Swim
Water Safety Instructors (Ages 16+)
If you’re at least 16 years old and a proficient swimmer, you can become an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor. Learn to teach children and adults to swim, and give water safety presentations to kids and their parents. It’s a fun and meaningful job.
Become certified to teach the following:
- Parent and Child Aquatics
- Preschool Aquatics
- Learn-to-Swim
- Safety Training for Swim Coaches
- Longfellow’s WHALE Tales
- Water safety courses and presentations
Enroll Today!
Here’s your chance to build your résumé and show the world what you can do:
- Prepare for college and a career by developing leadership and communication skills
- Gain teaching experience
- Have fun and earn money at a job you love
These jobs are in high demand! Plus, American Red Cross certification is recognized nationwide so you can work anywhere in the U.S.
Next Class: JANUARY 25 – MARCH 14, 2012
Class Days and Times: Wednesday 5:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
Fees: Total Cost $350; Deposit of $175 is due upon registration and remaining $175 is due before completion of course.
Half Day Swim Lesson Program
Take advantage of our new Half A Day swim lesson program. It takes place at the Y during winter and spring school vacation weeks. Designed for children ages 4 through 8, Half A Day has a swim lesson and free-swim period each day; arts and crafts, music and gym time round out the fun.
Space is limited, so remember to sign up early for the Half A Day swim lesson program during the 2012 winter school breaks. For more information, contact Aquatics Director Matt LaPrino at 203 878 6501 x3117 or mlaprino@cccymca.org.
Dates:
- February 20-24
- April 16-20
Times
- 9:00am to 12:00pm
Cost:
- Members: $150
- Non-members: $190
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.
Adapted Aquatics – Special Needs Swimming Lessons
Student to instructor ratio is 1:1
This program is open to all individuals with cognitive and/ or physical disabilities and is designed to provide a positive recreational and educational experience for participants. Existing YMCA Swim Lesson Programs will be adapted to meet the individual needs. This Program is for all levels of swimmers. An adult may accompany in the water if needed.
Contact the Y for more details.
Adult Swim Lessons
Teen/ Adult Aquatics
Ages: 13+ years
Student to instructor ratio is 8:1
Teen/ Adult Beginner: This class is for teens and adults who have not had swimming lessons before or who are not comfortable in the water. Basic swimming skills and personal water safety skills are taught.
Teen/ Adult Intermediate: This class is for teens and adults who have had swimming lessons before or who are comfortable in the water and who need to work on stroke development.
Days & Times:
Adult/Teen Beginner: Thursday, 7:00 – 7:45 pm
Cost:
Facility Member: $82
Community Member: $164
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:
Private lesson request form
Masters Swim Team
Ages: 18 and up
Whether you are a novice or an elite swimmer, the Woodruff Y Masters program can improve your swimming skills. These coached practices are designed to enhance your swimming skills, make you more efficient in the water, and increase your overall fitness level. If you are interested in competition, the program offers swimmers the opportunity to participate in local, regional and national meets. Masters Swimming is made up of tri-athletes, beginners, and world champions. Meet us at the pool and join the fun!
2012 Session Dates:
January – March
April – June
July – August
October – December
(All sessions but our summer session is three months in length.)
Practice Times:
Tuesday and Thursday: 7:00 – 8:30 pm / Coached
Friday: 5:30 – 7:00 am / Coached
Saturday: 10:00 – 11:30 am / Non-Coached
Cost:
Facility Member: $150
Community Member: $300
Full Year Registration Incentive
Facility Member: $500
Community Member: $900
Includes registration for all four sessions and United States Masters Swimming and CT Masters Swimming membership registration. ($42 value)
Single Practice Drop-in Fee:
$10 per practice for both members and non-members
Lifeguard Certifications
If you’re 15 or older and looking for a great part time job or challenging career that’s in demand, the American Red Cross Lifeguarding program is the best place to start. Lifeguarding lets you work as part of a team to help people safely enjoy the water. You could even save a life!
Learning is fun and easy! Through videos, group discussion and hands-on practice, you’ll learn:
- Rescue skills for use in the water and on land.
- First aid and professional rescuer CPR/AED training to help you prepare for an emergency.
- Professional lifeguard responsibilities.
- Surveillance skills to help you recognize and prevent injuries.
Enroll Today!
Here’s your chance to build your résumé and show the world what you can do:
- Prepare for college and a career by developing leadership and communication skills.
- Be a hero by learning lifesaving skills, such as first aid, CPR and AED.
- Have fun and earn money at a job you love.
These jobs are in high demand! Plus, American Red Cross certification is recognized nationwide so you can work anywhere in the U.S. No other training organization helps train as many lifeguards each year as the American Red Cross.
Next Class: February 5 – March 25
Class Dates and Times: Sundays 11:30 – 4:30
Fees: Total Cost $325
Deposit of $150 is due upon registration and remaining $175 is due before completion of course.
Contact Matt LaPrino at mlaprino@cccymca.org for more information.
Aquatic Physical Therapy
Our Aquatic Center is host to three local Physical Therapy groups who use our facility four days a week. Contact the Y for more information.
SCUBA Courses
Learning to SCUBA dive opens up a whole new world of underwater exploration and discovery. Don’t miss out on the beauty and excitement of diving!
Introduction to SCUBA
Orbit Marine, in business since 1973 conducts PADI, NAUI, IANTD, SDI/TDI, DAN, and open water certifications at the Woodruff Family YMCA. Ages: 10 through Adult
For more information please call Orbit Marine at 1-800-395-DIVE (3483) or locally at 203-333-DIVE (3483) for information about upcoming classes.
Water Fitness Classes
Ages: 18 and up
We offer several fitness classes that take advantage of the unique properties of water. The workouts will include a warm up, aerobics, toning, stretching and cool down. Flotation devices such as noodles and barbells will be utilized to increase resistance. Come join the fun! Classes offered during the day and evenings.