Swim Lessons
We have a variety of swim lessons. For information, see the overview below, stop by our front desk or check out our Program Guide.

Parent-Child
This program promotes water enrichment and aquatic readiness activities for children and their parents or other trusted adults.  Families learn safe and fun ways to learn about swimming together.
Parent-Child 1   6 months to 2 years
Parent-Child 2   2 – 3 years

Pre-Pike
This is the class for the child who will be experiencing the water for the first time and/or learning to work with an instructor.  Participants will work on water adjustment,, swimming skills and understand the class environment and expectations.  Class is limited to 4 students.  Age:  3 – 5 years

Pike
Student should be comfortable in the water.  Can move toward a target and will go under water.  Student will learn to float on front and back and learn the front, back and side paddle.   Age: 3 – 5 years

Eel
Must have ability to float on front and back without assistance for 15 seconds.  Swim on front, back and side 10 yards without assistance.   Age: 3 – 5 years

Ray
Must be able to swim front crawl and back crawl with arms out of the water without assistance 15 yards. Front and back float for 20 seconds. Will learn elementary backstroke.   Age: 3 – 5 years.

Starfish
Must swim front crawl with side breathing, back crawl, side stroke and elementary backstroke for 25 yards.   Age: 3 – 5 years.

Polliwog
Beginning level, no previous swimming experience needed.   Floating and arm strokes are introduced.   Age: 6 years and older.

Guppy
Must be able to swim front crawl, sidestroke and back crawl without assistance for 15 yards and be able to float on front and back for 15 seconds.  Will work up to swimming the length of the pool.  Elementary backstroke and breaststroke are introduced.  Age:  6 - 12 years

Minnow
Must swim front crawl with side breathing, back crawl in good form, side stroke and elementary backstroke for 25 yards. Work on swimming multiple lengths of the pool.   Age: 6 years and older.

Fish
Must swim 50 yards of front crawl, back crawl, elementary backstroke and 25 yards of breaststroke and sidestroke. Butterfly stroke is introduced.  Age: 6 years and older.

Flying Fish
Must swim laps of front crawl, back crawl, breaststroke, sidestroke and elementary backstroke with good form. This class is used to perfect the previous learned strokes.  Age: 6 years and older.

Shark
Must swim 100 yards using all four basic strokes in good form. Endurance and lifesaving skills are emphasized in this class.   Age: 6 years and older.

Teen Swimming Lessons
Learn to swim or improve your skills.  Any level welcome.  Beginning and intermediate classes are offered.  Age: 12- 16 years

Adult Swim Lessons
Learn to swim or improve your skills. Any level welcome.   Age: 14 years and older.

Build Your Own Class
Does our current schedule not work for your family?  If you can gather 3-4 swimmers, that are close to the same swimming ability, w can help you put a class together.  Classes will be scheduled by the second week of the session and must be completed within scheduled session dates.  Contact Shannon Harrell, 503.862.4013  or sharrell@ymca-portland.org for more information.