For more information about any of our Swim programs, please contact Krystal O’Brien, Aquatics Director.
Swim
Lifeguard Certifications
Course participants will learn what it takes to be a professional lifeguard: job responsibilities; patron surveillance skills; rescue skills; first aid; CPR/AED skills; and oxygen administration. Lifeguard candidates must be at least 15 years old, must be able to swim 300 yards continuously using front crawl and breaststroke, and submerge to a depth of 7-10 feet.
Contact: Krystal O’Brien, Aquatic Director, P 203 375 5844
For additional information: Stratford Lifeguard Certification Course
Masters Swimming
NEW!
Ages: 18 and up
Whether you are a novice or an elite swimmer, the Stratford Y Masters program can improve your swimming skills. Our coached practices are designed to enhance your swimming skills, make you more efficient in the water, and increase your overall fitness level. You can also create your own training plan using our weekly posted workouts. Masters Swimming is made up of tri-athletes, beginners, and world champions. Meet us at the pool and join the fun!
Practice Times:
Wednesday: 8:00 – 9:00 pm
Sunday: 1:15 – 2:45 pm
Cost:
Facility Member: FREE
Single Practice Drop-in Fee: $8 per practice for non-members
Youth Swim Lessons
Our youth aquatics program is designed to teach personal water safety, stroke development, water sports and games, rescue and personal growth skills to children. Our program is divided by age and skill levels. Children learn at their own pace and advancing to the next level is dependent on the child’s completion of required skills. Please keep in mind that the session length does not guarantee that all children will advance to the next level. All of our YMCA instructors are trained and certified.
Start Swimming at the Y
Registration dates are posted in our online brochure, at your local Y branch, and through our online registration system. Try our Swim Flow Chart to help you determine your child’s swim level.
How Old is Your Child?
At the Y, we are dedicated to providing student-centered swim lessons designed to nurture the development of each individual participant through our unique and dynamic group lessons. To help you determine which lesson level will create the best learning environment for your child, click through the options below.
SKIP (Shrimp, Kipper, Inia, & Perch)
With the help of songs, games, and social activities parents work hand-in-hand with our team in the water as we introduce water skills based on each child's unique development level.
If this level is the best fit for your child, you can register online or at your Y.
Can your child swim independently on their front and back without a flotation (i.e. bubble, noodle, etc)?
Pike
Ideal for children to adjust to the water and learn basic swimming movements as they progress toward swimming independently.
Parent & Pike
Children who are at least 30 months old and are not comfortable swimming without a parent can enroll in or Parent & Pike class.
If this level is the best fit for your child, you can register online or at your Y.
Can your child willingly submerge underwater?
Pike
Ideal for children to adjust to the water and learn basic swimming movements as they progress toward swimming independently.
If this level is the best fit for your child, you can register online or at your Y.
Does your child put his face in the water when he swims?
Eel
For children who can independently swim at least five feet without a flotation. Our team focuses on teaching progressive kick, arm, and breathing technique.
If this level is the best fit for your child, you can register online or at your Y.
Can your child swim 15 feet
Eel
For children who can independently swim at least five feet without a flotation. Our team focuses on teaching progressive kick, arm, and breathing technique.
If this level is the best fit for your child, you can register online or at your Y.
Ray/Starfish
For children who are able to swim 15 feet independently without a flotation and their face is in the water with rhythmic breathing. Our team will focus on the improvement of front crawl, back crawl, sidestroke, and advanced water safety skills.
If this level is the best fit for your child, you can register online or at your Y.
Will your child go underwater and float independently on their front/back without flotation?
Polliwog
A beginner level for kids either uncomfortable or inexperienced in the water. Our team focuses on basic water skills including gliding with face in water, floating and kicking.
If this level is the best fit for your child, you can register online or at your Y.
Can your child (without flotation) swim 15 yards without stopping and fully submerge?
