Aquatic
At the Cranston, YMCA the aquatic programs stress enjoyment, swimming activities, safety and development of confidence in adults and children. Whether you enjoy lap swimming, water exercise or want to learn to swim, the Cranston Y will get you there.
Our aquatic classes emphasize mental and spiritual growth as well as physical development. Children and parent/child teams learn about water adjustment, water and boating safety, use of personal floatation devices and water rescue techniques, all while progressing at their own pace through our progressive swim program. If you are unsure of your child’s swimming level you can contact our Aquatic Director, Lou Arruda, at larruda@gpymca.org to set up an appointment to have your child tested. Please note that all our Water Exercise Classes are for ages 16 & over.
For more information on Cranston Y Aquatic offerings please choose one of the following areas:
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Parent/Child Swim Lessons
Our Parent/Child Swim Lessons are offered for children aged 6 months to 4 years with a parent. Children who are 3 to 4 years old also can participate in swim lessons without the parent, depending on their comfort level in the water. The focus is on water orientation and independent movement, guided by the parent. Parent/Child levels are SKIP (6-24 months) and Pike with Parent (2-4 years) and the class size for these levels is 12.
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Preschool Swim Lessons
Our Preschool Swim Lessons are offered for children ages 3-5 years and are a progressive format of four levels: Pike, Eel, Ray and Starfish. This allows your child to advance to each level at his or her own rate based on their level of ability. Preschool classes progress through various skills, beginning with floating, kicking, jumping into the pool through crawl and backstroke. The class size for all preschool levels is 5.
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Youth Swim Lessons
Our Youth Swim Lessons are offered for children ages 6-12 years and are a progressive format of seven levels: Polliwog I, Polliwog II, Guppy, Minnow, Fish, Flying Fish and Shark. This allows your child to advance to each level at his or her own rate based on their level of ability. Youth classes progress through various skills, beginning with floating, kicking, jumping through all swim strokes, diving, boating safety, and rescue techniques. Class size for beginner levels (Polliwog I & II) is 6 and for intermediate to advanced is 8.
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Porpoise Club
The Porpoise Club is offered to swimmers ages 11 to 15 that have progressed through the Shark level and are looking for more of a challenge. Swimmers will work on building endurance, refining strokes, and learning rescue skills. Our class size for Porpoise club is 8.
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Stroke Clinic
Cranston YMCA offers Stroke Clinic during non-swim team seasons for children ages 6-18. This program is geared toward swim team members, keeping them in shape for the next swim team season, focusing on stroke technique.
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Teen Swim Lessons
Our Teen Swim Lessons are offered for teens ages 13-15. These classes are appropriate for teens of all swimming abilities, from beginner to advanced. Teens learn proper stroke technique, proper breathing and work on building endurance. Our class size for teen lessons is 8.
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Adult Swim Lessons
Adult Swim Lessons are offered for swimmers ages 16 and older. These classes are offered for beginner and intermediate levels. Beginner level is perfect for the adult who is not comfortable around water to become more so and then to progress to learning basic swimming skills. Intermediate level offers adults the opportunity to work on stroke refinement and endurance. Class size for adult classes is 8.
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Swim Team
The Blue Marlins Swim Team is the Cranston Y’s team. Swimmers ages 6-18 can participate in this fun, competitive, multi-level team! Our swim team consists of swimmers from beginners to advanced; generally your child should be at least at the Guppy level of swim to participate. The team focus is on personal improvement and goal setting. The season begins in October and runs through the SENECY championships in March. A free 2-week trial is offered in September to give your child the chance to experience what it is like to be part of the team before deciding if they want to join! Swim Team members need to be members of the YMCA. For the schedule of practice times and fees, please download our Fall Brochure pages 5 to 8. For more information, please contact Lou Arruda, coach at larruda@gpymca.org.
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Aquatic Trainings
First Aid classes are offered at the Cranston YMCA on a regular basis. Certification is through American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI) and is valid for three years. Topics covered include treatment of burns, cuts, fractures poisoning, asthma and more.
CPR classes are offered at the Cranston YMCA on a regular basis. Certification is through American Safety & Health Institute (ASHI) and is valid for two years. This course covers adult, infant and child CPR with AED (Automated External Defibrillator) training.
The YMCA Lifeguard Certification Course provides the knowledge and skills to prepare for an occupation as a lifeguard. Participants must be 16 years of age and must be certified in first aid and CPR. Lifeguard certification is valid for two years. Attendance at all classes is mandatory.