At the Y, swim lessons save lives. They provide kids and teens with the opportunity to set goals and achieve success, learn water safety and enjoy swimming as a form of exercise. Youth learn not only how to have fun learning to swim, they gain lifelong confidence in and out of the water. Trained YMCA staff teach essential swimming and water safety skills to youth ages infant-17 years in a fun and positive environment. Adult classes are available at select locations.
YMCA SUMMER
POOL LOCATIONS
Click on the buttons below to view swim lessons schedules for each pool site.
PEARSON PARK POOL
Registration for April-May weekend session opens March 15th
CANYON HIGH SCHOOL POOL
Summer Swim Schedule available April 15th
PEARSON PARK POOL
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
Join us for free public swim at Pearson Park Pool in Anaheim. YMCA lifeguards are on duty to ensure everyone is safe.
To make a FREE reservation, please “Schedule a Visit” for EACH member of your party using your FREE YMCA Member online account. Reservations are available up to 3 weeks in advance.
FRIDAYS 2:30pm-5:00pm June 6th – August 15th
SATURDAYS 1:30pm-4:00pm June 7th – September 6th
SUNDAYS 1:30pm-4:00pm June 8th – September 7th
Please review Safety Policies before making a reservation:
- A swim suit must be worn to enter the pool, no street clothes are allowed in the water.
- Please follow all instructions given by lifeguards.
- Members visiting with small children must enter the water with their children.
- To preserve a safe and positive experience for all, disruptive or dangerous behavior (as determined by YMCA staff) is not permitted.
- Water and snacks are allowed, but no glassware is permitted in the facility.
- Please see supervisor on duty with any questions.
PARENT & CHILD CLASSES
Parent & Child: Infant & Toddler Intro/Waterbabies (Ages 6 months-2 years)
- Description: This class introduces infants and toddlers to the water in a fun and safe way. It focuses on water comfort, water safety, and basic water skills that will lay the foundation for future swim lessons. Children will practice skills such as body positioning, blowing bubbles, kicking, and floating. Parents or guardians are required to participate and be in the water to provide comfort and encouragement.
- Key Skills: Floating on the back, submerging underwater, breath control, kicking, and water safety.
- Requirement: Parent/guardian must be in the water with the child.
Parent & Child: Young Beginners Class (Ages 2-4yrs)
- Description: For children who are ready to build their water confidence with a parent’s assistance. This class focuses on water safety, basic swimming skills, and developing comfort in the water. Children will be introduced to submerging underwater, kicking, and floating while learning to work together with the instructor and parent for a successful swim experience.
- Key Skills: Floating, basic strokes, submerging underwater, breath control, and water safety.
- Requirement: Parent/guardian must be in the water with the child.
BEGINNER CLASSES
Tiny Tots Swim (Ages 3-5 years)
- Description: This class is designed for toddlers who are ready to explore the water with some independence while still having a parent or guardian close by. It’s a more advanced version of the Infant & Toddler Intro, focusing on the development of early swim skills like kicking, basic arm movements, and floating. Children are encouraged to practice these skills independently while building water confidence.
- Key Skills: Kicking, floating on the front and back, arm movements for swimming, water safety, and basic swimming readiness.
- Requirement: None. Perfect for beginners.
Level 1 Polliwog (Ages 5 and up) – Water Basics
- Description: This level is for children who are new to swimming but are ready to participate independently in a group setting. Emphasis is placed on water comfort, safety, and learning basic swimming skills. Students will start by getting used to the water through activities like blowing bubbles, submerging their face, and practicing floating. As confidence grows, they’ll begin working on basic strokes such as the front crawl.
- Key Skills: Submerging underwater, back floating, front crawl basics, water safety, and breath control.
- Requirement: None. Perfect for beginners.
Level 2 Guppy (Ages 6 and up) – Water Movement
- Description: For swimmers who have mastered basic water comfort and can float on their back and perform front crawl for short distances (5 yards). This class builds on those foundational skills by teaching side breathing, backstroke, and introducing students to more structured swimming techniques. Swimmers will practice these new skills while improving their water movement and stamina.
- Key Skills: Front crawl with side breathing, backstroke, water safety skills, and improved endurance.
- Prerequisite: Must be able to float on their back and swim front crawl for at least 5 yards.
INTERMEDIATE CLASSES
Level 3 Minnow (Ages 6 and up) – Water Stamina
- Description: This class is for swimmers who have a basic understanding of the front crawl and backstroke and are ready to develop their endurance and swimming skills further. Students will focus on swimming longer distances with improved technique and efficiency, including the introduction of the elementary backstroke. The emphasis will also be on self-rescue skills, such as swimming and back floating for safety.