Polliwog
A beginner level for kids either uncomfortable or inexperienced in the water. Our team focuses on basic water skills including gliding with face in water, floating and kicking.
If this level is the best fit for your child, you can register online or at your Y.
Can your child swim 25 yards of front crawl and back crawl with good form?
Guppy
For swimmers able to complete at least 15 yards of front and back crawl independently. Our team will focus on progressive technique for the front and back crawl as well as the side stroke.
If this level is the best fit for your child, you can register online or at your Y.
Can your swimmer demonstrate at least 25 yards of breaststroke?
Minnow
For swimmers able to complete 25 yards of front and back crawl. Our team focuses on building swim endurance, enhancing stroke technique, and introducing breaststroke movements.
If this level is the best fit for your child, you can register online or at your Y.
Fish/Flying Fish/Shark
For swimmers able to complete 25 yards of breaststroke, 50 yards of freestyle, and 50 yards of backstroke. Our team will focus on building endurance, teaching advanced swim technique, and introducing butterfly.
If this level is the best fit for your child, you can register online or at your Y.
This tool is designed to assist parents in evaluating their child’s swimming skills. The YMCA will provide a quick swim evaluation during the first day of each swim session to ensure correct level placement for the child’s best learning environment. Please answer the questions below regarding your child’s swimming ability to place him or her in the correct class.
Adult Swim Lessons
Ages: 13 and up
Our adult swim lessons are for individuals 13 years of age and up. Class size is limited to ten and the structure of the class will be based on the level of swimmers in the class. The YMCA Adult Lesson plan offers an introduction to the water for those seeking to learn how to swim. The goal of these lessons is to make the adults competent, confident, and successful swimmers.
Registration: Six week sessions, registration is open three weeks prior to session date start.
Sessions: January – May on Saturdays
Cost:
Facility Members: $40 / person
Community Members: $100 / person
Private and Semi-Private Swim Lessons
Ages: 3 and up
One-on-one swim lessons with a trained swim instructor. Each 30-minute session is scheduled between the instructor and the participant.
Registration:
You may register by filling out a Private Lesson Request Form at the member service desk.
Cost:
Six lessons per session
| Facility Members: | Community Members: | |
| YOUTH | ||
| Individual | $125 | $155 |
| 2 Participants | $185 | $215 |
| ADULT | ||
| Individual | $95 | $145 |
| 2 Participants | $125 | $175 |
BSY Swim Team
Ages: 5 – 18 years (participation depends on ability level)
A collaborative effort between the Bridgeport and Stratford Ys, our team offers a stimulating, enjoyable program that stresses stroke technique, endurance, sportsmanship, goal-setting and leadership. We strive to do all this in an environment that embraces the YMCA’s philosophy of building spirit, mind and body for all. We believe these qualities serve our swimmers well in the pool, but also in the classroom and in life.
Practices take place weeknights at the Stratford Y, 3045 Main Street, Stratford. We practice from late September to mid-March and mid-April to late July. For more information contact Krystal O’Brien, Aquatics Director.
BSY Swim Team Registration Form - Summer 2012
Pool Volleyball
Join the Stratford YMCA Water Volleyball Group. Come in and fulfill your weekly need for fun and exercise.
Day & Time:
Wednesday, 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Cost:
Facility Members: Free
Community Members: $8.00/day
Aqua Maids
Ages: 18 and up
The Stratford YMCA’s synchronized swimming club invites other Y swimmers to learn the sport of synchronized swimming. It is a great combination of sport and art. Participants must be at least 18 years of age. Benefits include: physical fitness, creative swimming, and participation in water shows and exhibitions.
Day & Time:
Monday, 8:00 – 9:00 pm
Cost:
Facility Members: Free
Community Members: $8.00/day
Under Water Hockey
If you are comfortable in the water and want to join a fun group, this is the group for you! All equipment is provided…just bring your bathing suit and towel. For more information; please contact James Saulnier at 203-426-8824 or js@alumni.cmu.edu.