If you love swimming, the Y is the place to be! The Y built its first pool in 1885, and we are proud to continue operating world-class pools where your members of all ages can learn to swim year-round.

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Swimming Programs

Swim Lessons

Swim Lessons

At the Y, we believe everyone should learn to swim, for both recreation & safety!  The Y introduced the country to the concept of group swim lessons more than 100 years ago.

Swimming skills are progressive, so it’s important to pick the right level for you. Our YMCA trained and certified instructors cover swimming skills, stroke technique, and water safety in a friendly and encouraging environment. Whether in a private or group lesson, all ages can learn with our six (6) stage program.

Private Swim Lessons

Private & Semi-Private Swim Lessons

Prefer to have 1-1 instruction for yourself or your little one? Our certified Y swim instructors provide private and semi-private lessons are for all swimming abilities in kids age 3 and above.

30-minute lessons are scheduled with an instructor and participant(s). For any age, students learn the basics of swimming, refine current skills, and perfect stroke mechanics with personalized lesson plans.

Special Needs Swim Lessons

Special Needs Swim Lessons

The YMCA’s swim program setting provides a unique experience with an emphasis on skill learning, social interaction, and fun. We strive to positively impact youth with special needs in the Philadelphia and the surrounding regions by providing safe, fun, and interactive programs to grow and socialize in a nurturing environment.

We offer several programs for all abilities at select Y locations! Plus - our facilities are accessible for everyone and provides specialty equipment to serve every member’s ability level.

Stroke and Turn Clinic

Stroke and Turn Clinic

Calling all advanced swimmers!

The Y Swim Clinic is designed for swimmers who have advanced through YMCA Swim Lessons and are able to swim a length of the pool of both front and back crawl. Participants should also have rudimentary breaststroke and butterfly strokes. Be sure to browse! Different stages may be available for different locations.

Swim Teams

Our swim teams are dedicated to developing good swimmers and great team members. Through competitive swimming, the YMCA teaches the character virtues of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Find swim teams at the following branch locations:

Find synchronized/artistic swim teams at the following branch location:

Competitive swimming teaches skills for a lifetime. Our swimmers achieve success at all levels of competition. We host a wide variety of teams with immense pride!

What do parents think?

We know swim lessons at the Y are fun and help kids build confidence in and around water, but don't just take our word for it. Check out some feedback parents shared about their experiences swimming at the Y.

Child swimming with instructor

The expertise of his instructor, her patience, humor and how well she worked with my son and all of the other children. You can tell she really loves what she does and I hope my son has her again as an instructor.

- Parent, Willow Grove

child learning to swim

I was able to see measurable and clear improvement in my 2 year old's swimming ability and confidence in the water. I am very impressed with the skills she developed at such a young age. We'll be back for more!

- Parent, Boyertown

children learning to swim

My son started lessons at the Y in May not knowing how to swim at all. After his last lesson this past weekend, he is swimming underwater totally on his own and is SO confident in the water.

- Parent, Upper Perkiomen Valley

Swimming Program Sessions Dates

Session Dates: January 5, 2026 – February 22, 2026
Registration: December 17, 2025 – January 18, 2026
Browse Programs Starting: December 8, 2025
Priority Family Registration Opens: December 15, 2025

*Priority family member registration applies to family, family +1, and single parent family memberships.

Session Dates: March 2, 2026 – April 19, 2026 
Registration: February 11, 2026 – March 15, 2026
Browse Programs Starting: February 2, 2025 
Priority Family Registration Opens: February 9, 2026

*Priority family member registration applies to family, family +1, and single parent family memberships.

Session Dates: April 27, 2026 – June 14, 2026
Registration: April 8, 2026 – May 10, 2026
Browse Programs Starting: March 30, 2026
Priority Family Registration Opens: April 6, 2026

*Priority family member registration applies to family, family +1, and single parent family memberships.

Session Dates: June 22, 2026 – August 16, 2026
Registration: June 3, 2026 – July 12, 2026
Browse Programs Starting: May 18, 2026
Priority Family Registration Opens: June 2, 2026

*Priority family member registration applies to family, family +1, and single parent family memberships.

Session Dates: September 8, 2026 – October 25, 2026 
Registration: August 19, 2026 – September 20, 2026
Browse Programs Starting: August 10, 2026
Priority Family Registration Opens: August 17, 2026

*Priority family member registration applies to family, family +1, and single parent family memberships.

Session Dates: November 2, 2026 – December 20, 2026 
Registration: October 14, 2026 – November 15, 2026
Browse Programs Starting: October 5, 2026 
Priority Family Registration Opens: October 12, 2026

*Priority family member registration applies to family, family +1, and single parent family memberships.

Current Swimming Program Offerings