- Key Skills: Front crawl with side breathing, backstroke for longer distances, elementary backstroke, water safety, and stamina building.
Level 4 Fish (Ages 7 and up) – Stroke Introduction
- Description: Designed for swimmers who have mastered the basics and are ready to explore more advanced swimming techniques. In this class, students will learn to swim 25 yards of front crawl, backstroke, and elementary backstroke with correct technique and no assistance. The class introduces more advanced water skills, including treading water, flip turns, dives, and breaststroke.
- Key Skills: 25-yard front crawl, backstroke, elementary backstroke, treading water, flip turns, dives, and breaststroke.
- Prerequisite: Must be able to swim 25 yards each of front crawl, backstroke, and elementary backstroke independently.
ADVANCED CLASSES
Level 5/6 Combination (Ages 7 and up) – Advanced Swim
- Description: This class is for swimmers who have mastered all the basic strokes and are ready to refine their skills and improve endurance. Swimmers will work on swimming 50 yards each of front crawl, backstroke, and breaststroke, while also learning the butterfly stroke. Students will focus on improving technique, refining starts and turns, and enhancing overall swimming endurance.
- Key Skills: Butterfly stroke, endurance swimming, advanced flip turns, breaststroke, and refinement of front crawl and backstroke techniques.
- Prerequisite: Must be able to swim 50 yards each of front crawl, backstroke, and breaststroke independently.
Pre-Swim Team (Ages 10 and up)
- Description: This class introduces swimmers to competitive swimming and is ideal for those looking to improve their technique and endurance in preparation for swim team or other competitive environments. Swimmers will focus on refining stroke technique, building endurance, and learning race starts, turns, and dives. It’s a great way to develop more advanced skills while being part of a team environment.
- Key Skills: Competitive swim techniques, starts, turns, dives, building stamina, and endurance.
- Prerequisite: Must be able to swim 100 yards of freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly with endurance
OTHER SWIM PATHWAYS
Youth Water Polo (Ages 8 and up)
- Description: Youth Water Polo is an exciting way to combine swimming skills with team sports. Participants will learn the fundamentals of water polo, including ball handling, passing, shooting, and basic game strategies. This class is designed for children who are comfortable in deep water and have basic swimming skills, and it helps develop teamwork and coordination in the water.
- Key Skills: Ball handling, passing, shooting, treading water, basic rules of water polo, and teamwork.
- Prerequisite: Comfort in deep water and basic swimming skills.
ENDURANCE, SPORTS, AND GAMES (Ages 7 and up)
- Description: This program is designed for swimmers who want to improve their endurance while incorporating sports and fun games into their practice. It includes swim team-style practices, focusing on building stamina, stroke technique, and understanding race strategies. The program encourages friendly competition through water games and activities that enhance both fitness and swimming skills.
- Key Skills: Endurance swimming, racing techniques, stroke improvement, and aquatic sports.
- Prerequisite: Must be able to swim two lengths of the pool unassisted and have passed level 4
LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION
- Description: This course is designed to provide the participants with the knowledge and skills needed to be a lifeguard and professional rescuer. This is a BLENDED LEARNING Course. Participants must complete online skills portion of course prior to second class meeting. Participants will be certified in CPR for the Professional Rescuer, Basic First Aid for the Community and Emergency Oxygen Administration. The course presents information on the skills and knowledge lifeguards need in pool. The comprehensive course offers up-to-date information on how to lifeguard by anticipating and preventing problems before they occur and by taking action to help those in danger when necessary. Course covers safety skills, accident prevention, scanning, guarding techniques, emergency systems, rescue skills, first aid in aquatic environments, spinal injury management, open water dangers, legal responsibilities, pool management, and information on how to get a job as a lifeguard.
- Prerequisites:
- Minimum of age of 16 by the last day of the scheduled course.
- Those under the age of 18 must have parental consent to participate in the course.
- Swim 300 yards (12 laps of a 25-yard pool) without stopping, using the front crawl and breaststroke.
- Tread water for 2 minutes using only legs.
- Retrieve a 10lb weight from 7 feet, and then swim 20 yards with weight, using legs only.
Adult Swim Lessons
Adult Beginner Swim Lessons
- Description: Perfect for adults who are new to swimming or need to refresh their skills. This class focuses on basic water comfort, learning strokes like front crawl and backstroke, and building confidence in the water. It’s a relaxed and supportive environment for adults to get comfortable in the water and develop fundamental swimming skills.
- Key Skills: Floating, basic strokes, breath control, and water safety.
