Swim Lesson Levels YMCA Swim Lesson Levels are determined by age and ability of the participant. Children who are new swimmers will be placed in our beginning swim levels. If you believe your child should be placed in a higher level or you've been away from the Y for more than 6 months, he or she must take a swim test. The following swim stage descriptions and lesson selector will help you in determining the best fit for your child. Once you have identified the best level for your child, you can register them in lessons by age.

YMCA Swim Lessons continue to evolve to better meet the needs of the people we serve. The latest evolution of Y Swim Lessons aims to increase the accessibility and enjoyment of swimming to all ages and skill levels and accommodates varying abilities to help foster a sense of achievement as swimmers’ progress between levels. Through this approach, advanced swimmers flow more easily to higher levels while swimmers who need more instruction can learn at their own pace. This results in more confident swimmers who stick with lessons and develop a love for swimming that can last a lifetime.