Swim Lessons
Learn to Swim. Build Confidence. Stay Safe.
For generations, families have trusted the YMCA of East Tennessee to teach swimming and water safety skills that last a lifetime. With certified instructors and a proven curriculum, our swim lessons help children and adults of all abilities gain confidence and feel comfortable in the water.
Lessons for Every Age and Skill Level
Our swim lesson program is designed to meet every swimmer where they are — from first splashes to competitive readiness. Lessons are available year-round at multiple branches.
Parent/Child Swim Lessons
(Ages 6 Months – 3 Years)
Bond with your little one while introducing them to the water in a safe, playful setting. Instructors help children feel comfortable, teaching parents how to support early water movement and safety skills.
- Level 1: Water Discovery – Build comfort for infants and toddlers in the water
- Level 2: Water Exploration –Explore body positions, blowing bubbles, water safety, and introduce swim skills
Preschool Swim Lessons
(Ages 3 – 5)
Preschool swim lessons focus on comfort with underwater exploration, increasing forward movement in the water, and introducing fundamental swim strokes. Swimmers also learn basic self-rescue skills performed with assistance by a certified swim instructor.
- Level 1: Water Acclimation – Increases comfort with underwater exploration and introduces basic self-rescue skills performed with assistance.
- Level 2: Water Movement –Encourages forward movement in the water and basic self-rescue skills performed independently.
- Level 3: Water Stamina – Develops intermediate self-rescue skills performed at longer distances than in previous stages.
Youth Swim Lessons
(Ages 6 – 12)
Swimmers progress through a series of skill levels, learning stroke technique, endurance, and water safety. Instructors focus on comfort in deep and shallow water, as well as independence.
- Level 1: Water Acclimation –Increases comfort with underwater exploration and introduces basic self-rescue skills performed with assistance.
- Level 2: Water Movement –Encourages forward movement in the water and basic self-rescue skills performed independently.
- Level 3: Water Stamina – Develops intermediate self-rescue skills performed at longer distances than in previous stages.
- Level 4: Stroke Introduction – Introduces proper stroke technique in front crawl and back crawl and reinforces water safety through treading water and elementary backstroke.
- Level 5: Stroke Development – Introduces breast-stroke and butterfly components and reinforces water safety through treading water and sidestroke.
Teen & Adult Swim Lessons
(Ages 13+)
It’s never too late to learn to swim! Our adult lessons are designed for beginners and intermediate swimmers who want to improve their confidence, technique, and fitness in the water.
Why Swim Lessons at the Y?
Certified Instructors
trained in safety and skill development
Small Class Sizes
for personalized attention
Flexible Schedules
to fit your family’s needs
A Proven Curriculum
trusted nationwide
Swim Lesson Locations
Swim lessons are offered at all YMCA of East Tennessee branches:
- Cansler Family YMCA
- Pilot Family YMCA
- Tennova Family YMCA
- Davis Family YMCA
- Lindsay Young Downtown YMCA
Frequently Asked Questions
When registering online, choose “View” to read the Activity Details and you’ll see a description of each level’s goals and curriculum. Our instructors will evaluate swimmers’ abilities at the first lesson to ensure they’re placed in the right group for success.
No. Non-members are welcome! However, YMCA members enjoy discounted rates and early registration access. Not a member? Join Today!
Group swim lesson sessions run monthly, with registration opening the 12th of the previous month for Y Members and the 15th of the previous month for Non-Members. Most lessons meet one day per week, but other options may be offered depending on the location and season.
Please bring a swimsuit, towel, goggles (optional), and a positive attitude! Little swimmers in diapers must wear swim diapers.