- Prerequisite: None. Ideal for beginners.
Adult Aerobics Swim Classes
- Description: Designed for adults that want a full-body workout! Designed to improve cardiovascular health, build strength, and increase flexibility. This class combines aerobic movements with strength training exercises, providing an enjoyable and effective way to improve overall fitness.
- Key Benefits: Enhanced cardiovascular endurance, improved muscular strength and tone, increased flexibility and balance, stress reduction and mood improvement, social interaction and community building
- Prerequisite: No prior experience required. This class is open to all adults seeking to improve their fitness in a group setting.
Adult Lap Swim
- Description: This is a great option for adults who want to swim at their own pace. It provides dedicated lap swim time with a lifeguard on duty for safety. Swimmers can use the pool for fitness, endurance training, or relaxation, with no more than two swimmers per lane.
- Details: Swimmers can swim for 35-minute sessions during open lap swim hours.
ANAHEIM FAMILY YMCA: SWIM REFUND POLICY
1. Full refunds will be approved if a Refund Request Form is received at least 5 business days prior to the start of the program.
2. Refund Requests submitted after start date of the program will be charged a $10.00 processing fee and may be approved for a partial credit. If approved, refunds will be issued as system credit, available to be used for any future registration/program fees. This is determined on a case by case basis program/department director.
3. Due to program structure and logistics, there will be no make-up classes, refunds, or system credits given for individual absences.
4. All refunds are approved by the program director or coordinator of the program.
5. Approved requests will be refunded within 2-3 weeks by mail if originally paid by check or cash. Fees originally paid by credit/debit card can be refunded directly if card is still valid, otherwise will be issued by check.
6. Refunds may be requested as a system credit to be used towards future registration/program fees (in any Anaheim YMCA program).
7. If there is a medical reason given for the member not attending the program, a refund or system credit will be issued if documentation is provided. (ex: Doctor’s note).
8. The Anaheim Family YMCA reserves the right to cancel a program that does not have the minimum enrollment. Programs cancelled by the Anaheim Family YMCA will be refunded by credit card return, system credit, or check (based on original payment method and the member’s preference).
9. A Refund Request Form must be submitted in order to be considered for a refund. All requests are subject to program director approval and are not guaranteed.
YMCA Swim Lessons – Frequently Asked Questions
Arrival Time: We recommend arriving “swim-ready” 5 minutes before your scheduled class time. For safety reasons, please do not allow your children to sit poolside unless the instructor is present at the wall.
Swimming Attire: Most bathing suits and swim trunks are acceptable. We ask that you make sure that your child’s swimwear fits snuggly so it will not hinder any movement. Children should not wear swim suits with any built-in flotation. For swimmers with long hair, it should be securely tied back to prevent distraction and interference with skill development.
Swimming Accessories:
- Swim Caps: If your child is prone to chill, a swim cap may help. We welcome and encourage this!
- Goggles: For beginning swimmers, goggles can present a false sense of safety. If your swimmer feels they need goggles, they may bring them; however, for safety reasons a portion of lessons will be spent encouraging participants to be comfortable without goggles.
- Ear plugs/Nose clips: If you are considering using either of these as an aid for your young swimmer, please first discuss it with your instructor. Sometimes these accessories may be more of a hindrance than an aid.
Cancellation/Sick Policy: Children who have been ill should be kept at home. This is in the best interest of their health as well as the health of other class participants and the instructor. Unfortunately, non-attendance for any reason does not entitle you to a refund or a make-up class. We will make every attempt to offer a make-up class if the YMCA must cancel a lesson. Unfortunately, alternate make-up classes cannot be offered, nor does non-attendance to a make-up class entitle you to a refund.
Bathroom Use: We encourage all participants to arrive early enough to use the restroom before class begins. For all participants who are not potty trained, we require the use of a swim diaper in the pool. Parents/Guardians must remain present on the pool deck during lessons to escort their children to the restroom, if needed.
Swim Level Placement & First Day Evaluations: Children will be evaluated by instructors on the first day of lessons to ensure they are in the proper level for their ability and skill level. If we determine your child has been placed in the wrong level, the instructor will discuss this with you and the pool supervisors and will do their best to offer an adequate solution. Children may be moved into a different class level for their safety and the integrity of the program.
Where should I watch my child’s lesson? There are several seating areas located on each pool deck. We ask that parents/guardians remain present on the pool deck during swim lessons, but leave clearance around all perimeters of the pool for lifeguard access and allow children to focus on their instructor’s directions without interference.
