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THE 'FIRST-SWIM CONFIDENCE' PLACE.
ALL AGES. ALL LEVELS.
At the YMCA of Greater Toledo, we believe every splash builds confidence, every lesson deepens connection, and every swimmer—no matter their age or ability—deserves a safe, supportive place to grow. That’s why we’re proud to be The First-Swim Confidence Place.
Whether you’re introducing your infant to water or training for a swim team, our programs are built to meet each swimmer where they are—welcoming, genuine, nurturing, hopeful, and determined.
The First Bond-in-the-Water Place
Experience-Discover & Explore-Stage A (Ages 6-18 months)
Parents accompany children in Stage A, which introduces infants and toddlers to the aquatic environment through exploration and encourages them to enjoy themselves while learning about the water.
Skills taught include blow bubbles, front tow, front float, back float, back tow, roll and wall grab.
Experience-Discover & Explore-Stage B (Ages 18-36 months)
In Stage B, parents work with their children to explore body positions, floating, blowing bubbles, and fundamental safety and aquatic skills. Skills taught include blow bubbles, front tow, front float, back float, back tow, roll and monkey crawl.
Experience-Discover & Explore Swim -Stage A (Ages 6-18 months)
Parents accompany children in Stage A, which introduces infants and toddlers to the aquatic environment through exploration and encourages them to enjoy themselves while learning about the water.
Skills taught include blow bubbles, front tow, front float, back float, back tow, roll and wall grab.
Experience-Discover & Explore Swim-Stage B (Ages 18-36 months)
In Stage B, parents work with their children to explore body positions, floating, blowing bubbles, and fundamental safety and aquatic skills. Skills taught include blow bubbles, front tow, front float, back float, back tow, roll and monkey crawl.
Experience-Swim Starters Adult/Child A & B (Ages 6 months-2 years)
The National YMCA Progressive Swim Program stresses endurance, personal safety, skill development, and lifesaving techniques. The primary goal of this program is comfort and safety. Songs and games are an important part of the instruction at this level. Motor skills will also be presented. A parent or trusted adult will be needed to accompany the child in the pool. 30 minute class.
The First Independence Place
Experience-Swim Basics-Stage 1 (Ages 3-5)
Swim Basics (Stages 1-3)
Students learn personal water safety and achieve basic swimming competency by learning two benchmark skills:
* Swim, float, swim – sequencing front glide, roll, back float, and exit.
* Jump, push, turn, grab
Swim Strokes (Stages 4-6)
Having mastered the fundamentals, students learn additional water safety skill sand build stroke technique, developing skills that prevent chronic disease, increase social-emotional and cognitive well-being, and foster a lifetime of physical activity.
Experience-Swim Basics-Stage 2 (Ages 3-5)
In Stage 2, students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water. Skills include submerge, front glide, front float, back float, back glide, water exit, roll and tread water.
Experience-Swim Basics-Stage 3 (Ages 3-5)
In Stage 3, students learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages in the event of falling into a body of water. This stage also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm and leg action. Skills include submerge, swim on front, swim on back, water exit, roll, and tread water.
Experience-Swim Strokes-Stage 4 (Ages 3-5)
Students in Stage 4 develop stroke technique in front crawl and back crawl and learn the breaststroke kick and butterfly kick. Water safety is reinforced through treading water and elementary backstroke. Skills include front crawl, breaststroke, butterfly, back crawl, dive, resting stroke, and tread water.
The First Strong-Strokes Place
Experience-Swim Basics-Stage 1 (Ages 6-12)
Student develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water in Stage 1. This stage lays the foundation that allows for a student’s future progress in swimming. Skills taught include submerge, front glide, front float, back float, back glide, water exit and roll.
Experience-Swim Basics-Stage 2 (Ages 6-12)
In Stage 2, students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water. Skills include submerge, front glide, front float, back float, back glide, water exit, roll and tread water.
