Aquatic Programs
Associate Aquatics Director
Paul Zeger, 609-497-9622 x223, pzeger@princetonymca.org
Please use the above email address for all Aquatics inquiriies
Knowing how to swim is a lifelong skill and a terrific, healthy activity. With YMCA swimming classes, children learn to be safe around the water and get a great feeling that comes with learning and perfecting a skill. YMCA preschool and youth swimming classes boast low teacher to child ratios and plenty of individual attention. YMCA adult classes are a great way to tone, shape and increase strength and endurance. In all classes, skills are taught in a fun, supportive environment by professionals.
The YMCA has been teaching and encouraging swimmers – of all ages, abilities and interests – for more than 100 years! But one thing never changes . . . at the Princeton Family YMCA, we’re still dedicated to helping people grow in skill and confidence – for a lifetime of fun fitness and water safety. We focus on the key elements of aquatics: stroke development, personal safety, sports and games plus personal growth and development.
Click here to see:
- More swimming information
- Series Dates
- Phone Numbers
- Pool Locations
Family Changing Room
We are making life easier for families with younger children. The YMCA has a brand new family changing area just steps away from the pool-desk check-in where you and your family can change without going into the locker room.
Piranhas Swim Team Handbook & Registration Form (PDF Format)
Piranhas Swim Team Website
Swim Team Parent Handbook 2008-09 Season
Swim Team Registration Form 2008-09 Season
Swim Team Apparel Order Form
(PLEASE NOTE - All Swim Team Forms should be either brought in or mailed to Diane Blackburn at the Princeton Family YMCA Membership Office, Paul Robeson Place, Princeton, NJ 08540)
Swim Lesson Schedules & Handbooks (PDF Format)
Swim Lessons With Parents
Preschool Swim Lessons
Youth / Teen Swim Lessons
Private / Adults Swim Lessons
Parent & Child Swim Lessons
6 months up to 3 years old with parent(class ratio: 1:12)
Parent and Child classes are taught as a combined session with an adult accompanying the child in the water to cultivate confidence in and around the pool. Skills are introduced at the child’s developmental level and teach basic swimming skills. Basic water skills and safety are taught to parent and child and reinforced through songs, water “play” and a lot of bonding and confidencebuilding between parent and child.
Pike with Parent Class
3 to 4 years old with parent(class ratio: 1:6)
This class partners parent & child with an instructor to ease the transition into a class where the child will become independent. Beginning stroke skills and building confidence help the child transition to a Pike class when the time is right. Parent and child learn about personal safety and basic stroke technique similar to what is learned in Pike. This class is a terrific way to instill confidence!
Preschool Swim Lessons
3 up to 6 years old without parent
Pike (class ratio 1:6): The Pike class helps children adjust to the water and develop independent movement. It teaches basic stroke and kicking skills,
floating, and pool safety. Class is intended for children with little water experience and is sure to boost water confidence.
Eel (class ratio 1:6): For children who are comfortable in the water and swim with flotation device in horizontal position but cannot swim the width of the pool. Children are taught to float, kick, and perform progressive arm movements across the pool.
Ray/Starfish (class ratio 1:6): This class is for children who can swim 15 feet with face in the water and no floatation device. It reviews and improves stroke skills on front, back and side, builds endurance and teaches treading water.
Youth Swim Lessons
6 to up to 12 years oldPolliwog (class ratio 1:8): This beginner level class is for children who are uncomfortable or inexperienced in the water. It teaches basic water skills including gliding with face in the water, floating, and kicking. Children learn water safety in and around water and gain self-confidence.
Guppy (class ratio 1:8): This is for children who are comfortable with face in water and able to swim 15-20 feet without a flotation device. It teaches stroke skills on front, back and side, and taking a breath while swimming.
Minnow (class ratio 1:8): Minnows are for children able to swim 25 yards on front and back without a floatation device. It teaches freestyle with rotary breathing, backstroke, sidestroke and beginning breaststroke.
Fish (class ratio 1:8): Fish is for children able to swim 50 yards of freestyle with rotary breathing, backstroke, sidestroke and breaststroke. It refines the breaststroke, teaches butterfly, and improves other swim strokes.
Flying Fish/Shark (class ratio 1:10): This class is for children able to swim 100 yards of freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and sidestroke and 15 yards butterfly. This class improves breaststroke and butterfly, teaches water rescue, builds strength and endurance.
