The aquatic center at the Hot Springs Family YMCA hosts a 25-meter swimming pool with a uniform depth of 4 feet. The water temperature is kept at 84 degrees. The aquatic center also has a dry sauna. A lifeguard is on duty anytime the aquatic center is open and is the person in charge of space safety and oversight. The aquatic center will always close 30 minutes prior to the rest of the facility in order to facilitate pool cleaning. 

• Youth ages 3 and below must have a parent or guardian IN the pool with them when swimming, unless they are actively participating in a swim lesson. 

• Youth ages 4 to 13 may be in the pool unaccompanied as long as they have passed a skills test administered by a YMCA lifeguard or are wearing a life jacket. No student 13 and under may be in the aquatic center without an adult. • Youth 14 and up may be in the pool area without an adult as long as rules are being appropriately followed.

 • 18 and up are welcome to use the sauna. Members 17 and under are not permitted to use the sauna due to safety concerns.

A dry sauna is available for members 18 years of age and older, and is located on the east side of the deck by the men’s locker room. The sauna is COED. Shoes should be open toed and clean. No gym shoes are allowed in the sauna. 28 

The dry sauna is designed to be DRY. Please do not use essential oils in the sauna, pour water or oil over the coals, or use any form of scented waxes, oils, steamers and so forth. Members caught using inappropriate oils, steamers or scented or unscented liquids in the sauna will be subject to member revocation or suspension. 

The sauna is designed to sit and sweat. Please do not wear soiled clothing, sweat enhancing clothing or clothing that causes one to overheat. Swim suits are the preferred attire for the sauna. Also, please do not “work out” while using the sauna.

YMCA swim lessons are a progressive, skill-based program for all ages that teach swimming skills, stroke technique, and water safety. The curriculum is broken down into phases, such as "Swim Starters," "Swim Basics," and "Swim Strokes," which are designed to build confidence and competency in the water, from infants to adults. Lessons are led by nationally certified instructors and cover a range of skills including floating, treading water, and safe entry and exit from the pool.

● For all ages: Programs are available for infants, toddlers, children, teens, and adults.
● Progressive curriculum: Lessons are structured in progressive stages that build upon one another, from basic water comfort to advanced stroke development. 
● Water safety: A strong emphasis is placed on water safety skills, including floating, treading water, and knowing what to do in an emergency. The YMCA also offers a dedicated water safety education program.
● Stroke technique: Lessons focus on learning and refining various swimming strokes and techniques.
● Certified instructors: Instructors are nationally certified and trained in CPR, AED, and First Aid. 
● Varied lesson formats: Lessons are available in group, private, and semi-private formats to suit different needs and learning styles.

Swim Lessons offered at the Hot Springs Family YMCA are offered in sessions. February through May and September through October lessons are offered Monday AND Thursday, in the evenings for four (4) weeks, totaling eight (8) classes. June through August lessons are offered Monday THROUGH Thursday for two (2) weeks, totaling eight (8) classes. The June through August sessions offer both morning and evening sessions. The Membership Service Team is happy to help with providing information regarding specific session dates and appropriate placement.

Members $68.00/session Program Participants (non-mem) $87.00/session 

Classes must have 3 or more participants registered in order to be offered. If a class does not meet the 3 or more participant criteria, best efforts will be made to move registered participants into other classes although dates and times may be different than the original session registered for.

 A Swim Lesson Selector may be accessed on the Hot Springs Family YMCA website at www.hsymca.org. Membership service staff are also happy to assist in determining proper placement.

Private YMCA private swim lessons offer personalized instruction, faster progress, and a comfortable environment, ideal for overcoming fears, mastering specific techniques (like strokes or breathing), or accommodating busy schedules with tailored plans and flexible timing, benefiting everyone from anxious beginners to those seeking advanced skills without group distractions. Key advantages include undivided instructor attention, customized goals (safety, fitness, competition), less pressure, and better progress for unique learners.

Lessons are offered in 30- or 60-minute sessions. Fees range from $25.00 - $40.00 depending on session length and instructor experience. To receive more information regarding private swim lessons and finding the right instructor for your needs, you can reach out to Deb Johnson at djohnson@hsymca.org .

The Hot Springs Family YMCA Swim Teams is a semi- competitive swimming program for children and teens desiring to focus on developing swimming skills, endurance, and sportsmanship while promoting a healthy lifestyle. Team swimming is available for various age and skill levels, from beginner to advanced, and offers a multi-tiered structure with different training groups assigned according to skill level. The Hot Springs Family YMCA swim team requires a YMCA membership and a skill audit from the coach to determine team placement.