For Ages 3–5 Years

YMCA swim lesson instructor during a Preschool class

Our Preschool learn-to-swim program at the YMCA builds on critical water safety skills learned in each stage to foster confidence and ensure safety in the water. With safety as the foundation, children develop essential water skills before advancing to swim strokes.

After mastering the basics, students begin building stronger stroke techniques. These lessons not only boost their swimming ability but also support their overall well-being—helping them stay healthy, build confidence, and enjoy a lifetime of active fun.

Swim Strokes Stage 4: Stroke Introduction 

In Stage 4, students build on the fundamentals learned in Swim Strokes Stage 3 or their prior knowledge, by introducing basic stroke techniques for front crawl and back crawl while reinforcing water safety skills. 

What Your Child Will Learn in Swim Strokes Stage 4: 

  • Front crawl with rotary breathing and back crawl 
  • Introduction to breaststroke kick and butterfly kick 
  • More advanced water safety skills, including treading water and elementary backstroke 

This stage emphasizes technique development, safety, and preparation for more advanced swimming skills. 

Back to Swim Assessment

Lesson Details

Duration

30-minute lessons

Instructor-to-Student Ratio

1:4

What to Bring

Appropriate swimsuit, towel, sunscreen (for outdoor pools only), goggles (optional)

Swim Lesson Package Options

2 Lessons per Week (Recommended): Our curriculum is best completed with two lessons per week, providing more practice and faster skill reinforcement. To schedule 2 lessons per week, register for two 4-lesson packages with flexible days and times.

1 Lesson per Week: Our 4-lesson packages are designed for families who can only attend one lesson per week. Progression may take longer as it’s based on skill mastery rather than lesson frequency.

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