Preschool Swim Lessons

Preschool Swim Lessons

Our preschool swim program contains 4 levels, with a focus on a different part of the YMCA swim continuum. Swim Basics comprises the first three stages of our swim program. Water Acclimation, Water Movement, and Water Stamina. These stages focus on personal water safety while achieving basic swim competency. The last level in this stage is Stroke Introduction.

  • Water Acclimation focuses on increasing comfort with underwater exploration and introduces basic self-rescue skills performed with assistance.
  • Water Movement focuses on encouraging forward movement in water and basic self-rescue skills performed independently.
  • Water Stamina develops intermediate self-rescue skills performed at longer distances than in previous stages.
  • Stroke Introduction introduces basic stroke techniques in freestyle and backstroke and reinforces water safety through treading water.

Each class is 30 minutes. 7 classes total. Recommended for Ages 3-5.

Need help figuring out which lesson to select? CLICK HERE for our swim lesson selector guide.

Our refund policy allows for a full refund prior to the start of the class and a 75% refund after the first class. After the start of the second class, no refund will be given.


Evaluations for lesson placement

Lampeter Strasburg Branch
2/2/26 - 4/18/26
VIEW

For families not sure which level of swim lessons their child is ready for. If your child is not currently in swim lessons, and you want them evaluated for placement in the next session of lessons, an instructor will be on hand to make recommendations from 12:30-1:30 on Saturdays.

Come and enjoy family swim with your child and our instructor will evaluate your child’s skills and help you place them in the correct class for the upcoming session.



Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
2/6/26 2/28/26 Online / Front Desk $ 0.00$ 0.00
3/28/26 4/18/26 Online / Front Desk $ 0.00$ 0.00

Available Sessions

Date(s)
02/02/26 - 02/28/26
for Mar/Apr - Sa - 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Register  
03/28/26 - 04/18/26
for May/Jun - Sa - 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Registration
will open on
03/28/2026

Level 1 - Water Acclimation

Lampeter Strasburg Branch
3/2/26 - 4/15/26
VIEW

Water Acclimation is the first stage of swim lessons and focuses on skills for beginners. In Water Acclimation, students are introduced to the pool and develop safe water habits in a fun and encouraging environment. Students become comfortable with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit a body of water in the event they fall in. This introductory stage builds the foundation for the child’s future progress in swimming.

The student is not required to have any skills in the water. This class is designed for those who are not comfortable submerging or swimming without their feet on the bottom.

Students will learn:

* Swim, float, swim – sequencing front glide, roll, back float, and exit.

* Jump, push, turn, grab

Participants may only sign up for 1 session per child. Registration for multiple sessions will be refunded and taken off the roster. This is to ensure other children have a chance to get into our swim lesson program! thank you for your understanding!

Our refund policy allows for a full refund prior to the start of the class and a 75% refund after the first class. After the start of the second class no refund will be given.



Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
Jan/Feb 2026 Everyone 12/12/25 1/31/26 Online / Front Desk $ 95.00$ 140.00
Mar/Apr 2026 Members 2/2/26 2/8/26 Online / Front Desk $ 95.00-
Mar/Apr 2026 Everyone 2/9/26 3/26/26 Online / Front Desk $ 95.00$ 140.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Spots
Available
03/02/26 - 04/13/26
Gillian - Mo - 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm
2 / 6 Available Register  
Closes
03/17/2026
03/04/26 - 04/15/26
Katarina - We - 10:40 am - 11:10 am
4 / 4 Available Register  
Closes
03/17/2026
03/04/26 - 04/15/26
Katarina - We - 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
1 / 4 Available Register  
Closes
03/17/2026

Level 1 - Water Acclimation - Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury Branch
1/3/26 - 4/14/26
VIEW

Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of waters in stage 1. This stage lays the foundation that allows for a students future progress in swimming. This level is for children ages 3-5 years old.

Our refund policy allows for a full refund prior to the start of the class and a 75% refund after the first class. After the start of the second class no refund will be given.

Make-ups will only be given for classes missed due to holidays and if the Y has to cancel a class. Make-ups will be held during the make-up week of the session.



Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
2/9/26 3/7/26 Online / Front Desk $ 70.00$ 130.00

Available Sessions

Date(s)
01/03/26 - 02/14/26
Sa - 9:30 am - 10:00 am
Session is Full
01/06/26 - 02/17/26
Tu - 11:00 am - 11:30 am
Session is Full
01/06/26 - 02/17/26
Tu - 4:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Session is Full
02/28/26 - 04/11/26
Sa - 9:30 am - 10:00 am
Session is Full
02/28/26 - 04/11/26
Sa - 10:00 am - 10:30 am
Session is Full
03/03/26 - 04/14/26
Tu - 11:00 am - 11:30 am
Register  
03/03/26 - 04/14/26
Tu - 4:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Register  

Level 1 - Water Acclimation Swim Lessons

Lancaster Branch
1/7/26 - 4/18/26
VIEW

Water Acclimation is the first stage of swim lessons and focuses on skills for beginners. In Water Acclimation, students are introduced to the pool and develop safe water habits in a fun and encouraging environment. Students become comfortable with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit a body of water in the event they fall in. This introductory stage builds the foundation for the child’s future progress in swimming.

The student is not required to have any skills in the water. This class is designed for those who are not comfortable submerging or swimming without their feet on the bottom.

Students will learn:

* Swim, float, swim – sequencing front glide, roll, back float, and exit.

* Jump, push, turn, grab

Our refund policy allows for a full refund prior to the start of the class and a 75% refund after the first class. After the start of the second class, no refund will be given.



Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
Jan/Feb Members & Non-Members 12/7/25 1/12/26 Online / Front Desk $ 95.00$ 140.00
March/April for Members 2/1/26 2/7/26 Online / Front Desk $ 95.00-
March/April Members & Non-Members 2/8/26 3/8/26 Online / Front Desk $ 95.00$ 140.00
May/June for Members 3/29/26 4/4/26 Online / Front Desk $ 95.00-
May/June Members & Non-Members 4/5/26 5/10/26 Online / Front Desk $ 95.00$ 140.00

Available Sessions

Date(s)
01/07/26 - 02/18/26
Jess - We - 1:50 pm - 2:20 pm
Registration
Closed on
01/11/2026
01/10/26 - 02/21/26
Nina - Sa - 9:00 am - 9:30 am
Registration
Closed on
01/11/2026
03/03/26 - 04/14/26
Ana B. - Tu - 4:40 pm - 5:10 pm
Waiting List  
03/07/26 - 04/18/26
Anna U. - Sa - 9:15 am - 9:45 am
Waiting List  

Level 1 Water Acclimation

York Branch
1/10/26 - 4/25/26
VIEW

Students develop comfort with underwater exploration and learn to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of waters in stage 1. This stage lays the foundation that allows for a students future progress in swimming.

Our refund policy allows for a full refund prior to the start of the class and a 75% refund after the first class. After the start of the second class no refund will be given.

Make-ups will only be given for classes missed due to holidays and if the YMCA has to cancel a class.

 



Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
2/9/26 3/14/26 Online / Front Desk $ 70.00$ 110.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Special Rate
01/10/26 - 02/21/26
Sa - 9:00 am - 9:30 am
$70 - $110
Registration
Closed on
01/17/2026
03/05/26 - 04/16/26
Th - 4:30 pm - 5:00 pm
$70 - $110 Register  
Closes
03/12/2026
03/07/26 - 04/25/26
Sa - 9:00 am - 9:30 am
$70 - $110 Register  
Closes
03/14/2026

Level 2 - Water Movement

Lampeter Strasburg Branch
3/2/26 - 4/15/26
VIEW

Encourages forward movement in water and basic self-rescue skills performed independently. Swimmers learn personal water safety and are introduced to basic swimming competencies by learning two bench mark skills:

1) Swim, Float, Swim – sequencing front glide, roll, back float, roll, front glide, and exit;

2) Jump, push, turn, grab

The student should be able to happily submerge their entire head and blow bubbles under water.

Our refund policy allows for a full refund prior to the start of the class and a 75% refund after the first class. After the start of the second class no refund will be given.



Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
Jan/Feb 2026 Everyone 12/12/25 1/31/26 Online / Front Desk $ 95.00$ 140.00
Mar/Apr 2026 Members 2/2/26 2/8/26 Online / Front Desk $ 95.00-
Mar/Apr 2026 Everyone 2/9/26 3/26/26 Online / Front Desk $ 95.00$ 140.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Spots
Available
03/02/26 - 04/13/26
Gillian - Mo - 5:40 pm - 6:10 pm
- Waiting List  
03/03/26 - 04/14/26
Gavin - Tu - 5:40 pm - 6:10 pm
3 / 4 Available Register  
Closes
03/17/2026
03/04/26 - 04/15/26
Katarina - We - 6:10 pm - 6:40 pm
3 / 4 Available Register  
Closes
03/19/2026

Level 2 - Water Movement

York Branch
1/10/26 - 4/25/26
VIEW

In this stage, children focus on exploring body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water.

Each class is 30 minutes.  7 classes total in a session.

