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.