Star 6 swim lessons!

Star 6 is for children 10 years and older who have completed Star 5 or show an equivalent skill level. Swimmers will continue to develop lifesaving and first aid skills at the Ranger and Star level of the Canadian Swim Patrol program. They will also begin to learn how to teach others to swim.

Star 6 encourages your child to take responsibility for their own learning outcomes by selecting optional skills to learn, including advanced strokes, water polo, synchronized swimming, or aquatic fitness.

Led by a certified YMCA Swim Instructor, swimmers can work together in groups to reach their goals. After completion of Star 6, your child will be eligible to be certified as a Ranger in the Canadian Swim Patrol program.
 

Find a class near you!

You're ready for Star 7 swim lessons and the Junior Lifeguard Club!


Star 7 is for children 10 years and older who have completed Star 6 or show an equivalent skill level, and have a strong interest in pursuing more advanced aquatics certifications. Star 7 bridges to the YMCA Assistant Swim Instructor and Lifesaving Society's Bronze programs.

In addition to first aid and lifesaving skills, swimmers will also continue to build their abilities by selecting from a list of optional skills to learn, including advanced strokes, water polo, synchronized swimming, or aquatic fitness.

Star 7 is led by a certified YMCA Swim Instructor and runs for an hour as a club. Swimmers work together to reach their goals and practice lifesaving skills with each other. At the end of Star 7, your child will be eligible to be certified as a Star in the Canadian Swim Patrol program.

Junior Lifeguard Club 
A fun, fast-paced opportunity for swimmers to stay active in the water while learning rescue skills from experienced lifeguard role models. Participants will be tested for and receive their bronze star and bronze medallion - at no extra cost.
 

Find a class near you!

You're ready for a Bronze Medallion course!


At age 13 swimmers can register for their Bronze Medallion; step 1 to becoming a lifeguard and/or swim instructor.

This program teaches an understanding of the lifesaving principles embodied in the four components of water-rescue education: judgment, knowledge, skill, and fitness. Rescuers learn tows and carries, defense methods, and releases in preparation for challenging rescues of increased risk. Lifesavers develop stroke efficiency and endurance in a 400m timed swim.
 

Find a class near you!

  

 

Preschool Parented (3 months – 3 years)

Together, children and their caregivers will get to learn how to be safe in and around the water. This program will help your infant/toddler become more comfortable and confident in the water and prepare them for independent swim lessons. Students will practice skills such as splashing with arms and legs, getting their faces wet, towing on front and back, and will learn when and how to wear a lifejacket and other water safety topics.

Children 2 years and under and anyone incontinent must wear both a swim diaper and waterproof pool pants. These items are available for purchase in our vending machines.

 

 

YMCA Preschool Swim Program (3 - 5 years)

In Bobbers and Floaters your child will make a splash with the instructor while you, their caregiver, watches from the designated viewing area. Your child will learn how to be safe and have fun in the water while learning foundational swimming skills. Bobbers will focus on developing their comfort in the water by practicing putting their faces in and doing floats and glides with the instructor’s support. In Floaters, children will develop these skills further and begin to submerge fully and float on their front and back without aid from a floatation device or the instructor.

After successfully completing Floaters, your child is ready for Gliders and Divers and to be introduced to deep water. As Gliders, students will practice glides and swims and take some of the skills learnt in previous levels into deep water. As Divers, students will start to develop their front and back swims, be introduced to breathing on their side, and increase the distances that they swim.

After successfully completing Divers, your child is ready for Surfers and Jumpers and to spend more time in deep water. As Surfers, children will get to swim over further distances, develop their front and back swims, and be introduced to ice safety and staying warm in cold water. As Jumpers, students will progress their swimming ability with the goal of swimming 25m, completing a surface support of 45 seconds, and be introduced to boating safety.

 

 

YMCA Learn to Swim Program (6 - 14 years) 

As the first 2 levels for children 6-13 years of age, this is where your child can begin their journey to becoming a life-long swimmer. As an Otter, swimmers will learn to glide without assistance and develop their comfort submerging and jumping into the water. As a Seal, swimmers will continue to develop their ability to glide over further distances and will be introduced to deep water to develop their comfort and skills in water that is deeper than chest-depth.
 