Experience-Swim Basics-Stage 3 (Ages 6-12)
In Stage 3, students learn how to swim to safety from a longer distance than in previous stages in the event of falling into a body of water. This stager also introduces rhythmic breathing and integrated arm and leg action. Skills include submerge, swim on front, swim on back, water exit, roll, and tread water.
Experience-Swim Strokes-Stage 4 (Ages 6-12)
Students in Stage 4 develop stroke technique in front crawl and back crawl and learn the breaststroke kick and butterfly kick. Water safety is reinforced through treading water and elementary backstroke. Skills include front crawl, breaststroke butterfly, back crawl, dive, resting stroke, and tread water.
Experience-Swim Strokes-Stage 5 (Ages 6-12)
Students in stage 5 work on stroke technique and learn all major competitive strokes. The emphasis on water safety continues through treading water and sidestroke. Skills taught include front crawl, breaststroke, butterfly, back crawl, dive, resting stroke, and tread water.
Experience-Swim Strokes-Stage 6 (Ages 6-12)
In Stage 6, student refine stroke technique on all major competitive strokes, learn about competitive swimming, and discover how to incorporate swimming into a healthy lifestyle. Skills taught include front crawl, breaststroke, butterfly, back crawl, dive, resting stroke, and tread water.
The First Never-Too-Late Place
Experience-Adult/Teen Beginner (Ages 13+)
Basic swimming skills for beginners or intermediate swimmers to support themselves in shallow and deep water.
Program is available to youth ages 13–17, whether they are YMCA members or not. For adults (18+), participation is limited to active YMCA members only.
Experience-Adult/Teen Intermediate (Ages 13+)
Designed for members who have completed the skills in Adult/Teen Beginner. The emphasis will be on perfecting breathing technique, basic strokes, and treading. We will work on building endurance and the ability to swim laps.
Must be comfortable in water over your head.
Program is available to youth ages 13–17, whether they are YMCA members or not. For adults (18+), participation is limited to active YMCA members only
Experience-Teen Beginner (Ages 13-17)
Basic swimming skills for beginners or intermediate swimmers to support themselves in shallow and deep water.
Experience-Intermediate Lap Swimming (Ages 16+)
Designed for the previous beginning lap swimmer or anyone with the ability to swim at least a few lengths of the pool using some form of freestyle.
The emphasis will be on perfecting freestyle and backstroke techniques, including coordinating breathing and arm stroke timing. Endurance and cardiovascular strengthening will be achieved by the use of drills with limited interval training.
NOT recommended for new or very weak swimmers.
Experience-Advanced Lap Swim (Ages 16+)
This class is designed for the previous intermediate lap swimmer or triathlete.
Emphasis on swimming conditioning—building endurance using proper technique for multiple strokes.
Interval training advanced swimming drills and some sprint work will be incorporated into the workout.
Academy-Masters Swim Instruction (Ages 18+)
Refining the technique of each stroke while working on endurance. Must be able to swim 50 yds continuously.
The First Personalized Confidence Place
Private Swim (1 on 1) 4 Session Package
Together, the instructor, participant, and/or guardian determine the goals for the session, and the curriculum is customized in order to meet these goals.
Private swim lessons are available by appointment only. Lessons are 30 minutes each.
Open to all ages. Complete New Private Swim Lesson Interest Inquiry Form below to be paired with instructor to best meet your needs. Registration, payment and scheduling is done at your local Y branch.
Semi-Private Swim (Up to 2 people) 4 Session
Both swimmers must be registered together. Fee listed is per person. Lessons are available by appointment only. Lessons are 30 minutes each. Open to all ages. Complete New Semi-Private Swim Lesson Interest Inquiry Form below to be paired with instructor to best meet your needs. Registration, payment and scheduling is done at your local Y branch.
Family Private Swim (Up to 4 People) 4 Session Package
Fee listed is per family. Lessons are available by appointment only. Lessons are 30 minutes each. Open to all ages. Complete New Family Private Swim Lesson Interest Inquiry Form below to be paired with instructor to best meet your needs. Registration, payment and scheduling is done at your local Y branch.
