The YMCA

For Youth Development
For Healthy Living
For Social Responsibility

Sea Lion

  • Ages: 12 months-30 months
  • Parents accompany children at all times during the class; one parent per child
  • Ratio of 10 parent/child pairs-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 is an advanced water adjustment program for children who are eager to learn with a parent in the water with them.

Prerequisites:

  • Comfortable in the water and able to walk 3 steps independently

Compare to:   

  • American Red Cross - Parent Child Program
  • Foss - Backfloat Baby 2*

A Typical Class

A certified instructor will guide parents in teaching body position, blowing bubbles, floating and fundamental safety and aquatic skills. 

Class Length: 30 minutes

Outcomes/Benefits

  • Positive adjustment to the water
  • Pure enjoyment of a positive parent/child experience
  • Readiness for future swim instruction – Sea Horse

Tips & Preparation

Children will adjust to the water more successfully when their parent is calm, smiling and having fun. 

  • Plan to arrive with enough time to change into swimming attire and stow away items in the locker room. 
  • Adults should keep a positive attitude and stay relaxed before, during and after class.
  • Our pools are heated, but kids who chill easily may benefit from a swim shirt or ear bands.
  • You and your child must shower with soap before entering the pool.
  • Tight-fitting rubber or plastic pants are required for children who are not yet potty-trained
  • We suggest you save open swimming for after class so children are prepared and not worn out before classes begin. 

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 for you and your child.
  • Tight-fitting rubber or plastic pants are required for children who are not yet potty-trained.
  • 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 Sea Lion Schedules & Register


Staff was very friendly and helpful. My child really enjoys her time here and looks forward to her swimming lesson every Saturday.
Y Member