Aquatics

Home > Programs > Aquatics

SWIMMING LESSONS

NURTURING SKILLS AND BUILDING CONFIDENCE IN THE WATER

Everything the Y does is in service of building a better us. One of the most effective ways to accomplish this is to teach youth, teens, and adults to swim, so they can stay safe around water and learn the skills they need to make swimming a lifelong pursuit for staying healthy.

Y swim instructors are nationally certified. Their training includes CPR, AED, First Aid and Oxygen Administration. Swim lessons provide important life skills that could save a life and will benefit students for a lifetime.

WHAT AGE GROUP DOES THE STUDENT FALL INTO?

3-5 years 5-12 years
PRESCHOOL: Levels 1-4 SCHOOL AGE: Levels 1-6
Will the student go underwater voluntarily? NOT YET – Level 1/WATER ACCLIMATION
Can the student do a front and black float on his/her own? NOT YET – Level 2/WATER MOVEMENT
Can the student swim 10-15 yards on his/her front and back? NOT YET – Level 3/WATER STAMINA
Can the student swim 15 yards of front and back crawl? NOT YET – Level 4/STROKE INTRODUCTION
Can the student swim front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke across the pool? NOT YET – Level 5/STROKE DEVELOPMENT
Can the student swim front crawl, back crawl, and breaststroke across the pool and back? NOT YET – Level 6/STROKE MECHANICS

Swim Lessons

INTERESTED IN PRIVATE LESSONS?

Please email Senior Program Director and Aquatics Director, Kyle Helbing at khelbing@dubuquey.org and he will assist in coordinating your availability along with an instructor.

DUBUQUE YMCA DOLPHINS SWIM TEAM

TEAM INFORMATION

ROOKIE WEEK/SWIM TEAM TRYOUTS

It’s time for swim season! Interested in joining our Dubuque YMCA Dolphins Swim team for ages 5-18? Free open tryouts will be held starting at the Dubuque YMCA! This is a great time to try out swim before committing to the program.

Rookie Week is free and will be offered:

  •  Monday, September 30, 2024 from 7-8pm, boys and girls, ages 5-10
  • Tuesday, October 1, 2024 from 7-8pm, boys and girls, ages 11-18
  • Thursday, October 3, 2024 from 7-8pm, boys and girls, all ages 5-18

To become a part of the Dolphins Swim Team the following must be completed:

  1. If you are new to the team, you must be evaluated by the coaches; rookie week is our evaluation week. If you miss rookie week, contact us to set up an evaluation.
  2. Your child must have a monthly membership that stays current throughout the entire season; this is a requirement from the National Y.
  3. You must pay the program fee before the start of practice. Payment must be made in full when you register. If concerned with making payment, please contact Kyle Helbing at khelbing@dubuquey.org. The required information, from the Parent Handbook in pages 9-11, must be turned in by specified due dates.

*YMCA Annual Membership Fees:
Youth-8th Grade: $19/monthly
High School: $19/monthly
Membership fees can be paid monthly with a credit card on file.

*Dolphin Program Fees:
Swim Team: $249.00
High School Boys: $124.50

LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION

BUILD A SKILL. SAVE A LIFE.

Our comprehensive Lifeguard Training course includes accident prevention, life guarding techniques, emergency systems, and rescue skills. Course will also include CPR for the professional rescuer with AED, oxygen administration and first aid.

A Red Cross life guarding manual, first aid training kit, and resuscitation mask are all provided. Class size is limited so pre-registration is recommended.

LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

  • Specific duties and other responsibilities of a lifeguard.
    How to perform these skills in a professional manner.
  • A number of lifeguarding techniques that will be performed in and out of the water.

COURSE COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS

  • Participation in the classroom.
  • Participation in the water.
  • Successful performance in skill knowledge evaluations.

ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS

  • You must be at least 15 years of age before the last scheduled class session.

PREREQUISITE SKILLS
You will be required to pass a prerequisite session. Skills you must be able to perform include:

  • Swimming 300 yards continuously, demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing. [Candidates may swim using the front crawl, breaststroke or a combination of both, but swimming on the back or side is not allowed. Swim goggles may be used.]
  • Treading water for 2 minutes using only the legs. [Candidates should place their hands under the armpits.]
  • Completing a timed event within 1 minute, 40 seconds.
  • Starting in the water and swimming 20 yards. [The face may be in or out of the water. Swim goggles may be used.]
  • Surface diving, feet-first or head-first, to a depth of 7-10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object. Returning to the surface and swimming 20 yards on the back to return to the starting point, with both hands holding the object and keeping the face at or near the surface so they are able to get a breath. (Candidates should not swim the distance under water.)
  • Exiting the water without using a ladder or steps.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to the nature of the skills in this course, you will be participating in strenuous activities, such as performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the floor and removing an adult victim from the water. If you have a medical condition or disability, or if you have any questions about your ability to participate fully in this course, discuss them with your physician or health-care provider and the appropriate person at the local Red Cross chapter before you begin the course.

LIFEGUARD RE-CERTIFICATION TRAINING

Upon successful completion of the American Red Cross Training Course, you will receive an American Red Cross certificate. All certifications, which include CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid and Lifeguarding, will be valid for 2 years.

GET IN TOUCH

Have questions for our team? Let us know how we can help.