Youth Aquatics . . .

RED CROSS JUNIOR LIFEGUARDING CLASS! New for Fall/Holiday 2010

Aquatics Director Mark Schoon is offering a junior lifeguarding course during both the fall and the holiday program sessions. American Red Cross "GuardStart" is for kids ages 11 - 14. The classes happen Tuesdays, from 4:15 - 5:00pm at the Lenny DeMuro swimming pool at the MDI YMCA. MDI Y member price is $50, non-member price is $75. The fall session runs 9/11 - 10/29 and the Holiday Session runs 10/30 - 12/24. For more information - contact Aquatics Director Mark Schoon at 288-3511 or aquatics@mdiymca.org.

"Drop-in" Swim Lessons - Open to Adults & Children

For $10, you can drop in and get a quick tune-up lesson. We'll have two separate 1/2 hour lessons ($10 per 1/2 hour). One runs 9:00am - 9:30am Fridays and the other runs 9:30am - 10:00am on Friday mornings.

Call 288-3511 and ask for Doreen or Mark! or email: aquatics@mdiymca.org

Surrounded by the ocean, numerous lakes, ponds and streams, children who live on Mount boy on rock near water Desert Island face real danger if they cannot swim. The MDI YMCA offers two programs of swimming instruction, both of which are part of the National YMCA's Progressive Swim Program.

General Information

Swim classes fill quickly. Lessons may be cancelled, combined or added depending on enrollment. Swim classes are filled on a first come, first served basis. Unsure of what level is appropriate for your child? Email Aquatics Director Mark Schoon at mark@mdiymca.org, or call Mark at 288-3511.

Absentee Policy

In order to provide quality swim lessons to the maximum number of participants, we ask for your cooperation. Please inform the instructor prior to class of an absence due to illness or vacation. If the instructor is not informed, she/he will call following the first absence. If two consecutive classes are missed without notice, the participant will be removed from the class roster to allow those on the waiting list to participate.

LESSON PROGRAMS

For times, dates and prices, please refer to the current program guide.

Skippers (age 5 & under)

Skippers (SKIP + PERS = SKIPPERS) will help introduce your child to the lifelong benefits of swimming. Children will gain self confidence, increase their self esteem, and bolster their skills in an aquatic environment. Class sizes are limited - first come, first served.

SKIP (Ages 6 - 36 months, with parent in pool)
Parents accompany their children in the pool to help acquaint them with the water environment. Exercise, skills and fun are emphasized as the goals for this program.

PERS (Ages 3 - 5 years, independent from parent)
This program provides an introduction to the water experience, independent from the parent. The three progressive PERS levels are:

Pike - Beginner Level (With Parent)
Objectives are to explore the water environment independent of adult support (using a floatation device), adjust to a group situation, and learn basic water safety. This is a great class for 3 to 5 year olds who are new to the swim program.

Pike/Eel - Intermediate Level
Beginner to advanced beginner skills include breath control, kicking, paddling, floating and use of life jackets. The goal is to wean students from using a floatation device.

Ray/Starfish - Advanced Level
Advanced beginner to intermediate. Must be able to swim 10-yards without a floatation device. Children will learn rudimentary crawl, back crawl, butterfly, breast, elementary back & sidestroke along with safety skills.

happy pool girls

School Age Program (age 6 and over)

Polliwog - Beginner Swimmer
This swimming level is for children who may have fear or be unfamiliar with how to swim. Movements are rudimentary. To progress to the next level they will paddle on their front, back and side 25 yards with a floatation device and swim 20 feet without one.

Guppy - Advanced Beginner I
Must meet Polliwog requirements. Participants are introduced to treading, rhythmic breathing, diving and boating safety. To progress to the next level they will paddle on their front back and side 25 yards without support. The strokes will be rudimentary crawl, back, butterfly, breast, elementary back and sidestroke.

Minnow - Advanced Beginner II
Must meet Guppy requirements. Participants learn rotary breathing, treading water with a scissors kick, resting stroke, standing dive, and jumping from a one meter board. To progress to the next level their front and back crawl, butterfly, breast, elementary back and sidestroke become more refined.

Fish - Intermediate I
Must meet Minnow requirements. Crawl stroke, backstroke and elementary back should be in good form. To progress to the next level participants dive from a one meter board, tread water using a combination of kicks, swim 50 yards each of the front and back crawl, breast, elementary back and sidestroke, and swim the butterfly for 15 yards.

Flying Fish - Intermediate II
Must meet Fish requirements. All traditional strokes have all basic elements. Refinements are becoming mastered. To progress to the next level participants perform a 3 step approach dive from a one meter board, swim 100 yards each of the front and back crawl, breast, elementary back and sidestroke, and swim the butterfly for 25 yards.

Shark - Advanced Swimmer
Must meet Flying Fish requirements. All traditional strokes have all basic elements. Students will learn the relevance of swimming skills, lifesaving techniques, conditioning, and decision making. Service to others is fostered through teamwork. (not offered during summer session)