Kids may be as old as 18 years old.
Kids must live in the same household.
Adults need to be in the water with children under 3 years old.
Adults can be parents, grandparents, guardians.
The First Friendship-and-Focus Place
For youth ready to take the plunge into competitive swimming, our swim teams build skills, sportsmanship, and lasting friendships. It’s not just about the stopwatch—it’s about confidence, commitment, and community.
To Learn More, Click HERE
ADULT SWIM LESSONS
CONFIDENCE WITH EVERY STROKE
Swim Lessons
More people have learned to swim through the YMCA than any other organization. Our swimming lesson program is world renown, and we are excited about how our instructors have made positive improvements to our swim program.
The swim lesson program is set up in a progressive manner. Each stage is built upon each other to allow the students to grow their skills and technique each step of the way.
The program is broken up into 2 main components:
Parent/Child and Preschool For children under the age of five and their parents
Youth and Adult For children ages six and up, as well as adults and individuals with disabilities
Swim Tests
We require swim tests* for all children 15 years and younger to determine their swimming ability. Swimmers who do not take the test will be marked as non-swimmers. Each child will be given a swim band that clearly identifies their swimming ability.
Swim test: Depending on the size and shape of the pool, the test consists of jumping in the shallow end, treading water in the deep end for 30 seconds, swimming on the front (on top of the water), and swimming on the back.
At any time, regardless of age, if a lifeguard questions a swimmer’s ability in the pool he or she can require a swim test.
- Red Band: Non-swimmer under the age of 10. An adult must actively supervise and accompany the red band swimmer in shallow water.
- Yellow Band: Non-swimmer age 10 or older. Must stay in pool areas with a depth at or below the shoulders.
- Green Band: Swimmer. May swim in any area of the pool.
- Blue Bands: Swimmer meeting the height requirement for the facility water slide. May swim in any area of the pool and may use the water slide.
Swimming lessons at the Y are overseen by certified instructors who provide this training in a safe and fun way.
Lessons are given in 1 month or 8-week sessions and are open to YMCA members and nonmembers.
Want to register your child for swim lessons but not sure which lesson is right for them? Use the selector below.
THE 'CONFIDENCE-MEETS-COMPETITION' PLACE
Ages: 5 to 18 years
Requirements: Swimmers must:
- Have a family YMCA membership
- Be able to demonstrate the following skills:
- Swim 25-yard freestyle, demonstrating breathing to the side and good body position
- Swim 25-yard backstroke, demonstrating good body position
- Swim 25-yard breaststroke or butterfly
- Can demonstrate the fundamentals of a forward dive from the edge of the pool
The Confidence-Meets-Competition Place
Becoming part of a YMCA Swim Team means more than just swimming laps—it’s about building skills, friendships, and confidence that last a lifetime.
Our trained coaches focus on individual growth, helping swimmers improve endurance, refine technique, and embrace a healthy, active lifestyle. We emphasize progress over pressure, creating an encouraging environment where every swimmer can thrive.
From foundational instruction to advanced training, YMCA swim teams offer:
Developmental and age-group coaching
Technique and skill-building
Endurance training in a supportive team setting
A focus on our core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility
Whether you’re just diving in or training for your next meet, there’s a lane for everyone here.
The YMCA of Greater Toledo offers 4 swim teams across the association:
- Francis Family Stingrays
- Frank and Shirley Dick Family YMCA Gators
- Fort Meigs YMCA Sting Rays
- Wolf Creek YMCA Marlins
THE 'HERO-IN-WHISTLE' PLACE
Lifeguards, Swim Instructors and Training
Make Every Shift Matter
As a YMCA lifeguard, you do more than watch the water—you protect lives, support your community, and create a safe, welcoming space for all. Every day is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working with a diverse and inclusive team.
Teach Skills. Build Confidence. Save Lives.
YMCA Swim Instructors teach swimmers from 6 months to adults, focusing on skill progression, water safety, and confidence-building. Instructors lead with encouragement and care—creating a safe, positive environment that supports youth development, healthy living, and meaningful member connections.
