Swim Lessons
At the Y, we believe everyone can learn to be safe and confident in the water. Our swim lessons help children, teens, and adults of all ages build skills at their own pace—from first splashes to strong strokes. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine technique, our supportive instructors create a safe, encouraging environment that fosters confidence, safety, and a lifelong love of swimming
Learn to Swim at the YMCA Southcoast
YMCA Southcoast offers swim lesson programs for all ages, designed to build water confidence, safety skills, and swimming proficiency in a supportive environment. Lessons are divided into stages based on age and developmental milestones, starting with Parent & Child classes (ages 6 months–3 years) in Water Discovery and Water Exploration, where parents help little ones get comfortable in the water. Preschool lessons (ages 3–5) and School Age lessons (ages 5–12) progress through Water Acclimation, Movement, Stamina, and Stroke Introduction to Stroke Development and Stroke Mechanics, focusing on swimming skills, safety techniques, and proper stroke form. Teens and adults (ages 12+) can join beginner through advanced stages to build or refine their swimming ability and learn all major strokes. From first-time water exploration to mastering competitive techniques, YMCA Southcoast swim lessons foster confidence, safety, and a lifelong love of swimming.
The world is 71% water. Your children are 100% curious. Sign up for swim lessons today!
Available at these Locations:
Not sure what lesson you should register your child for?
Use our Swim Lesson Selector to find the best lesson for your child.
Parent and Child
Ages: 6 months-3 years
Parents join little ones in the pool for fun, safe water discovery and exploration through songs and games.
- Stage A/B Water Discovery/Water Exploration, Age 6 months-3 years
- Stage C – New Bedford YMCA only Age 2-5
Preschool Child
Ages: 3-5 years
Young swimmers gain confidence, practice basic skills, and learn water safety.
- Stage C – New Bedford YMCA only Age 2-5
- Stage 1 Water Acclimation, Age 3-5
- Stage 2 Water Movement, Age 3-5
- Stage 3 Water Stamina, Age 3-5
- Stage 4 Stroke Introduction, Age 3-5
Youth
Ages: 6-13 years
Lessons progress from beginner skills through stroke development and endurance. Build skills that save lives. From Lifeguarding and Swim Instructor training to CPR, First Aid, and BLS certifications, the YMCA offers trusted courses that prepare you to lead, respond, and make a difference.
- Stage 1 Water Acclimation
- Stage 2 Water Movement
- Stage 3 Water Stamina
- Stage 4 Stroke Introduction
- Stage 5 Stroke Development
- Stage 6 Stroke Mechanics
- Aquatic Conditioning
Teen & Adult
Ages: 14+ years
Lessons are shaped around participants’ goals—whether it’s learning to swim for the first time, improving strokes, or building fitness in the water.
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Aquatic Conditioning
Swim Lessons Frequently Asked Questions
The best level for your child depends on their age and swimming experience. To find the perfect fit, please see our Swim Level Selector with class descriptions and age groups to help guide you.
Signing up is simple! If you’re an existing YMCA Southcoast member, you can register for swim classes directly through Daxko. For other program participants, you’ll need to register for a membership before enrolling in swim lessons.
An 8-week session of weekly 30-minute lessons costs $80 for YMCA Southcoast members and $160 for other program participants.
Most sessions run 7 to 8 weeks, aligned with holiday and school vacation calendars.
There are typically 7 to 8 lessons per session, meeting once per week. The exact count may vary based on the calendar.
Please bring a swimsuit, towel, goggles, and a swim cap or hair tie.
Aquatics Directors
Our certified aquatics team is committed to making every swimmer’s experience safe, skill-building, and welcoming. If you have questions about lessons, schedules, level placement, private instruction, or pool availability, please contact one the Aquatics Directors listed below.