Teen Lessons
Teens (60 minute class):12 to 17 years old
(class ratio 1:10)
This class teaches basic water skills including gliding with face in the water, floating, and kicking and fundamental swim strokes. Teens learn water safety in and around the pool. More experienced students will gain confidence in their swimming abilities by learning proper strokes and techniques through skills, drills and exercises.
Junior Lifeguarding (60 minute class): 12 to 15 years old
(class ratio 1:10)
This class requires students to swim freestyle, breaststroke and sidestroke a minimum of 100 yards prior to participating. This is the club for swimmers who
want to become certified lifeguards in the near future. They are taught basic water rescues, CPR and First Aid. Junior Lifeguards are hired by many
facilities which is a great first-time job experience for your teen!
ADULT Programs
Arthritic Fitness
(ADULT AQUATICS)FREE with Full-facility memberships! Get moving again and feel better, more limber! Water is a safe, ideal environment for relieving arthritis pain and stiffness. Let the magic of water sooth your body aches while enjoying yourself. The Arthritis Foundation recommends water exercise because it allows you to exercise without the excess strain on your joints and muscles.
Adult Swim Clinics and Classes (1 Hour)
(ADULT AQUATICS)With a 1:10 ratio every Friday our trained instructors go over various topics for adult swimmers. These sessions include rotary breathing, the four competitive strokes, flip turns, and more. Sign up early to save your spot!
Adult Water Fitness
(ADULT AQUATICS)FREE with Full-facility memberships! Researchers say that working out with a group increases your chance of taking off weight, keeping it off, and staying fit. Join us for a focused cardiovascular fitness program that helps you tone, shape, and strengthen muscles. You will build up endurance, burn off unwanted pounds, make exercise buddies, and have FUN! Class is held in both deep and shallow water.
TEEN Programs
CPR & Basic First Aid Certification & Re-Certification Courses
(TEEN AQUATICS)15 years old to adult
American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI) is a nationally recognized certification for First Responders and community members and parents who would like to learn Community or Professional Level CPR and Basic First Aid. Please call for times and dates. ** We also offer American Red Cross Certifications. **
YOUTH Programs
S.N.A.P. – Special Needs Aquatics Program
(YOUTH AQUATICS)This class is designed for children beginners through advanced who needs specialized attention to suit their needs. We offer smaller groups with a trained instructor to work with children in a group environment to build swimming skills.
Contact Amanda at x. 201 for more information!
Piranhas Swim Team: Pre-Competitive
(YOUTH AQUATICS)Ages 5-10
This team is for children who have an interest in competitive swimming but may not be ready for meets or competitive practices. The team will swim in one competitive meet at the end of the season. Swimmers MUST be able to swim 50 yards freestyle & backstroke plus have the skills described in the FISH level on page 7. Please visit our website to download the information brochure or contact 609-497-9622.
Skills & Drills (1 hour)
(YOUTH AQUATICS)Maintain what you’ve got! Stay in the water to keep fit for the winter by joining the Princeton YMCA’s Skills & Drills program. Stay in tip-top shape as we emphasize technique, drills, proper starts and turns. *Completion of Fish level required to swim
Piranhas Swim Team: Competitive
(YOUTH AQUATICS)Ages 5-18
The Princeton Family YMCA’s competitive team led by renowned Head Coach Matt Wise is a co-ed, YMCA league team. Our practice season runs Oct. 1-Feb. 27 with championship meets through March. The team competes in YMCA league-sanctioned NJ meets and is open to all swimmers who can complete 100 yards of freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and 25 yards of butterfly. Swimmers must commit to at least 2 practices/week and attend all meets including championships. Parents must also commit to volunteering at 2 meets during the season.
Swimming Merit Badges
(YOUTH AQUATICS)The Princeton Family YMCA has teamed up with the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts to provide opportunities for children to earn their swimming badges. The Spring Program Series is a perfect time to schedule pool time and earn merit badges! We also offer additional Boy Scouts of America certifications. For more information, please call 609-497-9622 x201.
Splash Birthday Parties
(YOUTH AQUATICS)Rent the YMCA pool for your next birthday party! A lifeguard will be provided during recreational time. A party room is provided for opening gifts, playing games and enjoying cake and snacks, if you would like to bring them. Please call 609-497-9622 x222 to reserve a date or for more birthday party information.
