Aquatics

Because your safety is of the upmost importance to us, we set high standards for all of our YMCA aquatics instructors and lifeguards. Our employees are trained in First Aid, CPR, AED and life-saving techniques. Our lifeguards are tested and trained on their abilities on a monthly basis.

We have a Swim Policy known as "Test, Mark, Protect" to ensure the safety of our swimmers! All youth ages 6 to13 will be required to perform a swim test to determine whether or not they may swim without a life-jacket or adult supervision. All swimmers ages 5 and under must remain within arms reach of an adult (18 and older) at all times. 

View Swim Test on Youtube HERE for English, Aquí para Español.

Any child not swimming next to a parent must take a swim test. The swim test includes a deep water plunge, an endurance swim, treading water for 30 seconds, more swimming and finally ends with a 10 second float on the back.

This test will prove that the swimmer has the ability to swim in water over the head and the ability to support themselves above the water until help arrives if they are in trouble. The aquatics staff reserves the right to have a swimmer retake the swim test at any point in time.

MARK
Children are marked with a swim band to signify their swimming ability.

PROTECT 
Testing and marking is the way we ensure that your children are protected. A swim band shows that they have been tested and marked. If they don't have a swim band, an adult must remain with the child and/or the child must a wear a life-jacket for their protection. If the child is 5 years of age or younger, they must be within arm’s reach of an adult (18+) at all times.

Our parent/child swim lessons gives parents the opportunity to come alongside the instructor and help teach their babies and toddlers to swim. Each group lesson is taught and coached by one of our instructors. The course allows young children to grow more comfortable with the water through fun activities such as group songs and toys. In addition, parents will learn about water safety, drowning prevention and the importance of supervision. 

When registering, look for the "Parent/Child" lessons.

Swimming is a life skill as well as great exercise and a challenging sport. The YMCA offers swim lessons for all ages, swim leagues, Masters swim, adaptive swim, Terrified-of-Water classes and more. Swim year-round in our heated, indoor pools and swim with the folks that created group swim lessons!

The Y was the first organization to establish certification programs for lifesaving, swimming and aquatic instruction, and it's a tradition we're proud to continue today. Whether you're looking for basic water safety courses, first aid or to become a certified lifeguard, the Y is the leader in swim safety and training.  

With a focus on water safety and skill development, the YMCA Swim Lesson program is effective at helping children and teens learn to swim and, most importantly, be safe around water.

We offer group lessons that are designed to build confidence in adults that are new to swimming. We also have classes for anyone that are wants to improve their swimming strokes.  

This class is designed for participants who have special needs, focusing on basic water skills and water adjustment to help gain confidence in the water and improve safety skills around the water. Find more information about our other adaptive and inclusive programs!

YMCA  Swim Leagues are competitive programs that focus on the development of all ages and abilities. Our trained coaches work to improve swimmers' skill level, endurance and to promote a healthy lifestyle. Our program embraces the YMCA core values and promotes progression at an individual level. Individual teams are organized by ability levels and are designed to help team members improve and refine the four competitive strokes, sets, starts and finishes. Our Swim Teams compete with other YMCA teams.

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YMCA  Swim Leagues are competitive programs that focus on the development of all ages and abilities. Our trained coaches work to improve swimmers' skill level, endurance and to promote a healthy lifestyle. Our program embraces the YMCA core values and promotes progression at an individual level. Individual teams are organized by ability levels and are designed to help team members improve and refine the four competitive strokes, sets, starts and finishes. Our Swim Teams compete with other Y's and swim clubs at area meets.

Workouts include endurance, speed and drill techniques, with a healthy dose of teamwork and sportsmanship.

What is the season for Swim Team? September through March.

Swim Meets: Meets are scheduled against other teams in Indiana, typically at other Y's on Saturdays.  

Prerequisites

• ​Ages 4-21
• Ability to swim 25 yards continuously
• Completed Swim Evaluation

What to Bring & Wear

• Arrive at practice dressed and ready for the pool
• Clothes, bags & other personal items should be stored in the locker room. Please bring your own lock and leave valuables at home.
• Family-appropriate, clean swimsuit and swim attire is required
• Sandals or flip flops only in pool area
• Towel & goggles

For more information including the practice schedule and calendar, visit the Rapid's Website. 

Our Adult Masters Swim Team is the Fort Wayne YMCA Sharks.

Camaraderie is one of the most important components of Masters Swimming. We swim better, faster, and include many fun activities in or out of the water. Whether personal goals include competition or not, all swimmers are part of the whole team and offer their own special contributions. Mutual encouragement and support are an integral part of the Master’s experience.

Jorgensen Practice Times:

• Tuesdays: 6 am - 7:15 am or 6:45 pm - 8:00 pm
• Thursdays: 6 am - 7:15 am or 6:45 pm - 8:00 pm
• Saturdays: 7:10 am - 8:30 am (Memorial Day through Labor Day)

For more information contact Austin Kelly.

Jackson R. Lehman Practice Times:

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 5:45 am - 7:00 am
• Monday, Wednesday: 6:45 pm - 8:00 pm
• Saturdays: 7:10 am - 8:15 am (Labor Day through Memorial Day)

For more information contact Daniel Gerig.

There’s a benefit to knowing that the job you perform can save a life. Becoming a professional rescuer helps you to become mentally, physically and emotionally prepared for life’s challenges while developing leadership skills. The YMCA offers classes and certification in CPR/AED/Administering Emergency Oxygen/Bloodborne Pathogens, CPR/AED Recertification, Standard First Aid and Lifeguarding. For a complete list of classes offered, schedules and prerequisites, contact your local branch.

NOTE: The YMCA will cover the cost of the lifeguard certification upon hire. Talk to your Aquatics Director to learn more. 

What does it take to become a lifeguard?

To get into the lifeguarding class, participants must:

1. Swim 300 yards continuously demonstrating breath control and rhythmic breathing using breaststroke and/or front crawl. Back or sidestroke is not allowed.
2. Tread water for 2 minutes using only the legs.
3. Complete a timed event within 1 minute 40 second. The event includes swim 20 yards; surface dive 7 to 10 feet to retrieve a 10-pound object; return to the surface and swim 20 yards to the starting point with both hands holding the object while keeping your face at or near the surface, and exit water without using a ladder or steps.

Are you ready to become a lifeguard?