Our refund policy allows for a full refund prior to the start of the class and a 75% refund after the first class. After the start of the second class no refund will be given.

 

 



Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
2/9/26 2/14/26 Online / Front Desk $ 70.00$ 110.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Special Rate
01/10/26 - 02/21/26
Sa - 10:30 am - 11:00 am
$70 - $110
Registration
Closed on
01/17/2026
03/05/26 - 04/16/26
Th - 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm
$70 - $110 Register  
Closes
03/12/2026
03/07/26 - 04/25/26
Sa - 10:30 am - 11:00 am
$70 - $110 Register  
Closes
03/14/2026

Level 2 - Water Movement - Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury Branch
1/3/26 - 4/14/26
VIEW

In stage 2, students focus on body position and control, directional change, and forward movement in the water while also continuing to practice how to safely exit in the event of falling into a body of water.

Our refund policy allows for a full refund prior to the start of the class and a 75% refund after the first class. After the start of the second class no refund will be given.

Make-ups will only be given for classes missed due to holidays and if the Y has to cancel a class. Make-ups will be held during the break week in between sessions.



Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
2/9/26 3/7/26 Online / Front Desk $ 70.00$ 130.00

Available Sessions

Date(s)
01/03/26 - 02/14/26
Sa - 10:45 am - 11:15 am
Session is Full
01/06/26 - 02/17/26
Tu - 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Session is Full
01/06/26 - 02/17/26
Tu - 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Session is Full
02/28/26 - 04/11/26
Sa - 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Register  
02/28/26 - 04/11/26
Sa - 10:45 am - 11:15 am
Register  
03/03/26 - 04/14/26
Tu - 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Register  
03/03/26 - 04/14/26
Tu - 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Register  

Level 2 - Water Movement Swim Lessons

Lancaster Branch
1/6/26 - 4/18/26
VIEW

Our Water Movement class encourages forward movement in the water and basic self-rescue skills performed independently. Swimmers learn personal water safety and introduce basic swimming competency by learning two benchmark skills: 1) Swim, Float, Swim – sequencing front glide, roll, back float, roll, front glide, and exit; 2) Jump, push, turn, grab

The student should be able to happily submerge their entire head and blow bubbles under water.

Our refund policy allows for a full refund prior to the start of the class, and a 75% refund after the first class. After the start of the second class, no refund will be given.



Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
Jan/Feb Members & Non-Members 12/7/25 1/10/26 Online / Front Desk $ 95.00$ 140.00
March/April for Members 2/1/26 2/7/26 Online / Front Desk $ 95.00-
March/April Members & Non-Members Registration 2/8/26 3/8/26 Online / Front Desk $ 95.00$ 140.00
May/June for Members 3/29/26 4/4/26 Online / Front Desk $ 95.00-
May/June Members & Non-Members 4/5/26 5/10/26 Online / Front Desk $ 95.00$ 140.00

Available Sessions

Date(s)
01/06/26 - 02/17/26
Erin - Tu - 4:40 pm - 5:10 pm
Registration
Closed on
01/11/2026
01/06/26 - 02/17/26
Jess - Tu - 4:40 pm - 5:10 pm
Registration
Closed on
01/11/2026
01/07/26 - 02/18/26
Jess - We - 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Registration
Closed on
01/11/2026
01/10/26 - 02/21/26
Nina - Sa - 9:40 am - 10:10 am
Registration
Closed on
01/11/2026
03/07/26 - 04/18/26
Anna U. - Sa - 9:55 am - 10:25 am
Register  
Closes
03/08/2026

Level 3 - Water Stamina

Lampeter Strasburg Branch
3/2/26 - 4/14/26
VIEW

Develops intermediate self-rescue skills performed at longer distances than in previous stages. Swimmers learn personal water safety and basic swimming competency by learning two bench mark skills:

1) Swim, Float, Swim – sequencing front glide, roll, back float, roll, front float, and exit without floatation

2) Jump, push, turn, grab

Student should be able to swim with floatation or assistance 1/2 the length of the pool and happily submerge the entire body blowing bubbles.

Our refund policy allows for a full refund prior to the start of the class and a 75% refund after the first class. After the start of the second class no refund will be given.



Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
Jan/Feb 2026 Everyone 12/12/25 1/31/26 Online / Front Desk $ 95.00$ 140.00
Mar/Apr 2026 Members 2/2/26 2/8/26 Online / Front Desk $ 95.00-
Mar/Apr 2026 Everyone 2/9/26 3/26/26 Online / Front Desk $ 95.00$ 140.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Spots
Available
03/02/26 - 04/13/26
Gillian - Mo - 6:20 pm - 6:50 pm
5 / 6 Available Register  
Closes
03/16/2026
03/03/26 - 04/14/26
Gavin - Tu - 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm
4 / 4 Available Register  
Closes
03/19/2026

Level 3 - Water Stamina - Shrewsbury

Shrewsbury Branch
1/3/26 - 4/13/26
VIEW

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.