If I would like to talk to someone, who should I approach and when? We encourage you to introduce yourself to your child’s swim instructor. If you have questions or concerns, please communicate with them at the end of class. Our pool supervisors are also always available to speak with parents/guardians. For safety reasons, please allow our lifeguards to give their full attention to supervising swimmers; please do not bring questions/concerns to lifeguards. Instead, please address them with our pool supervisors.
How long will it take for my child to learn how to swim? Each child learns at their unique pace. The YMCA uses a developmental series of steps in a natural progression working towards mastering: water adjustment, buoyancy, body position, arm and leg development, forward movement and ending with stroke technique. In general, each child’s readiness is influenced by physical development, previous experience, and behavioral maturity.
Registration for next session: Certificates will be given on the last day of class. It is not unusual for a swimmer to repeat a level more than once because swimming is progressive. All skills must be achieved for a given level before a child can move to the next level. Classes can fill up fast, particularly in popular time slots, so register early. If your child’s recommended level on their completion certificate differs from what you’ve signed up for, please speak to the pool supervisor about moving to the correct level.
Why do I see my child playing or sitting on the side when they should be learning to swim? We pride ourselves in teaching the building blocks of swimming through four additional components: character development, safety, and water games. Through play, your child will gain considerable knowledge and skill development by staying engaged. We also set aside time to discuss and incorporate character values: caring, respect, responsibility, and honesty. Our goal is to develop a well-rounded swimmer, not just one with perfect technique.
Why does my child work on the same things every day? Repetition is the key to learning for most young children. Repeating games and skills give children something to look forward to. Swim lesson participants also feel a greater sense of success by mastering a skill they have been replicating.
What do I do if my child is crying or won’t get in the water? Children may experience fear due to separation anxiety or the overwhelming feeling caused by the pool environment. We ask that you trust our staff in helping your child overcome their apprehension. We encourage hesitant swimmers to continue attending lessons. Our instructors and pool supervisors will communicate with you if they feel your child may have better success in a parent-child class, or if they may need a little more time before they are ready for swim lessons.
What do I do if my child is misbehaving? We ask that you review appropriate class behavior and pool rules with your child. We encourage parents to lead by example and help children understand “respect” for the water, classmates, and instructors. Our instructors and lifeguards use positive reinforcement to encourage appropriate class behavior. If our staff do not have success with this approach, we will notify you to help support appropriate behavior for your child in class.
What can I do to ensure my child will learn to swim and pass their level? We do not establish passing a level as our primary definition of success. We consider learning to swim a never-ending process and as a chance to encourage motor, language and social skills as well as emotional development. It is extremely normal for a child to remain in the same class level for multiple sessions. If you have questions about your child’s swim level, please speak to a pool supervisor on site.
Any other questions, please contact the YMCA Swim Staff yswim@anaheimymca.org
Spring 2025 Lifeguard Class Information will be available Feb. 15th
LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION
This course is designed to provide the participants with the knowledge and skills needed to be a lifeguard and professional rescuer. This is a BLENDED LEARNING Course. Participants must complete online skills portion of course prior to second class meeting. Participants will be certified in CPR for the Professional Rescuer, Basic First Aid for the Community and Emergency Oxygen Administration. The course presents information on the skills and knowledge lifeguards need in pool. The comprehensive course offers up-to-date information on how to lifeguard by anticipating and preventing problems before they occur and by taking action to help those in danger when necessary. Course covers safety skills, accident prevention, scanning, guarding techniques, emergency systems, rescue skills, first aid in aquatic environments, spinal injury management, open water dangers, legal responsibilities, pool management, and information on how to get a job as a lifeguard.
All lifeguards must complete the Lifeguard Certification course.
PREREQUISITES
- Minimum of age of 16 by the last day of the scheduled course.
- Those under the age of 18 must have parental consent to participate in the course.
- Swim 300 yards (12 laps of a 25-yard pool) without stopping, using the front crawl and breaststroke.
- Tread water for 2 minutes using only legs.
- Retrieve a 10lb weight from 7 feet, and then swim 20 yards with weight, using legs only.
Blended Learning Course
- 7 hours of online education modules
- 13+ hours In-Person skills
Participants must complete online learning and attend all in-person sessions:
REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION
Participants must attend all scheduled class dates and times, demonstrate proficient land and water skills, and pass the written exam with a score of least 80 percent.
ANAHEIM FAMILY YMCA SITE LOCATIONS!
Interested in registering for the programs above? You can find more information on the specific locations where we currently offer these programs by clicking on the map button below.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
The Anaheim Family YMCA is committed to making its programs available to everyone. We offer Financial Assistance to reduce program fees to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
