Knowing how to swim can save your life — or even someone else's. Taught by certified YMCA instructors, our swimming lessons will give you lifelong skills to help you be safe in and around the water. And you just might develop a lifelong passion for swimming!
But there's more to YMCA swim lessons than just learning to swim. Our swimming lessons build self-confidence and show children they can achieve their goals with a little hard work and support from others.
We’ve taught tens of thousands of children to swim through our nationally-accredited YMCA swim programs since we offered the very first YMCA swimming lesson in Canada over 100 years ago. But it’s never too late to learn…many Ys also offer lessons for adults. Contact your local YMCA for more information on swimming lessons available in your area.
Explore our swimming lessons
We have developed three nationally accredited swimming programs to help children progress through the skills required to become proficient swimmers.

L'il Dippers
Introduces children 6 months to 5 years old to the water and teaches foundational skills.

Learn to Swim
For children 6-12 years old to continue to develop their swimming skills.

Star Program
For children who have completed the Learn to Swim program to develop more advanced skills.