Our refund policy allows for a full refund prior to the start of the class and a 75% refund after the first class. After the start of the second class no refund will be given.

Make-ups will only be given for classes missed due to holidays and if the Y has to cancel a class. Make-ups will be held during the break week in between sessions.



Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
2/9/26 3/7/26 Online / Front Desk $ 70.00$ 130.00

Available Sessions

Date(s)
01/03/26 - 02/14/26
Sa - 11:15 am - 11:45 am
Session is Full
01/05/26 - 02/16/26
Mo - 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Session is Full
02/28/26 - 04/11/26
Sa - 11:00 am - 11:30 am
Register  
02/28/26 - 04/11/26
Sa - 11:15 am - 11:45 am
Session is Full
03/02/26 - 04/13/26
Mo - 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Session is Full

Level 3 - Water Stamina Swim Lessons

Lancaster Branch
1/5/26 - 4/18/26
VIEW

Our Water Stamina class develops intermediate self-rescue skills performed at longer distances than in previous stages. Swimmers learn personal water safety and introduce basic swimming competency by learning two benchmark skills: 1) Swim, Float, Swim – sequencing front glide, roll, back float, roll, front glide, and exit; 2) Jump, push, turn, grab.

Students should be able to swim with flotation or assistance 1/2 the length of the pool and happily submerge the entire body, blowing bubbles.

Our refund policy allows for a full refund prior to the start of the class and a 75% refund after the first class. After the start of the second class, no refund will be given.



Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
Jan/Feb Members & Non-Members 12/7/25 1/12/26 Online / Front Desk $ 95.00$ 140.00
March/April for Members 1/13/26 2/7/26 Online / Front Desk $ 95.00-
March/April Members & Non-Members Registration 2/8/26 3/8/26 Online / Front Desk $ 95.00$ 140.00
May/June for Members 3/29/26 4/4/26 Online / Front Desk $ 95.00-
May/June Members & Non-Members 4/5/26 5/10/26 Online / Front Desk $ 95.00$ 140.00

Available Sessions

Date(s)
01/05/26 - 02/16/26
Erin - Mo - 4:40 pm - 5:10 pm
Registration
Closed on
01/11/2026
01/07/26 - 02/18/26
Leanna - We - 4:40 pm - 5:10 pm
Registration
Closed on
01/11/2026
03/07/26 - 04/18/26
Anna U. - Sa - 10:35 am - 11:05 am
Register  
Closes
03/08/2026

Level 3 Water Stamina

York Branch
1/10/26 - 4/25/26
VIEW

*Students should be able to swim 10-15 yards independently, front float, and back float to register for this class.*

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.

Our refund policy allows for a full refund prior to the start of the class and a 75% refund after the first class. After the start of the second class no refund will be given.

 



Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
2/9/26 2/14/26 Online / Front Desk $ 70.00$ 110.00

Available Sessions

Date(s) Special Rate
01/10/26 - 02/21/26
Sa - 9:30 am - 10:00 am
$70 - $110
Registration
Closed on
01/17/2026
03/05/26 - 04/16/26
Th - 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
$70 - $110 Register  
Closes
03/12/2026
03/07/26 - 04/25/26
Sa - 9:30 am - 10:00 am
$70 - $110 Register  
Closes
03/14/2026

Level 4- Stroke Introduction Swim Lessons

Lancaster Branch
3/3/26 - 4/14/26
VIEW

Stroke Introduction introduces basic stroke techniques in front crawl and back crawl, and reinforces water safety through treading water and elementary backstroke. Having mastered the fundamentals, students learn additional water safety skills and build stroke technique.

Students must be able to swim on their front or back without support or flotation for half the length of the pool.

Our refund policy allows a full refund before the start of the class and a 75% refund after the first class. After the start of the second class, no refund will be given.



Registration Information  

Open Close Register At MemberNon-Member
March/April Members Early Registration 2/1/26 2/7/26 Online / Front Desk $ 95.00-
March/April Members and Non-Members Registration 2/8/26 3/8/26 Online / Front Desk $ 95.00$ 140.00

Available Sessions

Date(s)
03/03/26 - 04/14/26
Erin - Tu - 4:40 pm - 5:10 pm
Register  
Closes
03/08/2026