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Swim School

The First Steps to Safe Swimming

Swimming is a vital life skill, and the YMCA of Central Virginia is committed to helping everyone—from infants to adults—learn with confidence. Our swim school caters to all ages and abilities, focusing on safety, technique, and enjoyment. Whether you’re a beginner or refining your skills, we offer classes tailored to each stage of your swimming journey. Explore our swim lesson options to find the perfect fit for your family.

FIND THE PERFECT SWIM CLASS FOR EVERY AGE

a man swimming in a pool

Swim Evaluation

Ages 3 to 12 year olds

LOCATIONS:
Downtown YMCA
Jamerson Family YMCA

Register online or in person at any of our three convenient locations and get started with our year-round Downtown and Jamerson YMCA swim lessons. Whether you’re searching for swimming lessons or a reputable swim school, all swimmers age 3-12 – new and returning – must complete a free swim evaluation before enrolling. These evaluations ensure your child is placed in the correct stage based on their age, abilities, and development, setting them up for success and safety in the water.

a woman and baby in a pool

Swim-Starter Swim Lessons

Ages 6 months - 3 year olds (with parent)

LOCATIONS:
Downtown YMCA
Jamerson Family YMCA

These lessons provide a fun, safe environment for parents and children to bond and build water confidence together. Our infant swim lessons and mommy and me swim classes are designed to cater to the needs of both parents and their little ones. Additionally, our kids swimming lessons help children develop essential skills in a supportive setting.

YMCA swim school: $30 member/$50 non-member – for 4 lessons

a man in a swimming pool with a child

Preschool Swim Lessons

Ages 3 to 5 year olds

LOCATIONS:
Downtown YMCA
Jamerson Family YMCA

Children participate without a parent in the water. A low student-teacher ratio at our swim school allows participants to safely develop skills and confidence in the water. To ensure each child is placed in the correct stage for year-round kids swimming lessons, free swim evaluations are required before enrollment. These evaluations help match your child’s swim skills, age, and development to the appropriate stage. As children progress, they will advance through stages as their skills improve.

YMCA swim school: $45 member/$65 non-member

a man teaching a child how to swim

School Age Swim Lessons

Ages 5 to 12 year olds

LOCATIONS:
Downtown YMCA
Jamerson Family YMCA

Children are taught progressively through ymca swimming classes, with each stage building on skills learned in previous stages. A low student-teacher ratio allows each swimming instructor and participants to safely develop skills and confidence in the water. To ensure swimmers are placed in the appropriate stage for year-round swim lessons, free swim evaluations are required before enrollment. These evaluations match each swimmer’s skill level, age, and development to the correct stage, ensuring steady and safe progress.

YMCA swim school: $45 member/$65 non-member

a man swimming in a pool with another man

Adult & Teen Swim Lessons

Ages 13+

LOCATIONS:
Downtown YMCA
Jamerson Family YMCA

Our Teen and Adult Swimming Lessons are tailored for beginners and those looking to refine their technique. At the Jamerson and Downtown YMCA swim lessons, there is personalized instruction in a supportive environment. You’ll build confidence, master essential skills, and enjoy the benefits of swimming for fun and fitness.

YMCA swim school: $45 member/$65 non-member

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Private Swim Lessons

All ages

LOCATIONS:
Downtown YMCA
Jamerson Family YMCA

Private swim lessons offer personalized instruction tailored to your goals, whether you’re learning to swim or perfecting your technique. For adults, our private adult swim lessons provide targeted training to meet specific objectives. Additionally, we offer a YMCA swimming course that caters to all skill levels. Instructors work with participants and parents to set goals and customize each lesson accordingly. Available for all ages, private lessons can be scheduled any day of the week, providing flexible, focused support to help you or your child master swimming skills.

Where To Find Us

Jamerson Family YMCA

801 Wyndhurst Drive, Lynchburg, Virginia, 24502

Get Directions

Downtown YMCA

1315 Church Street, Lynchburg, Virginia, 24504

Get Directions

SWIM SCHOOL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

While membership is encouraged and provides additional benefits, non-members can also enroll in swim school. However, members will receive priority registration and discounted rates.

Our swim stages are designed to match your child’s current skill level and their development. Preschool age and school-aged swimmers are required to complete a free swim lesson evaluation before registering for their appropriate stage. You can also refer to our parent package, which will provide more information about our swim lessons and swim stages.

Yes, parents are welcome to watch their child’s swim lessons. We provide designated viewing areas to ensure you can observe without distracting the class.

Swim school is offered year-round, with multiple sessions available each week. The frequency and schedule may vary by location and the swim stage that is required. You can enroll or unenroll at any time.

Yes! We offer private swim lessons at the Jamerson Family YMCA and the Downtown YMCA. To inquire about private swim lessons, please fill out our interest form.

a girl in a pool with goggles

BECOME A Y MEMBER Get The Most from Swim Lessons

YMCA of Central Virginia