After successfully completing Seal, your child is ready to take to the deep water in Dolphins and Swimmers. As a Dolphin, your child will further develop their ability to propel themselves through the water by strengthening their flutter kick on their front, back, and side. They will also learn deep water skills such as surface support, surface dives, and object recovery. As a Swimmer, your child will be introduced to front and back crawl, they will also learn how to tread water.

 

 

YMCA Star Program (6 - 14 years) 

After successfully completing Swimmer, students will dive deeper into their strokes and learn more advanced aquatic skills. In Star 1, students will continue to develop their front and back crawl, be introduced to elementary back stroke, and learn how to conserve body heat in cold water as well as rescue themselves from a fall through ice. In Star 2, students will develop front and back crawl to focus on arm and body positioning and rhythmic breathing, as well as have an introduction to breaststroke.

After successfully completing Star 2, students will get to dip their toes into some skills from the Canadian Swim Patrol in our Star 3/4 program. In Star 3, students will be introduced to eggbeater for treading water, develop their strokes over 25m to 75m, and learn how to recognize someone struggling in the water. In Star 4, students will be introduced to sidestroke and head up strokes, swim up to 350m, and develop the ability to carry a 5lbs object over 15m.

After successfully completing Star 4, students will dive deeper into the Canadian Swim Patrol curriculum in our Star 5/6 program. In Star 5, students will learn some first aid skills, develop their eggbeater to travel 25m, complete swims up to 500m, and be introduced to teaching swimming lessons. In Star 6, students will further develop their first aid skills, complete 100m of front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke each, and learn how to safely rescue someone struggling in the water.

Swim to Survive® is different than swimming lessons - and not a replacement for them. Swim to Survive® teaches the necessary skills to survive an unexpected fall into deep water. Meeting the Canadian Swim to Survive® Standard is an important first step to being safe around water. Students will work towards completing a sequence that includes a forward roll into deep water, treading water for 1 minute, and swimming 25m.

SwimAbilities® is a learn to swim program geared for children with special needs. SwimAbilities® provides lessons where the caregiver is in the water to provide one-on-one focus while being under the direction of a certified instructor. SwimAbilities® assists children and their caregivers to increase safety, independence, and enjoyment in and around the water. Children may begin SwimAbilities® at any level and may continue into other swim programs if they are comfortable doing so.

 

 

Adult Swim Program

Learn the basic swimming skills to become comfortable in the water. You will learn to safely enter and exit the pool, how to move through the water, and to float with and without assistance. Other skills such as breathing techniques, flutter kick and front and back swims may be introduced depending on individual abilities and personal goals.

Improve your swimming strokes and build on your skills. In this class, you will learn front and back crawl, treading water and whip kick. You'll also receive an orientation on deep water and will practice swimming greater distances. Participants should be able to continuously swim 25-50 meters of front and back crawl.

Build endurance while developing and improving swimming strokes. In addition to front crawl, back crawl and breaststroke, you'll get an introduction to sidestroke, butterfly and eggbeater. Different skills may also be included based on student interest. You must be able to swim 50 meters and be comfortable in deep water.

Private Lessons

Need a little one-on-one practice to achieve your goals? Private lessons will help you reach your goals and make you a stronger swimmer through personally tailored instruction. Whether you want to improve a single skill, work on completing a specific YMCA Calgary swimming level, or want the exclusive focus of the instructor, private lessons can help you achieve this. Both private and semi-private lessons are available for ages three year and older. See Customer Services for details.

Get Certified

Prerequisites: Participants must be able to swim 50m and tread water for one minute.
Discover what it takes to be a lifeguard. This program introduces you to lifesaving techniques and first aid skills. You'll also gain experience in accident prevention and dealing with the public.
 

The Lifesaving Society’s Bronze Star develops swimming proficiency, lifesaving skill, and personal fitness. Candidates refine their stroke mechanics, acquire self-rescue skills, and apply fitness principles in training workouts. Bronze Star is excellent preparation for success in Bronze Medallion and provides a fun introduction to lifesaving sport.

Pre-requisite(s): 13 years of age (or Bronze Star) and CPR-C.

The Lifesaving Society’s Bronze Medallion challenges the candidate both mentally and physically. Judgement, knowledge, skill, and fitness – the four components of water rescue – form the basis of Bronze Medallion training. Candidates acquire the assessment and problem-solving skills needed to make good decisions in, on, and around the water. Bronze Medallion is a pre-requisite for assistant lifeguard training in Bronze Cross.

