Group Swim Lessons
Swim Lessons for All Abilities!
Swimming can be relaxing or competitive, solitary or group-oriented — but it should always be enjoyable and safe! YWCA Minneapolis provides support and lessons for every swimmer, regardless of age or ability. Whether you’re a beginner or you’re hoping to improve your own stroke technique, we have the perfect course to fit you or your family’s needs.
Group swim lessons offer an excellent opportunity for infants, toddlers, youth and adults alike to develop their skills, learn water safety and gain confidence in a supportive environment. YWCA Minneapolis boasts a wide range of swimming courses year round, covering all ages and abilities.
In our selection of courses, you’ll find classes for children and adults who are just beginning to swim, as well as more advanced options for swimmers looking to refine their technique. Our courses are appropriately separated by age, and some advanced classes require participants to be comfortable with certain swimming milestones before enrolling.
Upcoming Session Dates
2024 Late Spring Group Swim Sessions
Tuesday, April 23 – Sunday, June 16
Online registration for members starts: Monday, April 15
Open registration starts: Wednesday, April 17, at 8am
2024 Early Summer Group Swim Sessions
Session will start week of June 17 (additional details forthcoming)
Online registration for members starts: Monday, June 3
Open registration starts: Wednesday, June 5, at 8am
How to Register
Register via phone: YWCA Midtown (612-215-4333)
Register Online – need help with online registration? Read directions on how to sign into your account.
Register (Members only) on the “MY YWCA” app (Download on App Store or Google Play Store™ )
Questions? For YWCA Midtown, contact swimlessons@ywcampls.org or 612-215-4342.
Swim Class Descriptions and Level Placement
Explore below for our full list of group swim classes.
NOTE: Classes may be combined with similar-level classes. Participants will still be taught at an appropriate skill level based on their ability and readiness.
You don’t have to be a member to learn to swim at YWCA Minneapolis!
Swim Class Descriptions ↘
Toddler
Toddler with Adult (6 - 36 months)
Learn to enjoy the water safely with your toddler. Toddler must be accompanied by a parent/adult in the water. Registration Tip: Children age 3 who are potty trained may register for Preschool 1 to be in class without a parent/adult.
Type: Water Fitness
Preschool
Preschool Level 1 (3 - 5 years)
Learn to be safe, in and around the water. Build basic skills (e.g. floating, breathing) and progress toward swimming fundamentals (forward movement). Prerequisites: The child must be comfortable in the water, without a parent and potty-trained.
Type: Water Fitness
Beginner
School-Age Beginner (6 - 10 years)
Learn to be safe, in and around the water. Build basic skills (e.g. floating, breathing) and progress toward swimming fundamentals (forward movement).
Type: Water Fitness
Adult Beginner (15+ years)
Helps older youth and adults feel comfortable in the water while learning basic water safety skills. This class is ideal for those wanting to overcome a fear of the water or learn the basics of swimming.
Type: Water Fitness
Intermediate
Adult Intermediate
Develop fundamentals for stroke and safety skills and explore skill practice in deeper water. Prerequisites: Master all beginner skills including the ability to float on front and back independently for at least 15 seconds. Swim for at least 5 body lengths using combined arm and leg action on both front and back.
Type: Water Fitness
Level 4: Stroke Development (6 - 13 years)
Improves fundamental skills while introducing advanced stroke skills and water safety topics. Prerequisites: Able to jump into deep water and swim for at least 15 yards of front crawl, float or tread water for 30 seconds in deep water and swim elementary backstroke for at least 15 yards.
Type: Water Fitness
Advanced
Level 5/6: Stroke Proficiency (6 - 14 years)
Work toward swim competence and mastery. Prerequisites: Must have successfully completed Level 4 or equivalent skills.
Type: Water Fitness
Preschool Level 2/3 (3 - 5 years)
Learn to be safe, in and around the water. Build basic skills (e.g. floating, breathing) and progress toward swimming fundamentals (forward movement). Prerequisites: The child must be comfortable in the water, without a parent and potty-trained.
Type: Water Fitness
Older Beginner (9 - 16 years)
Learn to be safe, in and around the water. Build basic skills (e.g. floating, breathing) and progress toward swimming fundamentals (forward movement).
Type: Water Fitness
Level 3: Stroke Development (6 - 12 years)
Develop fundamentals for stroke and safety skills and explore skill practice in deeper water. Prerequisites: Master all beginner skills including the ability to float on front and back independently for at least 15 seconds. Swim for at least 5 body lengths using combined arm and leg action on both front and back.
Type: Water Fitness