Aquatics
The YMCA of Greater Providence Aquatics Program offers an opportunity for individuals to become immersed in much more than water. The therapeutic benefits of water-based activities, coupled with increased self-esteem gained from exceeding the expectations of oneself, keeps people coming back to enjoy a lifetime of fun and good health.
YMCA Aquatics is not simply a way to have fun. Learning how to swim and other water-safety activities are wholesome community activities that help prevent drownings and water-related deaths.
All YMCA swim lessons have five key components: personal safety, personal growth, stroke development, water sports & games and rescue. Also, our swim classes are progressive in nature – each age group has levels from beginner to advanced. Children advance in levels depending on their individual progress. In the descriptions below, the levels are indicated in caps.
NEW! Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program
Developed specifically for people with arthritis this water exercise program has been documented to reduce arthritis pain and stiffness while keeping joints flexible and muscles strong. Conducted in a heated pool, the water provides gentle resistance to build muscles strength and supports joints to encourage free movement. The program will be offered MONDAY evenings at 6:30PM with a certified AFAP instructor, Robyn Thomas. For more information, contact our Aquatics Director.
For details about the following offerings, download a program brochure or swim lesson or pool schedule.
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Parent/Child Swim Lessons
SKIP and PIKE with Parent
Children ages 6 months to 4 years, under their parents' guidance, learn independent movement and basic paddle and kicking skills.
PIKE, EEL, RAY and STARFISH
Children ages 3 to 5 years advance from beginner level, using floatation devices to advanced level, mastering rotary breathing and swimming the length of the pool without floatation!
POLLIWOG I & II, GUPPY, MINNOW, FISH, FLYING FISH, SHARK
Children ages 6 to 13 years advance from beginner levels using floatation devices to advanced levels where they work on stroke development, timing, flip turns and endurance.
For beginners to advanced, learn the skills you need to swim laps, an exercise that keeps you fit into your senior years!
Our Sea Lions swim team produces champions! For children ages 6 years to 18 who test GUPPY level or above. Runs September through March.
YMCA Lifeguard Certification is a 30-hour class. Participants must be 16 years and older and have current CPR, first aid, AED and oxygen certifications prior to start of the class. Contact the Aquatic Director for more information.
Five feet at the deep end, our pool is ideal for water exercise classes for all abilities.
Those with arthritis benefit from the heated pool's water resistance, helping improve joint flexibility and relieving arthritis pain and stiffness. High intensity, full-body water exercise classes, which strengthen and tone without stress on joints, are also offered.
See the pool schedule for days and times.
Our 25-yard, 5-lane pool is host to lap swimmers, water exercisers and swim lessons for all ages and abilities. 3 ½ feet at the shallow end to 5 feet at the deepest, the pool is kept between 82 and 84 degrees. Individual family locker rooms are convenient and offer privacy for families with children of opposite sex.
Pool Birthday Parties are convenient and fun for families who want to keep the mess out of the house, and provide the kids with a memorable party. See the program brochure for details.
Pool rental is available to local schools and organizations on a limited basis. Contact the Aquatic Director.
See the pool schedule and times for Lap Swim, Open Swim, Swim Team and Water Exercise.
You can request your favorite swim instructor for a private swim class. Just ask the Member Service Staff for a request form.