The YMCA

For Youth Development
For Healthy Living
For Social Responsibility

Polliwog

  • Ages: 6-12 years
  • Ratio of 4 participants-to-1 instructor
  • Member Price: 8-day Swim Lessons $45, 5-day Swim Lessons $40
  • Non-Member Price: 8-day Swim Lessons $114, 5-day Swim Lessons $100

This class is for swimmers who are well adjusted to the water and eager to become more independent. Students learn to float on their own and swim longer distances. They also learn more about pool and water safety. Students enjoy individualized attention with one instructor per four swimmers.

Pre-requisites: Pass Pike/Goldfish or ability to perform these skills

  • Front and back float 10 seconds with flotation
  • Swim 10 yards on front and back with flotation
  • Swim 2 yards on front and back without flotation
  • Jump into shallow water and recover to wall, with flotation or instructor support

 Compare to:

  • American Red Cross - Preschool Level 1
  • Foss - Little 2-3*

A Typical Class

Students learn to float on their own and swim longer distances. They also learn more about pool and water safety.

Class Length: 40 minutes

Outcomes/Benefits

  • Knowledge of pool and water safety
  • Increased swimming skills
  • Readiness for next swim instruction level: Trout

Tips & Preparation

  • Arrive early; allow at least 10 minutes prior to class start times for your child to change into swimming attire and to stow away items in the locker room.
  • Make sure that your child uses the restroom and showers with soap before entering the pool.
  • Parents of children age 6 and younger must remain in the pool area at all times, including during lessons.
  • The pool may be available to Y Members before or after lessons for Open swimming. 
  • Kids who have not passed our swim test must be accompanied in the water by an adult in order to participate in Open Swim.
  • Our pools are heated, but kids who chill easily may benefit from a swim shirt or ear bands.

Attire and What to Bring

  • Come to class dressed and ready for the pool.
  • Clothes, street shoes, diaper bags and other personal items can be stored in the locker rooms; bring your own lock and leave your valuables at home.
  • Family appropriate, clean swimsuit and swim attire is required.
  • Sandals or flip-flops are permitted in the pool area; No street shoes permitted.
  • Towel, goggles if desired.  Masks and snorkels are not allowed.
*The YMCA has no affiliation with the Foss Swim School and does not use the Foss Swim School curriculum. The Foss Swim School & Design is a service mark of Foss Swim School, LLC, and the YMCA’s use of the Foss name in the level comparison does not constitute a license.

summer classes start 6/7

View Polliwog Schedules & Register


We had a great time in swim lessons. And I feel much safer by the lakes.
Y Swim Lesson Parent