The YMCA Lifeguard Training course is the most comprehensive program available, including certifications in CPR/AED, Basic Life Support, First Aid, and Oxygen Administration. Training in equipment-based rescues for aquatic environments, accident prevention, and decision-making skills prepare participants for employment.
Participants must be 16 years old before the start of class. Attendance, full participation, and successful completion of written tests and performance of all water skills are required.
Upon completion of this course participants will receive an American Red Cross certificate for Lifeguarding/First Aid/CPR/AED valid for 2 years.
PARTICIPANTS MUST BE ABLE TO:
- Tread water for at least 2 minutes
- Swim 100 yards of front crawl
- Swim 50 yards each of front crawl with head up, sidestroke, breaststroke, breaststroke with head up, inverted breaststroke kick with hands-on stomach
- Perform a feet-first surface dive in 8 to 10 feet of water and then swim underwater for 15 feet
- Perform a series of tasks given by the instructor to demonstrate listening and scanning ability as well as stamina and endurance
- Swimsuit and Towel (for females, a one-piece suit is required)
- Pen
- Proof of Age
- A student under the age of 18 must bring a minor permission form sign by the parent and participant
- Change of clothes
- Open Mind
- Approximately 7 hours, 25 minutes for online learning
- Approximately 28 hours for in-class skills
- Course times may vary to include breaks
- Members: $185
- Guests: $270
Area Office on Aging, YMCA of Greater Toledo, and Chester J. Zablocki Senior Center Honored for Outstanding Community Partnership!
Toledo – The Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio, Inc., YMCA of Greater Toledo, and Chester J. Zablocki Senior Center were proudly recognized with the Outstanding Community Partnership Award at the Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging (O4A) Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio, on Thursday, October 16, 2025.
Y-USA CEO Suzanne McCormick to Visit YMCA of Greater Toledo
A Celebration of 160 Years of Local Impact with National Recognition
The YMCA of Greater Toledo is honored to welcome Suzanne McCormick, President and CEO of YMCA of the USA (Y-USA), to our community on Monday, August 18, 2025.
Celebrating Leadership and Potential: YMCA Leadership Academy Graduation
At the YMCA, we believe in nurturing the potential of every individual, and nothing showcases this commitment more than our participation in the YMCA Leadership Academy. We are proud to celebrate the graduation of our Toledo representatives, Crystal Tollstam and Dave Klepaski, who exemplified what it means to lead with heart, purpose, and impact.
Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership: Lisa Hawker Named YMCA Volunteer of the Year
Toledo, OH – March 24, 2025 — At the YMCA of Greater Toledo, we believe strong communities are built by passionate leaders—those who give of themselves, lift others up, and help create lasting change. This year, we are proud to recognize one of those changemakers.
Lisa Hawker, our current Board Chair and longtime advocate for the Y, has been named the YMCA Volunteer of the Year, a distinguished national honor that recognizes individuals who exemplify our mission and transform their communities through service.
Making Waves of Change: Free Swim Lessons for Toledo’s 2nd Graders
At the YMCA of Greater Toledo, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to be safe in and around water. That’s why, in partnership with ProMedica, TPS Foundation, Cenovus Energy, Toledo Refining Company, and Mercy Health, we’ve launched a lifesaving initiative to provide free swim lessons to second graders in Toledo Public Schools on the East Side.
This program was created in honor of a TPS student who tragically drowned in Lake Superior last summer. His legacy now lives on through this initiative, ensuring young students gain the confidence and critical water safety skills they need.
Governor Mike DeWine Visits YMCA Child Development Center at Owens Community College
Supporting Ohio Families with Quality, Affordable Child Care
February 4, 2025, we were honored to welcome Governor Mike DeWine to the YMCA Child Development Center at Owens Community College as he highlighted the importance of affordable, high-quality child care for Ohio families. His visit reinforced the vital role that early childhood education plays in shaping the future of our children and strengthening our communities.