Pre-requisite(s): 13 years of age (or Bronze Star)

The Lifesaving Society’s Bronze Medallion challenges the candidate both mentally and physically. Judgement, knowledge, skill, and fitness – the four components of water rescue – form the basis of Bronze Medallion training. Candidates acquire the assessment and problem-solving skills needed to make good decisions in, on, and around the water. Bronze Medallion is a pre-requisite for assistant lifeguard training in Bronze Cross. This course includes CPR-C and AED

Pre-requisite(s): Bronze Medallion and Alberta workplace approved Intermediate First Aid with CPR-C and AED.

The Lifesaving Society’s Bronze Cross begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding and prepares candidates for responsibilities as an assistant lifeguard. Candidates strengthen and expand their lifesaving skills and begin to apply the principles and techniques of active surveillance in aquatic facilities. Bronze Cross emphasized the importance of teamwork and communication in preventing and responding to aquatic emergencies. Bronze Cross is a pre-requisite for advanced training in the Society’s National Lifeguard and leadership certification programs.

Prerequisites: 15 years of age, Bronze Cross and current Alberta workplace approved Intermediate First Aid and CPR-C and AED

The Lifesaving Society’s National Lifeguard certification builds on the fundamental skills, knowledge, fitness, judgement and values taught in the prerequisite Lifesaving Society lifesaving certifications. Recognized as the standard for lifeguards in Canada, National Lifeguard training develops a sound understanding of lifeguarding principles, good judgement, and a mature and responsible attitude toward the role of the lifeguard. The National Lifeguard program develops the basic lifeguarding skills, principles, and decision-making process to help lifeguards evaluate and adapt to different aquatic facilities and emergencies.

Prerequisites: Participants should feel comfortable in the water and be able to swim a minimum of 50m continuously.

Boost your fitness level and your swimming skills! You will refine your strokes and increase your endurance and efficiency through a variety of swim drills and practice. This fun and social class is a great way to add interest and challenge to lane swimming and become a stronger swimmer.

This recertification clinic is for certified National Lifeguards. You must bring your NL Card and photo identification to the course as well as proof of your current Alberta workplace approved Standard First Aid. This is a re-exam situation and involves lifeguarding, first aid, fitness skills and situations.

Prerequisites: Participants should be able to swim 500m continuously prior to registering for this class.

Master the water! This program covers the four competitive strokes, freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly, in a competitive, club environment. With the help of a coach, you will participate in a variety of swim workouts that will help refine your stroke and build speed, endurance and efficiency in the water. Swimmers will be registered with Swim Alberta as a masters swimmer and will have the option to compete at sanctioned competitions throughout the season.

Prerequisite: Participants must be able to swim 50m of front crawl and tread water for a minimum of one minute.

Have fun learning competitive swimming skills in a more relaxed recreational environment. You will refine and practice competitive strokes including front crawl, breaststroke, back crawl and butterfly. Participants will learn to enter the water for a race, flip turn and work to maximize swimming speed, efficiency and endurance. Participants will be grouped according to skill level.

Prerequisites: Participants aged 8 to 17 are welcome to join, provided they can comfortably swim 50m continuously and tread water for 1 minute.

The YMCA Lifesaving Sport Club provides a combination of both recreational and competitive opportunities for participation in the only sport in which skills are learned for humanitarian purposes and then applied to competition. Throughout the session, participants will gain proficiency competing in lifesaving sport events such as: manikin carry, manikin carry with fins, tow with fins, obstacle and line throw. These events encompass key skills required for competency with lifesaving leadership awards such as the Bronze levels and the National Lifeguard. Practices will include a mixture of stroke improvement and learning how to compete in lifesaving sport events. Participants will have the opportunity to measure their progress through two time trials that will be conducted during the session as well as the option to compete in sanctioned competitions within the province (additional fees apply to participate in competitions).

Prerequisites: Participants must be 15 years old and hold a current Intermediate First Aid certificate and Bronze Cross or National Lifeguard Pool certification.

The YMCA Swim Instructor course will teach you the skills you need to become a certified swim instructor for the YMCA! You will develop competencies including commitment to YMCA mission, vision, and values, communication, planning and organization, quality focus, and facilitation and coaching.  The purpose of the YMCA Swim Instructor is to help people develop in spirit, mind, and body by teaching aquatic skills to participants of all ages. This course comprises of an online component, in-class learning, and shadow experience with YMCA Calgary swim instructors.