Meriden YMCA

Safe confident swimmers start at the Y. We offer swim lessons for ages 6 months and up for all levels. Sign up for swim lessons at the Meriden YMCA. 

  • Classes are held on Saturdays
  • Fall I: Saturday September 7 – October 19, 2024
  • Fall II: Saturday November 2 – December 14, 2024
  • Full Member Fee: $80
  • Program Member Fee: $110 
  • Registration: If you have an up to date membership call us at (203) 235.6386 and register over the phone. If you do not have a Meriden-New Britain-Berlin YMCA membership please visit the Meriden YMCA Welcome Center. 

Swim Class Levels and Descriptions

Swim Starters - For ages 6 months to 36 months (Children participate with a parent in the water) 

  • A/ Water Discovery: Introduction to the aquatic environment through exploration & fun while learning about the water.
  • B/ Water Exploration: Exploring body positions in the water, floating, blowing bubbles, & fundamental safety skills.

Preschool Swim Lessons - For ages 3 to 5 

  • Stage 1/ Water Acclimation: Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water. This stage lays the foundation that allows for the child future progress in swimming.
  • Stage 2/ Water Movement: Students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water.
  • Stage 3/ Water Stamina: Students learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages in the event of falling into a body of water. This stage also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm and leg action.

School Age Swim Lessons - For ages 6 - 10 and 10 & over

  • Stage 1/ Water Acclimation: Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water in stage 1. This stage lays the foundation that allows for a student’s future progress in swimming.
  • Stage 2/ Water Movement: Students focus on body position & control, directional change, & forward movement in the water while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water.
  • Stage 3/ Water Stamina: Students learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages in the event of falling into a body of water. This stage also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm and leg action.
  • Stage 4 /Stroke Introduction: Students develop stroke technique in front crawl and back crawl and learn the breaststroke kick and butterfly kick. Water safety is reinforced through treading water and elementary backstroke.
  • Stage 5/Stroke Development: Students work on stroke technique and learn all major competitive strokes. The emphasis on water safety continues.