Swimming can be relaxing or competitive, solitary or group-oriented — but it should always be enjoyable and safe! At YWCA Minneapolis, we provide support and lessons for every swimmer, regardless of age or ability. Whether you’ve got a future member of our Otters Swim Team on your hands 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.
Members can also register 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. For YWCA Uptown, contact dcameron@ywcampls.org or 612-215-4224.
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.
View upcoming swim classes and descriptions below.
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.
Learn to be safe, in and around the water. Build basic skills (e.g. floating, breathing) and progress toward swimming fundamentals (forward movement). Prerequisites: Child must be comfortable in water, without parent, and potty-trained.
Learn to be safe, in and around the water. Build basic skills (e.g. floating, breathing) and progress toward swimming fundamentals (forward movement). Preschool 2 students will gain greater independence with their basic skills. Preschool 3 builds on skills for longer and with less support. Prerequisites: Have mastered ALL Preschool Level 1 or equivalent skills. Must be comfortable without parent in the water.
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.
Learn to be safe, in and around the water. Build basic skills (e.g. floating, breathing) and progress toward swimming fundamentals (forward movement).
Learn to be safe, in and around the water. Build basic skills (e.g. floating, breathing) and progress toward swimming fundamentals (forward movement).
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.
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.
yearsImproves 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.
Work toward swim competence and mastery. Prerequisites: Must have successfully completed Level 4 or equivalent skills.
Led by a seasoned team of coaches dedicated to the development of young athletes as strong individuals, YWCA Minneapolis’ Otters swim team is one of the best in the region. Athletes will develop swimming and teamwork skills in collaborative environments as they prepare for meets and other standard competitions. Joining this group is a perfect way for young athletes to hone their craft while developing essential life skills — including teamwork, goal setting and embracing challenges as hard-earned opportunities.
